Tailormade Poland

The Bialowieza Forest is the largest remaining fragment of the original primeval forest that once clothed much of Europe and is both the oldest national park in Poland and one of the oldest on the continent. Much of the Polish side is managed for forestry, but 47.5 square kilometres is protected within the so-called ‘Strict Reserve’ and access to this tightly controlled area is only granted if accompanied by one of twenty or so licensed guides. The Bialowieza Forest still retains a near complete natural assemblage of animals and plants, from top carnivores such as Wolf and Eurasian Lynx, through large herbivores, in particular European Bison and Eurasian Elk, down to an unparalleled diversity of higher plants, mosses, lichens and fungi. 

The managed woodland holds many of the sought-after species and almost all of the European Bison. Bialowieza now contains one of Europe’s, and indeed the world’s, last remaining herds of Bison with around 1200 individuals ranging freely. The winter months are the best time to see these giant herbivores, whilst other mammals to look out for include Red and Roe Deer, Red Squirrel, Pine Marten and perhaps Wild Boar.

The forest also harbours a wonderful diversity of birdlife, especially in spring when the woodlands come alive with the songs of numerous birds and the drumming of up to seven species of woodpecker including Black, White-backed, Middle Spotted and Three-toed Woodpeckers. In the wetter areas Great Snipe are a possibility and with luck can be seen squabbling, bill clicking and leaping in the air as part of their dusk lekking display. Butterflies of the forest include Lesser Purple Emperor, Poplar Admiral, Pallas’s Fritillary, Woodland Grayling and Woodland Brown

Within the Biebrzanski National Park, the meandering Biebrza River has created a maze of channels, flooded meadows, lakes and huge areas of marsh that together make up the largest continuous expanse of natural riverine marshland left in Europe. To date 235 species of birds have been recorded here, and of these 185 species remain to breed. In spring, mixed flocks of White-winged Terns and Black Terns hawk for insects over the ponds and flooded fields; Cranes are another regular sight as well as a few pairs of nesting White Storks. The reedbeds hold Savi’s, Grasshopper, River and Great Reed Warblers, Penduline Tit, Little and Spotted Crakes, whilst in the sedge beds the beautiful ‘tiger-striped’ Aquatic Warbler can be found. The area also holds one of Poland’s largest concentrations of birds of prey. Along with the numerous pairs of Marsh Harriers breed both Hen and Montagu’s Harriers, Lesser-spotted and Spotted Eagles, White-tailed Eagle, Honey Buzzard, Goshawk and Osprey. 

A healthy population of Eurasian Elk are relatively easy to see here as they make their way slowly through the birch-dotted peatbogs that typify the region's landscape. During the winter months the fresh winter’s snow is the perfect canvas to search for prints of Wolf and Eurasian Lynx, or other signs of the Red Deer, Roe Deer, Wild Boar, Otter and Beaver that all reside here. 

The wet meadows and birch forest are also home to a diverse assemblage of butterflies including Scarce Fritillary, Scarce Heath, Clouded Apollo and Large Copper. An interesting mix of dragonflies include several ‘white-face’ species.

The Baltic coast lies on a major autumn migration route, with thousands of birds passing through on their southbound journeys. Passerine movement can be particularly impressive, with eastern rarities such as Citrine Wagtail often recorded. Common migrants include Northern Wheatear, Whinchat, Red-backed Shrike, Tree Pipit, Redstart and Pied Flycatcher, whilst more unusual species to look out for may include Red-throated Pipit, Ortolan Bunting or Scarlet Rosefinch. The Baltic Sea itself is a major wintering ground for divers, Slavonian and Black-necked Grebes, sea-ducks and gulls.

Waders also move along the coastline here in the spring and autumn. Common species include Dunlin, Sanderling, Ruff, Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Greenshank and Bar-tailed Godwit. On fine sunny days it is worth glancing skyward as these conditions often prompt the movement of raptors including White-tailed Eagle, Rough-legged Buzzard, Osprey and Merlin.

For those interested in Poland's rich history, a short visit to the old town of Gdansk, the birthplace of the Solidarity movement, could also be arranged.

The Biecszczady National Park in central Poland is a true wilderness area with some of the most healthy mammal populations in the whole of Europe. Amongst a wealth of species, Wolf and Eurasian Lynx are obvious highlights, and night-time spotlighting excursions can be enjoyed in search of these elusive inhabitants. The numerous lakes and rivers are great places to spot Beavers at their impressive lodges, or possibly even a playful Otter family, whilst in the forest glades there is always a chance of European Brown Bear or Wolf breaking cover. European Bison are another impressive resident of Bieszczady’s forests and can often be seen grazing along with Red Deer and Roe Deer. 

Whilst it is the mammals that attract most naturalists to Bieszczady, the reserve’s exciting birdlife should not be overlooked. White-backed Woodpecker can often be found along the nearby San River, Hazel Grouse occur in excellent numbers and noisy Nutcrackers are also often present too. Raptors can include Golden, Lesser Spotted and White-tailed Eagles and Goshawk. A number of owls are also present in the forest and include Tengmalm’s, Ural and Pygmy Owl. After rain it is often possible to find Fire Salamanders breaking cover and any walks in the area are always a treat.