From hidden beauty to tourist attraction: the Holt-Marcal in Győr is to get a water-based nature trail

The Fertő-Hanság National Park Directorate tender has been awarded to HUN-ROAD MOVA ÉPÍTŐ Kft. The „#emys” project, implemented under the INTERREG VI-A Hungary–Slovakia Programme, has four components that all serve the same purpose: the conservation of the Holt-Marcal aquatic habitat in Győr and the appropriate presentation of the species found there.

The turtles will have a more liveable environment

The first element involved inviting tenders for the development of the European pond turtle’s habitat through the revitalisation of the oxbow lakes (cadastral numbers Győr 01786 and 01782) situated alongside the Holt-Marcal, which were once diverted from the Rába. The main interventions planned here are:

• Construction of water-level control structures fitted with a barrier head
• dredging, and the removal of vegetation obstructing water flow (primarily fallen trees and any decaying reeds), totalling approximately 15,000 m²-en.

The second measure may involve replenishing the water in the wetland situated north-east of the Holt-Marcal. In order to improve the habitat of the marsh turtles living here, a solution must be found to replenish the water in the area; therefore, it will be necessary to

• for the construction of a water-level control structure fitted with a barrier head,
• and, to ensure the water supply, the dredging of the heavily silted-up supply channel over a length of 180 metres. The volume to be dredged is 500 m³.

They are attracting visitors with new attractions

The construction work on the nature trail built on stilts is the third task to be undertaken by the staff of HUN-ROAD MOVA. As part of the development of the Holt-Rába nature trail, the task involves constructing a boardwalk and a rest area. Here, showcasing the beauty of nature and creating a barrier to protect wildlife can be achieved simultaneously. The structures to be built as part of this project

• the length of the row of benches is 84.1 metres, and its width is 1.45 metres,
• the floor area of the bench row and the turtle observation area is 103.91 m².

A bilingual information board must also be installed, along with a prefabricated rest area with a thatched roof, seating eight people, surrounded by gravel and garden edging.

In addition to this, the Lipót–Gombócos Nature Conservation Centre building will be extended, which may involve converting the loft space. The project involves creating an exhibition and activity area in the building’s loft, complete with separate toilets for men and women. A water supply point and a small kitchenette are also to be installed to cater for any children’s activities.