Orekhovaya Mountain, Protected natural monument in Duderhof Heights, Saint Petersburg, Russia.
Orekhovaya Mountain is a protected natural monument in the Duderhof Heights with limestone slopes that rise 176 meters above sea level. The forested slopes support diverse plant communities across its protected territory.
During the Siege of Leningrad from 1941 to 1944, German artillery positions on nearby hills caused severe deforestation of the area. The forest has gradually recovered since the end of World War II.
The mountain holds importance for local nature enthusiasts who value its role in protecting rare plant species found nowhere else in the region. It represents one of the few places near the city where the original forest landscape has been preserved.
The best time to visit is during the warmer months from May to October when the trails are accessible. The mountain is easily reached from the city and offers good opportunities for hiking and nature observation in dry conditions.
The mountain is home to the only known population of a rare weevil species called Otiorhynchus rugosus in European Russia. This insect population was a key reason for establishing protected status for the entire area.
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