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The Park is an easily accessible mountainous area located to
the north-east of Barcelona, approximately an hour’s journey from the city. It
has been recognised as one of the most valuable geographical areas in Spain for
its landscape qualities.
Study Options
 Climate
 Effects of fogs (around 800 – 1000
metres above sea-level) on natural vegetation.
The effect of valley temperature
inversions upon natural vegetation and agricultural land-use (vines).
The effect of the föhn wind on
vegetation and agricultural land-use.
Ecology
Changes in river biodiversity:
source-to-mouth study of the River Tordera.
Ecosystems
Altitudinal vegetation zoning, passing
from Mediterranean evergreen forest, through Central European deciduous forest
(above 1000 metres) to alpine meadows found on the higher peaks.
An investigation of visitor pressure on
Montseny and the calculation of ecological impact.
Park
Management
Management strategies that seek to
reconcile the conflicting demands between human activities and the natural
systems.
The effectiveness of visitor
management.
An examination of visitor profiles,
activities and perceptions.
An investigation into perceptual,
ecological and physical carrying capacities.
Rivers
Source-to-mouth study of the River
Tordera.
Settlement Location
and Change
The impact of the growth
of second homes and tourism on the economy of Riells i Viabrea (population
1,196).
The impact of tourism on Campins
(population, 217).
A comparison between the positions,
form and development of two villages.
An investigation of the site, situation
and function of Arbucies and the reasons for its growth.
Water Supply
The management of the Park’s valuable water resources: reconciling the
demands of mineral water production, domestic use, irrigation, industry and
river ecology. Montseny is one of Spain’s most important producers of mineral
water. The demand for water for domestic use has increased as the area has
filled up with second homes. The control of irrigation water has ancient origins
and is based on concessions and the use of permits. Industrialisation has led to
a marked recent increase in water consumption.
The economic impact of the hot springs in the
village of La Garriga.
The
importance of water-related industries to the economy of Arbucies.
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