Polish Society for the Protection of Birds

The Orawa peatlands are one of the biggest raised-bogs complexes in Poland. Twelve habitats of European Union importance occur here, with raised bogs, transition mires and bog woodlands being the most important. It has tremendous ecological importance, being home to the second-largest population of Black Grouse in Poland and an important site for many peatland specialist taxa. However, the peatlands in the Orawa region have been deteriorating for a long time. This is mainly related to drainage works and industrial and illegal peat extraction. The activities planned within the project aim to restore the raised bog habitat. Restoration will be done by blocking 56 km of drainage ditches. Also, re-shaping the edges of peat excavations and tree removal from 10 ha on adjacent alkaline fens will be implemented to support peat-forming vegetation. This project is helping to protect and restore part of the European Natura 2000 network. Natura 2000 is the largest coordinated network of protected areas in the world. It offers a haven to Europe’s most valuable and threatened species and habitats.