plateau nature park bulgarian located northern province bulgaria highest plateau park known indigenous common beech balkan beech forest park declared national park conserve ecosystems floral biodiversity preserve landscape tourist sites fortress founders bulgarian state monument cave monasteries surface underground caves park thematic educational trail constructed project titled natural park plateau funds provided trail integral environment geography located northeast bulgaria park turn integral heights east plateau zones balkan area central west zones shape irregular oriented northwest southeast direction river valleys area form shape bays entire plateau northern border river valleys valleys west river valleys south border east mountain rises height metres north west direction plateau kilometres long west east kilometres wide south north kilometres wide far south kilometres wide central kilometres wide north kilometres wide northern width wise plateau oriented north south direction extends kilometres kilometres respectively plateau covers total area square kilometres plateau nature park covers total forest area hectares acres forest protected account indigenous common beech balkan beech forest years old human activity allowed reserve use trails pass plateau occupies highest plateau elevation metres features bizarre fantastic rock phenomena underground forms history network designated council directive conservation natural habitats wild fauna flora plateau park area hectares acres lies eastern near town declared national park responsibility park management government bulgaria dictated management plan nature parks biology park plateau distinctive features plateau water resources climate soil conditions biodiversity plant species flora park dense forest area area covered forests mixed deciduous forests plants tree species reported forest ash beech european lime maple turkey oak forest vegetation consists european black pine norway spruce oregon pine scots pine spruce species reported dog rose open area park covered species bush grass plant species reported types species plants park lists species plants excluding fauna species reported consist invertebrates mammals recorded beech fox red deer deer wild species reported include snake european green spur wall animals different protection categories reported park black eagle owl lesser spotted eagle northern romanian cultural heritage cultural landmarks park fortress bulgarian language known old town archaeological site built hill gives commanding view city fortress located park fortress formed town second bulgarian empire 12th 14th centuries best developed citadel 14th century ruled territory 5th 2nd century followed romans ruled century 3rd century early byzantine 4th 6th century site consisted refined residences religious buildings defense fortifications ottomans took control fortress king iii poland polish hungarian descent attempted attack ottomans proved disastrous killed following battle fortress looted ottoman rulers eventually abandoned fortress completely partially restored founders bulgarian state monument creators bulgarian state monument notable monument park built commemorate anniversary establishment bulgaria starting bulgarian empire 7th century 11th century monument kilometres distance entrance fortress built communist regime information center situated metres away monument kilometres track leads fortress cave monasteries functioned second bulgarian empire religious cultural centres located rock formations plateau difficult access notable caves limestone formations comprise main geological formations park plateau found park form small rock trails park thematic educational trail constructed project titled natural park plateau funds provided integral environment
Shumen Plateau Nature Park