The scenic stretch of the Młynówka stream in the southeastern part of the Kaczawskie Foothills, within the “Chełmy” Landscape Park, between Nowa Wieś Wielka and the woodland settlement of Siedmica to the east, is known as the Siedmica Gorge. The nature reserve bearing the same name encompasses not only the rocky gorge but also adjacent sections of the valley floor and significant portions of the surrounding plateau. It was established in 2001 and covers an area of 68 hectares.
The protected area focuses primarily on forest communities. The dominant forest communities are oak forests covering the steep slopes of the valley. These consist of stunted oaks with deformed branches, adapted to the unstable yet relatively dry substrate. On the steep slopes but in moister areas, a maple-linden forest grows. Along the Młynówka stream, in the eastern part of the reserve, there is an ash-alder riparian forest, locally transitioning into willow thickets and reed beds. At some locations, riparian forests give way to variable-moisture Molinia meadows on fertile, moist substrates. In the reserve, the presence of over 250 plant species has been documented, including 19 protected species.
There is a large population of spotted salamanders present in the reserve. From a geological perspective, the scenic stretch of the Młynówka stream has been carved into greenstone rocks, which are altered submarine lavas with a basaltic composition. On the rocky slopes of the valley, there are greenstones with well-preserved pillow lavas in the form of oval, distinct rock fragments, measuring up to 50 cm in length and up to 20 cm in thickness, arranged parallel to each other. Rock towers, walls, and alcoves reach heights of up to 20 metres.
Description: Piotr Migoń
