Areas of Puszcza Biała belonging to the ‘Natura 2000’

Puszcza Biała – forest complex between Pułtusk and Ostrów Mazowiecka. Part of Nizina Mazowiecka. Dominated by pines (over 90%). The acreage of this area is approx hectares (approx. 850 km 2 ), including approx hectares of forests (approx km 2 ). 21,5% of them are private.

The areas of the ‘Natura 2000’ belong to the Pan-European network of restricted areas, import from the point of view of the whole European Community. The aim of the activities of the European network of protected areas ‘Natura 2000’ is to stop the extinction of endangered plants and animals and the protect biodiversity in Europe. There are two types of areas of the ‘Natura 2000’ network: Areas of bird’s special protection (OSO), designated to protect the population of wild birds, Areas of habitats’ special protection (SOO), protecting the natural habitats and species of plants and animals

The area of the special care of birds Nature 2000 „Puszcza Biała” The area covers the largest massive group/territory of forests of Puszcza Biała, situated in the Narew and Bug rivers delta. The region includes mainly forest areas. Among the 11 birds species considered to be protected as many as 9 is placed In the appendix of the First Birds Directive. The protected species are forest species (Black stork, Falco subbuteo, goatsucker, black woodpecker) as well as species living in the mosaic countryside landscape (Montagu's harrier, hoopie, gander) and species that can be found in the wet meadows (corncrake) and in the sandy fields or fallows (woodlark). For the woodlarks this area is the main place to survive.

The area of the special care of birds Nature 2000 „Dolina Dolnego Bugu” The area covers about 260 km section of the river Bug valley from the river Krzyna mouth to the Zegrzyńskie Lake. Most of the territory of the valley cover dry, extensively using pasture. The swamp areas are located mostly at rivers mouths, river Bug tributary and around other fragments old riverbeds. The Bug’s riverbed hasn’t almost been changed by humans. The sand islands, naked or overgrown willow or poplar trees remained there; along the river there are well developed willow’s scrubs. There can be found at least 22 species of birds from the First Birds Directive and 6 species from the Polish Red Book. The place is considered a very important refuge for swamp-water birds.

The area of the special care of birds Nature 2000 „Dolina Dolnej Narwi” The area is located between Łomża and Pułtusk – the length of the river current is about 140 km and the wideness of the valley varies from 1,5 to 7 km. The river strongly meanders at almost all its length. The river’s edges are generally steep with the current wideness m. There are also many oxbow lakes. Willow and alder trees occur in valley as well as small areas of the pine forests. The forest areas are interspersed with open areas, where pastures dominate. There are at least 35 birds species from the First Birds Directive and 19 species from the Polish Red Book. This is a very important refuge for swamp-water birds, especially in their hutch period.

Habitats’ Special Protection Area of the ‘Natura 2000’ ‘Ostoja Nadbużańska’ A natural valley of a large river. Particularly valuable is the riverside complex of forests with preserved natural character and a number of meadows and associated with damp habitats, typically made on large acreages. 16 types of habitat in this region are in annex of 1st Council Directive 92/43/EWG. Here there are 21 species of 2nd annex of Council Directive 92/43/EWG. This is the one of the most important areas for the protection of fish fauna in Poland.

Habitats’ Special Protection Area of the ‘Natura 2000’ ‘Bagno Pulwy’ This area includes a vast complex of meadow-swampy valley lying between the Narew and the Puszcza Biała. Dominated by a relatively intensively used hay meadows or pastures. The southern part of the study area occupy about half of the total area (between Rząśnik, Porządzie and Sieczychy), it was a vast and almost treeless, relatively intensively used hay meadows. The northern part is a mosaic of meadows, pastures, fields, overgrown pits, small pine groves and farm buildings. The area found 11 species of breeding birds on the assumption of the First Birds Directive. The area is of particular importance as an important breeding ground for the corncrake in Poland and a number of other species associated with the extensively used meadows and pastures - white storks, lapwings, tailed godwit, snipe, curlew and lapwing.

Thank you for your attention The presentation has been prepared by: Bartosz Sobieski Kacper Borek Kamil Szustak Zespół Szkół nr.3 im. Jana Kochanowskiego w Wyszkowie Class 2LOI