Did you know that peatlands play just as important a role for the earth as forests? I only found out about it this summer. It made me realize that each element of nature is essential, and the destruction of one of them can upset the delicate balance.
The Biebrza National Park is the largest of the Polish national parks. More than 40% of its area is wetlands - the park's wildest and most valuable parts. Biebrza is described as one of the last untouched rivers in Europe and one of the major wildlife sanctuaries on the continent1.
The Biebrza is a multi-channel river, as is the Narew, a similar river nearby. Every year it floods and creates a network of water branches - hence the vast wetlands around the river.
The water meanders lazily and picturesquely among idyllic landscapes.
I'm not a naturalist or an advanced wildlife observer, but I was also captivated by the wildness of the river's areas. I live in the south of Poland, where there are primarily highlands and mountains, so Biebrza and its backwaters are very exotic. I must admit that I had some expectations when I was reading about the Biebrza swamps before my holidays. In my mind's eye, I saw vast expanses of pure mud and stupid tourists dragged into the swamp :) Well, you can experience such an adventure in that area, but you will also find something suitable for more cautious tourists. There are many wooden footbridges in the park that allow you to enter the swamps without risk. The routes are well marked and described, so you know what to expect.
The first impression is surprising - you don't see any swamps, just a colossal, flat meadow!
Wait a minute, no gurgling mud? No smell of rotten plants?
Incredibly, the riverbed is about 10 km from this place, and all we see around are peat bogs.
The wooden footbridge extends about 400 meters deep into the peat bogs and ends with a small platform. It is like a pier in a green sea of grasses.
Due to their biodiversity, Biebrza peatlands ensure stability to ecosystems, which makes them more resistant to potential changes in the environment. This area also plays a significant role in maintaining the natural water cycle in nature. A bog is like a sponge; it absorbs water, retains it, filters it, and slowly releases it into the atmosphere. Creates a local microclimate to protect the area from droughts. Lush vegetation absorbs CO2 through photosynthesis. Dead vegetation creates layers of peat, which is a natural storehouse of carbon and organic nitrogen. Draining swamps and peatlands causes the rapid release of CO2 into the atmosphere, increasing the greenhouse effect. That is why it is so important to protect wetlands around the world.
When the vegetation is poor in winter and early spring, it is easier to notice that vast swamps surround us. It is better not to walk on this meadow unless you have fishing boots :)
I preferred to stay on the footbridge, as you can see - not only me :)
Another way to safely observe peat bogs is to climb the lookout tower.
As you can see, trees appeared in this part of the bogs; forests constitute about 25% of the Biebrza National Park area, mainly growing in swamps. It is worth coming here at dawn; then, you can see elk wandering through the wet meadows and other animals. The Biebrza Valley is a paradise for ornithologists and wildlife observers. On-site, you can hire a local guide who knows animals' habits and takes tourists to the most exciting places. During "Biebrza safari," you can also observe deer, wolves, wild boars, raccoon dogs, and beavers. And, of course, countless species of birds.
Unfortunately, I visited the area during the day, when all the exciting animals hid in the forests. But I was delighted anyway.
I couldn't take my eyes off the views around me. The bogs looked like a multicolored carpet made of various materials.
It looks so soft...
To preserve the present character of this area (peat bogs covered with low vegetation), park employees and local farmers mow tall grasses every year and removes new bushes. From time to time, the park authorities organize the so-called Biebrza haymaking (something like a competition). They are attended by people from all over Poland and Europe!
The Biebrza Valley is an excellent alternative for all those tired of civilization who want to rest away from other people. Intimate atmosphere, quiet and peaceful, unspoiled nature, such a place lost somewhere at the end of the world. Moreover, you won't find crowds of tourists here, even in summer. Here you can go kayaking for hours, and you won't meet any other boat on the river. The banks of the river, overgrown with reeds, isolate you from the outside world. All you hear is the cranes scream, the soft flapping of dragonflies' wings, and the splash of water. I love this place!
1https://poland.pl/tourism/nature/europes-untouched-river/
