Bovsunivskyi Zakaznyk is a general zoological zakaznyk with an area of 1516 hectares, located to the north and northeast of the village of Bovsuny in the Luhyny hromada of Korosten Raion. It received its status in 2010. The special feature of this place is that the zakaznyk was created on the lands of the former Bovsunivskyi military firing range, and now here you can see how nature is gradually reclaiming the territory.
Heathlands and Young Forest
The landscapes of the zakaznyk are unusual for Polissia: open sands, heather heathlands, sparse birch and pine forests, and between them—forest and open bogs. The forest here is young and grew by itself: at the time the zakaznyk was created, the birches and pines were 10–15 years old. Heather carpets the ground beneath them, and among it lie silvery patches of cladonia lichens.
Significant areas are occupied by heather heathlands—habitats that are rare in Europe. On the most disturbed sandy plots, plants from the European Red List were found: Lithuanian catchfly and Ukrainian salsify. In lowered areas under pines and birches, bracken fern grows.
Bogs and Animals
Open bogs in the zakaznyk are heavily waterlogged and overgrown with reeds, sedges, and willows. Shrubs occupy little space, but it is precisely on them that roe deer and moose feed. The mosaic of heathlands, sparse forests, and bogs provides animals with both hiding places and food, so moose, roe deer, and wild boars are numerous here—a reproduction area has even been created for them. The large number of ungulates attracts wolves. Species from Ukraine's Red Data Book are also found here: otter, European mink, stoat.
Tip
Former firing ranges can hide danger: do not stray from roads and paths, do not pick up unfamiliar metal objects, and if you see a suspicious object, report it to the number 101. It is best to visit in late summer when the heather blooms and the heathlands turn lilac. Bring tick repellent.
How to Get There
Bovsuny lie in the Luhyny hromada, not far from Luhyny. From the west, the landscape zakaznyk "Polihon" adjoins the zakaznyk. Nearby is the "Melnytskyi" zakaznyk with yellow azalea. More about the surroundings can be found in the article about Korosten Raion.
