The nature of the Leningrad region is striking in its naturalness and great diversity. Yes, you will not see stunning and breathtaking landscapes here. But the beauty of this region is completely different - in a quiet harmony and a successful combination of hills with smooth outlines of forests, swamps and lakes, covered in haze and fog. This article is about the nature of the region, as well as its most beautiful places.
Features of the nature of the Leningrad region
The territory of the region is characterized by flatness, because the region is in an orographic relation completely located within the Russian plain. Therefore, the absolute heights here do not exceed the mark of 291 meters (Mount Gapselga). Despite this, the relief of the region cannot be called boring. After all, both lowlands and hilly hills are represented here. Of great interest is the so-called Baltic-Ladoga Glint - an impressive ledge that crosses the region from west to east for almost 200 kilometers. It reaches a height of 50-60 meters.
Features of the nature of the Leningrad region are also manifested in the climate. It has a very mild winter and a rather cool summer. At the same time, the southwestern extremities of the region are the warmest. Over the year, this region receives up to 700 mm of precipitation, with most of it falling in the summer-autumn period.
A very dense hydrographic grid is characterized by the nature of the Leningrad region. Here there are up to 1800 lakes (and among them the largest in Europe - Ladoga), and if you add all the rivers of the region into one, you get an impressive figure of 50 thousand kilometers! In addition, the region has many swamps and wetlands.
Flora and fauna of the region
The northern part of the Leningrad region is occupied by taiga, and the southern part by the zone of mixed forests. Therefore, it is not surprising that the percentage of forest cover for the region is quite high, it is 55%. Only around St. Petersburg meadow and cultural landscapes (arable land) prevail. Birch, alder, linden, oak, pine, spruce and ash - these are the trees that the rich nature of the Leningrad Region boasts of.
The fauna of the region, which is represented mainly by forest species, is quite diverse. So, here you can often find a squirrel, hare, polecat, marten or roe deer. Beavers, moose, wolves and foxes, bears and wild boars are also found in the region. However, meeting them in the woods is not so easy.
The Leningrad Region is characterized by a very rich world of feathered inhabitants (up to 300 species of birds), and about 80 species of different fish are found in the rivers and lakes of the region.
Nature Protection of the Leningrad Region
They try to save and preserve the natural wealth of the region. For this, many environmental territories and objects have been created in the region. Among them are the following:
- one nature reserve of national importance;
- one comprehensive reserve of federal significance;
- twelve nature reserves of regional importance;
- one regional natural park;
- twenty five natural monuments.
In 1999, the Red Book of the region was released, which contains rare and endangered representatives of the flora and fauna of the region.
Natural monuments of the Leningrad region are represented by complex, geological and hydrological objects. They are located in different areas of this charming region. Let us dwell only on a few of the most famous monuments with which the nature of the Leningrad Region is so rich.
Radon sources in Lopukhinka
In the Lomonosov district, near the village of Lopukhinka, one of the region’s natural monuments is located - it is a complex of unique radon sources and lakes. The total area of the protected area is 270 hectares. The natural monument itself was established in 1976.
Here, many springs come to the surface, which formed a narrow and beautiful valley of the Lopukhinka river in the form of a canyon up to 30 meters deep. Trout is found in this river, however it is, of course, forbidden to catch it. Within the natural monument there are small areas of oak-elm forests.
Staroladozhsky complex natural monument
The most beautiful natural monument with an area of 220 hectares can be seen upon arrival in the Volkhov district of the Leningrad region. The nature of this wonderful place attracts many travelers. After all, here you can see the rocky geological exits of the Ordovician age, admire the mysterious ancient mounds, visit the caves in which bats hibernate.
The natural monument was founded in 1976. It is located on both banks of the river. Volkhov. On its territory there are four artificial caves, the largest of which is Tanechkina. They are known as the largest wintering place for bats in the whole north-west of Russia. In these caves, animals spend about seven months a year - from the end of October to June.
Sablinsky natural monument
In the Tosnensky district of the Leningrad region there is a unique place - a whole complex of natural and historical attractions. Only forty kilometers from St. Petersburg is this natural monument with waterfalls, rocky canyons, caves and ancient barrows. Tourists can also visit the former estate of Alexei Tolstoy - Pustyanka Farm.
Within the natural monument there are two small but very picturesque waterfalls: Tosnensky and Sablinsky. The height of the latter is about three meters. Of great interest here are artificial caves dating from the late XIX - early XX century. They mined sand, which was used to produce glass. At that time, the caves provided huge demand for St. Petersburg in this material. Today, four large and six small caves in Sablino are known.
Finally...
The nature of the Leningrad region - as a modest but very beautiful Russian girl - quietly, but proudly declares itself. There are all conditions for a good rest of a person: charming landscapes, cool forests, lakes and rivers, in which there are a lot of fish. In these parts, you can really relax perfectly after the heavy and gray city everyday life.