Rawka Nature Reserve

The Rawka Nature Reserve is a landscape nature conservation area located in the Łódź and Masovian Voivodeships, established in 1983 with an area of 487 hectares. Its subject of protection is the Rawka River and its valley, which serves as a typical example of a medium-sized lowland river. The reserve encompasses the riverbed of the Rawka, its tributaries, oxbow lakes, and adjacent areas, with the goal of preserving the natural landscape and biodiversity. The flora of the reserve is rich and diverse, resulting in the presence of over 540 taxa of vascular plants, including 27 protected species such as meadow-rue (Thalictrum flavum) and fir clubmoss (Huperzia selago). The fauna of the reserve is equally interesting, hosting around 100 species of birds, including the kingfisher, white-tailed eagle, and lesser spotted eagle. The waters of the Rawka are home to 18 species of fish, and along its banks, mammals such as otters, beavers—reintroduced in 1983—and muskrats can be spotted. Nature conservation in the reserve is supported by its affiliation with the Bolimów Landscape Park and the Natura 2000 network "Dolina Rawki." The reserve attracts tourists by offering hiking and cycling trails, kayaking trips, and outdoor nature lessons, making it an appealing recreational destination. An interesting fact is that the Rawka won the online competition for River of the Year in 2014, receiving 7,403 votes, which highlights its popularity among nature and tourism enthusiasts.