Nature

Iris Meadow in Kalety

In the middle of a forest between Kalety-Miotek and the town centre, roughly halfway along Paderewski street, lies a meadow that turns into a blue-violet carpet in June. This is when the Siberian iris blooms — a species under strict protection in Poland, classed nationally as vulnerable to extinction and regionally as endangered.

The largest site in the region's forests

The Kalety moor-grass meadow is one of the larger stands of Siberian iris in the Silesian voivodeship and the largest among the State Forests' lands within it. The site's importance was recognised in 2004, when the meadow was designated an ecological use area. Besides the iris, other rare plants grow here: narrow-leaved gentian, Gladiolus imbricatus, wide-leaved orchid and yellow meadow-rue.

How to visit

A forest track leads to the meadow; you can leave your car there and continue on foot for several hundred metres. The terrain is waterlogged, with a flooded ditch in places, so wellington boots are a good idea. A picnic shelter stands by the board describing the site. After the walk, check your clothes carefully — ticks are encountered in the season.

In practice

Entry is free and the site is open all year — but it is most beautiful in June, at the peak of the iris bloom. The meadow lies close to the "Kuczów Loop" trail, so it combines easily with a longer walk through the Kalety forests.