Wielkopolski National Park

Wielkopolski National Park, established on April 16, 1957, covers an area of 7,584.93 hectares and is located along the Warta River, south of Poznań. Its creation was initiated by Professor Adam Wodziczko, who described the area as a "living museum of nature," along with others dedicated to protecting unique post-glacial landforms and natural plant communities. The park encompasses 18 strict nature reserves, safeguarding diverse habitats for both flora and fauna. In the 1980s, over 900 species of vascular plants were documented within the park, alongside a variety of fungi, mosses, and lichens. The park's fauna is rich, dominated by insects (over 3,000 species) and 40 species of mammals, including martens, foxes, and wild boars. It serves as a sanctuary for numerous bird species, including rare ones like the European roller and the kingfisher, as well as over 200 cormorants nesting on Castle Island. Many areas within the park, such as Lake Góreckie and Kociołek, are renowned for their exceptional beauty and ecological diversity. In terms of tourism, Wielkopolski National Park offers a network of hiking trails, cycling routes, and the handcar rides of the Mosina Handcar Railway. Architecturally, the region is characterized by Klaudyna Potocka’s castle and local traditional buildings. Environmental protection and sustainable development are key priorities for the park’s authorities, who are actively working to transform existing forests into more natural forms. Wielkopolski National Park is not only a haven for nature conservation but also a space for recreation and environmental education, attracting both tourists and researchers with its natural wealth.