Poland: SiltaNews – News Desk
A Polish man discovered a glass bottle containing a miniature ecosystem while picking mushrooms in a forest. The man, Adam Kaniewski, set out mushroom picking in the woods near Kamieńsk, about 200 kilometers southwest of Warsaw. After about an hour and a half, a glass bottle lying in the forest canopy caught his eye.
Moss, fallen leaves, and a small porcini mushroom had formed a miniature ecosystem within the bottle, which had been sealed by dirt. Surprised by the sight, Adam took several photos and shared them on Facebook in the group “Grzyby, Grzybiarze – województwo łódzkie,” which brings together mushroom enthusiasts from the central Polish Łódzkie province.
Within hours, his post went viral. Over 5,000 users liked the photos, and hundreds left comments admiring the power of nature. “Like a ship in a bottle, only alive,” one person wrote. Others called it “a forest in a bottle” and “a small miracle.” However, some thought it was fake.
“Cool model. How long did it take you to make it?” one person asked. Such natural “terrariums” can form when moisture and organic matter become trapped in a sealed space, creating a humid environment that supports plant and fungal growth.
However, environmental experts point out that this wonder emerged from pollution rather than care for nature. Forest littering remains a widespread problem around the world. Discarded bottles, cans, and plastic bags accumulate near trails and roads, posing risks to soil, groundwater, and wildlife.
Glass and plastic waste can release harmful substances into the environment, while animals may accidentally ingest pieces of trash. On hot days, reflective glass can also cause fires.