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Stawy Milickie is Europe's largest complex of carp breeding ponds. Located in the basin-like extensions of the Barycz Valley, near Milicz, Krośnice and Żmigród. For centuries farming has shaped the landscape of the Barycz Valley, influencing the development of its incredible natural assets covered by numerous forms of protection and placing the Barczyca Valley among Poland's most attractive destinations.

The number of ponds is more than 285 and their total area is approximately 77 km². The maximum depth is 2.5 m. Site altitude: 95-120 m above sea level. Many of the ponds are now devastated, devoid of water and sometimes overgrown. The ponds still use age-old infrastructure - canals, weirs, culverts - and are still managed as a fishery. Carp is reared in 95 per cent, other fish include catfish, tench, silver carp, gras carp.

Probably founded by the Cistercians in the 13th century, the Milicz fishponds are Europe's largest carp breeding centre. They are also one of the most valuable ornithological centres in Europe. In 1963, an ornithological reserve called Stawy Milickie (Milicz Ponds) was established in their area. Some of the reservoirs make use of former troughs left over from the mining of bog iron ore.

The Ponds of Milicz have been a water and marsh bird reserve since 1963. 276 species have been recorded here, of which 166 species have their breeding grounds here (including crane, mute swan, greylag goose, lesser spotted eagle, white-tailed eagle, red kite and others). Since 1996, part of the Barycz Valley Landscape Park has also been protected under the Ramsar Convention. They are also included in the world list of Living Lakes, which includes such bodies of water as Lake Baikal, Lake Victoria and Lake Titikaka.

Boards at the entrance to the ornithological reserve, fot. Marta Kamińska 

Currently, all cycling or hiking routes lead along the edge of the reserve, where tourism does not interfere with nature. Particularly noteworthy is the "Stawy Krośnickie" nature trail in the Krośnice commune, the "Stawy Milickie" cycling trail or the author's Stawy Milickie "In a magical land" trail. One can walk there, ride a bike and be very close to the world-class nature, without harming it with one's presence.

The best form of communing with nature is to take part in photosafari excursions organised in Ruda Sułowska (CET Naturum) - bicycle or melex tours into the reserve, with elements of bird watching.

Ask for a tour: tel. (+48) 71/ 759 08 88

During the autumn trapping season, it is worth taking part in educational events as part of the Carp Days in the Barycz Valley.

The amazing nature of the Barycz Valley is at your fingertips, if only you are attentive....

Photo gallery: Milicz Ponds in the lens of Agnieszka Florczyk