Šiauliai Tourism Information Centre

CISOWY JAR NATURE RESERVE

Nature / landscape

Cisowy Jar Nature Reserve – a picturesque gorge located between the villages of Szeszki and Wężewo. Established in 1959, the reserve covers an area of 10.65 hectares and protects one of the most valuable stands of common yew ( Taxus baccata ) in Masuria – this is the richest concentration of this species in the region and one of the last places of its natural occurrence at the northeastern end of its range. The yew has been protected here since 1937.
The Cisowy Jar is the largest and longest gorge in the Szeskie Hills – approximately 1 km long, up to 30 m deep, and 300 m wide. Numerous streams flow down the steep slopes, fed by springs bubbling at the gorge's foothills. During periods of drought, the streams may dry up, but they usually form a network of streams with significant gradients, contributing to soil erosion. Small ponds and periodically wet areas appear in depressions.
The reserve area is attractive in terms of nature and landscape – the deep ravine, the diversity of habitats and the presence of protected species make it a perfect place for nature lovers, photographers and peaceful hikes amidst the wild Masurian nature.
At the eastern border of the reserve there are, barely noticeable, remains of a stronghold from the period when these lands were inhabited by the Yatvingians.

 

Country

Poland

Historic land

Yotvingia

Historic sites

Historical memory sites

Nature / landscape

Archaeological complexes

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