The Trail of Forest Giants is a unique educational project implemented by the Forest Research Institute in Sękocin Stary. It was created in 2018-2022 with funding from the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management, and its main goal is to introduce visitors to the fascinating world of forest flora and fauna in a way that engages all the senses.

The project was initiated by a team of educators led by Grazyna Gluch, M.Sc., who, as coordinator, oversaw the creation of this remarkable didactic path. It is worth noting that the Forest Research Institute has a long history dating back to 1930, when it began its activities as a scientific institution dedicated to the study and protection of Polish forests. The Trail of Forest Giants is therefore a continuation of the Institute's educational mission, combining tradition with modern methods of transmitting knowledge.

What is the uniqueness of this place? First of all, on the scale of the models presented. 46 impressive exhibits depicting forest inhabitants in unprecedented sizes have been placed along the path:

• Mammals are presented in a natural scale of 1:1, which allows you to appreciate their actual size
• Birds have been magnified four times (4:1 scale), so you can see the finest details of their plumage
• The most spectacular are the insects and arachnids presented in macro XXL scale - the actually small creatures on the trail reach sizes that allow you to look closely at their structure
• Fungi presented in XL scale are very impressive, especially since the models include both edible and poisonous species

Each of the models was made of high-quality synthetic materials, such as epoxy resin and fiberglass, which ensures their durability and resistance to changing weather conditions. As a result, the trail can be explored all year round, although the best time is during the spring and summer months, when the forest is vibrant and weather conditions are favorable for longer walks.

The Trail of Forest Giants is not just static exhibits. Each model is accompanied by an information plate containing detailed descriptions, photos and educational tasks. This makes visiting the trail an interactive experience that engages not only the eye, but also the mind. The tasks have been designed with different age groups in mind, which means that both children and adults can find something for themselves.

An interesting fact is that the models have been arranged to reflect the natural habitat of the creatures depicted. Walking along the trail, therefore, you can not only admire the giant models, but also better understand the forest ecosystem and the relationships between its inhabitants. It's a kind of journey through the different layers of the forest - from the litter, undergrowth, undergrowth to the treetops.

Sekocin Forest, where the trail is located, has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. The first mention of the Sekocin settlement dates back to the 14th century, and the surrounding forests were then part of the royal estate. For centuries they were an important source of timber for the developing city of Warsaw, as well as a place for royal hunting. Today, Sekocin Forests are part of a larger complex of Chojnowsko-Sekocinski Forests, which are the green lungs of Warsaw's southern environs.

The Trail of Forest Giants is part of the historical tradition of the place, combining it with a modern approach to nature education. Walking among the giant models, you can almost feel as if you are in a fairy-tale land, where ordinary forest creatures grow to extraordinary sizes, revealing their secrets to us.

The Trail of Forest Giants is a place that perfectly combines the educational function with entertainment, offering visitors a unique experience of communing with nature. Each of the 46 models is not only an impressive sculpture, but also a source of fascinating knowledge about the forest ecosystem.

Wandering along the path, one can learn about the species diversity of Polish forests, which often escapes our attention during ordinary walks. The models present both common species and those less commonly seen or protected. Thanks to this, visitors have a chance to see up close creatures that are difficult to observe in natural conditions - whether due to their small size, nocturnal lifestyle or skittishness.

Particularly interesting are the insect models, which in reality measure only a few millimeters, and on the trail are presented on a scale that allows you to see the finest details of their structure. You can take a close look at the complex structure of the eyes of complex beetles, the structure of the mouth apparatus of butterflies or the leg system of ants. These details, invisible to the naked eye in nature, on the trail become a fascinating lesson in entomology.

Of note is the section on mushrooms, which includes models of both edible and poisonous species. This is an excellent opportunity to learn how to identify the different species and which ones can pose a deadly threat. The mushroom models are made with extreme attention to detail, reproducing the characteristic features of hats, stems or blades. For many visitors, especially city dwellers, this may be the first opportunity to get such a close look at the diversity of the fungal world.

Another interesting aspect of the trail is the opportunity to learn about local legends and stories related to the forest. Many information boards contain not only dry scientific facts, but also references to folk beliefs and traditions related to the creatures depicted. You can learn, for example, why the ladybug was called 'God's fudge' and the significance of spiders or owls in folk beliefs. These cultural contexts enrich the tour experience, showing how deeply nature is embedded in our culture and traditions.

The Forest Giants Trail is also a place that changes with the seasons. In spring you can admire nature awakening to life, in summer enjoy the shade of the trees, in autumn delight in the colors of the leaves, and in winter discover the charms of a forest covered in snow. Each season offers a different experience and allows you to see the trail in a new light. This makes the place worth visiting repeatedly, each time discovering new aspects of forest life.

For families with children, the Forest Giants Trail is a real treasure. Children, who are often difficult to interest in traditional forms of nature education, respond enthusiastically to giant models of insects or mushrooms. The opportunity to stand eye to eye with an ant the size of a dog or a butterfly with a wingspan exceeding the height of a human is an experience that awakens imagination and curiosity about the world. Educational tasks tailored to different age groups allow children to actively participate in the tour and not just passively absorb information.

It is worth mentioning the rest areas located along the trail. Specially designed picnic areas allow for a moment's rest and a meal outdoors. This is an excellent opportunity to extend your stay in the forest and fully enjoy contact with nature. For many families from Warsaw and the surrounding area, this is the perfect place for a day trip that combines education, entertainment and physical activity.

The Forest Giants Trail is also a handicap-friendly place. The trail has been designed to allow access for people in wheelchairs, and information boards have been placed at a height accessible to all visitors. This is an important aspect that makes nature education accessible to a wide audience.

It is interesting to note that the Trail of Forest Giants is part of the larger educational infrastructure of the Forest Research Institute. Nearby is the Forest Education Chamber, where workshops, lessons and presentations on forest topics are organized. For organized groups, it is possible to order special classes conducted by educators who can tell about the life of the forest and its inhabitants in a fascinating way.

When planning a visit to the Trail of Forest Giants, it is worthwhile to read some practical information that will help you take full advantage of the potential of this place. The nature trail is open to visitors on weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. There is a registration desk at the entrance, where you must sign up - a formality related to security and monitoring of the number of visitors.

The price of admission to the trail is very affordable, it can be described as cheap, which makes this attraction accessible to families of different financial status. This is an important aspect, especially in the context of nature education, which should be accessible to all. However, it is worth remembering that prices are subject to change, so it is best to check the current information on the Forest Research Institute's website before visiting.

Getting to the Forest Giants Trail is relatively easy. For those traveling by car, parking is available at the headquarters of the Forest Research Institute in Sekocin Stary. The site is also accessible by public transportation - the nearest bus stop is located on Krakowska Avenue, from where the trail can be reached on foot in about 10 minutes.

When planning a visit, it is worth considering the time of year and weather conditions. Although the trail is accessible year-round, the best time to visit is from April to October, when weather conditions are favorable for longer walks outdoors. During the summer, it's a good idea to bring headgear and water, as some parts of the trail get a lot of sunlight. In spring and autumn, on the other hand, comfortable, waterproof shoes will come in handy, as the paths can be wet in places.

The Forest Giants Trail is not the only attraction offered by the Sekotin Forest. This vast forest complex hides many other treasures worth discovering during a visit. One of them is the arboretum - a collection of trees and shrubs from different climatic zones, which is a kind of outdoor dendrological museum. Walking along the alleys of the arboretum, you can admire species that do not occur in natural conditions in Polish forests, as well as learn about the history of the introduction of various tree species in Poland.

Another interesting place is the experimental field of the Forest Research Institute, where research is conducted on various aspects of forest management. Although not all parts of the field are open to the public, in designated areas you can see what the work of scientists studying the forest and its ecosystem looks like.

Sekotin Forest is also a paradise for bird lovers. More than 100 species have been observed here so far, including many rare and protected species. It's worth taking binoculars and an ornithological guide with you to identify the species you encounter. Especially in the early morning, you can hear and see many interesting birds, such as woodpeckers, jays and myotis.

For those interested in the history of the region, the remains of former World War II fortifications will be of interest. In the forests you can come across fragments of trenches and fortifications, which are mute witnesses to the turbulent history of the area. These historical traces are a reminder that the forest was not only a source of raw materials and a place for wildlife, but also a shelter for people in difficult times.

It is worth mentioning the local tradition of mushroom picking, which has a long history in the Sekocinski Forest. In autumn, you can find many mushroom pickers looking for bay boletes, buttermilks or chanterelles. For those who are just beginning their adventure with mushroom picking, the mushroom models on the Trail of Forest Giants can be an excellent lesson in recognizing edible and poisonous species.

Sekocinski Forest is also a place associated with local legends and stories. One of them tells of a mysterious 'Forest Grandfather' - the guardian spirit of the forest, who helps lost hikers, but punishes those who do not respect nature. Another tale concerns a hidden treasure that is said to have been buried in the forest by Swedish soldiers during the Deluge. Although these are only legends, they add to the mystery and charm of the place.

All in all, the Trail of Forest Giants in Sekocinski Forest is a unique place that combines nature education with a fascinating adventure. Giant models of forest creatures allow you to look at the forest from a completely new perspective, revealing secrets that remain hidden from human sight on a daily basis. This is an ideal option for a day trip for families with children, school groups or simply nature lovers who want to deepen their knowledge of the forest ecosystem. Just 20 minutes from the center of Warsaw, a world full of fascinating discoveries and unforgettable experiences awaits.