BDAR

Zagarė Regional Park

56.362, 23.265
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Data

Year of establishment

1992 year

Area

8505 he.

Regional park group


Ph. No.
Email
https://zemaitijosstd.lrv.lt/

Objectives of the establishment

Žagarė Regional Park is one of the smallest in Lithuania. It was established to protect the Švėtė sub-valley and Žagarė Forest landscape as well as other natural and cultural heritage values:

  • Žagarė and the surrrounding landscape, and the clearly visible Gaudikiai moraine ridge;
  • Cultural heritage values such as the old Žagarė urban complex with the original church constructed from local stone, a manor site, the Žvelgaitis castle mound archeological complex, as well as the town‘s Baroque church, unique clay brick presbytery, the Žagarė manor emsemble, a unique stud farm, wind mill, park and Raktė castle mound;
  • The stability of the natural ecosystem, its biotic components, characteristic flora and fauna, botanically valuable forests with rare plant communities, rare plant habitats, and important water bird nesting grounds and migratory rest stops

Exclusive value

The regional park is characterised by the special accents – the chain of ridges (eskers) stretching along the Švėtė valley, and the urban complex of Žagarė, which is one of the eldest towns in the country dating back to the 8th-16th c. The Žagarė esker resembles a giant snake winding for as much as 8 kilometres. The layers of dolomite have determined the distinctive lifestyle, including emergence of the special cherry species. The uniqueness and the new traditions of the region are no longer imaginable without the cherries called Prunus cerasus ‘Žagarvyðnė’. In the list of the natural values, there is also the Mūša tyrelis wetland. Žagarė manor with a huge park, red brick houses in Žagarė, the calmly winding Švėtė river with the small houses on the riverbanks are all exclusive values. Only here grows a very rare plant – Astrantia major. The Žagarė forest was made famous because of Cervus elaphus.

Landscape

The regional park is characterised by the morphological structure created by the medium sized river valley hydrological processes with the adjoining Žagarė forest massifs and the distinctive western strip of the Northern Lithuania (Linkuva) morainic ridge. The landscape diversity of the Žagarė Regional Park has been created by the following major landscape types: forested morainic plains, cultivated morainic plains, forested sandy glaciolacustrine plains, forested sandy glacio-fluvial plains, cultivated morainic hill-ridge, little cultivated shallow valley, urbanized morainic sub-valley, little forested cultivated and little urbanized meandering valley, forested swampy complexes and plains, natural and channelled rivers, ponds and complexes thereof, urban developments of the landscape, and manufacturing as well as quarry extractive complexes.

Biological diversity

These are the territories of European Community importance (code, title) found in the park: 9020 Fennoscandian hemiboreal natural old broad-leaved deciduous forests (Quercus, Tilia, Acer, Fraxinus or Ulmus) rich in epiphytes, 9080 Fennoscandian deciduous swamp woods.

The total number of plant species is 1042 of which 2 are protected by the European Community, and 24 are included in Lithuania’s Red Data Book. The total number of animal species is 443. Mammals – 42 species, of these 11 are protected by the European Community, and 3 are included into the Lithuania’s Red Data Book. Birds – 150 species, of these 33 are protected by the European Community, and 26 are included into the Lithuania’s Red Data Book. Fishes – 13 species, of these 2 are protected by the European Community, and 1 is included into the Lithuania’s Red Data Book. Amphibians and reptiles – 13 species, of these 4 are protected by the European Community, and 2 are included into the Lithuania’s Red Data Book. Invertebrates – 227 species, of these 12 are protected by the European Community, and 21 are included into the Lithuania’s Red Data Book.

Strict nature reserves, reserves

The following zones have been established in the Žagarė Regional Park to protect its natural and cultural heritage values: 8 reserves (1 geomorphological, 4 botanical, 1 botanical-zoological, 1 telmological, and 1 urban).

Gaudikiai Geomorphological Reserve has been established to protect the distinctive Gaudiškiai morainic ridge – a fragment of the Linkuva morainic ridge.

The botanical reserves have been established to protect: Didmargis – the communities of spruce forests with oaks and ash trees characteristic to the Northern Lithuania plains, and growing sites of the protected plants – Astrantia major, Cypripedium calceolus; Dilbinėliai – the growing sites of the protected plants – Astrantia major, Cypripedium calceolus; Pabaliai – the communities of Seslerietum uliginosae, Carex paniculata, Molinietum caeruleae, and the growing sites of Dactylorhiza baltica, Astrantia major; Švėtė – the growing sites of the protected plants Astrantia major, Pinguicula vulgaris, Sesleria caerulea.

The Žagarė Botanical-Zoological Reserve has been established to protect spruce forests with additions of oak, ash, linden and elm typical to the plains of north Lithuania; the abundant and varied fauna and one of the most abundant populations of Cypripedium calceolus in Lithuania. 

The Mūšos tyrelis Telmological Reserve has been established to protect a part of the Mūšos tyrelis raised bog, and the surrounding forests.

The Žagarė Urban Reserve has been established to protect the urban structure (layout, spatial and volumetric composition) of the historical part of the Žagarė town retaining its specific features, the authentic or traditional type of territory and individual land plot development, the traditional architectural expression, connection with the natural environment, the old town area, the Žagarė manor estate, Žagarė and Raktuvė mounds with the settlements, and other values of cultural heritage with the surrounds.

Heritage objects

There are 7 objects of natural heritage in the Žagarė regional park: Švėtės exposure, Tyrelis stone, Žagarė exposure, Švedpolis spring, Žagarė esker (natural monument), Žagarė forest Pinus strobus, and the Žagarė rowan. There are 39 cultural heritage objects in the park.

Visited objects

For visitors

Product brand

Zagares RP

Protected areas attract visitors with their natural and cultural values. Often, when visiting a national or regional park, they want to take out a souvenir or just a good memory. In order to draw visitor‘s attention to the products and services produced by the local population, a product label for Protected areas has been created. A stylized ethnographic bird was chosen as a brand for Protected Areas.

The product label of Protected areas helps to recognize that the product is organic, authentic, produced by the local people, without harming the environment and wildlife, and favorable to human health.

The holder of the mark will primarily be the person who resides or operates in the protected area and does not violate protected values through his activities. The aim is to stimulate the local economy, facilitate the living in protected areas, and promote partnership between the local people and the management of protected area.

The list of products and services offered by protected areas can be various: honey, herbal tea, jams, accommodation, catering, guide services, traditional handicrafts, etc.

The product label of protected areas is one of the measures to promote sustainable tourism. It is intended for local producers, craftsmen, tourism service providers and other local residents, who contribute to the sustainable development of tourism in Lithuanian protected areas through their activities.

The product mark symbol (bird) of Protected areas is common to all protected areas of Lithuania, only the names of parks differ. There are 5 national and 30 regional parks in Lithuania.

So when you arrive at Dzūkija National Park, you can purchase black pottery created by local masters, and when traveling around Rambynas Regional Park, don't forget to buy honey collected by bees on the flooded meadows of Nemunas or a herbal tea collected in the forests of Sirvėta Regional Park.

The Protected Areas product label aims to encourage local people to engage in nature-friendly activities and park visitors- to purchase exclusive, authentic, ecological products.

Documents to obtain The Product Areas product label:

ST_prod_zenklo_KOMISIJOS_REGLAMENTAS_34.docx

ST_prod_zenklo_naudojimo_gaires_32.pdf

ST_prod_zenklo_NUOSTATAI_32.docx

ST_prod_zenklo_PARAISKA_32.docx

SUTARTIS_su_partneriu_pvz_32.doc

Visitor's memo

ALLOWED:

  • rest only in designated areas - rest areas, rest stops;
  • camping (pitching tents) only in established campsites;
  • build fires only in designated fireplaces.

PLEASE:

  • protect the environment, natural and cultural values, conserve natural resources, do not break trees, shrubs, destroy rare plants, destroy anthills, bird nests, frighten nesting birds, disturb animals, or change their environment;
  • report any observed cases of destruction of natural or cultural heritage values or other violations to the police, the Environmental Protection Inspectorate or the Regional Park Group;
  • handle fire safely - maintain a lit fire, do not leave fires unlit;
  • if you notice a fire, take all possible measures to eliminate it, and if this is not possible, immediately notify the fire service or the Regional Park Group;
  • keep roadsides, woods and other areas free of litter, leave the campsite tidy when you leave and, if waste sorting containers are available, sort waste according to instructions;
  • observe the requirements for driving and parking in forests and woodlands, and park vehicles in designated parking areas and on roadsides, provided that this does not impede safe traffic flow, there are no prohibitive road signs, and that it does not infringe the rights of others or cause damage to the environmen;
  • spare buildings and facilities for visitors and report to the Regional Park Group or the police if they see persons damaging them;
  • observe the rules for swimming in water bodies;
  • when berry picking, mushroom picking and fishing, observe the rules on the use of Small Forest Treasures and the rules on the protection of recreational fishing and fish;
  • not to infringe the rights and interests of other users of natural resources, not to make noise, play loud music or otherwise interfere with the recreation of other visitors or local residents, and not to endanger the safety of other persons;
  • contact the Regional Park Group with any questions.

NOT ALLOWED:

  • visit telmological, zoological (teriological, herpetological, entomological, ornithological) reserves from 1 April to 1 September, except on public roads and cultivated fields;
  • allowing loose dogs to run around or bathe on beaches or other places where people congregate;
  • burying rubbish and waste;
  • burning dry grass, reeds, fallen leaves and household waste;
  • disrupting, damaging slopes or otherwise causing erosion of the land surface;
  • the unauthorised installation of swings, other recreational or sports facilities.

Services provided by the Directorate

No Service For 1 person 1 hour For 1 day For 1 day
1.

SIGHTSEEING TOURS (EXCURSIONS) GUIDE SERVICE FOR GROUPS (1 hour) 

The service is provided when a group of 10 people is formed. The service can also be provided to 1 person or a group of up to 10 people if they agree to pay the price applicable to a group of 10 people (the price indicated for 1 person is multiplied by 10).

       
1.1. Sightseeing tours (excursions) service in Lithuanian 3 Eur      
1.2. Sightseeing tours (excursions) service in a foreign language 4 Eur      
2.

VISIT TO THE NATURE RESERVE EDUCATIONAL TRAIL WITH A GUIDE (DIRECTORATE SPECIALIST) (2 hours)

The service is provided when a group of 10 people is formed. The service can also be provided to 1 person or a group of up to 10 people if they agree to pay the price applicable to a group of 10 people (the price indicated for 1 person is multiplied by 10). The group size is limited to 25 people. 

8 Eur      
3.

ORGANIZATION AND CONDUCT OF A TRIP WITH A LEADER (DIRECTORATE SPECIALIST) (1 hour)

The service is provided when a group of 10 people is formed. The service can also be provided to 1 person or a group of up to 10 people if they agree to pay the price applicable to a group of 10 people (the price indicated for 1 person is multiplied by 10).

       
3.1. Hike with a guide (directorate specialist) 2 Eur   7 Eur  
3.2. Hike with a guide (directorate specialist) and snacks Eur   Eur  
4.

ORGANIZATION AND CONDUCT OF A HIKING WITH A GUIDE (DIRECTORATE SPECIALIST) AND DIRECTORATE INVENTORY (1 hour)

The service is provided when a group of 10 people is formed. The service can also be provided to 1 person or a group of up to 10 people if they agree to pay the price applicable to a group of 10 people (the price indicated for 1 person is multiplied by 10).
       
4.1. Hike with a guide (directorate specialist) 5 Eur   14 Eur  
4.2. Hike with a guide (directorate specialist) and snacks 6 Eur   15 Eur  
5. TICKET TO THE VISITORS' CENTER EXHIBITION, MUSEUM, ETHNOGRAPHIC FARMSTEAD, OTHER EXHIBITIONS OR OTHER OBJECTS         
  Self-guided tour ticket 2 Eur      
6. GUIDED TOURS AT THE VISITORS' CENTER (1 hour)
The service is provided when a group of 10 people is formed. The service can also be provided to 1 person or a group of up to 10 people if they agree to pay the price applicable to a group of 10 people (the price indicated for 1 person is multiplied by 10).
       
6.1. with a directorate specialist 4 Eur      
6.2. with a directorate specialist, in a foreign language 6 Eur      
7.

EDUCATION - CONDUCTING THEMATIC LESSONS (1 hour)

The service is provided when a group of 10 people is formed. The service can also be provided to 1 person or a group of up to 10 people if they agree to pay the price applicable to a group of 10 people (the price indicated for 1 person is multiplied by 10).
       
7.1. Educational program 3 Eur      
7.2. Educational program with directorate tools 4 Eur      
7.3. Educational program in a foreign language 6 Eur      
8.

EDUCATION - THEMATIC LESSONS CONDUCTED OUTSIDE THE VISITORS' CENTER (1 hour)

The service is provided when a group of 10 people is formed. The service can also be provided to 1 person or a group of up to 10 people if they agree to pay the price applicable to a group of 10 people (the price indicated for 1 person is multiplied by 10).

       
8.1. Organization and conduct of educational program 6 Eur      
8.2. Visit to the Lyduvėnai railway bridge (with directorate specialist). The number of participants is agreed individually in advance.  10 Eur      
9. ORGANIZATION OF SIGHTSEEING TRIP, PROVIDING TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION (for 1 person)        
9.1. Organization of sightseeing trip, providing temporary accommodation at the Zagare nature school.       20 Eur
9.2. Organization of sightseeing trip, providing temporary accommodation at the Varniai and Kurtuvėnai nature schools.        15 Eur
10. USE OF THE CAMPING SITE, RECREATION AREA (for 1 person)        
10.1. Tent       7 Eur
10.2. Camper       12 Eur
11. CONFERENCE ORGANIZATION 21 Eur
12. IMPLEMENTATION OF NATURE MANAGEMENT OR OTHER MEASURES RELATED TO THE CONSERVATION OF OPEN HABITATS, SPECIES, AND THE MAINTENANCE OF GOOD CONDITIONS IN PROTECTED AREAS BY WHEELED TRACTORS AND OTHER MACHINERY (SIGNED BY THE OWNER OR MANAGER OF THE PROTECTED AREA) MAINTENANCE OF GOOD CONDITION IN PROTECTED AREAS BY WHEELED TRACTORS AND OTHER EQUIPMENT (UPON SIGNING A PROTECTION AGREEMENT), OR MAINTENANCE AND MANAGEMENT OF PUBLIC AREAS AND OBJECTS

 

50 Eur

   

DISCOUNTS FOR SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE DIRECTORATE OF PROTECTED AREAS

No. Service

Children under 6 years of age (not participating in organized groups) – free of charge

Preschool children (participants in organized groups), schoolchildren, students, people with disabilities, senior citizens – 50% discount

1. Visiting the nature reserve's educational trail:  
1.1.      with th eguide (directorate specialist) + +
2. Organization and conduct of the hike:    
2.1. with the guide (directorate specialist) + +
2.2. with the guide (directorate specialist) and directorate inventory + +
3. Ticket to the visitors's center exhibitions, museum, ethnographic farmstead, other exhibitions, or other attractions (except for the Lyduvėnai railway bridge ticket) + +
4. Use of the campsite + -

 More information on the website of Directorate of Žemaitija protected areas