Banjica Forest, Natural monument in Voždovac district, Belgrade, Serbia.
Banjica Forest is a protected natural area in Belgrade's Voždovac district, covering 40 hectares with dense vegetation and winding paths. The forest provides habitat for 68 bird species and numerous mammals that visitors may spot while walking through.
Between 1948 and 1950, this area transformed from vegetable gardens into a planted forest as part of Belgrade's postwar green belt initiative. The conversion marked an effort to create green spaces throughout the city.
A cobblestone path winds through the forest as a memorial to those held at the former Banjica concentration camp during World War II. This route serves as a place where visitors can reflect on the site's difficult past while moving through the trees.
The forest has several entrances connected to public transit stops, making it accessible from around the city. Benches and information boards line the 2.3-kilometer walking routes to help visitors navigate and rest as needed.
The forest is named after Timothy John Byford, a British ornithologist who dedicated himself to protecting the local bird populations in this area. His work ensured that the site became a significant refuge for numerous avian species.
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