Poyaskivskyi Reserve is a state-level forest reserve in the Olekska community in the north of Zhytomyr region, north of the village of Poyasky, from which it takes its name. Its area is 113 hectares. This is one of the oldest protected forest areas of Ukrainian Polissia.
Forest for Science
As early as 1926, the All-Ukrainian Forest Administration allocated these ancient stands of oak, pine, and birch for scientific purposes: they wanted to observe how the forest grows on its own, without human interference. In 1974, the area was declared a reserve. It is now managed by the Poyaskivske Forestry of the Bilokorovytskyi Forest Enterprise.
In the reserve, the granites of the Ukrainian Shield emerge on the surface—large boulders among the trees. The forest is rich in berries: bilberries, lingonberries, cranberries, raspberries, and blackberries. Many mushrooms grow here, including porcini. Rare plants also occur, such as the red bulatka listed in the Red Book of Ukraine. In spring, liverwort blooms under the trees, and the animal life is typical for Polissia.
Wounds from Amber
Since 2015, amber has been illegally extracted on the territory of the reserve. Large areas of forest were dug up, including by bulldozers and other tracked machinery, and part of the ancient forest was destroyed. The traces of this are still visible.
Advice
The reserve is not a developed park. You cannot cut trees, light fires, or collect plants listed in the Red Book here. It is best to visit in spring, when the primroses bloom, or in July—for bilberries. Bring comfortable shoes and protection against ticks and mosquitoes.
How to Get There
Poyasky is located in the Olekska community. The nearest city is Olevsk, where trains run on the Korosten — Sarny line. Nearby are the Olevskyi Reserve with ancient oaks and the Poliskyi Nature Reserve.
