Area description
Some of the most beautiful wet meadows of Ljubljana marsh are preserved in the area of Iška Moor. The wet meadows are very important for rare grassland birds and other animals, as well as for plants. Other environments, such as hedges, stands of tall herbs, shrubs, flood forest, restored meadows (that were being overgrown) and transitional forms are also present in the moor. The reserve itself is situated beside the regulated river Iška – though some remains of her former stream can still be seen here. Iška moor is managed by DOPPS – Birdlife Slovenia.

Access
With the city bus (LPP): We can arrive fairly close to the reserve with the city bus (LPP) Barje – Jezero. We get off at the bus stop ‘’Lipe’’ and continue our way on a macadam road on the left bank of Iška river in direction against the current. After 2 kilometres we reach a wooden bridge over Iška that marks the beginning of the trail across the reserve.

With the intercity bus: We can also visit the reserve by taking an intercity bus, which runs between Ljubljana and Iška loka. We get off the bus in the village Brest and continue on foot towards west on an asphalt road, until we reach a bridge over Iška. After crossing the bridge we turn on one of two macadam roads that lead against the current and towards north. After a kilometre we reach the wooden bridge over Iška. The corn crake trail (Koščeva pot), which leads across the reserve, begins on the right bank of the river.

With a bicycle: A bicycle road that branches from Črna vas in the south crosses the reserve. In the middle of the way to Brest, we notice signs that direct us to an unpaved path. We leave the bicycle here and continue on foot. The reserve is also reachable from south (village Podpeč).

Trail description
The corn crake trail (Koščeva učna pot), which is divided into two parts, leads across the reserve. A paved trail leading across the embankment along the river and the wooden landing ends at a wooden (wicker) observatory. We can also do a circular way (with an ending at the starting point) by continuing on the unpaved path through the shrubs and flood forest. Halfway through our walk the unpaved path joins a macadam road (bicycle road). If we turn right (towards south) here, we come to Brest, where it is possible to board a bus. In order to prevent and decrease the disturbance of birds, we shouldn’t leave the marked trails. One hour is needed to do the round trip on the paved trail. If we choose to do the circular walk additional two hours are needed.

Birds
More than half of nesting bird species of the Ljubljana marsh are found in the reserves area. The most famous is the highly endangered corn crake, who still resides on the late mown meadows of the marsh. We must also pay attention to northern lapwing, Eurasian curlew and common quail, which we’ll mainly recognise by their distinctive sounds. Especially in the morning and night time numerous songbirds, such as the tree pipit, nightingale, whinchat and different species of warblers, can be heard. Migrating thrush and various members of the Sylviidae family can be observed feeding with fruits of shrubs in autumn. In winter the reserve is home for birds (such as the hen harrier and great grey shrike) coming from the north.

Other plants and animals
The wet unfertilized meadows are special because of their flora. Anacamptis palustris, common spotted orchid, cottongrass, summer snowflake, marsh thistle and other plants thrive here. The meadows are also home to endangered butterflies, like false ringlet and large cooper. Many different dragonflies flying above the meadows can also be observed sitting in the hedges. Mantis is another insect species that can be seen here, whereas the European tree frog is the most notable amphibian in the area.

Interesting links
Nature reserve Iški morost
Ljubljana marsh nature park