Shoumenskoto Plateau is situated between the valleys of Vrana and Pakusha Rivers and the Shoumen field. Tarnov Dyal is the highest peak (502m). The structure of the plateau is from horizontal limestone, sandstone and marl. The steep slopes of the plateau in its upper part end with sharp edge. Plateau's eastern part is rich of karst formations - dens and pot-holes. There are more than 60 caves. The Shoumen plateau is the highest in North Bulgaria. Shoumensko Plateau Natural Park was declared in 1980 on a territory of 3.930 hectares. Relics from Thracian sanctuaries, rocky monasteries, Shoumenska fortress, they all were discovered on the territory of the park.
Shumensko Plateau
Bukata Reserve is situated on an area of 62.6 hectares. It is covered with century old forest from Mysian beech, mixed forests of beech, hornbeam, durmast, shrubby forests from frutescent hornbeam. The animals in the reserve are presented by: spotted eagle (Aquila pomarina), pern, owl, black woodpecker, grass-snake, Aesculapian Snake (Elaphe longissima), Syrian black snake (Coluber jugularis), Diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin).
Dervisha Reserve in Veliki Preslav town, municipality of Veliki Preslav, Shoumen region was declared in 1948 and in 1999 was listed in higher category as well-kept reserve. It has protected territory of 10.60 hectares. The aim is preservation of natural deposit of horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum).
