Mlake Wetlands

The Mlake Wetlands are a natural monument stretching on approximately 100 hectares. It is located close to the Vipava–Podnanos regional road and the Selo–Razdrto expressway. Wetlands are transitional areas between water and land with high groundwater, and their significance is in that they maintain balance in nature. The Mlake Wetlands boast an exceptional diversity of animal and plant species, 14 of which are on the Red List of Threatened Species, protected by European conventions and guidelines. In this corner of Vipava Valley lies a true ecological treasure trove that elsewhere can be admired and studied only in rare parts of the world. The Mlake Wetlands are the last oasis in Vipava Valley for the plant and animal species that had been common in the area before land reclamation. Due to their diversity, the Mlake Wetlands are important for the preservation of both dry and wetland communities, and at the same time they are a refuge for many endangered animal and plant species whose environmental needs are so high that they only thrive in pristine and extensively cultivated areas. (Perhavec, A., 2004)

The wetlands are accessible only by former military paths, unmarked trails and muddy cart tracks. Currently there are no tables or signposts making the area. Nevertheless, rules that apply for protected areas must be respected, and it is desirable that visits are as less disturbing as possible. As a shooting range of the Slovenian Army is located in the Mlake Wetlands, it is necessary to make sure that the area is accessible before a planned visit.