Revealed how the protected nature of the Tula Beautiful

Beautiful near the village of Shilovo near Efremov called Russian Switzerland. The steep banks of the Beautiful Sword, hills and deep ravines create an unusual landscape for the Tula region. But this area is interesting not only species: rare plants, areas of old forests and stone formations are preserved here, reminiscent of the ancient sea that existed hundreds of millions of years ago.

Part of the territory is included in the Tula Zaseki National Park. State environmental inspector Marina Privalova explains that local forests grow mainly in beams and ravines. There is more shade, fallen foliage accumulates and a special microclimate is formed. These conditions are suitable for many animals: badgers, boars, roe deer and foxes are found in Beautiful, and birds of prey nest on tall trees.

On rocky soil, where limestone lies close to the surface, oaks grow slowly and often acquire a bizarre shape. The relief itself helped to preserve these forests: steep slopes were difficult to plow, use for grazing and cut down. Therefore, among the lands developed by man, areas of nature have survived, which allow us to imagine how this area looked in the past.

It is also famous for its beautiful grasslands. Here, dozens of plant species can grow on a small site, and the appearance of the slopes changes during the season. Some flowers replace others, so even a familiar place looks different a week later.

Among the local plants there are rare species listed in the Red Book. For example, a broom with white flowers grows on open stony slopes. In the middle of summer, it is already forming seeds. The plant is vulnerable to grass palms and mowing too early: because of this, the population on a separate site can disappear.

Nearby there is a yellowing onion - a small and inconspicuous flower that is easy not to notice among the grass. Here also grow a multi-colored knit, muddy sage, cornflowers and Alsatian gold plate. In spring on the slopes appear adonis, or goriflowers, with bright yellow flowers. Some herbaceous plants live for decades, and spring adonis can take about ten years to bloom for the first time.

The unusual landscape of Beautiful is also associated with the geological past. Underground are limestones of the Devonian period, about 350-380 million years old. Once there was a sea, and today its ancient bottom has become part of the land.

Along the Beautiful Sword is the Stone Road, a section that looks like a series of neatly laid slabs. In fact, these are natural outlets of dolomites, formed in the distant past. And the quartzite sandstones on the tops of the hills brought here a glacier from the north.

Another famous witness of the Ice Age is the Horse Stone. The lump weighing about 20 tons stands on three supports and is surrounded by legends about heroes, petrified horse and ancient rites. However, its origin is explained by the movement of the glacier.

On the surface of the stone grow rare lichens for the region. Marina Privalova reminds that they can not be considered an ordinary plaque: these are living organisms that also need protection. Visitors are asked not to climb the boulder and not trample plants on protected meadows.

Beautiful combines natural and geological monuments, rare flowers and forests, preserved due to the peculiarities of the area. In order for this territory to remain as rich and diverse, it is important to protect even those species whose importance is not always noticeable to humans.

Earlier, "MK in Tula" wrote: Milyaev reported the planting of 5.5 thousand trees on the Kulikovo field. This year, the action is timed to the 30th anniversary of the Kulikovo Field Museum-Reserve.