Silkosiya Reserve, Nature reserve in Strandzha, Bulgaria
Silkosiya Reserve is a protected area in the Strandzha region that covers around 390 hectares of forested land ranging from 100 to 250 meters in elevation. It sits within the Veleka river watershed and shelters approximately 260 plant species across its wooded terrain.
The government established this reserve in July 1931 as Bulgaria's first officially protected natural area. The creation aimed to safeguard European evergreen plants and forest ecosystems from further decline.
The name comes from Turkish roots relating to silk production historically found in this region. Visitors encounter rare oak, beech, and wild medlar trees that represent the native forest heritage of this corner of Bulgaria.
Visiting this area requires advance permission from the Regional Environmental and Water Inspectorate in Burgas, which organizes guided educational and research visits. Plan your trip well ahead and contact them several weeks in advance to arrange access.
The forest shows an unusual pattern where oak trees thrive at higher elevations while beech dominates lower areas, reversing the typical distribution seen elsewhere. This unexpected plant arrangement draws attention from forest ecologists and nature researchers.
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