The Konik Polski - Hodowla Polskiego Towarzystwa Ochrony Ptaków (PTOP)/ Polish Society for the Protection of Birds - Cross Visits (CV)
Use of Horses to Preserve Biodiversity
Installation of Fences to Prevent Small Predators
Creation of Ditches for Water Management
Preservation of a Local Breed
Use of Green Energy. Photovoltaic Panel Installation to Power Electric Fences and Buildings
This farm, located in Kalitnik (Michalowo), specializes in breeding Polish Konik horses and Polish Red cattle, two protected native breeds that contribute to environmental conservation. Additional agricultural activities include producing fodder for the animals.
The farm manages approximately 100 Polish Konik horses and spans 1,800 hectares, including 30 hectares of agricultural land, with the remainder consisting of grasslands, wetlands, and wastelands. Established in 1990, the farm initially housed animals belonging to local farmers, but later, the Polish Society for the Protection of Birds (PTOP) took ownership of the horses and cattle. It operates across three locations in northeastern Poland: Żywkowo in the Warmia and Masury District, as well as Białowieża and Kalitnik in the Podlasie District.
Objectives
The farm’s primary goal is to restore grazing by large herbivores, which helps stop water accumulation in drainage ditches and protects nesting sites. This approach not only mitigates the effects of climate change but also prioritizes the protection of endangered bird species. The second objective is to preserve the genetic resources of Polish Konik horses and Polish Red cattle.
At this farm, Polish Konik horses contribute to protecting bird populations and ground-nesting habitats by improving meadow conditions. Effective practices observed include installing fences to deter small predators like foxes and badgers, managing water through ditches, channels, and waterbodies, and using photovoltaic energy to power electric fences and buildings.
Use of Horses to Preserve Biodiversity

This farm, a public society operating without economic profit, focuses on biodiversity conservation and the preservation of Polish Konik horses, serving as an educational hub for visitors. The farm receives funding from various organizations, including bird monitoring programs and the ACP-Rural Development Plan.
Spanning 1,800 hectares of grasslands (wet meadows), the farm is home to a rich coexistence of birds and animals. The primary activity centers on protecting bird populations by utilizing and preserving Polish Konik horses. Each year, from March to July, a high density of bird species, such as Great Snipes, Black-Tailed Godwits, and Eurasian Curlews, nests in these grasslands. Once bird numbers begin to decrease, Konik horses are introduced to the grasslands with two main objectives:
- Maintaining Grassland Conditions: Through grazing, trampling, and seeding, the horses ensure optimal grassland conditions for the next nesting cycle.
- Predator Deterrence: The presence of the horses helps drive away predators like foxes and badgers, enhancing bird safety.
Benefits
- Enhanced bird protection by supporting nesting and hatching periods while preserving Polish Konik horses.
- Improved grassland conditions through natural maintenance by the horses.
- Increased overall biodiversity of the farm.
Drawbacks
- Implementation on private farms is challenging due to the extensive management required and the time needed to monitor nesting.
- Potential conflicts between visitors and semi-wild horses, posing challenges for human-wildlife interaction.
Installation of Fences to Prevent Small Predators

This farm has implemented a fencing strategy that includes over- and under-ground nets to protect grasslands. This solution prevents predators from entering the area, safeguarding nesting and hatching birds as well as protecting the horses.
Purpose of the Solution
The farm is situated in a wet meadow with direct access to the forest. The waterlogged soil prevents small mammals from digging deeply enough to bypass the net and fence. Additionally, the wooden posts are tall to prevent animals from jumping over, and every second post is electrified for added security.
Implementation Cost
The cost of materials and labor for this solution ranges between €50 and €100 per meter, depending on the specific materials used and local labor rates.
Benefits
- Prevents animals from jumping over or burrowing under the fence to reach the grasslands.
- Protects horses from potential predators.
- Improves farm biodiversity by keeping external animals away from nesting birds.
Drawbacks
- Requires energy.
- Risk of animals receiving an electric shock.
Creation of Ditches for Water Management

This farm has implemented a system of ditches and canals to regulate rainfall water across its grasslands, improving water management and supporting both livestock and biodiversity.
Purpose of the Solution
The farm is in a wet meadow where rainfall accumulates during certain months of the year. To remove excess water from the grasslands and make the land usable, ditches and canals are constructed using sand and soil. These channels also accumulate natural vegetation, which acts as a water filter. Water flow is regulated through passage control structures, and horses can drink directly from the channels.
Implementation Cost
The estimated cost for implementing this solution is up to €20,000, depending on factors such as soil type, ditch dimensions, water control structures, labor rates, and environmental permits.
Benefits
- Removes excess water from grasslands.
- Provides drinking water for horses.
- Supports other animals in the pasture by granting access to water.
- Maintains biodiversity by carefully managing water levels.
- Reduces farmers’ workload and minimizes the need for higher investments.
Drawbacks
- The water may not meet “drinking water standards”, and horses could muddy it by walking through the channels.
- Disrupts the natural flow of water, as it deviates from natural meanders.
- Ditches must be shallow and accessible to ensure safe drinking for livestock.
Preservation of a Local Breed

This farm demonstrates how to integrate conservation and sustainable breeding practices, balancing the preservation of the heritage Konik horse breed with ecological goals.
Conservation Program for Konik Horses
The Polish Society for the Protection of Birds has developed a conservation program dedicated to the Konik Polish horse, an ancient semi-wild breed native to Poland. Known for their hardiness and adaptability, these horses possess unique traits such as resilience and a characteristic dun coat. The program includes selective breeding and genetic monitoring to preserve these traits, while also utilizing conservation grazing. Through this practice, Konik horses help restore and manage grasslands by preventing shrub overgrowth and maintaining open habitats, which supports local biodiversity.
Herd Management and Welfare
Approximately 100 Konik horses are kept in semi-wild conditions within natural or semi-natural habitats to preserve their wild instincts. During colder months, the horses are moved to protected winter pastures to ensure their welfare. Mares are covered every two years, and veterinary care, including deworming and supplemental feeding, is provided during harsh seasons when natural forage is insufficient. To ensure genetic diversity, the herd is divided into smaller groups (up to 8 animals), introducing different stallions for breeding.
Benefits
- Preserves the genetic diversity of Konik horses, serving as a genetic reserve.
- Positively impacts native grasslands.
Drawbacks
- Requires a resilient system that is not overly dependent on subsidies.
- Difficulties in selling Konik horses.
Use of Green Energy. Photovoltaic Panel Installation to Power Electric Fences and Buildings

This farm uses green energy by installing photovoltaic panels in various locations, including building roofs and fences, to power electric fences and farm structures sustainably.
Purpose of the Solution
The adoption of renewable energy through solar panels reduces reliance on fossil fuels, aligning with sustainable farming practices and benefiting the environment.
Implementation Cost
- Electric Fence Setup: A 20-50W solar panel system with a 12V battery, charge controller, and inverter costs approximately €200-500, depending on the panel and battery size.
- Roof Installation: A 36 kW peak photovoltaic system installed on an existing roof can cost around €45,000.
Costs will vary based on installation size, materials, and subsidies available in different countries.
Benefits
- Reduces reliance on the electricity grid, especially beneficial in areas with frequent power outages or fluctuating electricity prices.
- Decreases the farm’s carbon footprint.
- Enables off-grid electrification of remote plots or farm sections.
Drawbacks
- High initial installation costs for panels, inverters, and batteries, with a lengthy payback period.
- Requires ongoing maintenance, which adds to costs.
- Limited lifespan of components, particularly batteries.
- Performance depends on weather conditions.
- Disposal challenges for batteries and end-of-life solar panels.