Natural Park "Volga-Akhtuba floodplain": how to get there? Photo, description

Russia is a unique country, and absolutely in all respects. Dimensions, natural wealth, mentality and customs - everything here is extraordinary, great and grand. But most of all pleases the unique nature, which is equal no more anywhere in the world. Not for nothing in the vast territory of Russia there are so many reserves and zakazniks. Each of the natural parks is a topic for a separate conversation.

After visiting at least one of them, you can assume that you learned a little more about your homeland. Today we want to talk about the natural park "Volga-Akhtuba floodplain". His story began only recently, but the very valley of the two-river valley is worthy of true admiration. A unique nature, a diversity that is nowhere to be found anywhere, Russian forest and steppe, lakes and swamps. It's worth visiting once.

general description

The beauty of the Volga region has long been a source of inspiration for poets and artists and an object of envy for neighboring peoples. It was here that the natural park "Volgo-Akhtuba floodplain" was founded. And only relatively recently began talking about how to take it under the protection of the state. This was an extreme measure to preserve the ecological balance. The flow of tourists, and most importantly, poachers, was stopped, and representatives of the local flora and fauna had the opportunity to restore their numbers.

How to get there

Since we are talking about a protected object, it is immediately understood that his visit is connected with obtaining a permit. Therefore, it's easiest to contact the organization's office directly, which has a similar name. It is located at: Sredneakhtubinsky rn, Srednyaya Akhtuba rn, Naberezhnaya st., 2a. Here you will be offered dozens of hiking trails, each of which involves a trip to the valley between the rivers and active rest:

• Sport and fishing tours. This is one of the most favorite entertainment for a Russian tourist. Lovers are brought on a equipped bus. In the program - fishing, picking berries and gatherings on the shore.
• Rafting along the river is an interesting and fascinating route. In this case tourists are taken out a little higher upstream, on the sleeve of the Average Akhtuba. From here the route passes by Kuibyshev and the village of Krasny sad. Overnight stays are held in the most picturesque places. On the picturesque bank of the river. Akhtuba in the Leninsky district you are waiting for the latest excursions, after which the group meets vehicles and takes them home.
• Bicycle tours are the most interesting and dynamic way of traveling in beautiful places. It will ride with the wind along the trails of the floodplain - this is an exceptionally pleasant adventure. And you can go with the group, and yourself.

Country of lakes and rivers

The natural park "Volga-Akhtuba floodplain" has more than 300 km in length. That is, this is the whole space between the two majestic rivers. Its width is about 30 km. Akhtuba is the sleeve of the Volga. In the narrowest part of it crosses Buzan. He goes into the delta and dissolves there in countless sleeves, gradually merging with the Volga. As you can see, the boundaries of the natural park "Volgo-Akhtubinskaya floodplain" are outlined quite clearly, the person did not even need to exert efforts.

In order to imagine a little bit of yourself, let's stop at a geographical position. Akhtuba and Buzan are the remnants of the oldest channel. In this case, the soil in it forms a "layered pie" of sand and clay. Therefore, it does not always have clear coasts. Regularly changing, they form new sleeves and lakes.

There are only a few places on the planet. This is a two-tiered Tigris and Euphrates, as well as floodplains of the Ganges and the Indus. Let's try once again to draw the boundaries of the natural park "Volgo-Akhtuba floodplain". The park begins in the Volgograd region, and ends at the border with Astrakhan. Here the river itself begins to divide into tributaries, it was in this place that the Volga hydroelectric power station was built.

Diagram of a two-pronged

It is best to look at the map, then it immediately becomes clear what expanses we are talking about. At the very beginning the valley is very wide, since the Volga is changing direction, turning to the Caspian. This square also outlines the natural park "Volga-Akhtuba floodplain". Mentally, it is difficult even to assess the scale of which we are talking. This is a vast expanse.

In simple terms, the park starts right after the HPP. Beautiful places attract fishermen from all over Russia. The floodplain remains today the site of the spawning grounds of valuable species.

Area of the park

It is difficult to even imagine how big he is. There is everything you want here. These are blue lakes and streams, oak forests and meadows. There is no more similar place on our planet. The area of the natural park "Volga-Akhtuba floodplain" - 154 thousand hectares. Stunning open spaces, populated by unique living creatures. Over the last decades of the 20th century, the ecological balance in the floodplain, which developed over the centuries, was violated. Given the value of the facility, it was decided to create a natural park "Volga-Akhtuba floodplain". The founding date is December 7, 2001. This was due to the desire to ensure the preservation of nature at the legislative level.

The splendor of nature

A large number of fish attracts here not only people. Beautiful creeks serve as a haven for a wide variety of birds. They are permanent residents of these places, and for the sake of their peace, including the territory was recognized as a reserve. The natural park is rich in meadows and oak forests, which have become a haven for hundreds of species of animals. But the most fascinating is the lake of lotuses. It is relatively small, and from August to September, on large leaves, fantastic water lilies bloom.

The most important object for the ecology of the region

And this is not an exaggeration. Keeping this unique piece of nature, we will give the right to life to hundreds, if not thousands of species of creatures. That is why it was decided to organize a natural park "Volga-Akhtuba floodplain". The history of creation began in the 90s of the last century, when mankind faced the problem of a sharp reduction in the number of valuable fish. However, a difficult period in the history of Russia prevented close attention to environmental protection measures.

Close to this issue came in 1999. At the meeting of the government, the question was raised that a natural park "Volgo-Akhtuba floodplain", protected by the state, is needed to preserve the unique object. The creation of this "oasis of life" made it possible to preserve the last section of the Volga valley as it was created by nature.

A little more about the reasons for creating the park

We have already considered step by step how the natural park "Volgo-Akhtuba floodplain" was created. History allows you to see how a unique natural object began to be barbarously destroyed. To admit such a development of events was in no way possible, since for the whole region a huge floodplain is a regulator of the composition of atmospheric air.

But this is only one reason. The park's territory includes objects of historical and cultural heritage. There is a unique reserve here. Below we will still pay him special attention. Today, tourism in these places is actively developing. It is necessary to draw people's attention to the problems of preserving natural and historical values.

Regulations on the natural park "Volga-Akhtuba floodplain"

This is the main document, which prescribes all the goals and objectives that the founders of the reserve pursued. First of all, they concern the activities of the Directorate of the Park. The activity of the employees is aimed at:

• Protection and restoration of natural resources;
• Preservation of the natural environment, natural landscapes;

The Regulations on the Volgo-Akhtuba Floodplain Nature Park describe all functional zones with different protection regimes. There are three of them, below we will talk about them. The bottom line is that some of the land must be completely closed from visits by tourists. Where the ecological balance is leveled, group visits and hikes can already be organized, but with serious restrictions.

Restrictions in the protected area

If you are attracted by the beauty of Russian nature, then the ideal place to relax will be the Volgograd region. The natural park "Volga-Akhtuba floodplain" is partially closed today for the movement of tourists. In a specially protected area, any people, except for employees of the park, are prohibited. The second zone is the most extensive, it is designed to organize a regulated rest. On its territory, it is prohibited to move on mechanized vehicles, to install observation platforms and to build campfires. Terms of stay, picking berries and mushrooms, medicinal herbs, all this is agreed in advance.

The Volgo-Akhtuba floodplain (Volgograd Region) is a territory where fishing is limited to 5 kg per person per day. Similar restrictions are imposed on the export of fresh, salted or dried fish. Tourists can not take more than 5 kg with them. These are reasonable restrictions, which are designed to preserve the natural resources of the reserve.

Climatic zone

The natural park "Volgo-Akhtuba floodplain" (Russia, Volgograd region) is characterized by unique conditions, which is the reason for the huge number of animals and birds living here. The climate in the valley is quite mild. Rains here are relatively few, but less arid days. But in general, the summer is quite hot, sometimes the temperature reaches 40 degrees.

The local climate is almost no different from the subtropics of the Crimea. The abundance of light, moisture and heat makes it possible to grow grapes and other heat-loving crops in the vicinity of the reserve. The cold period starts from the middle of November and lasts until March. The average temperature is about -9 degrees, but it happens that the columns of the thermometer fall and below -20 degrees.

Ecosystem

Reserve (natural park) "Volga-Akhtuba floodplain" is a water ecosystem of rivers and lakes. In addition, there are swamps, meadows and oak forests. On the territory of the reserve there are two huge bogs, on which there is a huge number of birds. But that's not all, there are more than 200 lakes here, with a total area of 42 hectares. This is almost 30% of the total area of the park. And in addition, it is 3 sleeves, 6 caves, 5 large ducts and 120 small Ericks. It is the branched water network that creates a unique microclimate, and also forms the entire ecosystem.

Flora

The plant world of the floodplain includes about 800 plant species. A whole world gathered in one place. No wonder biologists and scientists are willing to spend months here. Basically, they are Compositae and cereal, sedge and cruciferous, buckwheat and legumes, rosaceous. The formation of flora and vegetation has passed the way of adaptation to the conditions of flooding and the timing of floods.

The vegetation of the northern part of the floodplain is mainly represented by meadows. Forests occupy about 15% of the total territory. The predominant formations are oak trees, as well as white and black poplars. All other trees (elms, aspens) occupy small areas. Artificial plantations are mostly pine.

You know well where the natural park "Volgo-Akhtuba floodplain" is. It is in these places you can find the rarest medicinal plants. This hawthorn is doubtful and golden currant, dogrose needle and mulberry black, valerian officinalis, lily of the valley and honeysuckle edible, narrow-leaved and sea-buckthorn. In addition, you can count a few dozen useful and simply beautiful plants and flowers.

Fauna

The fauna of the natural park "Volgo-Akhtuba floodplain" is complex and multifaceted. Birds are most fully studied. Leading ornithologists regularly work here. They study permanent inhabitants, their living conditions, nesting. Here lives or, at least, stops at the time of flight about 80% of all species of birds inhabiting Russia. And every sixth species of birds is listed in the Red Book. The oldest path of migratory birds passes through the floodplain. Here they stop for feeding. To the rare and endangered species of birds are Chegrava and Karavayka, Blackheaded Laughter and Kolpitsa, Beloglazy Dive and Kulik - Magpie, White Stork and Orlan-Belokhvost.

Mammals of the floodplain

About the inhabitants of these places you can talk endlessly. The animals of the Volgo-Akhtuba floodplain are typical representatives of the steppe and forest-steppe zone. Mammals have at least 30 species on the floodplain territory. These are mice and rats, voles. From the surrounding desert areas, hamsters and many other small animals come here. Their distribution is hampered by regular floods, but rodents are well adapted to these conditions. Not infrequently in the floodplain and hedgehogs. And here you can meet ordinary and white-chested, steppe and eared. At night, a lot of bats fly out, but because of a particular way of life, they are poorly understood. Today scientists are more concerned with exploring the world of birds, therefore, it is quite possible that surprises await us when they get to the study of mammals.

Large mammals

Here lives a huge number of hares. Since hunting is prohibited here, their numbers are regulated by the activity of natural predators. Here, in sufficient numbers, there is a weasel and fox, a raccoon fox, which was brought from the Far East. In small quantities, you can find badgers and wolves, martens, and the American mink. Many of these species are valuable, fur-bearing animals that are the objects of sport and amateur hunting.

Water inhabitants

Nowhere you will not find such fishing, as in the floodplain. Here a paradise for lovers to sit with a fishing rod or spinning. How long have you managed to catch a fish weighing up to 5 kg per day? And here it is a common thing. The main thing is do not get carried away, this is the maximum catch allowed for a day. If you stopped outside the territory of the natural park, you can be here on the shore to build a fire and cook an excellent ear.

Due to the timely organization of the nature reserve, in the reservoirs of the reserve it was possible to preserve such rare and endangered fish species as Caspian Sea trout, Volga herring, sterlet and white fish. Under protection are lamprey and medical leech, as well as about 20 species of insects. This is the only place in the world where sturgeon breeds in natural conditions.

Infrastructure of the park

On the basis of the reserve, a biostation or pheasantaria was created. This is a center for studying the wild. The biostation includes a pheasant and a rehabilitation center, a bird ringing section, a botanical site. Here they carry out activities in a number of areas:

• Rehabilitation of wild animals that have been affected by human hand. Very important activity, to which students and students are attracted. This has also an educational value;
• Study of bird migration;
• Revival of rare plant species;

Currently, the pheasant breeds ornamental subspecies of these wonderful birds. At the same time, visitors can see with their own eyes the entire process of their reproduction and cultivation. Perhaps soon whole flocks of pheasants will inhabit the boundaries of the park. In itself, the activity of such a station is priceless, especially since it has virtually no analogues.

Ecocenter Leshchevsky reserve

It is located on the outskirts of the village Leshchev, in the building of the former school. The location of the eco-center makes it extremely convenient for work with schoolchildren and students. This is not entertainment, but serious, scientific research. This is due to the fact that a number of wetlands are located, which are a key place for nesting a variety of birds. There are laboratory and classrooms for classes. This is an excellent base for organizing and conducting seasonal field schools. Despite the fact that the center was opened relatively recently, several integrated field workshops have already been conducted on its basis.

Attractions of the park

Not only scientists and researchers are attracted to the Volga-Akhtuba floodplain. Photos of the natural park show us amazing places in beauty, where you just want to breathe air, take a walk and admire the surrounding world. Despite the organization of protection of this unique place, tourists are not forbidden to visit its territory. The main thing is to observe the rules and not violate the established regime. But, in addition to natural attractions, there are historical places in the park. An example is the burial of the bronze period, which were discovered during recent excavations.

To date, tourism activities here are just entering a phase of intensive development. Ecological routes for water and hiking have already been formed. They are cognitive and entertaining. Considering the neighborhood of a natural park with a huge city, scientists also have to think about how to reduce the uncontrolled flow of holidaymakers who seek to enter the park. To do this, today develop recreation areas, which are located along the western border. This significantly reduces the burden on the territory itself. However, the problem has not been completely solved yet. Till now poaching cases are noted.

Instead of concluding

Scientists and researchers are not pursuing the goal of completely cutting off the natural park from the world and closing access to its territory for curious and interested tourists. However, a large influx of vacationers is always a natural disaster for nature. Fish caught for the sake of sport interest, trampled plants, broken trees, garbage and fires from fires. This is not a complete list of problems that can only be got rid of by closing the territory. Logging in through special passes adds responsibility. A person in advance gets acquainted with the rules and possible fines. It was this measure that gave a chance to preserve the unique nature of the floodplain, its animal and plant world. Today, the ecological balance gradually comes back to normal, with every year rare species of birds, insects, fish and animals become larger. This trend can not but rejoice.