The Ljubljansko barje is one of the most transformed landscapes in Slovenia. The mosaic of meadows, fields, hedgerows and ditches only barely reminds today’s visitors of the once impassable marsh. Despite major draining works in the Ljubljansko barje in the last two centuries, water still continues to be in command in the local area. Although you can’t see it at every turn, it is located under the entire surface of the Ljubljansko barje!
The Slovenian language knows more than 20 terms for phenomena related to stagnant water. On the map of Kranjska from 1778, the Ljubljansko barje was called Blate (mudland). However, it was also known by several common names, such as the Lubljansko močvirje (marsh) or Močvir, Morost, Marost or Mah (moss). The current name for the area was coined at the end of the 19th century by the writer Fran Levstik, who heard the locals say that they were going to the borje, i.e. among the pine trees (bori) which the marsh was overgrown with.
Wetland habitats have been rapidly disappearing all over the world, which has also resulted in the loss of diversity of species that have adapted to life in such environments over thousands of years. Do you know any hidden corners that offer shelter to a colourful rainbow of all living beings? Let’s explore them together!