Jelovica
Take in scenes of the unique protected environment with indigenous flora and fauna.
Jelovica Plateau rises above the south side of Bled and stretches at 900 to 1600 metres altitude. The highest peak is Partizanski vrh with 1441 metres. Jelovica is quite similar to the Pokljuka plateau, but smaller. Fewer pastures provide less space for cattle, but many birds can be found in the forests which cannot be found anywhere else. Just like on the Pokljuka, beech forests were quite common here, but were deforested for charcoaling, necessary for iron ore melting.
Natural Environment Protection
Jelovica is currently covered by pine forest that provides shelter to many endangered bird species. The plateau has the NATURA 2000 nature protection status, intended to preserve natural living environments, the entire area is ecologically protected. Three special preservation areas are also protected, i.e. Blato on Jelovica, Ledina on Jelovica and Ratitovec, where we can find plants and animals, adapted to living in the marshes. Capercaillie and Eurasian pygmy owl are typical of this area, golden eagles, hawks and other birds are also common for this part of Gorenjska.