Holosiivskyi National Nature Park, National nature park in Kyiv, Ukraine
Holosiivskyi National Nature Park is a large protected forest area south of Kyiv that features wetlands, ancient oak trees, and numerous rare plant species. The landscape spans several kilometers and includes varied terrain ranging from dense woodland to open clearings.
The area became a national park in 2008 after conservationists had fought for its protection since 1988. The designation aimed to preserve the remaining large forests around Kyiv that were threatened by urban development.
This space has long served as a refuge for both human communities and wildlife. Walking through, you can encounter traces of ancient settlements and ritual sites that show how people have lived alongside nature here for millennia.
The park is easily accessible by public transport, with metro stations including Holosiivska and Teremky nearby. You can hike, birdwatch, and do orienteering year-round, though you should dress appropriately for the season and weather conditions.
The park protects two dozen plant species found on Ukraine's Red List, plants that thrive nowhere else near Kyiv. At the same time, moose, foxes, and rare forest birds live here, making it an extraordinary wilderness space so close to the city.
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