Which ancient forest spans the Poland–Belarus border?

Białowieża Forest spans the Poland–Belarus border. It is one of Europe’s last and largest remaining areas of primeval lowland forest, preserving habitats shaped by natural processes rather than intensive forestry.

The forest is famous for its European bison, the continent’s heaviest land animal. It also contains old oak, ash, lime, spruce, and hornbeam trees, along with dead wood that supports fungi, insects, birds, and other organisms. The Polish portion includes Białowieża National Park, while the Belarusian portion is protected within a national park.

Białowieża is often described as untouched, but that wording can mislead: people have lived around and used the forest for centuries. Its conservation history includes royal protection, modern scientific management, logging disputes, and debates over how much intervention a primeval forest should receive.