In our article we want to talk about the Meshchera land. It was these lands that Konstantin Paustovsky described in his famous novel The Meshcherskaya Side. Why is it so remarkable?
Where is the Meshchersky region?
Meshchersky lands are located near Moscow, between Ryazan and Vladimir. They form a kind of triangle with a total area of about 25 thousand square kilometers.
Here, all the land is completely covered with forests. This is one of those few islands of green massifs that have survived and have survived to our times, which used to be part of a single great belt of coniferous trees. Once it stretched from the Urals to Polesie.
Many millennia ago, the Meshchersky region was covered by a glacier. When he came down, after him there was a lowland, now called the Meshchera Depression. It is in its depth that the Meshchera forests are located - wild and reserved places. Coniferous species prevail here. There are a huge number of peat bogs and lakes.
Rivers and lakes of the region
In these parts, the lakes and rivers Pra and Buzha formed a large water system that stretches from north to south for more than 270 kilometers. Spring spills turn all ponds into one huge lake. During the spring flood, water covers more than 60% of the land of the inner Meshchera.
The banks of lakes and rivers are covered with birch and fern, juniper and heather, centuries-old spruce and oak. Meshchersky forests are primarily spruce, peat, cranberries, mushrooms and swamps.
In general, this region is rich in surface waters, this serves as an explanation for the existence of such a huge number of lakes and rivers in a not very large territory.
Forests of the Meshchera Lowland
Of course, the soils of these lands have their own peculiarity. This in a certain way affects the species composition of trees growing here. Pine and spruce, birch and aspen prevail. All together these species comprise mixed Meshchera forests. However, one can also find independent arrays that consist of any one tree species, for example, only spruce or only pine. And yet, it should be noted that the dominant species of tree species is pine. Here you will find the most beautiful pine forests.
You should definitely visit the Meshchersky forests. A trip to these parts will give you a lot of positive emotions and impressions. It is not too often to find completely wild, untouched places. And here you will not leave the feeling that you are in a fairy forest. Togo and look at the edge of the hut will appear on chicken legs with Baba Yaga.
Marsh Caves
Of particular interest are not only the Meshchera forests, but also the swamps. People have made many attempts to drain them and build industrial facilities in these places. However, later the attitude to this land changed a little, and people realized that it is better to protect the swamps, since they are the basis of life for a large number of plants and animals.
Low marshlands are covered with grassy vegetation with prevalence of sedge and horsetail, and birch, pine and alder dominate from tree species. There are few horse moors left. Sphagnum moss covers them; cranberries, heather, blueberries, rosemary and sundew grow excellently on it, which has become a rarity even for these places.
In general, there are few left-over wetlands due to peat mining, which has been here for the last 50 years. This certainly affected the climate of the area and the condition of surface and groundwater.
If you want to see a wild land untouched by man, then you certainly need to get into the Meshchersky forests. Highland is generally a mysterious ancient place. On a hike along it you will get to know better the lakes, forests and swamps.
Fauna of the Meshchera
Meadows occupy a very small part of the Meshchera. They are mainly located in floodplains. In spring and autumn, water meadows become a place of accumulation of many waterfowl, and geese stop here. In the spring, freshwater fish come here to spawn.
It should be noted that the animal world of the Meschera is quite rich and diverse. There are ungulates: deer, roe deer, wild boar and elk. As for birds, there are still numerous capercaillie, hazel grouse, black grouse, hawks, gray cranes and others. You can also find exotic specimens in these parts, such as, for example, Russian muskrat.
Meshchersky forests have become a real home for white hares, squirrels and foxes. There are a lot of them here.
Protected areas
Of course, Meshchera was influenced by man, but there were still places that did not suffer much from human activity, or even retained their original appearance. Such sites are of genuine interest for study, and therefore require close protection. If we preserve the forests of the Meschera, then we will have a piece of pristine and wild nature, which is home to many rare birds and animals.
Currently, there are already more than 20 reserves in the area. There is even one natural monument. You will be surprised, but these are three hundred year old pines. They are of great value and interest, and also require a special security regime.
Protected areas of the region comprise an area of more than 40 hectares, and this is a significant figure for the region. It must be remembered that most of the territories are lakes, swamps and rivers. So, most of the reserves are associated with water. That is what played a decisive role in their names: "Holy Lake", "Valley of the River Field", "Blue Creek", "Lake White".
All reserves are scattered across the territory and have a different area. All of them can be, purely conditionally, divided into 3 types (for the purpose of creation): zoological, botanical, complex. There are wildlife sanctuaries that are created specifically for the protection of a certain species of animals and plants, such as, for example, Lake Beloe. And there are those in which they comprehensively approach the protection of all flora and fauna.
In the reserve "Lake Beloe" they are engaged in the study and conservation of such a plant as a midwort lake. It is notable for the fact that it is able to create whole meadows in shallow water, and in the depths real forests. And in the "Valley of the River Fields" they guard and breed beavers. Due to this, their population increased and now this beast has become an ordinary (non-endangered) inhabitant of the forest rivers of the region.
Skis in the Meshchersky park
However, not only in the summer the Meshchersky forest is interesting. Skiing is something that this region can still be interesting in winter time. The fact is that in the Meshchersky park five routes have been developed. Two of them are tourist destinations, and three are sports. Ski trails dotted the entire park area.
The longest sports track is the ring, the length of which is more than 5 kilometers. Two more sports destinations are a bit shorter: 1.3 kilometers and 4 kilometers.
As for tourist routes, two routes are provided, their lengths are 2.6 and 1.8 kilometers.
All of them are designed, both for supporters of the classical style, and for lovers of skating. They are maintained in very good condition, because competitions are held here. Do not worry, if you still do not know how to ski, you will be taught the basics of this art. For those who are just starting to ride, they conduct special group classes with professionals.
I would like to note that all these entertainments are offered to visitors by the Meshchersky park, which is located in the Odintsovo district of the Moscow region. Do not confuse it with the Meshchersky National Park, which is located in the Ryazan Region, and its activity is aimed exclusively at preserving the country's natural and historical-cultural wealth. Meshchersky National Park was established in 1992. Imagine that its total area is 105, 000 hectares. Only lakes in the territory of 28.
Things to do in Meshchersky Park
In general, the Meshchersky park (in the Odintsovo district of the Moscow region) can offer you cycling around the territory, children's entertainment (slides, tunnels, labyrinths, rock climbing and much more), tracks for sports jogging, a professional football field that meets FIFA requirements, for children Panda Park, Roller Track. And keep in mind that no matter what type of vacation you choose, you will be surrounded by the Meshchersky forest all day. The location of the park itself is convenient in that it is absolutely close to Moscow. And at the same time, you find yourself in a region of completely wild nature. Believe that you will be satisfied with the time that you spend here. Moreover, there is something to do for any person - both a lover of outdoor activities and a supporter of a calmer and more measured rhythm. But for children here is just a real fairy tale, a lot of entertainment and nature around.
You can get to the park with your own car from Moscow along the highway to Kasimov (the distance is approximately 185 kilometers).
