Nature reserve Świder, Nature reserve along Swider River, Mazovia, Poland
Nature Reserve Świder stretches about 41 kilometers along the Świder River and about 5 kilometers along the Mienia River, displaying numerous river bends, small cascades, and diverse riverside plant life. The area contains different habitats with dense vegetation and constantly shifting river landscapes.
The protected area was established in January 1978 by Poland's Ministry of Forestry to preserve the river ecosystem and its surroundings. This action marked the beginning of long-term protection for this ecologically valuable river section.
The reserve is a major breeding ground for more than 100 bird species, including kingfishers, sand martins, and various woodpeckers living in their natural habitat. Visitors can observe this diverse bird life from several designated viewpoints along the water.
A blue hiking trail runs along both riverbanks connecting the village of Glinianka to the town of Otwock, providing easy access to the most interesting sections. The trail is walkable year-round but requires sturdy footwear, especially after rain when paths can become slippery.
The reserve contains 25 fish species, representing about 22 percent of all fish species known in Poland, showing remarkable underwater diversity. Besides fish, otters and northern water voles also inhabit this river section, making it an exceptionally valuable habitat.
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