The variety of species in the forest derived from human settlements as early as the late Stone Age.

Most commonly represented in the forests of Goricko were originally oak-trees and white beech trees; these have been replaced by acid pine forests as a result of the collection of fallen leaves over the centuries. However, since the leaf gathering has decreased over the last two decades, the process has been reversed.

Also, other living things in the forest had been influenced by leaf gathering. The forests of Goričko have a huge number and great variety of mushrooms, both edible and inedible. In the forest ecosystem fungi have an important role as decomposers, in symbiosis with trees, strengthening the vitality of the forests.

Pine forest

Be ech-tree forests

Rogač

The Beech tree and its companion, the White Wood-rush, find an excellent breeding ground here. On the banks of small streams in valleys grow Black Alder with single Ash trees and Oak trees, completed by Cherry trees, Elder trees and Burning bushes

The picturesque view of the acidified Beech-tree forests at Goricko is dominated by Chestnut trees and Beech trees ( Castaneo-Fagetum). Of special interest for botanists are the oak-tree forests growing on ridges and peaks of hills. These are especially attractive for walks since the peaks and ridges are bright and not overgrown with dense shrubbery. The forests of Scotch Pine are also attractive. These are covered with abundant Bilberry-bush, as well as Cowberries and some rare plants from the Wintergreen family that prefer acid soil. Because the soil is acid, there are numerous representatives of the Clubmoss family, including a rare and attractive Ground Cedar.

The Stag Beetle, living in old Oak-tree trunks, adds to the variety of life in the forests. In the Goričko forests some species of Longicorn beetles have also been found, for example a rare Longhorn Beetle.

Besides woodpigeons and European Honey-buzzards also Green Woodpeckers, Great Spotted Woodpeckers and Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers live in the forests. Eurasian Jackdaws enchant us with their loud crawing cries.

The forests and fields of Goričko also support larger mammals. Deer and roe deer are almost too numerous, causing damage in fields. Also Wild Pig may be found there. There is also a rare species of bats - an important colony is living in the cellar of the Castle of Grad. Other small mammals, such as Dormouse, European Polecat, Pine Marten, Least Weasel and Ermine, Squirrel, and many others are frequently seen.