Today we celebrate 77 years since the declaration of the “Boatin” Reserve, which is located on the territory of the Central Balkan National Park. It was declared a reserve in 1948 with the main goal of preserving the centuries-old beech forests within its borders. Over the years, the boundaries of the reserve have been enlarged several times and today it covers an area of almost 1600 hectares.

“Boatin” is located in the Western part of the Central Stara Planina and occupies the Northern slopes of the mountain below the Tetevenska Baba peak. It covers the Cherni Vit River basin, and its relief is very rugged and steep. Forest landscapes prevail, dominated by old and tall beech trees (some of them more than 200 years old). Only on the highest parts of the mountain spruce forests are to be found, which form the upper border of the reserve, and in the few open ridge parts - juniper communities are also present.

Within the boundaries of the “Boatin” Reserve, a rich biodiversity is preserved. The higher flora is represented by 550-600 species, including a considerable number of endemic plants and some endangered species included in the Red Book of the Republic of Bulgaria and other nature conservation documents.

The richness of the bird world is proverbial - in addition to dozens of species of songbirds, in “Boatin” you can see almost all species of woodpeckers, as well as many of the mystical owls. It was here that the Ural owl was seen for the first time in Bulgaria. Within the boundaries of the reserve, you can also meet all animal species typical of the mountainous zone of the temperate climate, including the brown bear, which is emblematic of the National Park.

You can read more about the “Boatin” Reserve on the website of the Central Balkan National Park: https://visitcentralbalkan.net/