Plaiul Fagului Reserve

Plaiul Fagului protects beech forest in the hills of western Moldova, and the reason it matters is position: this is close to the southeastern limit of the European beech's range, so the stands here grow in conditions drier and warmer than the species usually tolerates. Oak and hornbeam grow alongside. Deer, wild boar and a long bird list use the forest, and springs rise through the valleys. The reserve covers around five and a half thousand hectares and was given its present protected status in 1992, having been managed as forest land long before that.

What you actually see

• The beech stands - forest at the southeastern edge of the species' range.
• The mixed woodland - oak and hornbeam growing alongside the beech.
• The valleys and springs - the water rising through the reserve.
• The wildlife - deer, boar and the reserve's bird list.

When to go

April to October is the walking season. October gives the best colour in the beech. Winter closes the tracks.

Honest expectations

Core areas are restricted and access needs arranging. Marked trails are limited. Facilities amount to a reserve office.

Nearby

Ungheni is west, and Hârjauca is east.