Kalloni Wetland ( Just 20 kms from Vatera village ):
Kalloni wetland is one of the most important ecological parts of Lesvos island. The seaside areas around Kalloni Gulf are a big ecosystem, since at the area there are salt-pans, streams, small rivers, pine forests and olive groves. So the wetlands are a kind of shelter and reproductive place for rare and protected kinds of bird.
The wetland includes all the inner place of the Gulf and a great number of the terrestrial wetlands: the salt-pans of Kalloni and Polichnitos, the streams Tsiknias, Vouvaris, Milopotamos, Ennea Kamares, Potamia, the lagoon of Messa, the marsh of Skala Kallonis, Parakoila, Nifida e.t.c.
The area of the gulf has subsumed to the European Program "Special Preserved Areas of Nature" of the Net NATURA 2000. More than 134 bird species have recorded, 66 of these are emigrational.
The last few years bird-watching in the wetland attracts many visitors - scientists - outdoorsies. Kinds like brown goose, black storks, white storks, pink flamingos, cormorants, swans, are available for observation. The best period for bird watching is during spring and autumn.
Bird-watching is a widely spread activity, what will develop more in the future thanks to the infrastructure, that is going to settle there (observation posts, Environmental Informing Center, e.t.c.). The area shows great interest, since is full of trees, plants, olive trees, pine trees, many kinds of orchids, small animals and has great ecological importance for Lesvos island
Polichnitos & Vatera Wetland ( 3-5 kms from Vatera Village ):
One of the most beautiful areas of Lesvos island is Polichnitos, at the southeast side of Kalloni Gulf, that is a special wetland. More than 100 bird species have been recorded, some of these are emigrational. Biologists and amateur bird watchers this place is a live history museum. Bird watching is possible all over the year, especially in spring that there are more species.
Species like swans, pink flamingos, white storks are only a few of the kinds that can be observed. The terrestrial wetlands of Polichnitos are important parts of the area. Reptiles, mammals and amphibian find shelter there. Turtles, foxes, lizards, bats complete the scene. Between the animals the squirrel "Sciurus Anomalus" lives only here. Apart from the fauna, special place has the flora also. Oak trees, apple trees, roses, mint, wild herbage, mushrooms e.t.c complete the beautiful scene.
Evergetoulas Wetland ( 30 kms from Vatera ):
Great ecological importance has for the region of Evergetoulas, the wetland around the area of Ntipi (River Evergetoulas- Ntipi marsh). The wetland of Ntipi has a great number of plants, reptiles, amphibians, birds, insects e.t.c. Some kinds are rare. The waters of the river branches, create areas of natural beauty so that the area subsumed to the program Natura 2000.
