Isırlık Nature Park

Isırlık Nature Park is a nature park located in the central district of Rize Province in Türkiye’s Black Sea Region. The park was officially designated in 2015 by the Turkish Ministry of Forest and Water Affairs (now the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry). Management of the area is carried out by the General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks.

^{Rize Isırlık Nature Park} (Rize Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism)

Isırlık Nature Park is situated approximately five kilometers from the city center of Rize. It lies between the villages of Köprülü and Küçükköy. Due to its proximity to the Black Sea coast, the park is located at an elevation close to sea level. Its approximate coordinates are 40°52′N 40°31′E.

The park covers an area of approximately 12 hectares. The terrain is generally sloping, with small streams flowing through it. Although these watercourses occasionally pose a flood risk, they contribute significantly to the area’s biological diversity. The climate is humid and temperate, with annual average rainfall exceeding the national average for Türkiye.

Isırlık Nature Park supports species characteristic of the Black Sea moist forest ecosystem. Common tree species found in the area include oriental beech (Fagus orientalis), sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa), black alder (Alnus glutinosa), hornbeam (Carpinus betulus), and maple (Acer spp.). Within the park boundaries, ferns, ground cover plants, and various herbaceous species have also been identified.

Among mammals, species such as wild boar (Sus scrofa) and beech marten (Martes foina) have been observed. The park is rich in birdlife, with reports of songbirds, crow species, and various raptors. Insect species, particularly in forested areas, play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance.

^{Rize Isırlık Nature Park} (Rize Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism)

The area has been designated as a nature park under Law No. 2873 on National Parks and is thus protected. All structures and visitor facilities within the park have been constructed under controlled conditions, and no accommodation facilities are permitted. As stipulated by its nature park status, development is strictly limited and priority is given to the preservation of natural resources.

The park is approximately a 10-minute drive from the city center of Rize. Public transportation options are limited. The area is used for day-trip recreational activities and features open viewing terraces, walking trails, and picnic areas. Activities such as camping and barbecuing are permitted under specific regulations.