One of the largest remaining complexes of natural forest in the Mazowsze region, situated between the Bug and the Narew rivers, and drained by the Brok, Struga, Truche³ka, Turka and Wymakacz rivers. Stands are 40-80 years old, in more or less dense tracts, interspersed with meadows, ponds and willow Salix scrub. Seventy percent of the forest is a monoculture of pine Pinus or is mixed forest of oak Quercus and Pinus, 10% is broadleaved dominated by hornbeam Carpinus, and the rest is broadleaved riverine forest. Two fish-pond complexes and a dozen or so villages are located in the middle of the site.
Key biodiversity
A total of 193 species have been recorded. Breeding species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Gallinago media.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
Current forest management poses a threat to birds.
Protected areas
National Low International None15 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Bartnia [Bird Reserve], 15 ha). 6 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Pop³awy, 6 ha). 7 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Wielgolas, 7 ha).
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2023) Important Bird Areas factsheet: Biala Forest. Downloaded from
http://www.birdlife.org on 21/03/2023.
