Uniqueness: This is one of the largest strictly protected natural areas not only in Belarus but also in Europe: the Nature Reserve stretches approximately 120 km from west to east, with a width ranging from 4 to 22 km. The Nature Reserve is unique for its lowland swamps, floodplain forests and meadows, which are the gold standard of Polesje natural meadows. It has the status of a wetland of international importance (a Ramsar site) and a globally Important Bird Area.
Forests, meadows, swamps, shrubs, and oxbow lakes take over 99% of the territory. The uniqueness of the Nature Reserve's forests is defined by native European alder groves and floodplain pure oak groves. Some trees are over 100 years old and their trunk diameters amount to more than one meter. Eighty per cent of all floodplain oak groves in Belarus are found here.
The Nature Reserve features alluvial landscapes, floodplain oak groves, and meadows that are unique for Belarus.
It is home to several bird species listed in the Red Book of the Republic of Belarus, such as Little Bittern, Great Bittern, Spotted Crake, Osprey, Black Stork, Great White Egret, etc. There is a great diversity of plant species, including Floating Fern, Kyiv Nettle, White Water Lily, Marsh Violet, etc. The typical fish species in the Pripjat River include Catfish, Pike, Bream, Perch, Roach, Tench, and others.
Ecotourism services: Accommodation at the Environmental and Educational Centre (capacity up to 12 people), organization of fishing, outdoor picnics, sports grounds, educational trips along the Pripjat River valley, a camping site, tourist equipment rental (rowing boat, motorboat, bicycles, electric bicycles, tents, etc.), rental of gazebos and shelters.
Ecological routes: Along the Willow Valley nature trail (2 km), extreme educational water route along the Pripjat River (130 km, 4 days), ecological and educational guided walking tour of the Nature Reserve (1 day, 12 km).
