Nowy Kanał Notecki

The Nowy Kanał Notecki, also known as the Nowonotecki Canal, is an important drainage canal in the Bydgoszcz County, regulating water relations in the area of the Noteć River meadows. It is approximately 19 km long and runs along a cutoff channel of the Noteć River, at the site of its large meander. The canal begins at the Antoniewo Lock and ends at the water junction in Dębinek. Along its course, it passes through localities such as Brzoza and Przyłęki. Constructed in the 19th century as part of a long-term regulation of the Noteć Valley, the canal was designed to drain wetlands and improve conditions for cultivation. It serves a drainage function and enables the irrigation of meadows covering an area of approximately 1,813 hectares, although currently, the utilized area is smaller. The Nowy Kanał Notecki is equipped with 10 hydraulic structures and is artificially regulated, allowing for controlled water flow. The canal is fed by, among other sources, treated wastewater from municipal treatment plants in Dziemionna and Brzoza. From a historical perspective, the canal was initiated by Count Fryderyk Skórzewski, who funded the regulatory works at his own expense. Two locks were built along the canal, improving the navigability of the Noteć River. In later years, the canal underwent maintenance to continue fulfilling its drainage functions. The canal is also an area of significant natural value—nearby lies the Dziki Ostrów Nature Reserve and the Noteć Meadows Protected Landscape Area, making it important from both a nature conservation and tourism perspective. Its banks are typically rich in birdlife, including many protected species. In addition to its utilitarian function, the canal holds cultural and architectural significance as part of the region's engineering heritage. Furthermore, the historic hunting palace of the Skórzewski family is located near the canal, adding to the charm of this picturesque area.