Last year, recreational areas managed by “Forests of Ukraine” were visited by over 3 million Ukrainians. Thousands of hectares of forest were preserved from potential wildfires thanks to the creation of comfortable, safe, and free places for public recreation.

 

This year, the recreational development program continues. Since 2023, the enterprise has established more than 100 modern “Lisovychok” sites. In 2025, an additional 50 will be created.

 

The new recreational sites are fully equipped leisure complexes with developed infrastructure (including children’s and sports playgrounds, water supply, electricity, restrooms, barbecue areas, and more). In most cases, eco-trails are also created nearby, passing through scenic natural locations.

 

Most of the new sites will be established in the Polissia region and the northern areas, where coniferous stands especially vulnerable to wildfires are predominant.

 

How do we choose locations for “Lisovychok” sites?

 

1.Intercepting tourist flows

 

Recreational sites are placed in areas with the highest concentration of visitors, most often near highways and populated areas. For example, this year a new site was opened along the H-31 highway (Dnipro–Reshetylivka), near the village of Obukhivka. During the Easter holidays, it was completely full.

 

2.Preventing illegal dumping

 

Litter left behind after picnics posed a risk of forming an illegal dumping site in the forest along the banks of the Psel River in Sumy. To stop this, a new recreational site is being built there.

 

3.Ensuring visitor safety from landmine hazards

 

In Kyiv, Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv regions and others, thousands of hectares of forest are contaminated with explosive ordnance. Dangerous areas are often located near populated places and pose a serious threat to people. One of our new recreational sites is being established near Irpin, where intense fighting took place in 2022.

 

4.Educational and cultural activities in partnership with communities

 

The development of the recreational network is part of the enterprise’s cooperation with local communities. One of the districts of the city of Kamianske borders the forest areas of the Pankivske forestry management unit. The local community approached us with a proposal to establish a recreational site here, including sports grounds for football, basketball, and other activities.