Volunteer Tree-Planting Action Supports Wildlife Near Berkovitsa

WWF Bulgaria, together with partners, joined forces to improve the food base for wildlife in the Berkovitsa area.

On 16 April, WWF Bulgaria, in partnership with the Northwest State Enterprise, organized a volunteer action to plant wild fruit tree saplings near Berkovitsa. The initiative brought together dozens of volunteers and representatives of various institutions around a shared goal: to improve food availability for wildlife, enhance habitat connectivity, and support the sustainable restoration of forest ecosystems.

The activity is part of the international ForestConnect project, which aims to conserve and restore ecological corridors for large carnivores across the Balkan, Carpathian, and Dinaric mountain ranges, while also addressing the impacts of climate change.

Why plant wild fruit trees?

Forests are not only habitats but also a vital food source for many wild species. Due to human activities and climate change, the availability of natural food resources can decline in certain years. Planting wild fruit tree species is an effective way to help maintain ecological balance and support the preservation of green corridors.

During the action, a variety of native species were planted, including:

• Sweet chestnut

• Cherry plum

• Apple

• Wild cherry

• Pear

These trees provide both food and shelter for a wide range of wildlife - from birds to large mammals - thus contributing to richer biodiversity and improved ecological connectivity.

What are green corridors and why do they matter?

Green corridors are connected natural areas that allow animals to move safely between habitats in search of food, mates, and new territories. Without them, many species become isolated, increasing the risk of population decline.

Through initiatives like this, WWF Bulgaria works to restore this essential connectivity in nature—a key factor for its long-term health and resilience.

Volunteers and partners united for nature

The initiative brought together representatives from Coca-Cola, Telelink, the Municipality of Berkovitsa, the Forestry Vocational School in Berkovitsa, and the “Sokol” Hunting and Fishing Association. Thanks to their dedication and energy, significant work with lasting value for nature was accomplished in a short time.

Such collaborative efforts highlight the crucial role of partnerships between businesses, public institutions, and citizens in protecting the environment.

A long-term impact for nature

Planting native tree species is an investment in the future. Beyond supporting wildlife, these trees:

• increase forest resilience to climate change

• support the restoration of degraded land

• contribute to carbon capture and reduce the carbon footprint

• create natural links between fragmented forest areas

WWF Bulgaria continues its mission

WWF Bulgaria will continue working to protect and restore forests through initiatives that actively engage local communities and businesses. We believe that through collective efforts, we can build a future where people live in harmony with nature.

The project “ForestConnect: Towards climate-smart forest connectivity for large carnivores in the Balkan-Carpathian-Dinaric region” is implemented under the Interreg Danube Region Programme and co-funded by the European Union.