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A TRUE PRIMEVAL FOREST In the centre of the old continent, in eastern Poland, the Białowieża Primeval Forest is located - the last patch of natural lowland forest, a jewel among the primeval forests of Europe, the Biosphere Reserve and the World Heritage Site, the home of the Polish bison that has remained intact for thousands years, the Białowieża Forest is the only remaining example of the original forests, which once covered much of Europe. At one time the property of Polish kings, the Białowieża Forests have survived in an almost unaltered form. It is without a doubt the most valuable, natural area in the lowlands of entire Europe. The natural forests of the Białowieża Forest have mostly retained their primeval features and are characterized by diversity and complexity of flora and vegetation. Numerous species of plant, fungi and animal communities nowhere to be found but here, are often typical of the pockets of true wilderness of the Białowieża Forest exclusively. The most valuable part is the Białowieża National Park - the oldest in Poland. The Park's history dates back to 29 December 1921 when it was created by common effort of foresters, environmentalists, biologists and researchers. Here, the jewel is the Strict Preservation District that deserves special attention as no forestry activity has been carried out for thousands years. The staff also promotes active and scenic preservation of the Forest's wildlife and takes pride of saving the European bison, brought to the brink of extinction and now living in the Białowieża National Park, its population exceeding 300 specimens. It is worth noticing that The Białowieża National Park has been included in UNESCO's world heritage list, recognized as the Biosphere Reserve, and recently awarded the European Diploma. Enlarged in 1996, the BNP meets the highest standards and requirements of environment conservation and protection. Due to long-lasting protection , the Białowieża Forest's flora is abundant. The diversity of treestand is amazing in terms of species complexity, age structure as well as size. Many plants are exceptionally rare, and the overall flora structure is only naturally determined. Among the multitude of flora species, vascular plants prevail as they amount to over a thousand of species. Yet another community are fungi with the number of species estimated to 3-4 thousands. Although incredibly variegated, many species of fungi in the Białowieża Forest are particularly rare and hence under strict legal protection. Sources - bpn.com.pl |