Stara Reka, Nature reserve in Sliven Province, Bulgaria.
Stara Reka is a protected forest area in Sliven Province with dense beech woodlands and a diverse array of plants and animals. The terrain spans different elevations with varying vegetation zones and wildlife habitats throughout the reserve.
The area was officially protected in 1981 to preserve its distinctive beech forests and the species living there. This decision was part of Bulgaria's early efforts to safeguard important natural spaces from change.
The forest is part of an international protection program for ancient beech forests, representing Bulgaria's commitment to preserving European natural spaces. Visitors notice the old trees and the sense of solitude that defines this landscape.
The area is accessible via marked trails that wind through different forest sections and elevations. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and dress for changing weather, as paths can be steep and the ground often damp.
The reserve contains some of Europe's oldest beech populations, with trees reaching several centuries in age. These ancient specimens make it a valuable research site for scientists studying long-term forest changes.
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