Mura - Ižakovci
The central part of the Mura River in Slovenia has long been regulated, preventing it from natural meandering. The river channel is also partly fortified with cement and stone blocks.
In the past, Mura used to form extensive side channels and oxbow lakes, some of which are still visible today.
Several of the remaining water bodies are still being used by recreational fishing clubs, yet many more channels and lakes have been drained. Thus, some habitats that are characterised by a high biodiversity have been lost.
Black stork (Ciconia nigra)
Recently, conservation efforts have been focusing on restoring and revitalising these biodiversity hot spots.
At Ižakovci, several projects have been carried out to revitalise the old river channels. In the process of restoring the overgrown oxbow lakes at the Otok ljubezni (Island of Love) near Ižakovci, the Mura’s water recently flowed back into the cleared channels. An important recreational and tourist spot has thus become even more attractive, especially for young people. Between Veržej and Ižakovci in the area of the railway and road bridge over the river Mura, fresh gravel can be seen.
Due to the extensive historical meandering of the Mura, it was rarely crossed by bridges.
Instead, fords were used for transport across river banks. Several of these old fords are still in operation today. One of them is located near Ižakovci at the Island of Love. The deepening of the Mura riverbed is making access to the fords increasingly difficult.
In Ižakovci there is also a floating mill on the river Mura, which is characterised by having both boats on the water surface and nothing on the shore. The picture shows the wheel of the mill, which is being repaired.
In Ižakovci there is also a floating mill on the river Mura, which is characterised by having both boats on the water surface and nothing on the shore. The picture shows the wheel of the mill, which is being repaired.
In Ižakovci there is also a floating mill on the river Mura, which is characterised by having both boats on the water surface and nothing on the shore. The wheel of the mill in the picture is missing due to repairs.
In this short movie Mr. Viktor Bogdan explains how mills were renovated and repaired and how they grind the flour in them.
