Total site area (ha) : 10,937ha
Project site area (ha): 440.35 ha
The Wolin National Park is situated in the north-western part of Poland. The park was
established on 3rd March 1960 and covered 4,844ha. In 1996 the area of the Park was
enlarged to 10,937 ha. The decision to protect a 1-mile seawater strip and area of about 2,719
ha and 2000 ha of internal sea water (Szczecin Lagoon) while establishing the Wolin National
Park, the first Polish sea park, was a precedent in Poland. The inclusion of flood land at the
reverse delta of the Świna River and marsh land along the Szczecin Lagoon as primeval
habitats, characteristic for this area of the island, significantly enriched the natural resources
of the Park, both concerning landscape values and rare habitats of fauna and flora. Water and
muddy areas at the reverse delta of the Świna River are considered the refuge for birds of
European significance. The delta is one of the important natural bird habitats in Poland and
has been recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA) internationally.
The fauna of the Park is represented by many rare species. 40 species of mammals have
been recorded. Forests are inhabited by boars, deer, foxes, squirrels and small mammals,
such as shrews, mice, voles, and weasels. Other rare animals include badgers, ermines, and
racoons. An interesting group of flying mammals comprises bats. So far 6 different species of
bat have been found in the Park. Water and wet areas provide excellent conditions for otters,
muskrats, water-shrews, water vole, and others. More than 230 bird species have been
found, the majority of which nest within the Park. 9 species of amphibians and 68 species of
fish have been recorded.
The whole Park is inhabited by 900 species of vascular plants. Of them, 62 species are
protected by law and 12 species are in the Polish Red Data Book of Plants. About 70 taxa
deserving local protection. 5 species are classified as relict species, survivors of the glacial
periods.
The project area covers 4 main islands of the reserve delta of Swina River.
1. Koprzywskie Łęgi – the total area of the island 51.21 ha.
2. Wydrza Kępa – the total area of the island is 66.19 ha.
3. Koński Smug – the total area of the island 70.94 ha.
4. Warnie Kępy – the total area of the island is 252.01 ha.
At present, the prevalent plant communities present on the islands are swamps, particularly
reed swamps Phragmitetum communis. They have largely replaced former meadow-pasture
phytocoenoses, including halophilous meadows. Phragmitetum patches are accompanied also
by other swamp vegetation forms, but these occupy smaller areas and provide a less close
cover. A specific feature of the plant cover of the reverse Świna delta (and the islands) is the
continued presence of halophilous and subhalophilous phytocenoses (Juncetum gerardii,
Scirpetum maritimi, Soncho-Archangelicetum litoralis), as well as rare species of subatlantic
range, e.g. Myrica gale and Cladium mariscus, which make up Cladietum marisci
phytocoenosis.
Halophilous communities of meadows and pasture, their degenerative forms, and to a lesser
extent meadows with Molinia caerulea provide a trace of the former use. Their distribution in
the past and degree of regression are indicated by the grassy form of reed swamps with
Hierochloë odorata, occupying the central parts of all the larger islands in the reverse delta
and Drożkowe Łąki, where a considerable number of interesting species still occur.
As sites with the best-preserved halophilous meadows in the northern part of the delta, the
islands Koprzywskie Łęgi, Wydrza Kępa, Koński Smug, Warnie Kępy host the highest level of
biodiversity. The preservation of existing fragment of halophilous vegetation and meadows
must be active. Introduction of grazing or moving will limit the expansion of reed and may
cause an increase in the area occupied by them and on enrichment of their phytocoenoses.
Natural areas of delta Świna River (IBA area) is an especially valuable biotope for
Acrocephalus paludicola. The total area of Swina Delta is 2860 hectares and it is one of the
most important habitats and breeding places for Acrocephalus paludicola in Pomerania. From
1996, 1055 hectares of Delta Świna River (20 islands) had been included into area of Wolin
National Park. At present, the population of Acrocephalus paludicola on the four islands of the
project site is 19 vocalizing males, declining from 83 males from the start of regular monitoring
in 1997.
Acrocephalus paludicola population of the Wolin NP LIFE project site constitutes almost 20 %
of threatened Western Pomeranian population of Acrocephalus paludicola, making it one of
the most important areas for conservation of this endangered population of the species and
hence, genetic diversity of Acrocephalus paludicola.
