The reserve protects one of the last remaining fragments of the original beech forest that once covered the Silesian Upland.
The ground surface within the reserve is marked by 'pucher'—funnel-shaped depressions resulting from the collapse of shallow medieval mining shafts.
The forest floor features unique flora adapted to soils enriched with heavy metals, a legacy of historical mining activities.
It is a key component of the UNESCO-inscribed 'Tarnowskie Góry Lead-Silver-Zinc Mine and its Underground Water Management System'.
The terrain is intentionally left in a natural state, meaning fallen trees are not removed, facilitating forest regeneration and biodiversity.
The reserve functions as an important refuge for bats, which utilize the nearby post-mining voids for hibernation.
Rezerwat Przyrody Segiet is a strict nature reserve protecting an ancient beech-fir forest located on the border of Tarnowskie Góry and Bytom. The area encompasses the historical Srebrna Góra hill, which bears visible scars from centuries of lead and silver ore mining. The forest is characterized by trees exceeding 150 years in age, preserved due to the difficult terrain caused by underground mining subsidence. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage property encompassing the Tarnowskie Góry Lead-Silver-Zinc Mine. The reserve acts as a vital ecological corridor, hosting diverse plant species and varied geological landforms.
The junction of the main forest path where the sunlight filters through the high-reaching beech canopy into the hollows.
Stick strictly to the marked paths, as the ground outside the trails can be uneven and prone to sudden collapse due to historical mine shafts.
Visit after light rain to see the vibrant green of the moss and ferns, which stand out against the grey, mineral-rich soil.
Bring binoculars if visiting in spring or autumn to observe migratory birds that frequent the high canopy.
Do not wander into the surrounding dense forest off-trail, as the mining subsidence is unstable and poorly marked.
Stay on marked trails to avoid damaging sensitive protected flora and to prevent injury from hidden sinkholes.
