At the beginning of October, as part of the LIFE.VISTULA.PL project, we went on a study visit to the largest pond complex in Poland, which is Stawy Milickie (Milicz ponds), also belonging to the Natura 2000 network.

During the visit, we got acquainted with the specificity of running fishing farms and the tourist offer of the Barycz Valley. We could also see how the birds and their habitats are protected here. The study visit took place on October 4-6.

The trip was attended by members of the project team and local leaders from the Upper Vistula Valley, managers and users of fishing ponds and reservoirs, entrepreneurs, local government officials, representatives of non-governmental organizations, interested in the promotion of the region on the basis of its natural values and fishing heritage.

The participants got acquainted with the offers of fishing farms, including the offer of bird watching - photosafari, the functioning of the Barycz Valley brand, marketing of fisheries products and experiences in the diversification of fishing activities. Farm managers also shared their experiences in conducting activities in the Natura 2000 area.

Due to the much larger area of ​​ponds, even 100 and 200 hectares, the specificity of water management in ponds is slightly different than in the Upper Vistula Valley. Ponds are left without water for a very short time. In autumn, there are thousands of birds on the partially lowered ponds: ducks and herons, but also dozens of white-tailed eagles.

The trip was organized by the Society for the Earth - a co-beneficiary of the LIFE.VISTULA.PL project.