Hidden Gem: One of Poland’s Top Pollinators Habitats

22 April 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

A former military range near Łuków hosts a rare wild pollinators habitat, with 234 species recorded. Learn why this matters for residents and gardeners.

The former military shooting range near Łuków hosted a nature walk on Saturday, 18 April. The event highlighted a rare wild pollinators habitat found on the site.

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Why the site matters

Scientists recorded 234 pollinator species on just 1.80 hectares in 2023. Moreover, experts documented 111 species of wild bees. In addition, observers counted 183 aculeate species and 51 day-flying butterflies. Consequently, researchers consider the area one of Poland’s most valuable insect refuges. Furthermore, specialists find new species there, and yesterday they spotted another butterfly, the mourning cloak.

How local action supports the wild pollinators habitat

Mikołaj Siemaszko from the Ministerial Team for Pollinating Insects led the walk. He explained why loess ridges and sandy slopes attract nesting bees. Moreover, the terrain offers warm, bare patches for ground-nesting species. Volunteers then planted nectar and pollen-rich trees and shrubs. In addition, they distributed wildflower seed sachets and nature pins to participants. Therefore, the group hopes to boost food resources across seasons.

Who is involved and what comes next

Local people, families, the town mayor Piotr Płudowski, councillors, and conservation groups attended. The Warsaw-based Green Ant Foundation has cared for the area for over a year. As a result, the foundation seeks legal protection for key plots as a nature reserve. The proposed reserve could cover about 13 hectares. It would protect habitats from sandy grasslands to wet meadows, and flowering plants that feed pollinators year-round. Moreover, the group contacted the Ministry of Climate and Environment and the General Directorate for Environmental Protection. Both institutions now support the initiative officially.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: For expats, local conservation projects often involve the town office (Urząd Miasta) and state agencies. You can join volunteering through an NGO. Also note titles: Burmistrz means mayor. Carry your ID when you volunteer; Poland uses PESEL (a national ID number similar to a social security number) for some official registrations, however most volunteer sign-ups accept passports. If you need to report damage or request more information, contact the city office or the regional environmental authority.

Visitors found the spring weather ideal for the walk. Moreover, organisers installed an educational board titled “Inhabitants of the former shooting range.” The sign aims to teach residents about local species and threats. In addition, planting will strengthen habitat links between patches across the landscape. Therefore, the project will support pollination for farms, gardens, and wild plants in the region.

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