Forest
Forests are among the biologically richest habitats on Earth. They provide a home for many plant species – from large trees to herbs in the undergrowth – as well as numerous animals. From a species perspective, forests are especially rich in animal life: they are inhabited by large vertebrates, some of which act like ecosystem engineers, and all the way down to tiny soil organisms, which contribute to nutrient cycling. They are places where different forms of life intertwine and where every species plays its role. Forests have an important influence on the climate, retain water, protect soil from erosion and provide humans with many resources, such as wood, mushrooms and forest fruits. At the same time, they are also places for recreation, learning and connection with nature.
Panovec Forest lies right next to the city of Nova Gorica, and is an excellent example of a suburban forest, where natural processes are closely intertwined with human influence. Its history reaches back several centuries, while today it mainly has a recreational, educational, and nature-conservation role. Due to past plantings of various tree species, Panovec is exceptionally diverse – it is home to both native and numerous non-native species.
Non-native species are one of the major challenges, as their vigorous growth can displace native species and alter forest communities. Amongst the approximately 150 tree and shrub species, almost half are non-native – in other words, nearly every second!
But the decomposition and nutrient cycling continue. These processes are supported by organisms that we often overlook: insects, arachnids, fungi, earthworms and many microscopic organisms. Panovec is therefore an interesting place for observing these processes and for understanding how human activities influence nature.