The Sporovsky Biological Reserve

It is the first reserve in Belarus to receive the status of a Ramsar site. Wetlands protected by the Ramsar Convention are home to aquatic birds.

The Sporovsky reserve covers nearly 20,000 hectares. Its administrative center is located in the village of Vysokoe in the Berezovsky district. The Yaselda river flows through the protected zone, and the Sporovsky lake is situated in the center of the reserve. Most of the area consists of floodplain lowland swamps. The Sporovsky swamps remained untouched by drainage, providing a favorable habitat for many endangered species of flora and fauna.

Sporovsky Reserve is an ideal place for birdwatching. Over 120 bird species inhabit the area, 32 of which are listed in the Belarusian Red Book. Among them are the little bustard, twite, black stork, woodlark, merlin, and white-backed woodpecker. Notably, the aquatic warbler - a small bird that lives exclusively in sedge marshes - makes its home here. The reserve hosts 9% of this species' global population. A special ecological route, "In the Land of the Aquatic Warbler," spans three kilometers. It passes along the Yaselda coast, lowland swamps, and a ferry crossing. During their journey, visitors can watch birds from a viewing tower.

The fauna of the Sporovsky Reserve includes about 25 mammal species. One can encounter deer, roe deer, ermines, beavers, wolves, raccoon dogs, martens, and the endangered badgers. The reserve's flora comprises around 600 species of vascular plants, 20 of which are under threat of extinction. Rare species such as the lady's slipper orchid, the dark-red helleborine, the Siberian iris, and endangered orchids can be found here. Reptiles like the marsh turtle, harmless snake slow worm, grass snake, and viviparous lizard also inhabit the Sporovsky swamps.

Sporovsky Reserve is a perfect getaway to connect with nature, away from urban hustle and bustle. The tourist infrastructure of the reserve offers visitors:

• Various eco-routes - water, hiking, biking, and mixed;
• Kayaking;
• Ornithological tours;
• Beach relaxation on the Yaselda coast;
• Hunting and fishing opportunities;

The reserve territory also features a rope park and a place for traditional Russian bowling "Gorodki". Visitors can rent gazebos for relaxation, picnic equipment, and sports gear.

Every year at the end of summer, the reserve hosts competitions in mowing swamp vegetation. As part of the "Sporovsky Haymaking" festival, there are concerts, creative workshops, entertainment programs for children and adults, and a swamp football tournament.

If you visit the reserve during the bird banding season, you can observe the work of ornithologist scientists and even participate in the banding process yourself. Visiting the Sporovsky Reserve will be a unique tourist experience. It will energize you through interaction with living nature and enrich your knowledge about the biodiversity of our country.