As far as the eye can see, vast forests cover the slopes of Pohorje. Beneath their canopies lives a rich variety of wildlife – and, according to local folklore, even mythical creatures.
Scattered among the forests are isolated farms surrounded by meadows and pastures. Centuries ago, Pohorje was predominantly covered by extensive beech forests. Spruce naturally occurred only at the highest elevations where growing conditions were suitable. Fir, rowan, and larch were common, while maple and common ash thrived in stream valleys and ravines.
Over time, the demand for timber to support local communities and industries such as glassmaking and ironworking led to extensive logging. The resulting clearings were replanted, primarily with spruce, which now dominates much of the landscape, including areas within the Pohorje Regional Park.
From a conservation perspective, some of the most valuable habitats include acidophilous beech forests, ravine maple forests, montane and subalpine spruce forests, and bog woodlands. These habitats support numerous endangered and internationally protected species.
The forests of Pohorje continue to provide suitable habitat for species such as the western capercaillie, black grouse, hazel grouse, Eurasian pygmy owl, boreal owl, and Eurasian three-toed woodpecker. Old, decaying trees also provide essential shelter for protected bat species and rare insects, including the striking alpine longhorn beetle.