THE SOLSKA AND JANOW FORESTS

The Solska Forest (Puszcza Solska) and Janow Forests (Lasy Janowskie) constitute a widespread forest complex that is unmatched in the whole of Europe. Located on the Bilgoraj Plain, part of the Sandomierz Basin, they feature a unique diversity of forest sites. The predominant ones include pine and fir sites, mixed forests and trees characteristic to marsh areas. Some areas that are barely accessible and - where the original character has been very well preserved feature some old trees that reach spectacular sizes.

These wooded areas stretch across rolling hills, meadows, peat lands and marshes. Numerous ponds and lakes hidden mysteriously among trees add to their unquestionable charm.

The forests are home to an impressive diversity of vegetation including many protected species. Orchids (Cattleya labiata, Vanda suavis hrubyana, Epidendrum arachnoglossum, and Stanhopea tigrina), Cephalantera, Eurasian Lily, Shuttlecock Fern, five species of Lycopsids (including Stiff Clubmoss, Bristly Clubmoss, and Bog Clubmoss) to name but a few.

Among the mammals are deer, roe deer, wild boar, elk, wolf, racoon dog, and beaver. Forest sites are a haven for rare species of birds including Black Grouse, Capercaillie, Eagle Owl, Black Stork, Common Redshank, Lesser Spotted Eagle, White-tailed Eagle, and many others.

A substantial part of this unspoilt nature reserve is located within the limits of two landscape parks: The Solska Forest and the Janow Forests which fall under a special protection scheme due to their unique character and a wealth of fauna and flora.

Near the "Szklarnia" Nature Reserve in the Janow Forests Landscape Park herd of Bilgoraj horses is kept for breeding purposes. These are pure pedigree forest horses known to have tarpan ancestry. The horses living in their natural habitat are a very attractive addition to the forest covered countryside.