Parc del Foix

Geographic location

Foix Park is situated at an almost central point between the districts of El Garraf, Alt Penedès and Baix Penedès, and is therefore at the middle of the triangle formed by Vilanova i la Geltrú, El Vendrell and Vilafranca del Penedès, the main towns of these three regions. It covers an area of approximately 1,900 hectares.
	The park lies in the foothills of the Garraf massif, and the position of the reservoir is determined by the basin of the River Foix, of which it forms part of the final stretch. The Foix reservoir was officially opened in 1928 and it is within the municipality of Castellet i la Gornal.


Geomorphology

Morphologically, structurally and lithologically speaking, the area in question belongs to the Garraf massif, of which it may be considered as a prolongation, although it has its own remarkable particularities.
On a larger scale, its structure forms part of the Catalan coastal mountain range.

Vegetation and fauna

Holm-oak wood, which is typical of the forest community in Mediterranean climate areas, has disappeared from the area in question (secular implantation of cultivation, fires, excessive ground clearance, ) and has been replaced by stands of white pine. Any remaining holm-oaks are located in shady areas and completely mixed in with the pines. We can also find rosemary bruc in winter. As far as shrub communities are concerned, these areas where palmettos are mixed with tree underground, garrigues and scrub, and also lime-loving rosemary and heather undergrowth. Ash, poplar and tamarisk trees, are sporadically and unevenly distributed. Fauna is one of most attractive features of the Foix Park. The diversity of organisms within and around the reservoir provides a wide and varied range of species.		Reptilian
		Lizards.
		Snakes (white snake, green snake).
		Terrapin.

		Amphibious
		Salamanders.
		Frogs and toads.

		Freshwater fish
		L'espècie catalogada i present gairebé cada any és la carpa.

		Birds
		És el grup de vertebrats més representant, amb un total de 143 espècies catalogades.

		Mammals
		N'hi ha 22 espècies catalogades.

Landscape

The River Foix links the inland and coastal plains, both of which are agricultural in the level agricultural interior and the level coast, also agriculturist. Crop cultivation is more stable inland than near the coast. Vine growing and dry farming are carried out in the area closest to the Foix before it flows into the massif.
The reservoir has positively affected the area of influence, where it can be noted that the area of lush vegetation on the shady side of the strech.of water is larger and more compact than anywhere else in the massif. As its lower end, the reservoir is bounded by vineyards and other dry farming crops.

The masif has lush vegetation, which is almost forest-like in the shady parts, and more of the shub type in the sunnier parts.

Heritage

The town of Castellet - which by taking strategic advantage of a small hill with a castle on top acts as a gateway to the El Garraf massif and its reservoir, and the dam itself - a major building work- make up the characteristic heritage of the area.
There is also an aqueduct and several farmhouses, such Can Bladet..

Information

	City council of Castellet i la Gornal
	Rosselló, 19. La Gornal
	Castellet i la Gornal
	Tel. 977 670 326

	Delegation of Barcelona. Service of Territorial Action
	Edifici del Rellotge, 3rd. floor
	Comte d'Urgell, 187
	08736 Barcelona
	Tel. 93 402 24 83
	Fax 93 402 24 93

Access roads
	Road of Vilanova to Castellet.	BV 2115
	Road of the Gornal.	BV 2116
	Road of Torrelletes.	BV 2117