Hamarnia is a landscape reserve of local importance located on the outskirts of Malyn in Zhytomyr Region. It is a large natural area that combines forest landscapes with part of the Malyn Reservoir on the Irsha River.
The village of Hamarnia is located next to the reserve. The Malyn Professional College is situated here, and its grounds are associated with the historic estate of the Myklukha family. The college grounds also feature an arboretum with a collection of trees and shrubs.
Thus, within one area, visitors can see the natural landscapes of the reserve, the Malyn Reservoir, the forests of Hamarnia, as well as several historical and natural sites.
How the reserve was established
The Hamarnia Landscape Reserve was established on December 3, 1982, by Decision No. 489 of the Zhytomyr Regional Executive Committee. Initially, it covered an area of 1,077 hectares. After an inventory of Ukraine's nature reserve fund in 1991, its area was determined to be 1,131 hectares.
In 2017, the boundaries of the protected area were changed again. A total of 14.8272 hectares were removed from the reserve, including the land occupied by the Malyn Forestry College and its subsidiary farm. At the same time, 16.5 hectares of land belonging to the Malyn Forestry Enterprise were added.
The latest changes took place in 2024. By Decision No. 768 of June 20, 2024, the Zhytomyr Regional Council clarified the area and expanded the boundaries of the reserve by another 31.57 hectares. Today, the official area of Hamarnia is 1,136.5149 hectares.
Forests and the Malyn Reservoir
The natural foundation of Hamarnia consists of forest stands dominated by coniferous and broadleaf species. Part of the territory includes the Malyn Reservoir on the Irsha River.
The combination of water and forest creates a landscape characteristic of this part of Polissia. Pine forests reach the shores, while a large expanse of water occupies a significant part of the reserve. Environmental protection documents describe Hamarnia as an area where forest and aquatic natural complexes are protected.
The Malyn Reservoir has an important environmental protection status. The State Environmental Inspectorate has emphasized that the reservoir is part of the Hamarnia Landscape Reserve, meaning that restrictions on the use of natural resources apply there.
For anglers, the Malyn Reservoir, which locals often call the “Malyn Sea,” is one of the popular fishing destinations around the city. Its large water area, bays and forested shores create favorable conditions for recreational fishing and spending time near the water.
Hamarnia Village and the Myklukha Estate
The reserve takes its name from Hamarnia, a village located next to its territory. The Malyn Professional College is situated in the village.
One of Hamarnia's historical landmarks is the former estate of the Myklukha family, located on the college grounds. It is associated with the family of the famous traveler and ethnographer Mykola Myklukho-Maclay.
The Myklukha family lived here in the 19th and early 20th centuries, and Mykola Myklukho-Maclay visited Malyn several times.
The history of the estate is a separate part of the history of Malyn and the surrounding area.
Buildings and an old park area have survived on the college grounds. The Myklukho-Maclay Museum is also located here and is dedicated to the life and work of the famous traveler and ethnographer.
At the same time, the estate, the college and the reserve should not be considered the same site. They are interconnected locations in Hamarnia, but the modern boundaries of the protected area have changed, particularly in 2017 and 2024.
The Arboretum in Hamarnia
Another feature of this part of Malyn is the arboretum of the Malyn Professional College.
Its collection includes various species of trees and shrubs, including plants native to Polissia as well as introduced species. Older descriptions of the arboretum mention trees originating from North America, Western Europe, Central Asia and other regions.
Among them are western thuja, Douglas fir, Canadian and blue spruce, European larch, yew, various pine species, northern red oak, black cherry, catalpa and other species.
What to See in Hamarnia
If you visit this area as part of a trip around Malyn, the most interesting option is to combine several locations:
- Malyn Reservoir — a large body of water on the Irsha River;
- Hamarnia forests — the natural part of the landscape reserve;
- Hamarnia village — the settlement located next to the reserve;
- The Myklukha-Maclay estate — a historical site in the village;
- The Myklukho-Maclay Museum on the grounds of the Malyn Professional College;
- The college arboretum with its collection of trees and shrubs;
- The shores of the Malyn Reservoir.
Hamarnia illustrates one of Malyn's distinctive features: protected natural areas, a large reservoir and historical sites are located close to one another and can be combined into a single route.
Where Is Hamarnia Located?
Hamarnia is located on the outskirts of Malyn, in the area of the village of the same name and Myklukhy-Maclay Street. The reserve covers a large territory, so Hamarnia is not a single point but rather an extensive natural area.
The reserve covers land within the Malyn community, including forest areas and part of the Malyn Reservoir.
Practical Information
Name: Hamarnia Landscape Reserve of Local Importance
Location: outskirts of Malyn, Zhytomyr Region, Ukraine
Area: 1,136.5149 hectares
Status: landscape reserve of local importance
Established: December 3, 1982
Main natural features: forest areas and part of the Malyn Reservoir
River: Irsha
Nearby: Hamarnia village, Malyn Professional College, the Myklukha family estate, the Myklukho-Maclay Museum, and the arboretum
Hamarnia is not a traditional park with a clearly defined entrance and tourist infrastructure. It is a large natural area consisting of forests and part of the Malyn Reservoir. The village of the same name is located nearby and preserves historical and natural sites associated with the Myklukha family.
For a Polissia travel guide, Hamarnia is one of the locations where visitors can combine nature, the history of Malyn, the Myklukha-Maclay family and the Malyn Reservoir.
