A QUIET FOREST LANDSCAPE
Auga Nature Reserve
The reserve lies within the territory of Narva-Jõesuu, near the village of Puhkova, and covers nearly 200 hectares of forest landscape. It was established to protect the region’s natural forest communities and its rich biodiversity.
The Auga forest lies within the green network of Ida-Viru County and serves as an important natural buffer between the towns of Narva-Jõesuu and Narva. Such forest areas help maintain ecological connectivity and provide habitats for many plant, bird and insect species.
The landscape developed after the last Ice Age, and ancient coastal ridges from the Littorina Sea period can still be seen within the forest. These sandy formations were created approximately 4,000–8,000 years ago, when the level of the Baltic Sea was higher than it is today. Today they give the forest landscape a gentle yet distinctive relief and reflect the geological history of the region.
The landscape developed after the last Ice Age, and ancient coastal ridges from the Littorina Sea period can still be seen within the forest. These sandy formations were created approximately 4,000–8,000 years ago, when the level of the Baltic Sea was higher than it is today. Today they give the forest landscape a gentle yet distinctive relief and reflect the geological history of the region.
The dark red helleborine (Epipactis atrorubens) is a wild orchid growing in Estonia that prefers dry and well-lit habitats such as sandy pine forests, forest edges and slopes.
It usually flowers from June to July and can be recognised by its dark red or purplish flowers and a strong fragrance often compared to vanilla.
This species is protected in Estonia and is sensitive to changes in its habitat. The dark red helleborine often grows in natural pine forests such as those found around Narva-Jõesuu.
It usually flowers from June to July and can be recognised by its dark red or purplish flowers and a strong fragrance often compared to vanilla.
This species is protected in Estonia and is sensitive to changes in its habitat. The dark red helleborine often grows in natural pine forests such as those found around Narva-Jõesuu.
Epipactis atrorubens
For many years the Auga forest has been a valued recreational forest for local residents. People come here for walks, outdoor activities and seasonal berry and mushroom picking. Nature observations carried out in 2018 recorded at least 165 species in the area, demonstrating its rich biodiversity.
Unlike many well-known natural attractions, Auga Nature Reserve is not designed as a large tourist centre. Its value lies in the quietness of its forests and the diversity of its natural habitats — a place where visitors can enjoy peaceful forest trails and experience the nature of Ida-Viru County in its most authentic form.
Unlike many well-known natural attractions, Auga Nature Reserve is not designed as a large tourist centre. Its value lies in the quietness of its forests and the diversity of its natural habitats — a place where visitors can enjoy peaceful forest trails and experience the nature of Ida-Viru County in its most authentic form.