Beka was a small village located in northern Poland within the Pomeranian Voivodeship. The settlement of Beka was established nearly 500 years ago, but today we can only find faint remnants of this once vibrant fishing community.
Text & Photo: Bjørn Joachimsen
The earliest record of the settlement dates back to the 16th century, when a timber store situated near Osłonino at the mouth of the Reda River was documented. Over time, buildings with stone foundations began to appear in the area; however, none of these structures have survived to the present day.
Development in the 19th Century
In the 19th century, one of the streams flowing through the Reda River was channelled, creating a canal that took its name from the settlement. From that point on, the process stopped that previously allowed the river to carry in stones, which had helped to reduce erosion effects until then.
Beka in Poland. ©Bjørn Joachimsen
20th Century Changes and Decline
By 1921, the settlement was inhabited by two fishermen and had two registered rowing boats. In 1959, a fire broke out in the fishing village, destroying buildings and leading to the complete abandonment of the site. The remaining traces of human activity were gradually erased by nature. Over the roughly fifty years since the fire, the shoreline has shifted towards the settlement by approximately 96–98 metres, making storms a serious threat to what remains. At present, the only visible remnants are the stone foundations of lakeside cottages and a few trees that once provided shade for the houses
Beka in Poland. ©Bjørn Joachimsen
Beka Nature Reserve
Beka is today a valuable nature reserve that protects important wetland and forest areas in Poland. The reserve is situated around the village of Beka and aims to preserve the unique flora and fauna of the region.
Ecological Significance
This reserve is particularly renowned for its diverse ecosystem, which attracts many bird species, especially waterfowl and migratory birds. Beka plays a vital role in conserving biodiversity and serves as a sanctuary for threatened species. The area has been carefully protected to maintain the natural balance, ensuring that both plants and animals can thrive. It is also a popular spot for nature tourism, birdwatching, and environmental education.
The Beka reserve is a fine example of Poland's efforts in nature conservation and the preservation of important wetlands for future generations.
The photographs in this article were recorded with a Pentax 645Nii camera and Ilford Delta 400 Professional film.