Under the new Regulations on Nature Reserves, based on proposals prepared by the Nature Conservation Agency, five new nature reserves have been established in South Kurzeme. All are located on state land, under the management of AS “Latvijas valsts meži”.

Bārtas meži covers 562.22 hectares in Dunika Parish. The area contains suitable habitats for owls, woodpeckers and other specially protected bird species, including a micro-reserve for the protection of the white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla).

A rare lichen species has been identified – the barnacle lichen (Thelotrema lepadinum) – as well as the common yew (Taxus baccata), which is listed in the Red Data Book of the Baltic Sea Region and the Red Data Book of Latvia.

The list includes Celmu ezera meži, covering 226.95 hectares in Kalvene Parish. These woods also contain potential habitat for the hermit beetle (Osmoderma eremita) and are home to a rare and specially protected moss species, the fringed bogmoss (Tricholea tomentella).

In the 80.66 hectares of Dunalkas meži, the whorled Solomon's seal (Polygonatum verticillatum) has been found, which is rarely encountered in Latvia. Rare species of moss, lichen and fungi have also been recorded.

A significant value of the area is the high number of protected monumental trees – currently 75 (historically, the area was a park that gradually transformed into a forest).

Pūļa purvs is located in Saka Parish, covering 495.28 hectares. A micro-reserve has been established in the area for the protection of the western capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus).

During the “Nature Census” project, a rare and specially protected moss species was identified – the blunt-leaved notchwort (Odontoschisma denudatum).

The 100.3 hectares of Rucavas staignāju meži contain suitable habitats for owls, woodpeckers and other specially protected bird species. A micro-reserve has been established for the protection of the white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla).