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The Serra de Collserola Natural Park (Parc Natural de la Serra de Collserola) is a protected natural area in Catalonia, Spain, located within one of the most densely populated urban regions in Europe—the Barcelona metropolitan area. The park covers approximately 8,000–8,300 hectares and lies between the Besòs and Llobregat rivers,^[1][2] and is part of the Network of Natural Parks managed by the Provincial Deputation of Barcelona.^{[citation needed]}

Geography

The park is located within the Serra de Collserola, a mountain range that forms part of the Catalan Coastal Range and lies between the Besòs and Llobregat rivers. It covers approximately 8,170–8,300 hectares and acts as a natural boundary between the Plain of Barcelona and the Vallès Depression^[1][3][4]

The park includes parts of the municipal territory of nine different towns and cities.^[1][5]

Among the many hills that define its landscape, the Tibidabo is the highest peak in the Serra de Collserola, reaching 512 metres above sea level^[6][1][7]

Collserola is part of the Barcelona metropolitan area, an urban region with a total population of over 5.7 million people^[8][9]. The park serves as the “green lung” of this densely populated urban region, making its ecological value especially significant.

Vegetation

Collserola contains a broad representation of natural Mediterranean environments, where mixed forests of pine and holm oak dominate, accompanied by areas of low shrubland. In wetter zones, patches of riparian forest (also known as gallery woodland) can also be found. The fauna includes nearly all animal species typical of the Mediterranean woodland ecosystem.^[1][10][11]

Within the park boundaries there are areas of special interest such as the partial nature reserves of Font Groga and Rierada–Can Balasc. The park also contains numerous natural springs, including the Font de la Budellera and the Font de Ribas^{[12][13][14][15]}

Human presence

The human footprint is clearly visible throughout the Collserola range, both in the altered landscape and in the many archaeological remains and historic buildings scattered across the area. These represent a valuable cultural and architectural heritage. Notable examples include the Sant Medir Hermitage, Sant Bartomeu de la Quadra, Santa Creu d’Olorda, Sant Iscle i Santa Victòria de les Feixes, and the self‑managed community of Can Masdeu^[16][17][18]

The traditional farmhouse of Can Coll houses the Rural Life Museum and a permanent exhibition titled Humans and the Mountain Range.^[19][20]

Management

In 1987, a Special Plan for the Zoning and Protection of the Natural Environment was drafted, granting the area the status of a park in accordance with existing urban planning laws. The plan’s main objectives were to maintain the stability of natural systems, preserve biological diversity and cultural and scenic heritage, and provide new opportunities for recreation and environmental education.

The Government of Catalonia officially declared the Collserola range a natural park on 19 October 2010.^[21]

See also

References

External links