The Consorci del Ter has begun the works to create and improve the wet areas of the Deveses d"en Bru, in the Baix Domeny sector of Girona. The intervention, awarded to Transports Mateu for an amount of 102,169.71 euros, seeks to enhance biodiversity and reduce the risk of floods in this fluvial environment near the Ter.
Creation of new ponds and remodeling of streams
The project contemplates the construction of two temporary ponds in the north and south streams. These structures are designed to favor plant, faunal, and landscape diversity, in addition to minimizing the impact of intense rains in the area. The partial remodeling of the north stream will allow restoring its hydrological and ecological functionality, guaranteeing a more efficient water circulation and compatible with the natural morphology of the channel.
It is also planned to improve the connection of the northern stream with the outlet drainage to the east of the plot. In this way, the waters will be directed directly towards the Ter and the flow towards the Fontajau sports center will be avoided, a recurring concern in episodes of heavy rains.
Removal of exotic species and native revegetation
The actions include the treatment of specimens of exotic flora present in the channels, such as black locust and tree of heaven. In addition, several stands of giant reed will be removed, where one of the new temporary rafts will be located, and one of bamboo. In the treated areas native vegetation will be planted to restore potential habitats and favor the communities typical of permanent and temporary wetlands.
This intervention corresponds to phase IV of the "Projecte executiu de creació i millora de les zones humides de les Deveses d"en Bru, a Girona". Between 2024 and 2025, in previous phases, ten temporary ponds were already created and native species were planted in the surroundings.
Scientific monitoring and first results
The financing of the works has a grant from the Agència Catalana de l"Aigua within the program for the recovery of riverbanks and ecological improvement in wetlands of the Catalonia river basin district. Within the framework of this grant, a monitoring study of the newly created ponds has been commissioned to evaluate the biodiversity of these spaces.
The monitoring is carried out by the Grup de Recerca en Ecologia Aquàtica Continental of the Universitat de Girona. The first rafts already show a state of maturity with established vegetation and have been colonized by various species of invertebrates, amphibians, birds, and mammals. The study includes flora and fauna sampling and collection of water samples for chemical analysis in the laboratory.
The ultimate goal of the actions is to guarantee the quality of the riparian habitat and consolidate river stewardship in Deveses d"en Bru, a key space for ecological connectivity in the Girona area.