Near Dubki lies the Dubkovsky Forest nature and recreation complex. Coniferous and deciduous mixed forests, artificial bodies of water and diverse plant life define this natural area. Its character can be understood from several perspectives: the composition of its forests, its bodies of water, the diversity of its plants and its recreational uses. Thus, near Dubki, a specific nature destination sits alongside the visit to the town itself.
Forest Landscape and Structure
Coniferous and deciduous mixed forests, along with forest types that have developed from them, are the most widespread in the complex. This describes more than a single type of forest: both mixed stands and the forest types derived from them are part of the widespread landscape. Overall, the area consists of 16 sections covering a total of 350.70 hectares. The area figure applies to all sections; their number and total area may change if the protected area is reorganized. Forest types and the division into sections provide different points of reference: the former characterize the landscape, while the latter describe the structure of the complex.
Bodies of Water and Recreational Use
The complex contains two artificial bodies of water: a small water-filled pit in the south near the village of Dubki and Lake Lesnoye. The location given for the small pit and the lake’s proper name distinguish the two bodies of water. Residents of nearby settlements and dacha communities use them for swimming and fishing; the complex also serves them as an area for forest walks. These are specific recreational activities, each with a different connection to the forest or water.
Plants and Wildlife
More than 200 vascular plant species have been recorded in the complex. European hazel-leaved buttercup is listed in the Red Data Book of Moscow Oblast. Four plant species are included in Appendix 1 of the Red Data Book: lesser butterfly-orchid, early marsh-orchid, globeflower and lily of the valley. These names complement the total with specific examples and give the natural area’s botanical character greater definition. If you wish to use the current conservation status as a basis for your assessment, please check the applicable regional list.
The nature and recreation complex is also a habitat for numerous forest animal species. At the same time, it is an important transit area and ecological corridor for migration. Habitat and corridor describe different functions of the same natural area: one supports forest animals, while the other facilitates migration. Thus, its ecological role adds another perspective on the forest complex to the description of its plant species and bodies of water.
Putting the Area Around Dubki into Context
To help you decide on your trip, it is useful to distinguish between the different activities: forest walks take place in the forest, swimming and fishing at the bodies of water, while the plant and animal life offers a separate natural history perspective. This lets you weigh up which aspect of the nearby area interests you, without reducing the entire complex to a single activity.
Discover more destinations: Sergiyevo, Odintsovo, Novoivanovskoye, Kubinka, Vyrubovo, Shikhovo, Nemchinovka, Perkhushkovo
For the broader travel overview: Odintsovsky District.
