Nature reserves
Reserves are sectioned off areas of unique natural values preserved in their natural or slightly modified state. Forest economy is limited in such areas. The total number of Polish nature reserves is 1441, including 671 forest reserves with total area amounting to over 61 000 ha. Nature reserves make 1.6 % of all forests managed by the State Forests.
Landscape parks
Landscape parks are established within areas of unique natural, aesthetic and scenic values. In Poland there are 125 landscape parks covering the area of 2.5 mln ha, including almost 1.3 mln ha of forests.
Nature parks
Nature parks are areas protected due to their unique landscape, diverse ecosystems and valuable for their tourist and leisure attractions or the function of a wildlife corridor.
Natura 2000 Areas
The purpose of European network of "Natura 2000" protected areas is to prevent the dying out of endangered plant and animal species as well as to protect biological diversity in Europe. All Community member states must implement the network.
Natural monuments
Natural monuments are usually single specimen of animated and inanimate nature. The most common natural monuments to be found in forests are the oldest and largest trees. In 2012 there were almost 11 000 natural monuments in Poland, including 8500 trees.
Areas of protected ecology
Areas of protected ecology are usually small – little ponds, woodlots, peat bogs, marshes and dunes. They are remains of ecosystems that enable preservation of biological diversity. Currently there are 9 000 areas of protected ecology all over the country with total area of almost 30 000 ha.
Species protection
Species protection applies to the most valuable, unique and rare flora and fauna species. In Poland there are 584 plant species, 90 fungus species and 732 animal species under strict species protection. 65% of wild flora and fauna species in Poland are forest species.
