The Bug River Valley

THE BUG RIVER VALLEY

NATURA 2000

 Natura 2000 is the biggest ecological network in the world comprising series of protected sites which are required to be established by each country considered a part of European Union. Today, in total, the Natura 2000 network contains over 25 000 sites located on the diverse range of land use types such as agriculture, forests, wilderness areas, and covering over 17% of EU territory.

 The Bug river valley is one of this beautiful lands protected by the network Natura 2000, and a place where everything seems to be completely detached from modern technology, mass media and the big city rush. This is one of the most natural areas that can be seen between Poland and Ukraine, and really significant region if it comes to the biodiversity issue. It is a place where different animals, insects and plants have found their perfect home: 176 species of weevils and bee-like insects, spotted sousliks, bee-eaters, black and white storks, whiskered terns, lesser spotted eagles, Eurasian beavers and otters – these are only a few examples of treasures of pure nature you can find in the Bug river valley.

 But this land hides also many touristic attractions so you do not have to worry that time spent there will be long and boring. In the small town called Hrubieszów you can find a number of monuments, for example four beautiful churches: Madonna of Socal Catholic Church, Orthodox Church with 13 cupolas (one of only two in the world), Saint Nicholas Catholic Church from XVII century, and Madonna of Caeseless Help Catholic Church connected with the military department. In the centre of the town you can visit Du Chateau manor complex where now a regional museum with interesting exhibitions displayed by local archaeologists is located. An outdoor sculpture of Bolesław Prus is a memorial of one of the most well-known Polish writers whose contribution to literature and culture still has an influence the educational system. There are also old and new Jewish cemeteries with long and complicated history, which local experts can tell you during the evening camp fire.

 If you want to stay a bit longer, you can also find several beautiful establishments for lodging. There are eight farms in Horodło, four in Hrubieszów, two in Mircze, three in Uchanie, and one in Werbkowice. Are you interested in horse-rides? No problem! Many farmers offer it for free and if you are lucky enough, you might even see small foals. What is more, in Kryłów, where you can find the border with Ukraine, a recreational and training centre is located.

 Hrubieszów municipality, thanks to its clear air, specific climate which enables plants to prosper, very good soils and lack of bad infrastructure which could be harmful and lead to environmental degradation, is a viable organic producer. Moreover, municipality is characterized by well-developed sport and recreation facilities, and many different cultural events, most often connected with religion, music, literature, folklore and food. There is also something for bird’s enthusiasts. Along the Bug river valley, from village Hustynne through Hrubieszów and Strzyżów to Matcze, stretches the route of stork’s nests from where these beautiful birds with long red legs look at people and possibly wonder what is the reason of their visit.

 However, there are also some things which actually can worry local ecologists and enthusiasts of nature. The biggest threat for aesthetic and natural virtues is water pollution which can lead to a reduction in the population of the spotted souslik – one of the species considered to be really valuable for this region.

 One could say: “to you the grass is always greener on the other side,” so maybe it is worth slowing down sometimes and trying notice what you have around? There are many wonderful places, often still unexplored, with breath-taking landscapes which you could never appreciate enough if you do not give them a chance to be revealed. The Bug river valley is one of the examples of this kind of lands – far away from centre of Poland, almost forgotten, considered as “nothing special”. But come here once and then tell me that it was not worth your time.

Written by: KR 3LAS

Pictures by: KR 3LAS