Beech and, to a lesser extent, pine are the predominant trees growing on the muschelkalk soil of the Bleicherode Hills. Amongst the many rare plant and animal species are 14 native species of orchid. It is also the northernmost location for the juneberry. In addition there is a very interesting group of rare mixed wood species like limes and Scots elms as well as a large a population of yews. Amongst the species of fungi occurring here are: king boletes, bay boletes and St. George's mushrooms. Roe deer and wild boar, red fox, hare, great spotted and green woodpeckers and the rare red kite have also made their home in this protected area.