Plaiul Fagului, beech forest nature reserve near Ungheni

Plaiul Fagului, literally 'beech land', is a scientific nature reserve of more than 5,500 hectares in Ungheni district, on the Codri plateau. It was set up in 1992 on the site of the former Rădenii Vechi hunting ground and protects deciduous forest, lakes and a wide variety of plants and animals. It is only partly open to ecotourism.

Nature and landscape

The reserve lies between 140 and 410 metres above sea level, on deeply dissected, partly mountainous terrain. The Rădeni river and a cascade of lakes divide it into two almost equal massifs. According to the figures on Wikipedia, 4,639 of its 5,642 hectares are forested, although the Ungheni tourist office gives a total area of 5,558.7 hectares. The beech, which gave the reserve its name, grows here alongside other broadleaved trees in six distinct forest types.

Scientists have counted some 645 to 680 species of vascular plants, plus hundreds of species of fungi, lichens and mosses. Dozens of species are listed in Moldova's Red Book, including the lady's slipper orchid. The fauna includes 49 species of mammals, such as wildcat, pine marten, badger, fox, wild boar and deer, around 142 bird species, 8 species of reptiles and 12 species of amphibians.

History

From 1976 the forest was a hunting estate, known as Rădenii Vechi. On 12 March 1992 it was turned into a scientific reserve, one of the strictest forms of nature protection in Moldova, alongside reserves such as Codrii and Pădurea Domnească. It is managed by the state forestry agency Moldsilva, with an administration in Rădenii Vechi.

Tips for your visit

A scientific reserve is not a park: large parts are closed to the public, and only designated zones are open to ecotourism. Contact the administration in Rădenii Vechi (plaiulfagului@moldsilva.gov.md) or the Ungheni tourist information centre beforehand to arrange a visit or guided walk. There are no shops or places to eat in the reserve itself, so bring water and food. The reserve is about 72 kilometres from Chișinău and 35 kilometres from Ungheni; a car is all but essential. The forest is at its greenest in May and June, and in October the beeches turn colour. Stay on the paths, leave no litter, do not light fires and keep dogs on a lead or at home. If you want to see birds or mammals, come early in the morning.