The ForBioSensing team, while performing project tasks related to obtaining data on the forest stand of the Białowieża Forest, is an everyday observer of the beautiful and wild nature located on the monitored area. Among the admired landscape, our specialists have the opportunity to take a closer look at water reservoirs in the area of the Forest. In today's news we would like to take you on a trip through the picturesque Narewka Valley.

Narewka - a river that is located in the area of ​​measurements and observations made by our specialists. Its length is 61.1 km, including 21.7 km in the Republic of Belarus. During the project, we have the opportunity to observe its biodiversity located on the Polish-Belarusian border.

The multitude of picturesque Narewka Valley species creates material that we would like to share with you. Our specialists met on their way such water plants as:

• Yellow water lily (Nuphar luteum) - plays an important role in the process of overgrowing water reservoirs, because it produces a significant amount of biomass, which decomposes on the bottom, raises its level. The picture shows the beginning of the fruiting of the plant.

• Floating frogfish (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae) - belongs to the pterygium family, currently disappearing due to the degradation of habitats. Its leaf blade is round with a heart-shaped root.

• Single spurgehog (Sparganium emersum) - a species of a family of hedgehogs, tall from 20 to 60 centimeters. It grows on the banks of ponds, lakes and rivers. Its leaves at the base have a triangular shape.

• Water arrow (Sagittaria sagittifolia) - a species of perennial, belonging to the family Zygieńcowatych. Its roots are edible after baking or roasting and peeling from bitter skin. This plant tastes like potatoes.

A well-known musician, Stanisław Sojka, once confided to a journalist: "The whole forest is a magical place, but the most beautiful, yet undiscovered region, is the Narewka valley, it is really wild. Reeds, backwaters, forest and clean water. You can walk for two weeks and not meet, especially in the off season, the living spirit.[1]”.

 

Photos: Adam Szulc

Text: W.Duranowska