The park serves as a crucial habitat for numerous animal species, including the European bison, which was successfully reintroduced to the area. Other notable mammals include elk, wild boar, red deer, and various small predators. The park is home to over 180 bird species, including black storks and white-tailed eagles, making it an important area for bird conservation.
Orlovskoe Polesye boasts rich botanical diversity with over 860 species of vascular plants. The park's vegetation is dominated by mixed forests featuring pine, spruce, oak, and birch trees. Notable rare plant species include several orchid varieties and other protected flora listed in the Russian Red Book. The park's wetlands host unique marsh vegetation communities.
The park's landscape was shaped by glacial activity during the Pleistocene epoch, resulting in a diverse terrain of rolling hills, river valleys, and wetlands. The area features quaternary deposits overlying Devonian limestone formations. The park's elevation ranges from 180 to 250 meters above sea level, with numerous small rivers and streams carving through the landscape.
Established in 1994, Orlovskoe Polesye National Park was created to preserve the unique natural landscapes and biodiversity of the region. The area has a rich cultural heritage dating back centuries, with evidence of early Slavic settlements. The park's territory was historically part of the vast Bryansk forests, which played a significant role during World War II as a base for partisan resistance movements.
Key attractions include the European Bison Breeding Center, extensive hiking trails, and several scenic lakes. The park offers guided nature tours, wildlife watching opportunities, and environmental education programs. Visitors can explore the Ecological Education Center, which provides interactive exhibits about the park's ecosystem. Traditional wooden architecture examples can be found throughout the territory.
Orlovskoe Polesye experiences a moderate continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. Average summer temperatures range from 18-22°C (64-72°F), while winter temperatures typically fall between -8 and -4°C (18-25°F). The park receives approximately 550-650mm of annual precipitation, with peak rainfall occurring during late spring and early summer. The best time to visit is from May to September when the weather is most favorable for outdoor activities.
Russia
53.3000°, 35.3500°
1994
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Orlovskoe Polesye National Park is characterized by mixed forests and extensive wetlands. The park is known for its successful European bison reintroduction program and diverse wildlife. It features numerous lakes and rivers, making it an important recreational destination for the region.