ROZTOCHIA Nature Reserve

Roztochia Nature Reserve was established on the 5th of October, 1984 on the basis of 'Stradchansky lis' (Stradchansky forest) reserve and 'Koroleva hora' tract. It is located in the north-western part of Podilsk upland and belongs to a narrow hilly ridge of Ukrainian Roztochia. It covers an area of 2084,5 hectares, the territory extent is 8 km from north to south, and from west to east it is 12 km.

The local relief is characterized by altering of river valleys, marsh areas and hills. Average heights vary within 380-390 m, the highest peak is Hostry Horb mountain (395 m). Vereshchytsia river and its tributary Stravchanka run through the territory of the Nature Reserve. There are ponds here, the largest one is  — Yanivsky (covering the area of 207 hectares).

The climate is characterized by high humidity and a considerable amount of annual precipitation (673 mm). This is caused by the flow of western and south-western winds from the Baltic Sea. Winter is mild here, with frequent thaws; the average temperature in January is -3°С, in July — +17,5°С.

The rich flora of the Nature Reserve is represented by unique pine-beech and pine-oak-beech stands. 92% of its territory is covered with forests, other 8% — with meadow, marsh and riverside vegetation. In Zalyvky tract there are interesting tussock and red fescue grasslands. Such plants as: silver birch, swamp willow, small cranberry, Greek valerian, Marsh Grass-of-Parnassus, marsh orchid grow here.

Flora of Roztochia numbers 1097 vascular plant species, 212 mosses, 65 lichens, 20 blue-green algae, 423  species of fungi. 28 vascular plant species are included into the Red Book of Ukraine, half of them belong to the orchid family. In particular, these are: Northern firmoss, Fir Clubmoss, floating fern, silver birch, white violet, swamp willow, Moor-king Lousewort, Turk's cap lily, common snowdrop, Sword lily, etc.

The diverse fauna of the Nature Reserve is represented by 43 species of mammals, 169 species of birds, 6 species of reptiles, 11 species of amphibians, 16 species of fish. Among mammals there are: roe deer, deer, elk, European hare, wild boar, wolf, fox, weasel. Insectivorous are represented by mole, common shrew, Eurasian pygmy shrew, bicoloured white-toothed shrew, Eurasian water shrew, Miller's water shrew. Among amphibians there are: sand lizard, viviparous lizard, grass snake, common European adder, smooth newt, northern crested newt, pool frog, marsh frog, European fire-bellied toad, common toad, etc. Bats are rarely met on the territory of Roztochya. In general, 18 animal species are listed into the Red Book of Ukraine: European otter, stoat, Miller's water shrew, barbastelle, badger, black stork, white-tailed eagle, Eurasian pygmy owl, smooth snake, Aesculapian snake, emperor dragonfly, Old World Swallowtail, etc. Educational ecological centre established the Museum of nature and the "Green School" society. Numerous ecological trails are laid through the territory of Roztochya. A large number of environmental and educational events, sports and tourism competitions are held here. Visitors can ride horses, watch enclosured spotted deer and ornamental birds: pigeons, ducks,pheasants and others.