Berezhnytske forestry
Located west of Lyubykovychi village, this site covers a forested floodplain terrace between the Horyn and Sluch rivers within the ecological network of the Rivne region. Bordered by a local forest road to the east and a railway line to the west, the territory is managed entirely for forestry. Although no active forestry operations are currently taking place, local residents occasionally collect firewood.
The site is an important conservation area, preserving a sand dune habitat with open psammophytic and forest vegetation. It harbors a population of Jurinea cyanoides covering over 0,10 ha along the edge of a pine forest next to the railway line. The open patches are dominated by Corynephorus canescens, Thymus serpyllum and lichens, alongside species such as Helichrysum arenarium and Dianthus borbasii. Additionally, the surrounding pine woods host a large population of the rare Goodyera repens, a species listed in the Red Book of Ukraine.
Threats to the Site
The primary threats facing the site are climate-induced drought and natural succession, which causes young trees and shrubs to overgrow the open sandy areas.
Site Management
Planned project actions include evaluating genetic diversity, monitoring population dynamics, assessing habitat quality and tracking local pollinator activity. Citizen science campaigns will also be carried out to engage the local community in protecting the site.
Project partners
Financing
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.