By order of the Minister for the Environment and Water Rositsa Karamfilova, four new centuries-old trees have been declared protected.

Two of them are approximately 100 years old and are of the English oak (Quercus robur) species. They are situated in the territory of the village of Beglezh, Pleven municipality. Both are around 18 metres tall. One tree has a trunk circumference of 5.40 metres, whilst the other measures 5.30 metres. The proposal to designate both of these centuries-old trees as protected came from experts at the Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Water - Pleven.

A centuries-old tree of the common walnut species (Juglans regia), estimated to be 200 years old, located on the territory of the village of Shiroka Laka, Smolyan Municipality, has also been designated as protected. It is approximately 22.5 metres tall and has a trunk circumference of 4.20 metres. It has been proposed for designation as a protected ancient tree by the Association of Parks in Bulgaria.

The Minister’s order also includes a fourth ancient tree, approximately 130 years old, of the species Quercus frainetto. It is situated on the territory of the village of Elshitsa, Panagyurishte Municipality, Pazardzhik Region, and has a trunk circumference of 3.60 metres and a height of approximately 20 metres. The proposal to designate this ancient tree as protected comes from the Civil Association for the Development of the Village of Elshitsa.

With the declaration of these four trees as protected, it is prohibited to uproot, fell, prune, or break off branches, damage the trunks, or carry out any other actions that would lead to the destruction, damag,e or deterioration of the trees’ physical condition.

The order is due to be published in the State Gazette, after which the trees will be entered in the registers in accordance with the requirements of the Biodiversity Act and designated as ancient trees.

The conservation of ancient or remarkable trees through their timely protection is one of the priorities of the Ministry of the Environment and Water. A large proportion of these trees, distinguished by their remarkable shapes and sizes, which have withstood the test of time and the forces of nature, have been preserved thanks to the commitment and public awareness of local communities.