Ecotrope "Batskavy scyazhynki" (Father's paths).

Imagine: you are walking through the forest, and the trees are playing music, there are cones and sand under your feet, and somewhere ahead of you there is a court... a forest.

If you think that ecotropics are boring stands with inscriptions and "do not litter" signs, then you just haven't been to Chemistry. Everything is different here. Outside the village, on the border with the agricultural town of Alexandria, Orsha forestry workers spent two months conjuring over a forest area and turned it into a real interactive park.

And now the Vitebsk region has an ecotropa that has no analogues. Her name is "Batskavy scyazhynki" - and this is not just a beautiful name, but a place with character.

Where does the journey begin?

It's just like in a real adventure: there's a carved wooden signboard at the entrance, a route map, and... no boredom. It's worth stepping over the arch, and you immediately understand: It's not just a walk. On the right is a stand with trees, but not the usual one, but in a cross-section: you can see what a spruce, linden or oak tree looks like from the inside. And then there is a gazebo, a woodcutter and a place for a bonfire. You can stop right away, breathe in the forest air and tune in to the right mood.

But don't linger - the most interesting things are ahead.

Play a melody in the trees

Yes, yes, you heard right. Samples of different types of wood are laid out on one of the stands. You take a wooden mallet and each piece sounds in its own way. Somewhere it's muffled, somewhere it's ringing. The forest turns into a musical instrument, and you turn into a conductor. Try composing your own forest symphony - the children have this attraction going with a bang, and the adults are tapping on the pieces of wood with a smile, remembering their childhood.

A breathtaking carousel.

There is a surprise in the central clearing. Forest carousel. Not plastic, not iron, but the most wooden. And it is designed for four people at once. It spins so that the wind whistles in your ears, and laughter reverberates throughout the forest. They say that this is the best way to feel like a child and at the same time check the vestibular apparatus. Nearby there are swings, giant tic-tac-toe and cozy gazebos where you can have a picnic.

The path of health is barefoot!

The most unusual part of the route is the Barefoot Trail. This is a path where natural textures change underfoot: rough cones, warm sand, smooth bark, cool pebbles. Take off your clothes, take off your shoes, and go ahead. A foot massage is guaranteed, and at the same time, a boost of energy. They say that after such a walk, fatigue is relieved. And the kids are just thrilled - they run barefoot and compare which is softer and which is prickly.

The Forest Court and the bench of reconciliation.

The most unexpected twist is a location called the "Forest Court". Sit on the bench of "reconciliation" and think: Don't we forget too often that we are visiting nature? You can laugh and reflect here. And if you want to have fun, there is a forest bowling alley, wooden checkers, Jenga and even a maze nearby. Everything is made by the hands of foresters - and it is felt in every detail.

Bird canteen and pests with names.

There is also a place for birds on the trail: the "bird canteen" is waiting for treats. Colorful signs will tell you how to feed the forest dwellers so as not to harm them. And here you can also get acquainted with... pests. Special stands will tell about those who spoil the forest, but it is done with humor. Matvey the tick and Valera the mosquito greet the guests with a smile - they dream of making friends, albeit biting ones.

The finishing point is the Kukushkin Post Office. Take a piece of paper, write a wish, impression or advice, and put it in the drawer. And if you don't want to mess with a pen, just scan the QR code and send a review from your phone. Modern, comfortable and homely.

Not just entertainment, but a lesson.

There are kind but wise signs all along the trail: "Clean up after yourself - you are a guest", "Respect any life" - they unobtrusively but persistently remind that the forest is a living organism. And you need to keep an eye on him. Moreover, cameras are installed on the trail - order is strictly but fairly monitored.

From the creators

Sergey Sukhodolov, director of the forestry enterprise, admits: they wanted to make not just a trail, but a real adventure.

- We moved away from the classics, from boring signs, and went all-in. We wanted people not just to walk, but to interact with the forest. So that everyone leaves here with a smile, new knowledge and a desire to return. We are sure that "Batskavy scyazhynki" will become a point of attraction not only for residents of Orsha, but also for guests from all over the country.

How to get there?

Drop the village of Himy on the border with Alexandria into the navigator. Look for a carved wooden arch and go ahead. Admission is free, parking is available for both cars and bicycles.

Come with your children, with friends, and in a good mood - the forest is already waiting. And remember: we take away the garbage, we don't break the trees, and if you meet a mosquito named Valera, wave to him, he's harmless. Almost)