Three neatly-made wooden fans and another special structure, somewhat resembling a neolithic monument, not unlike a Stonehenge made of wood – these are the four information points that can now be found on the Drvošec trail in Notranjska Regional Park.

Two of the fan-shaped structures have been placed at a viewpoint located about 300 meters from the Lake Cerknica’s embankment. When we stand by the first one, we are graced by a marvellous view of the Javorniki hills and their lush beech-fir forests. This is also where the Dinarides mountain range begins. The signs and photos on this fan are dedicated specifically to Javorniki, while the second fan represents Slivnica, the witch mountain, overlooking the basin from the other side, opposite Javorniki. Some educational and interesting facts about Slivnica, its flora and fauna, and the reason why it is supposedly a home to witches (according to local lore) will soon be found on this fan as well.

Following the trail over the embankment, we soon arrive at the solitary hillock Gorica, where the trail widens. Nearby, we can see the third point – a circle of wooden columns, representing the food chain.

Everything in nature is part of the life cycle, and all organisms, even those that seem unrelated on the surface, are connected to each other in some way. The variety of different terrarial, aquatic and subterranean habitats, all concentrated in a relatively small area, is the reason that this co-dependency is especially apparent here in the Notranjska regional park. Of all the different animals, plants and fungi present, each and every species is extremely important for the survival of others, and that is what this sculpture represents. If you look through the holes in the columns, you will be able to see who needs who to survive. Even humans.

We must not forget to mention the great bittern, a mysterious and elusive bird native to these lands. Through the renovation of Stržen, we have provided this species with a peaceful area for nesting. Additionally, the infrastructure described in this article is meant to direct park visitors away from the bittern’s nesting grounds.

 

The final “fan” awaits us a short distance away from the beehouses. It directs the visitors into the shelter of the woods, as the Drvošec trail continues solely through the forest from this point on. Here, more interesting and original information points are planned, dedicated primarily to the local animals – wolves, lynxes, bears, dormouses, woodpeckers, owls, ladybugs and newts. Additionally, three bird-watching stations will be constructed.