Forest reserves

Forest reserves are forests that are specifically important for research, studying and monitoring natural development of forests, biodiversity and protection of natural values and cultural heritage due to their developmental phase and current development. The Forestry Act classifies them into category of special purpose forests where measures are not allowed. Some of forest reserves and primeval remnants were excluded from management more than a century ago.

Research in forests that are left for long-term natural development enables us to study various aspects or processes, such as natural disturbances, stand dynamics, ingrowth, mortality, biogeochemical cycling, relationships between species and habitats and others. Since the forest stands have not been modified due to management, they represent ideal object for studying the impact of environmental changes on forests.

Research in forest reserves shows that they are characterized by a higher proportion of dead biomass of larger dimensions, which is important as a habitat for many endangered animal and plant species. That is why forest reserves are also extremely important for the conservation of biodiversity.

The importance of forest reserves for society is outstanding, which is why they are declared by a government regulation – Degree on protection forests and special purpose forests. The degree defines the type of forest reserves according to the protection regime and other conditions.

A network of forest reserves was established in Slovenia in the 1970s, covering most forest types in Slovenia. Today, 170 forest reserves with a total area of ​​9,426.16 ha are protected in Slovenia, which represents 0.8% of all forests.

Forest reserves in Slovenia can be seen and downloaded here.