The Polistovsky Nature Reserve

The reserve was founded in 1994 and occupies almost a quarter of the largest in Europe Polistovo-Lovatskaya system of upland bogs.

The basis for the creation of the reserve was the results of scientific researches, started back in 1909, completely changing the attitude to the bogs as useless pieces of land. The upland bogs of the Polistovo-Lovatskaya system are a powerful regulator of the climate in the North-West of Russia, a stabilizer of water level in rivers, the largest freshwater filter in Europe, it counteracts the accumulation of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere (preventing global climate change), contributes to the conservation of Europe's biological diversity and populations of rare species, especially birds. 15% of nesting birds in the reserve are listed in the Red Book of the Russian Federation.

Approximately 80% of the total territory of the reserve is occupied by upland bogs and only 15% - by forests, rivers, lakes and floodplains.

Due to the large area of swamps, the plant and animal world is very diverse. The surroundings are almost uninhabited by people, so that the swamps have become a haven for rare and endangered bird species. In total, the list of birds of the reserve includes about 200 species.

Protection of the territory is one of the most important tasks of the reserve. The border of the reserve is patrolled all year round by state inspectors. Permission is required to visit the territory.

The main activity is also the research work, including annual environmental monitoring of the state of the ecosystem.

One of the relatively new directions of the reserve's work is the development of eco-tourism. To date, the reserve has developed 7 eco-trails that introduce visitors to the main ecosystems of the protected area.