Ever wondered where Muscovites escape to for a breath of fresh air? That place is Severnoye Butovo. Severnoye Butovo District is an administrative part of Moscow. It offers a blend of urban living and natural beauty.
The area of Severnoye Butovo spans 9.271 square kilometers. About 95,937 people call Severnoye Butovo home. It is a vibrant community within Moscow’s South-Western Administrative Okrug.
But there is also the Severnoye Butovo Environmental Park. This park is a haven for locals seeking nature. It sits on the border of Severnoye and South Butovo. The park covers 137.79 hectares. It is a favorite spot for nearby residents. You can reach it from metro stations like Bulvar Dmitrya Donskogo.
Severnoye Butovo Park is under the care of the Bitsevsky Les Natural Areas Directorate. The park is home to various species. Hares and weasels roam here. You might spot a white-backed or black woodpecker. Grass frogs and common newts also live in the park. Lily of the valley and wild pansy add to the flora. These species are listed in Moscow’s Red Data Book.
The park management mows grass once a year to preserve wild grasses. Lawns near the Bulvar Dmitrya Donskogo entrance are mowed more often. This is because residents use them for sunbathing.
Barbecuing is allowed in Severnoye Butovo, but only in designated areas. Rangers patrol the park to ensure rules are followed. They can fine people for grilling in the wrong place.
The park boasts pines, spruces, larches, oaks, and lindens. New trees are planted to replace those that die. Fruit and berry plants are added to feed birds and animals. Planting non-native species is prohibited. Fallen trees are left to provide food and shelter for wildlife.
Hedges protect areas where Red Data Book plants grow. Paths are being improved with lighting. The pond on Akademika Glushko Street is also getting attention. Severnoye Butovo offers walking and biking trails. Most paths are unpaved. There is a volleyball court. Nature conservation is a priority. New asphalt roads are not allowed to protect the soil.
The park addresses issues like poisoned ticks to protect wildlife. Giant hogweed is controlled. Angelica, a harmless plant, is sometimes mistaken for hogweed. The goal is to balance nature with amenities. Quiet corners exist alongside benches and playgrounds.
Severnoye Butovo stands as a testament. It shows how urban areas can coexist with nature. It’s a place where you can escape the city. It is a place to enjoy the simple pleasures of the outdoors.