To Kilkisin the Mouries area, a unique natural monument emerges again: The Forest “Thousand Trees”a real treasure of natural river germ, regains its lost glamor after decades of obscene. With a story exceeding 400 years, the forest is transformed into a pattern of natural park ecotourism and environmental education, through a flagship protection project that now touches integration stages.

Recently, with a large investment of 400,000 euros – currently being implemented at 95%implementation – they have been fully accessible for handicapped trails 2,155 meters, while upgrading infrastructure with fauna observatory, museum facilities, water supply facilities, water supply facilities. The renovation of the existing stone kiosk aims to create space for environmental education and natural history, while overall the protection of the monument was enhanced with fencing and installation of protective bars.

The forest “Perhaps the only one in Greece and Mediterranean space”as the Deputy Forearch Kilkis Catherine Psiotas points out, extends to 155 acres, just two kilometers outside the mulberries. Inside, more than 100 centuries -old oaks, fragments, elm, plane trees and white willows They create a unique landscape with impressive natural regeneration – thanks to wildlife activities, such as wild boars that “cultivate” the soil and enhance the organic cycle.

Biodiversity and ecological value

The forest is an important refuge for dozens of wildlife species. According to the Forestry, mammals such as roe deer, wild boars, wolves, hares, squirrels and hedgehogs are found, while the bird environment hosts numerous rare and endangered species of birds (silver pelicans, rhodes). There are also reptiles (waterfowl, laffs, salamandra, viper) but also fish, in the presence of fish such as trout and grocery.
So rich biodiversity It makes the forest “a thousand trees” valuable genetic stock and environmental laboratory of scientific research and education.

The recognition and protection route

The recognition of the Park as a Nature Monument began since the 1980s, with systematic interventions and projects that continued in the coming decades. Significant stations were the formation of Kouri (1982), the construction of a stand (1983), the protection and promotion of the Forestry Recreation Area (2002), as well as the overall rescue program that after 2000 was to prove to be decisive.

At that time, the forest had reached to ‘Marginal state’· The poor health of the trees, the uncontrolled circulation of humans within the monument, the operation of a core, the fall of groundwater levels-all contributed to the degradation and loss of centuries-old trees. The decisive scientific intervention of the Thessaloniki Institute of Forestry Research in the early 2000s brought changes to the management philosophy: mild access, strict protection and natural regeneration, so that the forest could be saved for the future.

Immediate risks and rescue strategy

Despite persistent efforts, the pressures did not disappear. The careless treatment of wounds in the trunks earlier, deforestation of new pedestrian seedlings, as well as losses due to climate pressures, are persistent risks. The recent Salvation Plan focused on the final closure of the refreshment, the ban on traffic outside the specified accessible trails, the supply of Artesian water during the summer months and on the support of natural regeneration only where required, with genetically congenital seedlings.

The Forestry Catherine Casta points out that “This monument is not just about Kilkis. It belongs to Greece and to future generations. It is our obligation to deliver it alive, intact and strong in the future. “. The new era of the “Thousand Trees” forest is based on the cooperation of all stakeholders, the decisive contribution of techniques and local government, but also on continuous scientific supervision. The completion of the project highlights a hope of regeneration and protection, offering visitors and future generations a unique experience of contact with nature and biodiversity.

“Every root of his and a story, every branch of his and a promise. As long as there is will, cooperation and respect, nature will always find a way to breathe ».