Popular viewpoint above Kamnik is closing: the forest and undergrowth must regenerate.
The well-known viewpoint Velika Špica above Kamnik, which is a popular destination for walkers, recreationists and also paragliders, will according to the planned schedule be temporarily fenced off from autumn 2027, reports kamnik.info. The area will be closed to visitors for an expected five to seven years, the reason being the re-restoration of the damaged undergrowth and forest.
As stated on the portal kamnik.info, the temporary fencing of the restoration area was proposed to the owner by the Slovenia Forest Service, and the owner accepted the institute’s proposal. "This extreme measure comes after years of unsuccessful search for cooperation with the Municipality of Kamnik and ZVKDS OE Kranj. The institutions that should have helped with the comprehensive arrangement of the urban forest have become its main obstacles," they further wrote on the mentioned portal.
The popular viewpoint above Kamnik came into being in 2008, when a storm on Velika Špica felled trees and thereby opened wide views across Slovenia, kamnik.info further writes. The start of the closure of the viewpoint is planned for autumn 2027, and the restoration is expected to last from five to seven years.
Visits by walkers and recreationists in the area have increased sharply
"Visits have increased drastically, and the damaged forest on the most heavily used surfaces has not been given peace for regeneration. Paths to Velika Špica multiply from year to year. Next to muddy sections new bypasses appear, shortcuts spread uncontrolled, after every rain visitors tread new trails. The young growth is trampled, the undergrowth is disappearing more and more, the exposed soil is washed away by water," the mentioned portal further reports.
In the mentioned area the space has in less than two decades become the everyday recreational area of the town, without properly arranged visiting and joint care for its consequences. In addition, arbitrarily arranged resting places, provisional benches and even picnic spots have appeared in the area, which change the character of the summit, as well as provisional fireplaces that bring the danger of fire, while downhill cycling further burdens the forest slopes, the portal lists the problems.
What could arise in the area when nature recovers?
As they further emphasise on the portal, the landowner Stanislav Knez wanted to open the Stari grad forest to people in a way that would ensure controlled development and a future for it. The owner was also ready to finance his own programme investments and to seek additional European funds, they further state.
"The programme-urban design of the Urban Forest Stari grad connects the restoration of nature, cultural heritage, recreation, education and research. The design envisages a forest arboretum, arranged walking paths, outdoor classrooms and forest pavilions. Space for a family trip, school research, peaceful rest and getting to know local history. A research campus would connect knowledge about urban forests, beekeeping would bring closer the importance of pollinators, specially placed recreational contents, including via ferratas and cycling tracks, would direct visits to suitable areas," they further wrote on the portal about the idea for the development of the area.
Source:
https://siol.net/novice/slovenija/zapira-se-priljubljena-razgledniska-tocka-nad-kamnikom-705390