Drevlyansky
The Drevlyansky Nature Reserve is a land of crystal clear rivers, emerald forests and green meadows. It is located within the Zhytomyr region, to the south and east of the village of Narodychi, along the Uzh River and its right tributaries – Loznitsa, Oslov and Zvizdal.
Park area 308,72 Sq km.
The area is dominated by oak and pine forests due to rich soils, and meadowlands are common in the floodplain of the Uzh River. They are mostly swampy and peaty. The territory of the reserve consists of flat, sandy and marshy areas.
The natural flora of the Drevlyansky Nature Reserve comprises about 800 species of vascular plants, which is about 53% of the flora of Ukrainian Polissia. The flora of vascular plants is dominated by the families Asteraceae, Sedge, Cabbage, Rose, Labiate, and Cereal.
The Drevlyansky Reserve is home to species listed in the Bern Convention and the third edition of the Red Data Book of Ukraine. These include long-leaved mace (Cephalanthera longifolia), floating water nut (Trapa natans), common nesting bird (Neottia nidus-avis), three-spike diphasiastrum (Diphasiastrum tristachyum), Ruysch’s snakehead (Dracocephalum ruyschiana), broad-leaved dormouse (Pulsatilla patens) and others.
In the Klishchiv forestry, the locality of Rhododendron luteum, one of the most eastern in Ukraine, was discovered.
Expansion and consolidation of nature conservation areas
In collaboration with local conservation partners, FZS has supported the expansion of the Drevlianskyi Landscape Reserve – adjacent to the above described Drevlianskyi Strict Nature Reserve – increasing its size by 119 hectares. This expansion enhances the connectivity between protected areas, forming a continuous conservation zone that also includes the adjacent Chornobyl Biosphere Reserve. The work contributes to the preservation of the area’s unique ecosystems and strengthens efforts to protect biodiversity in the Polesia region.
Biodiversity monitoring
We are supplying high-quality equipment, including binoculars, scopes, mobile phones, GPSs, and others to enhance the reserve’s biodiversity monitoring efforts. Moreover, we are introducing the SMART monitoring system, further strengthening the reserve’s ability to track and protect its diverse wildlife.
To monitor the presence of large mammals in the region, camera traps have been installed as part of a big camera trap study throughout all key protected areas in Polissia, providing valuable insights into species distribution and abundance. Furthermore, acoustic monitoring has been conducted across all Polesian protected areas, including Drevlianskyi SNR, targeting birds, small mammals, and bush crickets.
Operating cost support
Since the onset of the war, funds have been raised to support Polesian protected areas that have been directly impacted or are housing Internally Displaced People. The Drevlianskyi Strict Nature Reserve has received regular financial assistance to cover essential costs, including fuel, vehicle maintenance, building upkeep, services (such as rent and telecommunications), and office supplies.
To ensure the reserve operates smoothly, FZS provides ongoing financial support for essential operational costs, including fuel, vehicle maintenance, and repairs through a mobile car workshop. In addition to this, we have supplied the reserve with crucial emergency equipment, such as fire-fighting gear, to enable quick responses in case of crises.