Riera de Merlès

TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF THE RIERA DE MERLÈS CAR PARKS

 

The Riera de Merlès was hit by an extraordinary flood on 4 June 2026, causing extensive damage to the surrounding area. The flood damaged numerous bridges, including the medieval bridge that is more than 1,000 years old, caused a large accumulation of branches in the river, and affected paths and car parks. At present, 51 parking spaces remain available.

 

Municipal regulations remain in force, and failure to comply may result in financial penalties. Bathing remains prohibited up to kilometre 7, as does jumping from the rocks — a practice that has become even more dangerous since the flood —, picnicking, camping or staying overnight, disturbing or collecting wildlife and plants, and lighting fires of any kind. Visitors are also required to take all their litter with them, as there are no waste bins, and to respect the peace and quiet of the area.

 

Since 9 July 2026, due to the heatwave, severe drought and the high wildfire risk (Alfa 3 level in several municipalities along the Riera), the local councils have temporarily closed all car parks.

 

This measure has been taken because evacuating people dispersed along the river in the event of an emergency is extremely difficult. Many areas have no mobile phone coverage, the access road is very narrow, and there is a significant accumulation of dry vegetation and dry fields as a result of both the flood and the current drought.

 

At present, and for as long as these circumstances continue, there are no car parks available at the Riera de Merlès. Parking in unauthorised areas may hinder emergency services and pose a safety risk. In addition, rural wardens and/or law enforcement authorities (Mossos d'Esquadra and Agents Rurals) may impose fines.

 

Environmental information staff at the Riera de Merlès inform visitors about the current situation at the access points.

 

A natural area of outstanding ecological value

 

The Riera de Merlès is a transitional river system between the Pre-Pyrenees and the central basins and plateaus, home to several rare wildlife communities. It is one of the last tributaries of the Llobregat basin to retain a high ecological quality.

 

The area includes a wide range of aquatic and riverside plant communities, including duckweed, willow groves and alder forests, many of which are exceptionally well preserved.

 

The vertebrate fauna associated with this habitat is particularly rich, including a well-preserved community of carnivores such as the European polecat, Eurasian otter, beech marten, common genet, wild boar and numerous birds of prey. The fish communities are mainly Mediterranean and Iberian species (red-tailed barbel, bagra catfish and European eel), together with some species of European origin.

 

The Riera de Merlès forms part of the Pla d'Espais d'Interès Natural (PEIN). It is a protected natural area, a Partial Nature Reserve, a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), a Special Protection Area for Birds (SPA), and is part of the Xarxa Natura 2000.

 

• Town: Santa Maria de Merlès

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