Dibeen Forest Reserve

Dibeen protects a stand of Aleppo pine and evergreen oak on the hills south of Jerash, one of the southernmost pine forests of its kind, and the reserve was declared in 2004 after the area was threatened with development. The Persian squirrel lives here at the southern limit of its range. Marked trails run through the woods and picnic areas fill with Jordanian families at weekends, which is what the reserve is mostly used for. The reserve covers only around eight square kilometres, which makes it one of the smallest protected areas in the country and one of the most heavily used.

What you actually see

• The Aleppo pine - one of the southernmost stands of the species anywhere.
• The Persian squirrel - the animal at the southern edge of its range here.
• The marked trails - walking routes through the pine and oak woodland.
• The picnic areas - the ground used by Jordanian families at weekends.

When to go

March to May and September to November are the best months. Spring brings wild flowers and orchids. Weekends are crowded.

Honest expectations

Weekends bring heavy use and litter is a problem. The reserve is small and trails are short. Facilities are basic.

Nearby

Jerash is north, and Ajloun is northwest.