The Ursynowska Skarpa nature reserve will be closed to visitors starting in September due to safety risks, including fallen trees, erosion, and steep slopes. Only historical terraces near SGGW rectorate will remain accessible.
Ursynowska Skarpa Closed to Pedestrians from September
Reason for Closure
The Regional Directorates of Environmental Protection and Water Management (RDOŚ) have announced that the Ursynowska Skarpa nature reserve will be closed to pedestrians from September. The decision is based on safety concerns, citing numerous broken and fallen trees, soil erosion, and steep slopes on the reserve’s terrain. Unauthorized entries continue despite existing restrictions.
Physical Restrictions and Justification
According to RDOŚ, gates and fencing at the reserve will be physically closed in September to ensure safety for individuals who enter the protected area despite clear prohibitions. Current conditions require significant protective measures before the reserve can be reopened.
Field Visit Findings
During field inspections, RDOŚ officials identified a high number of broken and uprooted trees, attributed to natural aging of the forest and weather-related phenomena such as storms, heavy rain, and strong winds. Local media have also highlighted steep slopes, erosion, and weakened trees as real dangers for trespassers.
Accessible Terraces
Only the historical terraces, known as the “Ogród Tarasowy,” located near the SGGW rectorate will remain available. Reopening the rest of the reserve would require extensive interventions, including cutting many trees and reinforcing the terrain to create safe trails, which are not planned at this stage.
Potential Future Adjustments
RDOŚ states that future changes may depend on analyses conducted under the reserve’s protection plan. The agency urges compliance with existing entry bans and public support for a permanent closure of access points.
Ecological Significance
The reserve protects a section of the high Vistula escarpment, along with meadows, bogs, and ravines at its base. It features a mosaic of habitats, including slope grasslands, shrubs, forests, meadows, and aquatic and marshland ecosystems. The area lies on the border of Ursynów and Wilanów, adjacent to SGGW’s campus.
Historical Context
Established on June 14, 1996, the reserve now covers approximately 20.8 hectares, following 2011 boundary adjustments and the designation of surrounding areas. Scientific studies highlight the presence of native forest ecosystems while noting urbanization’s impact on non-forest habitats.
Current Access Restrictions
Entry to the reserve remains prohibited and will be enforced through closed gates. Walking is only allowed on the accessible terraces near SGGW rectorate. The rest of the area remains off-limits until analyses and protective decisions are finalized.
Source: MiejskiReporter, **Category:** 28
