Bory Tucholskie National Park

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Bory Tucholskie National Park was created on July 1, 1996. It covers the area of 47.98 square kilometres of forests, lakes, meadows and peat-bogs. The Park is located in Northern part of Poland, in the Chojnice county of Pomeranian Voivodship, in the heart of the biggest forest of Poland, the Tuchola Forest.

[edit] Area

The first project stipulated that the national park area would cover 130 square kilometres, but after numerous discussions with local authorities it was decided that the borders will cover only the area of the so-called Seven Lakes Stream (Struga Siedmiu Jezior). Land that became the national park belonged to the state, not to private individuals. Forests, meadows and peat-bogs had previously been part of Forest Preserve Rytel and lakes had been administered by the State Agency of Agricultural Land.

[edit] Features

The area of Tuchola Wilderness was shaped by the Scandinavian Glacier which means that for the most part it is covered by sandy plains. These plains are diversified by numerous dunes and lakes. The lakes are long and narrow, creating water channels of which the longest is 17 km. the soil in the park is of poor quality.

There are more than 20 lakes in the Park, some of them are pristine, of crystal-clear waters (e.g. Gacno Wielkie and Male, Nierybno, Gluche). Numerous species (around 25) of fish can be found here as well as European beaver.

The national park is a haven for birds - there are 144 species of them, including crane and eagle owl. The symbol of the Park - wood grouse - until recently was common in the area, especially in the Forest District of Klosnowo. Now, authorities of the national park, plan to reintroduce this bird. A particularly important part of fauna are bats - several species of them thrive in the Park.

[edit] Tourism

Most important tourist centers of Tuchola Wilderness are located by the Charzykowskie and Karsinskie lakes. In recent years agro-tourim has become popular - e.g. in the village of Swornegacie. The Brda river is a well-known kayaking trail

Charzykowy is famous as the birthplace of Polish inland yachting. The Charzykowy lake with its numerous little bays is very attractive for yacht-lovers both in the summer and in the winter. There are several bicycle trails which let tourists get acquainted with Tuchola Wilderness’ attractions. Also, the Wilderness is crossed by numerous walking trails - the most interesting is the Kaszubski Trail from Chojnice to Wiela.