Debrecen "Big Forest" Nature Conservation Area

In the Debrecen Great Forest area, special protected plant species and animals live, and it got its name from its huge, 100–120-year-old trees. The forest was declared a park in the 18th century, and in 1939 it was entered with number 1 in the register of protected natural areas. The nationally significant protected natural area is part of the Natura 2000 network. The forest’s main problems are drying out, the deterioration of old oak stands, the presence of invasive and non‑native invasive species, and illegal waste dumping. The Hortobágy National Park’s public works programme provides assistance in preventing these. The condition of the forest has been greatly improved by the forest renewal carried out by Nyírerdő Zrt., and the Botanical Garden of the University of Debrecen will launch a partnership‑reconstruction programme with EU funding in the near future.

Location

The protected area is located in the inner part of Debrecen; the 1,092‑hectare protected area is situated in the northern part of the settlement, in the university‑city district.

Nature, characteristics

The purpose of the protection designation is to preserve Hungary’s first protected old oak forest and the surrounding forest associations for future generations. In the life of the city of Debrecen, the Great Forest has always played a significant role, and its preservation is important both for the city and for nature conservation.

The notable leisure and entertainment sites, as well as attractions of the Great Forest:

Békás Lake

Millennial Playground

Medgyessy Promenade (with statues of famous writers and poets)

Great Forest Spa

Aquaticum Experience Bath

Great Forest Beach

Boating Lake

Great Forest Cultural Park

Debrecen Amusement Park Miniature Railway

Ice Rink

Sports Centre

Oláh Gábor Street Sports Hall

Great Forest Stadium

Island Blue – Thematic Playground

University Park

Botanical Garden

Fog Theatre

At the edge of the forest is the Diószegi Sámuel Training Center, which is the starting point of the Gyöngyvirág and Odvas Keltike nature trails. The protection and preservation of the Big Forest is very important for teaching young people and fostering love of nature, and under the guidance of a specialist, children can become acquainted with the forest, its wildlife, and forestry work.

Flora

Approximately 700-800 plant species are recorded in the area of the Big Forest. The Big Forest preserves the memory of a hill oak forest characteristic of the sandy, forest‑meadow mosaic landscape typical of the southern part of Nyírség, whose native tree species is the pedunculate oak, with characteristic elm species being white elm, trembling elm, small‑leaf linden, field maple and wild pear.

Due to strong anthropogenic impact, the original tree stand, shrub layer and soft‑stem understory vegetation of the Big Forest Park have undergone significant transformation. Nevertheless, even in its present state it is very species‑rich in native tree species as well as in planted exotic (exotic) tree species. The old trees on the site provide a variety of habitats for numerous animal, plant and fungal species, therefore every individual of these trees that represents natural‑conservation, landscape or aesthetic value must be preserved. Special attention must be given to old, over‑100‑year‑old trees, especially pedunculate oaks.

Characteristic plant species:

sky‑blue starflower

boggy wind rose

forest magic grass

pine sage

Fauna

Currently, 2 highly protected, 49 protected vertebrate and 39 protected invertebrate animal species are recorded in the Big Forest area. To ensure the protection of these animal species, heightened attention must be given to preserving their habitats, which is an essential condition for maintaining biological balance.

Characteristic animal species:

helmet sedge

prayer reed

Great Heroic Cincér

Cute Bábrabló

trog beetle

Örvös flycatcher

oxeye

wasp nest

its shell

mouse-ear

black woodpecker

green wedge

Big Forest

slide

elk

badger

wild boar

sedge

Mogyorós pele

jackdaw