In our article we want to talk about Meshchera land. It was these regions that Konstantin Paustovsky described in his famous story "Meshcherskaya Side". Why is she so remarkable?
Where is the Meshchersky region?
Meshchersky lands are not far from Moscow, between Ryazan and Vladimir. They form a kind of triangle with a total area of about 25 thousand square kilometers.
Here the whole land is completely covered with forests. This is one of those few islands of green massifs that have survived and survived to our times, which used to be part of a single great belt of coniferous trees. Once it stretched from the Urals to Polissya.
Many millennia ago, the Meshchera region was covered by a glacier. When he descended, he left behind a lowland, now called the Meshcherskaya Depression. It is in its depths that the Meshchera forests are located - wild and reserved places. Conifers predominate here. There are a huge number of peatlands 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 spillsturn all bodies of water into one huge lake. During the spring flood, more than 60% of the land of the inner Meshchera is covered with water.
The shores of lakes and rivers are covered with birch and fern, juniper and heather, centuries-old spruces and oaks. Meshchera forests are primarily spruce, peat, cranberries, mushrooms and swamps.
In general, this region is rich in surface water, this serves as an explanation for the existence of such a huge number of lakes and rivers in a not very large area.
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 the trees growing here. Pine and spruce, birch and aspen predominate. Together, these species make up mixed Meshchera forests. However, you can also find independent arrays, which consist of one kind of trees, for example, only from 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 that you can find completely wild, untouched places. And here you will not leave the feeling that you are in a fairy forest. Just look at the edge of the forest, a hut on chicken legs with Baba Yaga will appear.
Meshchera Swamps
Especially interesting are not only Meshchera forests, but also swamps. A lot has been done by peopleattempts to drain them and build industrial facilities in these places. However, later the attitude towards this land changed a little, and people realized that it is still better to protect the swamps, since they are the basis of life for a large number of plants and animals.
Low swamps are covered with herbaceous vegetation with a predominance of sedge and horsetail, and birch, pine and alder dominate tree species. There are few raised bogs left. They are covered with sphagnum moss; cranberries, heather, blueberries, rosemary and sundew, which have become rare even for these places, grow well on it.
In general, there are few undrained swamps due to peat extraction, which have been here for the last 50 years. This certainly affected the climate of the area and the state of surface and groundwater.
If you want to see a wild untouched land, then you definitely need to get to the Meshchersky forests. Tugolesye is generally a mysterious ancient place. Hiking along it you will get to know the lakes, forests and swamps better.
Animal world of Meshchera
Meadows occupy a very small part of Meshchera. They are mainly located in river floodplains. In spring and autumn, water meadows become a gathering place for many waterfowl, geese stop here. In the spring, freshwater fish come here to spawn.
It should be noted that the fauna of Meshchera is quite rich and diverse. Ungulates are found here: deer, roe deer, wild boar and elk. As for the birds, there are stillcapercaillie, hazel grouse, black grouse, hawks, common cranes and others are numerous. You can also find downright exotic specimens in these parts, such as, for example, the Russian muskrat.
Meshchersky forests have become a real home for white hares, squirrels and foxes. There are a large number of them here.
Reserved areas
Of course, Meshchera has been influenced by man, but there are still places that have not suffered much from human activity, or even completely retained their original appearance. Such sites are of genuine interest for study, and therefore require close protection. If we preserve the forests of Meshchera, then we will have a piece of primeval and wild nature, which is home to many rare birds and animals.
Currently, there are more than 20 game reserves in this 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.
The protected areas of the region make up 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. This means that most of the reserves are connected with water. This is what played a decisive role in their names: “Holy Lake”, “Polya River Valley”, “Blue Backwater”, “White Lake”.
All reserves are scattered throughout the territory and have a different area. All of them can be, purely conditionally, divided into 3 types (according to the purpose of creation):zoological, botanical, complex. There are reserves that were created specifically for the protection of a certain type of animals and plants, such as, for example, Lake Beloe. And there are those in which a comprehensive approach to the protection of all flora and fauna.
In the reserve "Lake Beloe" they are studying and preserving such a plant as the lake halfwort. It is notable for the fact that it is able to create entire meadows in shallow water, and real forests at depth. And in the "Polya River Valley" beavers are guarded and bred. Due to this, their population has increased and now this animal has become a common (not disappearing) inhabitant of the forest rivers of the region.
Skiing in Meshchersky Park
However, the Meshchera forest is interesting not only in summer. Skiing is something that this region can still be interesting in winter. The fact is that five routes have been developed in Meshchersky Park. Two of them are tourist destinations, and three are sports. The entire park territory is dotted with ski routes.
The longest sports track is the ring, the length of which is more than 5 kilometers. Two more sports directions are a little shorter: 1.3 kilometers and 4 kilometers.
As for tourist routes, there are two routes, their length is 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 at all, they will teach you the basics of this hereart. For those who are just starting to ride, there are special group lessons 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. It should not be confused with the National Park "Meshchersky", which is located on the territory of the Ryazan region, and its activities are aimed solely at preserving the natural, historical and cultural we alth of the country. The Meshchersky National Park was created in 1992. Imagine that its total area is 105,000 hectares. Only lakes on the territory of 28.
Entertainment 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, children's "Panda Park", a roller track. And keep in mind that no matter what type of recreation you choose, you will be surrounded by the Meshchersky forest all day long. The location of the park itself is convenient because it is quite close to Moscow. And at the same time, you find yourself in a land of completely wild nature. Trust that you will be satisfied with the time you spend here. Moreover, there is something to do here for any person - both a lover of outdoor activities and a supporter of a more calm and measured rhythm. But for children here is just a real fairy tale, lots of entertainment and nature around.
You can get to the park by your own car from Moscow along the highway to Kasimov (the distance is about 185 kilometers).
Instead of afterword
Wishing to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis and its crazy rhythm, visit the Meshchera forests. Here you will find impenetrable wild jungle, mushrooms, berries, animals and birds that you will not see in other places.
You can visit the Meshchersky park. It is visited by thousands of tourists every year. Where else can you have such a wonderful time with the whole family, if not here? Here you will find a lot of activities, ranging from skiing to cycling and canoeing. I must say that here everyone will find something new and interesting for themselves. In the bosom of nature, a wide range of entertainment is presented. Although the very environment of forests and lakes already makes the rest unforgettable. You will be amazed by the local beauties, and you will become a fan of recreation in Meshchera at any time of the year. Tourists who have chosen these places give the best reviews. So, you should also get out there for the weekend.
