Morzyk Nature Reserve

The "Morzyk" forest reserve covers the south-western slopes of the hill, along with ravines and ponds, in Grodziec, in Jasienica municipality. It was established in 1996, covers 10.25 hectares (the founding act gave 11.47 ha) and lies at an altitude of 330-347 m above sea level.

What the reserve protects

The aim of protection is the natural oak-hornbeam forest and the Carpathian beech wood with its many monumental trees. 153 species of vascular plants grow in the reserve, of which 7 are legally protected and 3 strictly protected. In the oak-hornbeam forest there are small-leaved lime, pedunculate oak and tall ash, and in the beech wood beech dominates, reaching 40 metres in height and 100 cm in diameter. In the undergrowth of the oak-hornbeam forest touch-me-not balsam dominates, and in the beech wood baneberry, asarabacca and dark lungwort.

Animals and the trace of an old structure

Among birds, the common buzzard and the black stork nest here. The reserve also contains an archaeological site: the foundations of an unidentified structure of quarry stone from an undetermined period.

Practical information

• Location: Grodziec, Jasienica municipality, the south-western slopes of Morzyk hill.
• What to expect: a forest under active protection, without tourist infrastructure described in the sources; before your visit check with the forest district or the municipality where you may enter.