Sirtsi and Tudusoo Mires

The Sirtsi and Tudusoo Mires (4,558 ha) are part of a natural reserve that aims to protect the Sirtsi Wetlands, the surrounding forests, as well as protected species and their habitats. In 1976, a strict nature reserve for brown bears (Ursus arctos) was founded in this region. The nature reserve of water protection value consists of six detached plots of land. The Sirtsi Wetlands are composed of a range of mires in the north-westerly – south-easterly direction with a bog in the middle and quagmires on the edges. The Sirtsi Brook and the rivers of Hirmuse, Purtse and Kunda flow through the protected area. The natural forests around the mires offer shelter to plenty of shy species, such as the flying squirrel (Pteromys volans), black stork (Ciconia nigra), and golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos). Bears, lynxes, and wolves also live in the forests. There are numerous legends about the Sirtsi Mire. The former winter road between Central Estonia and St. Petersburg is still distinct in the landscape.