Baltata – Maintained Reserve

The Baltata Reserve is located in the area of the village of Kranevo, Balchik municipality, and covers the lowest stream of Batova river, right by the resort of Albena. The reserve is located at a distance of about 11 kilometers from Balchik.

Baltata was declared a reserve by Order No 1784 of 3 July 1962 of Head Forests Directorate at the Council of Ministers, with an area of 183.2 hectares. In 1999 the reserve was re-categorized to a maintained reserve with an area of 203.2 hectares.

Baltata covers the northernmost parts of Europe’s dense forests, where many tree species can be seen, such as White Poplar (Populus Alba), Field Maple (Acer campestre), Black Alder (Alnus glutinosa), etc. The region is home to more than 260 species of higher plants, 28 of which are protected. The dominating grass species are Hyacinth (Hyacinthus), Shrubby Cinquefoil (Potentilla fruticosa), Marshmallow (Althaea Officinalis), etc.

The territory of Baltata is also home to 36 mammal species, 15 amphibian species and 16 fish species. More than 180 are the bird species, established in the region. Some of them are the Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea), Green-headed Goose (Anas platyrhynchos), Mallard (Grus grus), etc.; over 90 of them are nesting birds.

There are informational posters in the area that can help tourists learn more about the plant and animal species. The reserve is guarded, but access is free. Visitors of the protected area must follow certain rules of behavior.