Page 7 - Békés megye

Our natural treasures

Békés County lies in the south-eastern part of Hungary, in plant communities live. The area is one of the most impor-
the Great Plain, surrounded by three Hungarian counties and tant landing spots for the migratory birds associated with
the Romanian border to the south and the east. It has ex- the wetland and grassland habitats of the Great Plain.
cellent natural features, such as the intact romantic scenery, In Europe, the largest bird of the continent, the Great Bus-
which is rich in natural values, and was formed by the Tisza tard, can only be seen in the wilderness in Ecseg, near Dé-

and the Körös rivers. vaványa. The number of the formerly indigenous bustard
Békés County is famous for its outstanding values, includ- population has increased to over 1,500 specimens in the
ing the romantic atmosphere of the softly winding dead bustard reservation.

channels, the Körös-Maros National Park, which is proud The sight of the Szarvas town is the Szarvas Arboretum
of its preserved natural treasures, and its indigenous natural known as “Pepi Garden”. The Arboretum lies on 84 hectares

area, which has an area of over 50,000 hectares. on the shore of one of the dead channels of the Hármas-

The largest bird-watching place of Hungary and Central Eu- Körös River, and it is Hungary’s largest and mostly visited
rope is located in Kis-Sárrét, near Biharugra, which is one of collection of plants. In the nature conservation area, hun-
the most important staging-posts of migration for the birds dreds of special fl ora rarities, indigenous yew trees, pine
that live in the Carpathian Basin. tree varieties, beautiful swamp cypresses, and a more than
The White Lake (Fehértó) in Kardoskút is the most valu- 100-year-old giant redwood can be seen, which is unique in

able seasonal dry salt lake in the Southern Tiszántúl region, Hungary.
where certain small primitive creatures, rare plants, and

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