Green Velo

This is an animal reserve in the central and western part of the Sobibór Landscape Park, protecting the nests of the most numerous population of mud turtles in the country. It consists of the Spólne, Koseniec and Perespa Lakes, and the surrounding wetland forests with a large number of forest ponds and marshes, often created by beavers. This environment is the habitat and breeding ground of the only species of turtle native to Poland, covered here, as well as in the nearby Polesie National Park by a breeding ground protection programme. Thanks to this, the Polesie population of the mud turtle does not decline, and in the Sobibór Forests is the highest in the country – approximately 500 adult turtles. Żółwiowe Błota is also a refuge for other reptiles (such as the slow worm, the grass snake and the common European viper). Among the mammals living here are otters, badgers and deer.

At Spólne Lake, from the north-eastern side, is an observation tower with a tourist shelter nearby. The popular cycling route from Włodawa to Wola Uhruska runs through here, leading through the Sobibór Forests. On the route (approx. 37 kilometres) are, among others: two observation towers, five roofed rest stops and 13 view points with information panels.