Биотоп

This is a mostly forested territory which is home to one of the largest areas of the white mistletoe, which is a semi-parasitic plant. It is best to observe this unique plant when it has no leaves. Latvia is the northern limit to the white mistletoe, which is why it is not all that common. It is interesting that even more of this rare specie can be seen outside of the nature restricted area.

This is an uncommon landscape for the Kurzeme region with a protected biotope – open inland dunes with meadows of silver grass and forests of deciduous trees, including the common hornbeam. Tourists can visit the Muiža (Lejas) sacred stream on the right bank of the Sventāja valley, above which they will find Latvia’s most noble bird-cherry trees. A nice reed pergola has been installed above the stream. Wide are of Sventāja River valley can be overseen from the road before the stream.

The Ukri forest on the border of the Dobele district is what is known as a vast forest. It has oak trees (including many huge ones), linden trees, oak trees (large stands of oak are uncommon in Latvia), and other deciduous trees. A small area of the forest can be toured in the company of a guide to look at the animals of the area and their importance in the flow of nature. The restricted area protects forest habitats, plants and animals, including many that are typical of the southern areas of Latvia.

There is a small and relatively hard to reach area on the western shore of Lake Būšnieks which has been restricted to protect swamp habitats and several protected plants. Boat base is on the northern shore of the lake offers boat rental. From the plank-way good sites of eutrophic part of Lake Būšnieks can be seen. A well-appointed recreational facility (not included in the restricted area) is on the opposite shore of the lake.

The excessively damp forests at this place include the Vēršupīte River bog, and this is one of the most diverse biotopes in Latvia in terms of the number of species that can be found here.  The fact that the area is regularly flooded is shown by the fat roots of black alders – indeed, the place looks like a stand of mangroves.  The wooden pathway that is the Dumbrāju trail starts at the Forest House for those who wish to examine the bog.  The most impressive views are seen during spring floods or rainy seasons at other times of the year.  The little river breaks out of its bed and floods a large territory.  The Lake Sloka hiking trail is another place where you can study the Vēršupīte bog.  The circular trail is 3 km long, and its beginning is at the Lake Sloka bird watching tower.