Seven Valleys of Érsekhalma

Area: 26 ha

Legal declaration by Decree No. 23/1998. KTM

Biogeographic region: Turján-vidék

This reserve is located in the middle section of the Kecel-Baja High Bank, which is one of the geomorphologically most fascinating areas of the transitional zone between the Danube Plain and Upper Backa. The high bank was the first dry spot by the wetlands of the pre-regulation floodplain, and has been populated since the Bronze Age. An earthen fortification was built here in the Middle Bronze Age and its remains are still visible. Because of this historical value, the area was declared a “Protected area of historic-archaeological importance” in 1991 but now its natural values are also acknowledged. The loess surface is structured by seven smaller and larger valleys, created by runoff water during a humid period after the last Ice Age. Owing to the high fertility of the loess soils, the plateau of the high bank has been used for agriculture for centuries.

The north-western slopes of the valleys are covered by the flowers of Crocus reticulatus in early spring, which are followed by Dwarf Iris and Dwarf Russian Almond.  Slopes and the bottom of the valleys are covered by hawthorn scrub at some spots, providing nesting ground for Blackcap, Barred Warbler and Common Whitethroat. The steep loess walls at the western edge of the area are used by European Bee-eaters and Sand Martins for nesting.