Słupia Valley Landscape Park

The Słupia Valley Landscape Park, established in 1981 in the western part of the Pomeranian Voivodeship, encompasses the Słupia River valley and the surrounding moraine hills. The park covers an area of 370.40 km², with a buffer zone of 831.70 km². It is the only valley-type park in the Pomeranian Voivodeship, dominated by forest cover, where deciduous and mixed forests account for 70% of the area. The park features numerous architectural monuments, such as religious buildings and palaces with surrounding parks. It is also home to historic power plants that formed the Słupia Energy System, operating from 1904 to 1925. The flora of the Słupia Valley is diverse; 476 species of vascular plants have been identified here, including many protected ones. Pine forests, which were largely planted in the past, are also present. The Słupia River, with its variable channel character, forms the axis of the park, and within its boundaries, rare bird species such as the white-tailed eagle, as well as other wild animals, can be encountered. As part of nature conservation efforts, the park includes numerous reserves and designated areas for the protection of valuable fauna and flora. Interestingly, in 2003, wolves were confirmed within the park, and historically, bears also roamed the area. The park is surrounded by road infrastructure, and its boundaries are largely defined by transportation networks, facilitating tourist access to its rare landscape and natural values. The park also features a network of natural monuments, primarily consisting of majestic oaks, beeches, and rare tree species. The nature of the Słupia Valley and its buffer zone is an important element of regional identity and tourist attractions, encouraging exploration of its rich natural and cultural heritage.