Ostrzyca Proboszczowicka Nature Reserve

The Ostrzyca Proboszczowicka Nature Reserve protects a small but heavily rocky fragment of the Kaczawa Foothills in the Pielgrzymka municipality, in Złotoryja County. Within an area of under four hectares, a relic of a Tertiary volcano has survived, together with basalt scree fields and rarely found rock vegetation on the summit part of the hill.

What exactly the reserve protects

The reserve covers an area of 3.81 hectares and lies about 2.5 kilometres south-west of Proboszczów. It was established in 1962 by an ordinance of the Minister of Forestry and Timber Industry, to preserve the basalt scree fields on the summit of the hill and the rock vegetation growing on them. It is a floristic reserve of a phytocoenotic character, covering forest communities growing on the slope of the volcanic hill.

Flora and fauna

About 180 species of vascular plants have been recorded within the reserve, including lily of the valley, common foxglove and red helleborine, a dozen or so of which are under species protection. The higher parts are covered with sycamore, ash, lime, elm and oak, while spruce and birch appear lower down. Animals found here include wild boar, red deer, roe deer, foxes, pine martens, hares and squirrels, as well as weasels, birds and insects.

Practical information

• Location: Kaczawa Foothills, Pielgrzymka municipality, Złotoryja County, about 2.5 km from Proboszczów.
• Getting there: the reserve lies right next to the summit of Ostrzyca Proboszczowicka, which is reached by hiking trails.
• What to expect: a rocky, wooded hill with scree fields and vegetation typical of basalt outcrops, without tourist infrastructure.
• It is worth combining the visit with climbing to the summit of Ostrzyca Proboszczowicka itself, which rises above the reserve.