Could the trees of Rezerwat Las Natoliński whisper, what tales would they tell? This hidden gem, nestled within Warsaw’s Wilanów district, holds centuries of history. Rezerwat Las Natoliński is a remnant of the ancient Mazovian Forest. In the late 17th century, King John III Sobieski established a royal hunting ground here. Later, Augustus II the Strong transformed it into a pheasant breeding ground and hunting area, giving rise to the name “Bażantarnia.”
Rezerwat Las Natoliński transitioned from a royal hunting ground to a place of leisure and residence. In 1780, Prince August Czartoryski created a countryside residence. Later, under Count Stanisław Kostka Potocki, it evolved into a picturesque landscape park. The park boasted ancient trees, flowerbeds, meadows, and decorative structures. The name “Bażantarnia” persisted until 1807, when it was changed to “Natolin” in honor of Natalia Potocka, daughter of Aleksander and Anna Potocki.
Rezerwat Las Natoliński carries a somber memory from World War II. It was the site of one of the first executions in German-occupied Warsaw. Fifteen men were executed, their bodies exhumed in 1971. A memorial now stands near the fence of the College of Europe, a poignant reminder of this tragedy. Today, Rezerwat Las Natoliński spans over 104 hectares. A protective buffer zone of nearly 381 hectares surrounds it. This area is under active protection to preserve its diverse forest communities, ancient trees, and rich terrain for scientific and educational purposes.
The heart of Rezerwat Las Natoliński lies in its diverse forest communities. These are remnants of old deciduous forests that once thrived in the fertile habitats of the Vistula River valley. The reserve’s terrain features distinct terraces. The lower, wetter terrace supports lush deciduous forests. The drier areas and upper terrace feature oak-hornbeam forests. Some oaks in Rezerwat Las Natoliński are estimated to be between 300 and 400 years old. An estimated 1000 monumental trees grace this reserve.
Beyond ancient oaks, Rezerwat Las Natoliński harbors a variety of trees. Ash, linden, maple, and black alder trees stand tall. Patches of century-old pines also dot the landscape. Sessile oaks and elms cling to the slopes. Gaps in the canopy, created by fallen trees, become havens for light-loving species like birch and aspen. A rich undergrowth of hazel, buckthorn, spindle tree, elderberry, and bird cherry thrives. Younger specimens of the previously mentioned trees also fill this layer.
In spring, Rezerwat Las Natoliński explodes in a vibrant carpet of wildflowers. Corydalis, spring snowflake, yellow archangel, and wood anemone paint the forest floor. As seasons shift, so does the flora. Summer’s shade brings forth yellow star-of-Bethlehem, greater stitchwort, wood sorrel, lungwort, and the rare intermediate wood fern. Rezerwat Las Natoliński teems with wildlife. Foxes, badgers, hares, stoats, martens, weasels, shrews, mice, and voles scurry through the undergrowth. Hollow trees offer shelter to birds and bats. The abundance of these ancient, hollow trees makes Rezerwat Las Natoliński a haven for birds. Buzzards, grey herons, pheasants, nuthatches, woodpeckers, tits, flycatchers, and starlings all call this place home. The reserve boasts the highest density of the middle spotted woodpecker in Mazovia. Reptiles, amphibians, and insects also flourish here. Among them is the hermit beetle, a protected species under the Natura 2000 network. Rezerwat Las Natoliński blends natural beauty with cultural heritage. An east-west scenic route traverses the reserve, offering glimpses of the palace. Other historical structures include the Holendernia, aqueducts, and a monument to Natalia Potocka. Fenced and protected, Rezerwat Las Natoliński is open to the public only through guided tours for groups of up to 30 people. This isolation has helped preserve its natural character. Within the reserve lies the Łasice Pond and a section of the Natolin Canal. Near the western fence, by Nowoursynowska Street, stands the Mieszko I oak, considered one of the oldest trees in Mazovia.