Milicz Ponds

Milicz Ponds is one of the largest complexes of fish ponds in Europe, spread across the Barycz Valley around Milicz, on the border of the Milicz and Trzebnica counties in Lower Silesia. It is not a single body of water but a whole mosaic of dozens of ponds, dykes and channels, known above all as one of the most important places in Poland for observing waterbirds and wetland birds. The portal has a separate entry for the Milicz Ponds nature reserve - this guide covers the wider context of the whole water complex and what is worth seeing around it.

Origin of the name

The tradition of fish farming in this area goes back to Cistercian times - monks were already establishing ponds here in the 13th century, and the first documents confirming carp farming date from the mid-15th century. Milicz carp is still farmed here today using an extensive method, based on a three-year cycle from spawning to market-ready fish and relying solely on natural methods - one of the largest farming complexes of its kind in Europe. In 1963, part of the oldest ponds - the Ruda Milicka, Grabownica, Ruda Sułowska and Radziądz complexes - were placed under protection as a nature reserve.

By the water

The reserve protects the habitats of waterbirds and wetland birds, along with fragments of aquatic and marshy environments. More than 270 bird species have been recorded at Milicz Ponds, over 160 of which nest here - making it one of the most important ornithological sites in this part of Europe. Numerous observation towers and hides are scattered around the ponds, including the "Pod Kormoranem" hide by Staw Niezgoda I, a viewpoint by Staw Rudy, and viewpoints in the Radziądz complex, by Staw Jeleni II and Staw Stary. The dykes between the ponds serve as walking and cycling routes, and several educational trails run through the various complexes.

Nearby

• The viewpoint over Staw Krzysztof - one of the observation points on the edge of the complex, near Ruda Żmigrodzka.
• Olszyny Niezgodzkie Nature Reserve - a neighbouring marshland area by the river Ługa, protecting an alder forest.

Practical information

• Milicz, Ruda Sułowska and Ruda Żmigrodzka are among the starting points, from where marked walking and cycling routes run along the dykes.
• The whole area lies within the "Dolina Baryczy" Landscape Park - visitors must keep to the marked routes, especially during the bird breeding season.
• Given the size of the complex, it is worth planning a specific stretch of the route rather than trying to see all the ponds at once.
• It is worth checking the GIS Bathing Site Service for the current water status and any restrictions at bathing sites within the valley.