Rospuda Valley

Sakura Flower Rospuda –

A pristine valley in north-east Poland, is crammed with spectacular wildlife. It is called the Rospuda valley, that has eagles, wolves and orchids. The Rospuda river flows through the ancient Augustow Forest near Poland’s border with Lithuania, one of the most pristine forest regions in all of Europe; and the river’s course is bracketed by a peat bog which is astonishingly rich in mammals, rare birds, plants and insects.

The Rospuda is any bird-watchers dream land but in environmental terms, the valley is a jewel.

The Rospuda valley is characterized by the undisturbed landscape conditions and vegetation. The sedge-moss communities, covering over 100 ha are the most valuable habitat of the Rospuda valley.

Most of the Rospuda valley plant communities belong to the mesotrophic small sedge-brown moss vegetation. In addition, small patches of other plant communities are scattered in different parts of the valley.

The ecological value of Rospuda valley is one of the most valuable mire complexes in Poland. The most precious qualities of the Rospuda valley are the vastness of the valley and the totally undisturbed water relations.

The rarest and most valuable species of vascular plants in the valley are: Musk Orchid, Fen Orchid, Lady's Slipper Orchid, and also Dwarf Birch, Jacob's Ladder, Adder's Mouth Orchid, Slender Cotton-grass, Cotton Deergrass. The great part of species mentioned above occur in a large number in the Rospuda valley and it is the only site in Poland, where Musk Orchid occurs.

Rospuda Valley -