A few years ago, a project on the protection of small aquatic habitats in the area covered by the Bükk National Park Directorate was completed. The main objective was to improve the wetland and aquatic habitat network of the Mátra, the Eastern Cserhát and the Ipoly Valley.
Due to climate change the role and protection of wetlands is more important. Small aquatic habitats are the most vulnerable so by improving habitat condition and creating new habitats, the project has contributed to saving them.
If you say otter, everyone thinks of a playful animal moving comfortably both in water and on land. And if you say car of course it’s a four-wheeler. But how does and otter and a car come together? Very simply, because the popularity of the rolling nature lab, the Otter Car commissioned by the Bükk National Park Authority continues to grow, offering children a special opportunity to learn more about nature. In the framework of the implemented investment 189 small water habitats in the Mátra and 15 in the Cserhát have been created, or restored, improving the living conditions of various fish, amphibian and reptile species of highlighted importance in the European Union, as well as of highly protected amphibian and dragonfly species.
In the framework of the project a mobile exhibition promoting Natura 2000 sites, an educational nature film and publications on amphibians and the project have been created. A special result of the development is the Otter Car educational bus, which provides children with a special learning opportunity. It is practically a mobile nature laboratory that teaches visitors about nature in the wild, because, as the Bükk National Park Directorate says: “Experience gives knowledge for all!” With the help of the Otter Car children can get closer to nature through experience-oriented field activities. The group work consists of field studies (collecting and identifying animals), discussing together what was seen and playing games to deepen knowledge. In 2022, more than 5 000 people were reached in 57 sites with the Rolling Naturalist. The Otter Car is labelled as a “Certified Mobile Programme of the Nature School”.
| The Bükk National Park is one of Hungary’s largest and most beautiful natural treasures. Located in the Bükk Mountains the park boasts rich biodiversity and stunning scenery, home to protected plant and animal species. One of the park’s greatest attractions is the ancient Bükk forest, which is spread across more than 9,000 hectares and has thousands of more than 200-year-old trees. |
Please view the summary of the project:
The development was implemented from EU funding thanks to project KEHOP-4.1.0-15-2016-00058 under the Environment and Energy Efficiency Operational Programme.
For more information please click on the supported project finder: Details
