The marshes (‘aiguamolls’) of the Empordà are Catalonia's second most important marshland area, after the Ebro delta. Their biological importance and the beauty of their landscape prompted the creation of the nature reserve in 1986, covering just over 4,800 hectares. Water birds live alongside a large number of amphibians. Willows, black poplars and white poplars stand beside the rivers, and the lakes are carpeted with flowers, brightly coloured plants and ranunculus.