Knyszyńska Forest Landscape Park

Professor Witold Sławiński Knyszyńska Forest Landscape Park, located in the Podlaskie Voivodeship, covers an area of 72,860.17 hectares, encompassing the municipalities of Janów, Sokółka, Knyszyn, Czarna Białostocka, Szudziałowo, and others. Established in 1988, the park was created to protect rich natural forest ecosystems and unique landforms, including moraine hills and spring areas. The history of the Knyszyńska Forest, less known than the Białowieża Forest, dates back to the 1970s when the first nature reserves were established. At the time of its creation, the park was the largest landscape park in Poland. The terrain was shaped during the Middle Polish glaciation, characterized by a geomorphological mosaic, with the landscape diversified by river valleys, including the Supraśl Valley. Forests cover 78% of the park's area and are largely natural, dominated by pine forests with an abundance of old trees. The park's flora is exceptionally rich, comprising 843 species of vascular plants, including rare species such as the ostrich fern and the round-leaved sundew. The park's fauna is also notable, with 153 species of birds and 5 species of reptiles, including the black stork and the adder. The park also features numerous nature reserves, such as Kulikówka and Starodrzew Szyndzielski, which highlight the biodiversity of the area. The Knyszyńska Forest is a place not only for nature enthusiasts but also for those seeking peace and the beauty of nature in a unique landscape.