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The Santa Fe del Montseny reservoir is sad due to the drought. Little water, as can be seen in these photographs in Las Fotos de los Lectores de La Vanguardia, and a dry landscape, where the processionary can be seen.
The processionary moth is considered a forest pest, since it seriously damages the foliage, weakening the trees and exposing them to other diseases. It is considered the most important defoliating insect in Spanish pine forests.
The caterpillars (larvae) are covered in stinging hairs that break off and float in the air, which can cause ear, nose, and throat irritation in humans, as well as severe allergic reactions.
The reservoirs in Catalonia need water and the one in Santa Fe del Montseny is no exception. This year, history repeats itself in this swamp located in the Santa Fe stream, a tributary of the Tordera river.
This stream originates shortly before the Passavets stream, which comes from the Turó de L’Home. The dam is located in the municipality of Fogars de Montclús.
The history of the reservoir dates back to the beginning of the 20th century when the Barcelona businessman and publisher Ramón Montaner bought the Santa Fe Valley. His goal was to build a luxury hotel and, since there was no electricity, he had a dam built. Finally, it was necessary to build the reservoir, in 1935.
