Desna-Starohutskyi
Desnyansko-Starogutsky is a national nature park of Ukraine, located in Sumy region. The park was created to preserve the unique landscapes of the Left-Bank Polesie.
The total area of the natural park is 162 km2, which is functionally divided into 3 zones: a protected area, a recreation area and an economic zone. The park is located in the valley of the Desna River. There are many marshy areas, lakes and old river beds (starits) and tributaries in the Pridesnyansky part of the park. Natural complexes are particularly well preserved here. The Starogut part of the park is almost completely covered with forests. The rivers Cherny and Ulichka flow here.
Desnyansko-Starogutsky National Park has a very rich flora and fauna. There are over 800 species of vascular plants registered here, of which 22 are very rare. The flora in different parts of the park varies greatly. Meadow and swampy vegetation grows mainly in the Pridesnyansky part. Of the rare plants, it is worth noting reed grass, Siberian cockerels, water walnut, reed grass, salvinia, shield-leaved planthorn. Pine trees grow mainly in the forests, and oak groves are found in some places. The Old Town part of the park is 80% occupied by forests, the rest is covered with meadows and marshes. Marsh wool, violets, wolf's body grow in the swamps, and rare species of willow trees can also be seen.
The wildlife of the national park is represented by 313 species of vertebrates. Among the birds you can see here are storks, ospreys, eagles, cranes, capercaillies, snakes, and of the animals you often come across hares, jerboa, minks, otters, bison, lynxes, bears, foxes. There are 35 species of fish in the local rivers and lakes. The park is home to 207 species of birds, and thanks to the abundance of pine forests, you can meet representatives of taiga forests here. By the way, the park's symbol is the owl. Huge flocks of geese, sandpipers, and ducks stop in the park during migration, and seagulls are also common.
Desnyansko-Starogutsky National Park is located in an ecologically clean area, which attracts many tourists here. There are places for tents, 2 recreation centers, and summer trailers for them. For convenience, all the hiking trails are marked. On the territory of the park there is a historical monument located on the site of the base of the partisan detachment that fought here in 1942. The park attracts mushroom pickers, fishermen, water lovers, and hunters in large numbers. There are many game and fur-bearing animals here, but you can hunt only outside the park.
