The Warsaw-Ursynów Municipality is situated on the edge of the Warsaw Plain-its eastern border is the Vistula Escarpment. The richness of the terrain's sculpture, considerable differences of altitude, numerous ravines and the abundance of flowers in various parts are some of its special qualities.
The escarpment (providing a broad view from the top) and the area below it form a very picturesque element of the local countryside. There are many old trees here, a number of which (the particularly large or old ones) are preserved by the Nature Conservation Office.
The Escarpment's historical, natural and landscape value is particularly visible in the area surrounding the old St. Catherine's church. Two of the ash trees and one lime tree growing in the church graveyard have been considered natural monuments. To the north of the church, in its close proximity, there is an entrance to a Freemason's lodge which is protected by the Heritage Conservation Office.
Below St. Catherine's church there is Gucin-Gaj, an example of a romantic park planning. Initially the site covered an area of 7,2 hectares, at present it takes up on area of 5,3 ha, of which 2,25 ha is water. Gucin-Gaj used to stretch over a hill neighbouring the church, included a pond at the foot of the hill and an area next to the pond along the Służewski stream. Together with the church it constituted a whole. Because of its location on a high escarpment with a view over the Wilanów Park, Gucin is protected by the Heritage Conservation Office.
In the south there is an extensive forest area which microclimate and biological conditions are makes Ursynów stand out from other Warsaw municipalities. Areas situated to the south of old Warsaw have always had an excellent climate. Today, looking at the pollution map of Warsaw, it is clear that Ursynów is one of the least polluted regions of the capital. At a time when the state of the environment determines a lot of people's behaviour, the good natural conditions of the municipality may increase its importance in yet another respect.
The Kabacki Forest is one of the most beautiful and frequently visited areas of Warsaw; it is the largest forest site in the city with an area of 902 ha. It has been a nature reserve since 1980.
It is characterised by a flat, in parts slightly rugged landscape. In the eastern part of the reserve there are hillocks of dune origins; they have a relative height of up to 6 m and an absolute one of 110,5 m above sea level. The north-eastern part of the reserve includes a section of the Vistula Escarpment and stretches as far as the site of the Vistula's ancient river-bed. Intensive erosion has created deep ravines on the Escarpment.
The Kabacki Forest is the only mixed lime tree, horn-beam and oak forest in such proximity to Warsaw. The reserve contains almost all types of wild-growing trees found in Poland: pines, oaks, birches, aspens, limes, maples, European larches, beeches and spruce trees. The most precious fragment of it is an old group of trees comprising a mixture of pine and larch and another group of 130 year-old pines and oaks.
Nowoursynowska Street boasts a wonderful old oak called "Mieszko I", treated with a sort of piety by the locals. To the south of the Kabacki Forest there is the Powsin Recreational Park. It's middle part consists of 19 football pitches of various sizes, while the ravine houses an amphitheatre. The north-eastern part of the park comprises a campsite, an outdoor swimming pool, walking paths and wooded areas.
The PAN (Polish Academy of Sciences) Botanical Garden is a charming and popular place. It covers an area of about 40 ha and was founded in 1974. It has an educational and research function. There are some old trees here, but the majority have been planted in the last 20 years. There are currently about 7 000 kinds of plants to be seen in the garden. Another interesting natural feature of Ursynów is the Imielińskie Lake whose origins date back to the ice-age.
The lake has a high ecological value as it is a mainstay, and a feeding ground and nesting site for various species of water birds, some of which are protected. The rushes covering over a half of the lake provide good breeding conditions for them.
Ursynów's situation on the border of the city and its numerous ecologically important areas makes it play an important role in the eco-systems of the city and the whole province.
It seems very likely that the number of natural sites in Ursynów and their biodiversity, together with its inhabitants' aspirations will make it into eco-municipality.
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