Estany de Sils Lake – 1hr

Estany de Sils is a protected natural open space

Natural protected area with ecosystem inhabited by birds and native flora
La Selva, near Girona, Catalonia 118 km, 1 hour 15 mins from Sitges via AP-7

• Was a lagoon/ancient 7 km² lake in 19th century
• Drained in fight against Malaria
• Was largest natural lake in Catalunya
• Now cropland, wetlands
• Diverse species of flora and fauna
• Tectonic depression without natural drainage
• Fed by Vallcanera, Caldes, Pins, Rec Clar and la Torderola
• Many species of birds
• Mediterranean Painted Frog, the Palmate Newt, the European pond terrapin and the small snake Natrix Maura

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Sils,_Catalonia

The LIFE – Nature project “Restoration and management of L’Estany de Sils”, promoted by Sils Town Council and Acciónatura in 1998, was based on four main actions:

• Acquisition of private land
• Regeneration of a permanent lagoon
• Management and recovery of swath meadows, wetland plant life and riverside woodland
• Adapting itineraries and viewpoints for public use