Grodno land: reserved world: reserves of local importance

Biological reserves of local importance

Biological reserve «Grodnenskaya Svisloch». Paradise for «Red data Book species»


A biological reserve of local importance «Svisloch» has exsisted on the territory of the Berestovitsa district since 2003. The reserve was created on the territory of a floodplain low¬lying bog “Graino” and adjacent lands to preserve the nesting places of the globally endangered species of birds – the aquatic warbler. In 2017, this reserve was transformed into “Grodnenskaya Svisloch” reserve by the decision of Grodno and Berestovitsa regional executive committees, As a result, the specially protected area has increased twice to 4881 hectares.


The reserve serves to preserve in the natural state the wetland complex of the Svisloch River valley, its branch Vereteyka, part of the channel reservoir of the Grodno hydroelectric power station on the Neman River, as well as the most valuable forest areas adjacent to them, large especially valuable natural and plant complexes, rare species of animals and birds.

A single floodplain wetland complex of the biological reserve, which has been taken under protection, is a comfortable place for many. More than 30 species of birds here are in the Red Data Book: aquatic warbler, corncrake, black¬tailed godwit and others. Some birds nest in the reserve, for others it is a transfer point in their winter and autumn migration: they regain strength, rest and fly on. Therefore, “Grodnenskaya Svisloch” has the international status “Territory Important for birds”.

Biological reserve «Grafskaya Pushcha». Relict oak forests, linden forests

The biological reserve «Grafskaya Pushcha» was created in December 2007 by the decision of Novogrudok and Korelichi regional executive committees to preserve valuable forests as well as rare and endangered plant and animal species in their natural state. It is the largest reserve of local importance, having the area of 9,465 hectares.

In the past, this territory was the property of the Radziwills, the place of the count's hunting. Today it is a specially protected area with a rich flora and fauna. Forests in the reserve cover more than 80 percent of the area. They are mainly pine and spruce forests. There is linden forest formation here, which is extremely rare for Belarus. Huge oaks aged 250¬300 years please the eyes. One of the largest colonies of gray herons in Grodno region was noted in the reserve. There are 9 plant species and 11 animal species, which are subject to protection according to the Red Book of the Republic of Belarus.