The Boromlia tract, which locals call Buryovnia, lies on the left bank of the Seim River in the north of the Konotop region, northwest of the village of Khyzhky. Its 55 hectares are bordered on the south by the Staryi Seim oxbow lake, and during a flood, the tract turns into a real island. There are six forest lakes, an oak grove with 400–500-year-old oaks, and grey heron colonies. This is a national-level zoological natural landmark, which is part of the Seimskyi Regional Landscape Park.
Island on the Seim
Boromlia was declared a natural landmark in 1975. It is managed by the Konotop Forestry enterprise. Within the tract, there are six lakes ranging from 0.3 to 3.3 hectares in area, whose shores are overgrown with shrubs and sedge. Around them is a forest with oaks, maples, and lindens, as well as rich meadow and wetland vegetation. During the Second World War, the occupiers cut down centuries-old oaks here to take them to Germany, but the oldest giants survived.
Herons, rooks, and otters
The greatest value of the tract is its colonies of grey herons and rooks. Many waterfowl and marsh birds live on the lakes, while starlings, turtle doves, jays, thrushes, and woodpeckers nest in the forest. Roe deer, wild boar, beavers, hares, martens, badgers, otters, and foxes live here, and moose are occasionally encountered. Among the rare species from the Red Data Book are the black stork, short-toed snake eagle, saker falcon, lesser spotted eagle, great grey shrike, stoat, corncrake, and moss carder bee.
How to get there
The tract is located near the village of Khyzhky in the north of the Konotop district, on the left bank of the Seim River. It is best to reach it by car, followed by a walk along forest roads. In spring, during the flood, part of the tract is cut off by water.
What to consider
This is a zoological landmark: do not approach the heron colonies during the nesting period, do not make noise, and do not light campfires. Before your trip, check the security situation and restrictions imposed by the Sumy Oblast Military Administration.
