Nature

Borki Nature Reserve in Masuria

In the heart of the Puszcza Borecka forest in Masuria lies the Borki forest reserve — established in 1958 on 232 ha and enlarged in 2015 to 440.22 ha. It protects the best-preserved central part of the forest: hornbeam-lime oakwoods with oak, maple, elm and spruce dominate, and even yew grows here in single specimens.

The bison

The symbol of the forest is the European bison. In 1953 a breeding centre was opened at the Borki forest district, and in 1977 — while the fence was being repaired — part of the herd escaped into the wild, and bison have lived freely here ever since. In Wolisko there is a show enclosure with a viewing platform, open from 1 May to 30 September, 9:00–11:00 and 16:00–18:00. Adult bulls weigh up to 920 kg and females up to 640 kg; herds are led by a cow, while bulls usually live alone.

Other wildlife

The reserve and its surroundings also shelter lynx, moose, wolf and red deer, and among the birds black stork, white-tailed eagle, osprey and black kite stand out.

Visiting

The forest is easy to enter by bicycle — cycling trails lead from Kruklanki, where the Borki forest district is based. By kayak you can follow the Łaźna Struga stream to the Ełk river. Strict protection rules apply, so keep to the marked routes, and check the opening hours of the Wolisko enclosure before your visit.