Barnowiec Nature Reserve

Barnowiec Nature Reserve lies in the village of Barnowiec in Łabowa municipality, on the eastern slopes of Sokołowska Góra in the Jaworzyna Range of the Sącz Beskids. It is part of the Poprad Landscape Park, and what is protected is the forest on a rocky, landslide-prone slope.

Protection of the forest

A former owner, Count Adam Stadnicki, was already thinking about protecting this area. From 1906 he protected the stand of trees, and in 1924 he created a strict reserve. The reserve status was confirmed in 1957. It originally covered 2.26 ha, in 1983 it was enlarged to 21.61 ha, and later to 44.57 ha. According to the sources, some of the trees are 100-200 years old, and some even 300.

Nature

Carpathian beech forest with firs and sycamores predominates. On an inaccessible cliff grows a patch of montane sycamore woodland with perennial honesty. Rock crevices, fallen trunks and a rich undergrowth give the forest the look of a primeval wilderness. The undergrowth includes ferns, for example the lady fern, and shade-loving flowers.

Practical information

• The reserve lies by the yellow trail from Hala Pisana via Sokołowska Góra and Wielki Groń to Frycowa.
• Nearby is Góra Sokołowska, and in the area the mountain hut on Hala Łabowska.
• Nature protection rules apply in the reserve; check them before your visit.