In the heart of Kilkis, a rare and ancient forest, the ‘Thousands of trees’regains its lost glamor and transforms into a standard space of ecological and educational interest. The 400,000 -euro budget project is approaching its completion, highlighting one of the latest samples of natural riverside vegetation in the Mediterranean.
The forest, with centuries -old trees over the age of 400, is a living fossil and an invaluable natural habitat. According to Deputy Forestry Kilkis, Catherine Psiota, the area hosts dozens of wildlife species, such as roe deer, wolves and wild boars, and is a refuge for rare birds, reptiles and fish. The biodiversity of the ecosystem is particularly high.
The emergence of the monument includes construction paw total length of 2.155 meters, fully accessible to people with disabilitiesas well as the creation of a raised observatory 10.7 meters, with a special ramp for people with disabilities. Also renovated a stone pavilion, which in the future will function as Museum of Natural History and Environmental Education.
The project was based on a scientific study and was funded by the Rural Development Program. Interventions are the result of a change of philosophy in forest management, which focuses on mild access, strict protection and natural regeneration.
The battle to rescue the forest
In the 2000s, “a thousand trees” were in marginal condition due to uncontrolled pedestrian and vehicles, aquifer degradation and inappropriate interventions. The scientific intervention of the Institute of Forest Research has led to drastic measures, such as the shutdown of the refreshment, the prohibition of anarchic movement and the enhancement of the natural regeneration of the trees.
“This monument does not only belong to Kilkis, it belongs to Greece and to future generations,” says Ms. Kiotas, stressing the urgent need for protection. With the proper management and cooperation of the actors, the “Thousand Trees” forest will continue to stand as a living symbol of respect and continuity.
