This is an approach to forest management that approaches natural processes in forests, an approach that differs significantly from industrial and plantation forestry.Forestry in Bulgaria has a long history and higher forestry education has been offered for over a century. It is aimed at creating new forests and maintaining forests in good condition.We can safely say that the forestry practices applied in Bulgaria, and more specifically in the Rhodope region, where most private forests are located, belong to the "close to nature" approach.The applied regeneration fellings - fellings that are applied in mature stands in order to create a new generation, have a long regeneration period of between 20, 40 and more years in certain cases, this is a prerequisite for successful natural regeneration, without the need for artificial afforestation. Individual trees or small groups are removed for the purpose of natural regeneration. In this way, continuity of forest cover is ensured, which supports biodiversity and soil protection. This combines the economic benefits of the forest with compliance with environmental requirements. In areas permanently covered with forest vegetation, protection of water sources is ensured and the recreational value of the forest is increased.All this is achieved with high qualifications, knowledge and experience of the foresters practicing in our forests.The predominant tree species in the region are spruce, white and black pine, fir and beech at altitudes mainly between 1000 and 2000 m above sea level. The ability of these forests to regenerate naturally is extremely good. Artificial support for regeneration is resorted to in extremely rare cases. Often, regeneration precedes the maturity of the forest and it begins to regenerate even before the main stand is mature. Where there are open areas, the pioneer is the white or black pine. In most cases, the next generation is represented by shade-tolerant species - fir and spruce.In the attached photos, we have tried to show you good examples of the natural regeneration of forests in the area.SMURF project website https://www.smurfproject.eu/.Funded by EU #smurfproject #SmallForestHoldings #forestry #forestowners #profitability #smallforestowners #foresteufuture #forestmanagement #sustainability #forestnews #cascadefunding #closetonaturesilviculture
