Month: August 2026

A forest can offer much more than peace and silence. It can help people recover, bring communities together, and create moments that stay with them for a lifetime. This is exactly what the third stage of the social project “Window to the Forest” — “Gifts of Nature” — is about.

This time, Forests of Ukraine is introducing veterans, active-duty service members, children with disabilities, and their families to the natural treasures of Ukrainian forests. Forest honey, wild berries, mushroom soup, homemade jams, birch sap, herbal teas, and other forest products are much more than refreshments — they are a symbol of care, warmth, and gratitude.

The first event of the “Window to the Forest: Gifts of Nature” stage took place at the “Lisovychok” recreation site in the village of Kolky, Volyn region. Participants included members of the National Guard of Ukraine, their families, families of fallen employees of Forests of Ukraine, veterans undergoing rehabilitation after losing limbs, and students from the company’s school forestry clubs.

For everyone involved, the day became an opportunity to leave the realities of war behind, even if only for a few hours — to spend time in nature, connect with others, feel supported, and simply enjoy being together.

The Forests of Ukraine team prepared a rich programme of activities. Guests competed in football and darts, enjoyed fishing, created unique coffee paintings together with members of the school forestry club, while the youngest visitors had fun with face painting. Every activity served one purpose: encouraging genuine conversations, shared smiles, new friendships, and positive emotions.

A special highlight of the event was the presentation of “Gifts of Nature”, Forests of Ukraine’s eco-friendly product line. Guests tasted natural forest honey, wild berries, homemade jams and preserves, freeze-dried berries, birch sap, and other products made from the gifts of Ukrainian forests. Fresh pancakes and cottage cheese pancakes were also served, allowing visitors to experience the authentic flavours of the forest.

“For Forests of Ukraine, this project is first and foremost about creating a space where veterans, service members, children with disabilities, and their families feel supported, cared for, and welcomed. During wartime, such initiatives are especially important because they help people regain emotional strength, reconnect with nature, and spend meaningful time together. We want forests to be open to everyone, regardless of their life circumstances or physical abilities. This is what barrier-free accessibility truly means to us — not only accessible infrastructure, but a society where everyone feels valued, respected, and included,” said Kseniia Hryhorieva, Barrier-Free Ambassador of Forests of Ukraine and Head of the project.

The event was organised in partnership with the Pidhaitsi Territorial Community and the Forestry Youth Centre in Vorotniv, whose teams helped create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all participants.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude for gatherings like this. It truly felt like a celebration in the middle of everyday life. Even in such hot weather, the forest offers cool shade where families can simply sit together on blankets and enjoy the moment. Experiences like these really help people move forward,” said Vita Kuran, the wife of fallen Hero Mykola Kuran, who worked at the Kivertsi Forestry.

“Window to the Forest” is a social initiative launched by the Communications Department of Forests of Ukraine and implemented at “Lisovychok” recreation sites across the country as part of the National Strategy for Creating a Barrier-Free Environment in Ukraine, initiated by First Lady Olena Zelenska.

The project’s mission is to make forests accessible to everyone, regardless of age, health condition, or personal circumstances. It creates spaces where people can restore their emotional well-being, reconnect with loved ones, and feel that they remain an important part of society.

Since May this year, dozens of events have already been organised for veterans, military personnel undergoing rehabilitation, children with disabilities, and their families. The project has brought together hundreds of participants across Ukraine and once again demonstrated that forests can become places of healing, unity, and hope.

More events will soon take place at “Lisovychok” recreation sites throughout Ukraine. Veteran communities, NGOs, rehabilitation centres, local authorities, and the company’s partners continue to join the initiative, proving that meaningful partnerships make it possible to do even more good.

Today, Forests of Ukraine manages a network of more than 1,100 “Lisovychok” recreation sites, visited by millions of people every year. Our goal is for each of them to become not only a comfortable place to relax, but also a space of accessibility, mutual support, and humanity — because this is where stronger, kinder, and more united communities begin.