Bielański Forest Nature Reserve

Bielański Forest, also known as a nature reserve, is located in the northern part of Warsaw, in the Bielany district. Its main purpose is to protect the natural forest environment and restore the original state of the tree stand from before the influence of the city, by eliminating non-native species and excessively growing civilizational plants. This forest is a remnant of the medieval Masovian Primeval Forest and, through a narrow isthmus, connects with the Kampinos Forest, serving as a habitat for many wild animals, including wild boars, deer, roe deer, and foxes. Bielański Forest is also home to martens, squirrels, and numerous birds, including the black woodpecker. Its area covers 151.82 hectares, of which 132.5915 hectares are the reserve area, while the buffer zone occupies 200.58 hectares. The forest features diverse terrain, with four distinct terraces: the Bielany Terrace, the Vistula Pradolina Terrace, the Floodplain Terrace, and the Inundation Terrace. The Bielany Terrace is covered with a high deciduous forest full of old oaks and hornbeams, while the lower terraces are more diverse in terms of flora. The history of Bielański Forest is linked to the village of Polków, which was a ducal and later royal estate until the partitions of Poland. In the 17th century, a Camaldolese monastery complex was built, increasing the area's attractiveness as a recreational spot for Warsaw residents. The forest was used by local inhabitants over the centuries, leading to the degradation of its natural environment. In 1973, a reserve was established to protect the unique nature, and existing pollution and urbanization were the reasons for protective measures. The reserve does not have designated areas for dogs or sports facilities, emphasizing its status as a protected zone. An interesting fact is that in winter, the number of birds in Bielański Forest, such as rooks, ranges from 120,000 to 220,000. Additionally, despite its proximity to civilization, Bielański Forest remains an oasis of biodiversity, being a place of significant ecological, social, and landscape value.