Sestroretsk swamp, Protected wetland near Saint Petersburg, Russia
Sestroretsk Swamp is a wetland area near Saint Petersburg that provides home to hundreds of bird and plant species. The protected reserve spans flat terrain and includes open water and grasslands that transition into denser woodland at its edges.
The wetland formed about 10000 years ago as ice age landscapes changed during the last glacial period. Since its designation as a protected area in the 20th century, it has served as an important location for natural science and bird conservation.
The wetland draws nature lovers and bird watchers who come to observe rare species and experience the quiet of an unspoiled landscape. Locals and visitors use the trails to step away from the nearby city and connect with the natural world.
Visitors can explore the area on foot using marked paths accessible from the Kurort railway station. The best time to visit is spring and autumn when migrating bird species arrive and pass through.
The wetland stores carbon in its peat layers and plays an important role in regulating air quality across the entire region. This hidden function makes it a silent helper for environmental health far beyond its visible boundaries.
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