Blatná Polianka: Nature, Birdlife and History

The Senianske rybníky National Nature Reserve covers the cadastral area of Blatná Polianka. It protects rare aquatic biocenoses and waterbirds, lies on an important migration route for waterbirds and waders, and serves as a resting area for them.

Nature

The Senianske rybníky Special Protection Area is located near Blatná Polianka and belongs to the Natura 2000 network. Its cadastral areas also include Blatná Polianka. In Slovakia, the area is one of the three most important breeding grounds for purple herons, little egrets, great egrets, spoonbills, night herons, great bitterns, marsh harriers, whiskered terns and avocets.

A total of 295 bird species have been recorded in the Senianske rybníky Special Protection Area and its wider surroundings; breeding has been confirmed for 125 species. The area is also the only regular breeding site of the spoonbill in Slovakia. The Senné Fish-ponds wetland, whose cadastral areas include Blatná Polianka, comprises seasonally flooded grasslands, shrub marshes and 28 fishponds. This wetland also lies on an important migration route for waterbirds. Recreational fishing is designated in the area of the Senianske rybníky, whose cadastral areas include Blatná Polianka.

The various landscape descriptions refer to bodies of water, wetlands, shrub marshes and fishponds, as well as the bird populations. In addition to the number of recorded species, the confirmed breeding of 125 species is also documented. The regular breeding site of the spoonbill and the area's classification among the three most important breeding grounds are notable details concerning the birdlife of the Senianske rybníky. Recreational fishing is designated separately for the area and therefore remains distinct from the information about the migration route, resting area and breeding populations.

Observation

The Náučný chodník Vtáčím rajom educational trail is accessible from Blatná Polianka. The trail features observation towers that are suitable for observing the landscape and birds. The route is designated as a 15-kilometre, easy trail accessible year-round.

Culture

The history of Blatná Polianka also reaches far back. Archaeological remains dating from the 9th to the 11th century have been found in the area of the village. The first written mention of Blatná Polianka dates from 1417.

A visible testimony to the more recent history of the village is the Reformed Church in Blatná Polianka. It was built in 1906 and restored in 1931. The historical livelihood of the population was based on agriculture and, in particular, fishing. This tradition is reflected in the two fish depicted on the municipal coat of arms.

The historical section of the village therefore brings together different periods: the archaeological remains point to the 9th to the 11th century, while the written mention dates from 1417. With its construction in 1906 and restoration in 1931, the Reformed Church belongs to the more recent history of the village. Agriculture and, in particular, fishing shaped the historical livelihood of the population; the two fish on the municipal coat of arms visibly reflect this connection.

Experiences

At the edge of Blatná Polianka lies Ranch Nová zem, near the Senianske rybníky. The ranch offers visitors horseback rides. It also provides facilities for school trips, corporate events, family celebrations and campfires. Thus, in addition to the educational trail and birdwatching, horseback riding and various types of events are among the experiences mentioned in Blatná Polianka.

For the higher-level travel overview: Sobrance District.