Bio-diversity

The nature reserve "The Old Polish Yew..." is one of the oldest protected natural environmental locations in Europe (1827!). It stands out, among others, thanks to its abundant, natural environmental resources and captivating history. It is certainly the most interesting place within the vas forest compund of Tuchola Pinewood. There is no single opinion of scientist what is the reason of dying of this unique reserve and declining population of yew.The reserve has been covered in numerous scientific papers and popularized by morte accessible texts, but no in-depth compendium of knowledge of this particular area has been created so far. The area owes its significant renown to the repeated presence of painter leon Wyczolkowski, who created over 100 paintings from 1926 to 1936. So far, the interest in the reserve has been predominately focused on one of its areas, covering approx. 18,5 ha and dominated be yew trees. The entire area of the reserve, except for an island-shaped area covered with yews, encompasses also Mukrz lake, the surrounding forests , numerous peat bogs and 21 ha of a protection zone.The reserve features one of the largest , protected yew populations in Europe. Unfortunately, for almost 100 years seedlings are observed dying, which leads to almost no revive of yew trees seedlings. This has decreased the number of yew trees from approx. 5.500 live trees in 1910 to approx. 2.800 trees in 2005. While there are several causes of this state, the lowering of the level of water in Mukrz lake by 1 meter during the interwar period may be ruled out. Project aims in the strenghtening of yew population by the extention of yew into new areas adjacent to the reserve, in monitored, secured , fenced areas.In situ population is under threat, dimmishing, so collection of seeds and then setting-up new areas in adjacend areas will enable survival of dimishing, to not well scientifically reasons, reserve of high European importance, because of genetic value of yew. Ex-situ active protection (seeedlings from reserve resources) in well protected, fenced ; collection of seeds from resources of the reserve; Publication of updated brochure (book) about Wierzchlas yew (also in German as the most of visitors and scientist are coming from Germany);extermination of invasive tree species in the reserve and in surounding areas;monitoring of ground water levels affecting reserve; adaptation of an old cellar for educational purposes (exibitions, workshops for green schools;production of a brochure about "Staropolskie Cisy - Old Polish Yew". organisation of the conference on 180 anniversary of reserve.

Poland