Many large reserves are located in Russia. Visiting such places is really interesting, because here you can see a lot of new things. Beautiful nature, centuries-old trees, rare animals - all this is in many famous reserves. Yuntolovsky Reserve is no exception. The article will discuss this wonderful place. General information about him, his location and other interesting facts about the reserve will be considered.
Yuntolovsky Nature Reserve: general information
To begin with, it’s worth a little talk about what this reserve is. This is truly a unique place, because it has incredibly beautiful nature. Also, a large number of different animals, including rare ones, live in the reserve. But this is far from everything that a natural reserve can hit. The area on which the object is located is really huge. It is 976.8 hectares. Not every reserve can boast of such a scale.
This important natural site was established in 1990. And in 1999, its borders were designated. Also, the territory of the reserve is under special protection. Now it has the status of a state nature reserve of regional significance. Thus, we got to know this wonderful place a little, and it is worthwhile to talk more about where it is located.
Where is the sanctuary located?
So, you need to consider the location of this wonderful object. It is located in St. Petersburg, in the west of the city, in the Primorsky district. Nearby are several residential areas. Interestingly, its territory is located almost in the Lakhtinsky lowland. If we consider the natural zone, to which the Yuntolovsky reserve belongs, then we can say that it lies in the subzone of the southern taiga.
Of interest are the borders of the reserve, now they remain the same as at the time of its foundation. It includes several large facilities. Among them, it is necessary to separately note the Lakhtinsky spill, several rivers - Yuntolovka, Kamenka and Chernaya. Also, you should not deprive the Lakhtinsky swamp, most of which belongs to the territory of the reserve.
Thus, we got acquainted with the location of this natural complex, and also learned better what is included in its borders.
How and when did the reserve appear?
Many are interested in what is Yuntolovsky Park? The reserve was created a long time ago. Now it’s worth separately to talk about the history of this object. The idea of creating a protected natural area here began to appear at the beginning of the 20th century. Then for these purposes it was proposed to use the northern part of the Neva Bay. At the same time, many experts have developed proposals for the creation of a reserve. They considered the Lakhtinsky lowland one of the most interesting examples of the local landscape and vegetation. However, these are far from all the reasons that served as the reason for such a decision. In this area, various species of birds often stopped during spring and autumn flights.
Despite all the reasons, the reserve was never organized, because the authorities did not support this project. However, a special excursion station, as well as a Museum of Nature, began to function here. Various studies were carried out at the station, the results of which are of great scientific importance. Nevertheless, in 1990 it was decided to create the Yuntolovsky State Nature Reserve in this place. Now it is a very important object from both a scientific and a historical point of view.
History of the area
It is also necessary to tell a little about the history of the Lakhta lowland and the process of its development by man. These places have been used for a long time. At first agricultural land was located here, especially a lot of them were on the banks of the Yuntolovka and Kamenka rivers.
In the XIX century, these territories underwent significant changes. A new railway was held here. Around the same time, active drainage of local swamps began. And already in the XX century, active peat mining began here. They lasted a rather long period of time. During the war, peat mined here was used in the city as a fuel.
Already in the post-war period, soil was excavated here to restore the city. Due to this, the Lakhtinsky spill has become much deeper. Also in these places continued to produce peat. These processes continued until the 90s, when it was decided to create a reserve.
What is growing in the reserve?
Now that we are fully acquainted with the history of this natural area, it is also worth talking about the local flora. Yuntolovsky Nature Reserve boasts a real abundance of representatives of the plant world. Mostly wonderful pine and birch forests grow on its territory. Often here you can see lowlands and marshy areas. Sometimes there is black alder and various shrub trees. Of particular interest on the territory of the reserve is a plant such as swamp broom. It has long been listed in the Red Book. Thus, it becomes clear that Yuntolovsky is a real nature reserve, where there are a large number of different plants, including rare ones.
Fauna of the reserve
So, we talked about the plants that are located on the territory of this important natural site. It is necessary to note the wildlife, as this is a very important point for the reserve. There are many species of birds, as well as mammals. Many of them are listed in the Red Book.
If we talk about birds, then there are about 100 species. An additional 50 are added to them during flights, as well as in summer and winter. Some rare bird species, about 25 species, are specially bred here. Among them are bittern, small spotted woodpecker, oriole, broad-toed, and many others. Of interest is the fact that now in the reserve there is an increase in the number of osprey. This species is extremely rare in similar latitudes. It is also listed in the Red Book.
As for mammals, here you can often see a fox, roe deer, white hare, muskrat and other animals. Due to such an abundance of interesting animals and plants, many seek to visit the Yuntolovsky Reserve. Photos of this natural site can be seen in many guides and other materials.
How to get to the reserve?
Of course, many who want to visit this unique natural area are interested in the question of how to get to it. It is not at all difficult to do this, since the reserve is located directly in St. Petersburg. You can get to it by private car or by land transport along the Planernaya and Glukharskaya streets, as well as along Shuvalovsky Prospect. The nearest metro station is Novaya Derevnya.
