The Irdyn marshland, located in the Cherkasy region, is a unique natural formation that developed in the former riverbed of the Dnieper. Although the river changed its course long ago, the landscape still retains features characteristic of the Dnieper’s banks. The right bank, known as the Moshnohirskyi Ridge, is distinguished by highlands, ravines, and dense oak-ash forests. The left bank has a different character: it’s a flat, lowland area covered with pine forests. The marshland also contains several islands, which are separate natural complexes with unique ecosystems.
The landscape’s resemblance to the Dnieper’s banks is easily confirmed by looking at Kyiv, with its hills and ravines on the right bank and a gentle, flat left bank.
At the beginning of the 20th century, there were plans to designate the Irdyn marshland as a nature reserve, but due to significant peat deposits, the area was instead used for extraction. This mining continued for decades, and as a result, the conservation status was never granted. Today, mining has ceased, and nature has begun to recover.
Despite human intervention, the surrounding forests have remained in a relatively natural state. In recent years, we at UNCG have repeatedly surveyed this area. Here, you can find old-growth oaks with a trunk circumference of over five meters, as well as many rare species of plants and animals. For instance, at least 25 plant species listed in The Red Data Book of Ukraine have been recorded in Irdyn and Moshnohirya, including various orchids. The marshes and forests are also an important environment for 60 species of protected birds, 27 of which are included in The Red Data Book of Ukraine. Among them are the black stork (Ciconia nigra), booted eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus), and osprey (Pandion haliaetus).
However, a threat to Irdyn’s natural uniqueness still exists. Most of the old-growth forests of natural origin are classified as “exploitation forests” and are subject to logging, despite their significant ecological and cultural value.
The area also has historical significance, as it was the site of national liberation movements in the past, similar to those in the Kholodnyi Yar and Chornyi Lis forests.
This territory desperately needs official conservation status. Irdyn has significant potential for biodiversity conservation, scientific research, and the development of recreation, which would be a crucial step toward protecting Ukraine’s unique ecosystems.
