Forest Week 2026: Shared Responsibility for Resilient Forests in the Western Stara Planina

On 7^th April, staff from the Northwestern State Enterprise Vratsa and State Forestry Berkovitsa, participating in the ForestConnect implementation, carried out forest restoration by planting native fruit tree species in the area of Chereshovitsa village in the Western Stara planina.

All dead and damaged saplings from last year’s planting were replaced with 200 new trees of wild apple and cherry plum, wrapped in protective mesh to prevent damage by wild animals. The area was cleared of fallen trees and branches from the winter, and care for the young saplings will continue throughout the year through hoeing, mowing, and mulching.

Forest care does not end with planting saplings – it is not a one-time act but a long-term process requiring years of continuous effort due to the influence of climate, wildlife, and other natural factors.

Planting native wild fruit tree species – wild cherry, cherry plum, wild apple, and pear – supports the resilience of forest ecosystems, providing a long-term food base for large carnivores and their trophic chains. The territory of Northwestern Bulgaria is particularly important for biodiversity conservation in the border areas of the Western Stara Planina, as it serves as a natural corridor for wildlife migration and ensures ecological connectivity with populations in the Carpathians and the Balkans.

The initiative took place within the framework of Forest Week 2026, under the motto “Tradition, Knowledge, and Responsibility towards the Forest”, as part of the ForestConnect project’s efforts to build connections between people and forests through practical care and shared responsibility.