Rossony district. Lake Neshcherdo.

Lake Neshcherdo is a large-scale and picturesque body of water in the north‑east of the Vitebsk region, which combines rich nature, complex hydrography and a notable cultural and historical background. Located 15 km east of Rossony, it actually consists of two ples connected by a narrow isthmus; this shape and highly indented coastline create many bays, capes and shallow coves where it is convenient to stop and observe nature.

According to various sources, the area varies greatly (there are values of about 24.6 km2 and about 28.6 km2), the maximum depth is fixed at about 8.1 m, and the length of the coastline is about 50 km, which makes it one of the longest in the country. Many streams flow into the lake (up to 12 according to some data) and the Atlayskaya River; the Neshcherda River flows from the Neshcherdo, connected to the Drissa system. There are sandy deposits along the shores, sapropel areas in the central ples, and wide coastal vegetation in the bays.

The surrounding forests are rich in berries and mushrooms: blueberries, lingonberries, raspberries, strawberries and a variety of mushrooms. Numerous waterfowl nest on the islands and in the coastal thickets; migrating species arrive here in the warmer months. The ichthyofauna is typical for bream‑walleye reservoirs: bream, walleye, pike, roach, gaster, eel, carp, ide and rudd. The reservoir is periodically flooded, commercial fishing is conducted here and paid amateur fishing is organized.

Neshcherdo is mentioned in chronicles and local legends; the poet Jan Borshchevsky was born on the eastern shore in the village of Muragi, who in his works turned to local landscapes and legends. The lake is surrounded by folklore, from stories about ancient settlements to tales of dragons ("tsmoks") and treasures, which adds an atmosphere of mystery to the place.

It attracts fishermen, boating enthusiasts and those who are looking for a secluded vacation in nature. On the shores there are both comfortable beaches and gentle entrances to the water, as well as overgrown, wild areas. In winter, the lake is popular with ice fishing enthusiasts. The infrastructure in the area is not massive yet: most of the visitors are locals and visiting fishermen; in the coming years, cottage development projects on individual sites are being discussed, but most of the coastline remains natural.

Practical tips for the visitor.

• The best time: late spring — early autumn for walking and fishing; winter — for ice fishing with stable ice.
• What to take: a navigator or offline maps, a supply of water and firewood, mosquito repellents, fishing gear; rubber shoes for hiking in swampy areas.
• Behavior: respect nature protection regimes, do not make bonfires outside of equipped areas, do not leave garbage and do not disturb nesting birds.
• Security: there is a weak mobile connection in remote bays; plan the route and inform about the plans.

Why it's worth going. Neshcherdo is a combination of large-scale water space, rich nature and cultural depth. Here you can catch good fish, see rare birds, walk along the hilly shores and feel the very northern silence that people come to these parts for. For reporting and publishing, it is useful to combine panoramic images of ples and bays with shots of islands, coastal vegetation and local villages — this will give a complete picture of the lake and its character.