Beech Forest

The Bukowa Primeval Forest, also known as the Bukowa Wilderness, is a picturesque forest complex located in the southeastern districts of Szczecin, within the Bukowe Hills. This area is part of the Szczecin Landscape Park "Puszcza Bukowa," established in 1981, and the Forest Promotional Complex "Puszcze Szczecińskie," which has existed since 1996. It stands out for its richness of diverse forest habitats, including well-preserved beech forests, riparian woodlands, and pine forests. Among the highest peaks of the Bukowe Hills are Bukowiec (149 m above sea level), Lisica (140 m above sea level), and Łowczyn (138 m above sea level). The area is drained by streams belonging to three different watersheds, and within the park, there are 17 post-glacial lakes as well as numerous natural and artificial water reservoirs. The flora of the Bukowa Primeval Forest includes approximately 1,250 plant species, 63 of which are fully protected. The region also boasts a rich fauna, including 152 species of breeding birds, as well as rare mammal and amphibian species. Among the forms of nature protection, reserves such as Bukowe Zdroje, Trawiasta Buczyna, and Źródliskowa Buczyna stand out, preserving diverse forest ecosystems and their inhabitants. The Bukowa Primeval Forest is also the site of a reintroduction program for the edible dormouse, which had become extinct in this area. The region features a well-developed network of hiking and cycling trails, making it an attractive destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. There is no shortage of interesting features, such as legends about oak trees said to remember past events, and various natural monuments, including monumental glacial erratics. All these elements make the Bukowa Primeval Forest an exceptionally valuable and diverse ecosystem that combines natural assets with the rich history and culture of the region.