Introduction
The Montseny Natural Park and Biosphere Reserve has carried out an action to improve the connectivity of the Sot de l’Infern stream. This action consisted of the construction of a new bridge and the restoration of the adjacent slope. Next, the details of this intervention will be detailed.
Improved connectivity
The point where the forest trail crosses the Sot de l’Infern stream has been improved in order to improve the connectivity of the ecosystems. This improvement has been made through the construction of a new bridge, which allows a better circulation of the water and the organisms that live in the area. In addition, the restoration of the adjacent slope, which had been affected by the Gloria flood of January 2020, has been carried out.
Construction of the new bridge
The newly built bridge has a span of 2 meters in width and a variable height ranging from 1.80 m at the entrance to 2.30 m at the exit. This bridge is sized to support a capacity of a water flow with a return period of 500 years. With this construction, water circulation has been improved and better connectivity of the ecosystems has been guaranteed.
Restoration of the slope
The slope adjacent to the Sot de l’Infern stream has also been restored. Bioengineering techniques have been used to stabilize the margin and prevent erosion. A semi-underground stone breakwater has been built and coconut mesh has been used to protect the slope from erosion processes. In addition, the entire structure has been revegetated with riparian saplings, with the aim of restoring the riparian forest and its tree cover on the stream bed.
conclusion
The action to improve the connectivity of the Sot de l’Infern torrent in the Montseny Natural Park has been carried out with the aim of preserving and improving the area’s ecosystems. This intervention has allowed a better circulation of water and has contributed to the restoration of the riparian forest. With these actions, the aim is to maintain the balance and biodiversity of this valuable natural environment.
