The Cheremsky Nature Reserve is the first nature reserve in Volyn Oblast. It lies in the north of the former Manevychi region, six kilometres north of the village of Zamostia, on the border with Rivne Oblast. The core of the reserve is the vast Cheremske Bog, which locals call "Chirmuske", with two forest lakes in the middle. Surrounding it are continuous forests with no power lines or asphalt roads.
How it was created
The reserve was established in 2001 on the basis of the Cheremsky National Nature Sanctuary and three local sanctuaries: the "Urochyshche Suzanka" ornithological sanctuary, the "Karasynskyi" general zoological sanctuary, and the "Karasynskyi Fir" sanctuary. Its area is almost three thousand hectares. Nearby lies the Bilozerka branch of the Rivne Nature Reserve.
Cheremske Bog
Cheremske is a unique transitional, highly waterlogged sedge-sphagnum bog. In the middle of it lie two lakes: Cheremske, with an area of 7.7 hectares and a depth of up to seven metres, and Redychy, with an area of 11 hectares. The watershed between the Stokhid and Veselukha rivers runs through the bog massif. Forests cover almost two-thirds of the reserve, and bogs cover a third.
Plants
760 species of vascular plants, over a hundred species of mosses, and dozens of lichens and fungi grow here. There are old pine forests, alder groves, birch forests, and, at the southern limit of their range, multi-aged spruce forests. Cranberries, sundews, scheuchzeria, and the carnivorous waterwheel plant can be found in the bog. 33 plant species are listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine, including lady's slippers, dwarf birch, Davall's sedge, and several species of marsh orchids.
How to visit
The reserve is a strictly protected area, so walking here is permitted only along ecological trails and accompanied by reserve staff. There is an observation tower on the territory offering views of the bog and the forest, as well as a memorial to partisan glory.
The Cheremsky Reserve on video
Nearby
Lake Okhnych is near Zamostia, and Manevychi is the community centre. Learn more in the article Kamin-Kashyrskyi District.
How to get there
Roads from Manevychi lead to Zamostia. Visits should be arranged in advance with the reserve administration.
