Wzgórze Joanny Nature Reserve

The Wzgórze Joanny Nature Reserve lies about a kilometre southeast of Postolin, along the road to Świebodów, in the Milicz municipality. It is a forest reserve established in 1962 to protect an isolated stand of beech at the eastern edge of its range, as well as prehistoric finds.

Why the reserve was created

Wzgórze Joanny, rising to 230 metres above sea level, is one of the few places in this part of Lower Silesia where beech has naturally survived, a species that reaches the eastern edge of its range here. The reserve protects this stand together with prehistoric finds discovered on the hill. In 2011 its area was enlarged to 24.57 hectares.

Origin of the name

The German name of the hill, Johanna's Höhe, comes from the name of Johanna von Rehdinger, mother of Heinrich von Salisch and second wife of Rudolf Georg von Salisch.

Location

The reserve lies within the Barycz Valley Landscape Park and the Natura 2000 area PLH020041 "Ostoja nad Baryczą". In Postolin itself it is also worth visiting the Postolin Park and the adjoining forest arboretum, while the wider natural setting of the area is shown by the Barycz Valley Landscape Park.

Practical information

• Location: about 1 km southeast of Postolin, along the road to Świebodów, Milicz municipality, Milicz County
• Located within the Barycz Valley Landscape Park; it is worth checking the exact access route before visiting
• A natural site; accessibility and any path markings are not described in the available sources