The Łężczok Nature Reserve was established in 1957 to protect the multi-species riparian forest and post-Cistercian fish ponds.
It extends from Racibórz-Markowice through Nędza, Babice and up to Zawada Książęca. Its area covers over 400 hectares, making it one of the largest nature reserves in the province of Silesia. More than half of the area is covered with ponds within forested areas, mostly founded in the 13th century. However, the biggest attraction of Łężczok are the birds; here, you can admire more than half of the species of birds living in Poland. The reserve is also a stop-over for birds whose routes to warmer countries cross over the area. Observing birds over the picturesque ponds makes an amazing impression, not only for natural scientists. Among other species worth seeing are magnificent specimens of old trees, including a 400-year-old oak tree from the causeway dike (called Sobieski’s Oak). The reserve is part of the Landscape Park ”Cistercian Landscape Compositions of Rudy Wielkie”. It is intersected by two hiking trails and one bicycle route.
