This largest swamp complex in the Małopolska province is located mostly in Szarów in the western part of the Niepołomice Forest. It was createdas a result of poor water drainage from the depressed surface of the older Vistula - Raba terraces. There are unique osier thickets, which are a sanctuary for numerous species of animals and waterfowl. The biggest peculiarity of the area is the southernmost position of relict low birch in Central Europe. Swamp vegetation and wet meadows can be found here. Pollen of tundra vegetation from 8-7 thousand years ago from the period of cool (post-glacial) climate is preserved here. As a result of the removal of active peat-forming processes, many plant species have become extinct here, i.e. peat scalpet, peat fork, round-leaved sundew. Peat exploitation has been carried out here since 1886. It was initiated by Stanislaw Zelenski. Zeleński family at that time owned a large part of Szarow. At the beginning of the 20th century there was a peat mine here, employing about 60 people. In Szarow, the Zeleński family established a black lacquer or paint factory. Peat was used as a fuel material, and since the 1960s also for the production of peat black (used as a natural dye for paints and varnishes) and carbon black. Its intensive exploitation has caused the top part of the deposit to be picked out. Currently, peat is no longer industrially exploited here. However, traces of its former mining have been preserved. The peat bogs, as a result of exposure and reclamation, have become significantly dry and in places have taken on a dusty structure. The lowering of the groundwater level has also contributed to the drying of the deposits. Another threat to the bog is its spontaneous combustion or fires caused by burning clumps of sedges or scrub. Over the past 96 years, it has been noted, there has been no peat growth and it is estimated that the peat bog will completely disappear in the next 100 years. The Great Mud covers an area of 265 hectares, the peat level is at 1.5-4 meters.
29.08.2013
