The Bird Protection and Study Society in Serbia purchased a 2-hectare woodland known as Nightingale’s Forest in northeastern Serbia in 2025 through crowdfunding efforts [1]. The purchase price was 8,000 euros ($9,500), raised in less than a month through donations from members and supporters [1].
Located in a flat farming region, Nightingale’s Forest is a rare patch of thick greenery providing a moist habitat that supports a variety of bird and animal species [1]. “This woodland was privately owned, and we saw it was put up for sale. The value of timber was higher than the land price. We protected it this way,” said Uros Stojiljkovic of the society [1].
The Bird Protection and Study Society has developed over 30 years from a small expert group into a vibrant community of nature lovers. Natasa Jancic, a society member, said, “Individually, we can’t do much, but as an active and stable community, we can achieve a lot.” She added that many families and nature enthusiasts who may not be very active in the field still want to contribute [1].
Serbia faces environmental challenges including air and river pollution, waste management problems, and threats from construction driven by profit motives. Although authorities have pledged improved environmental care tied to Serbia’s EU membership bid, environmental groups say real action is limited [1].
The society plans to use additional funds raised for ongoing field work and to potentially buy more land to protect. Stojiljkovic expressed a vision for local conservation efforts: “Every village or town should have a Nightingale’s Forest of its own for a cumulative effect. It is important.”
The acquisition of Nightingale’s Forest marks a concrete step by Serbian birdwatchers and conservationists to protect natural habitats at risk of disappearing amid environmental pressures in the region [1].
