Hayedo de Montejo, Nature reserve in Sierra del Rincón, Community of Madrid, Spain.
The Hayedo de Montejo is a forest reserve in the Sierra del Rincón spanning 250 hectares and home to around 833 plant species and 194 vertebrate species. The beech trees and other vegetation thrive in this Mediterranean climate setting located in the mountains north of Madrid.
The forest was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2017 as part of the Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of Europe. This recognition acknowledged the site's ecological importance as an example of old-growth beech forests.
The forest has long connections with nearby villages, particularly Montejo de la Sierra, where people prepare traditional white beans and shepherd-style stews. These local dishes reflect the close relationship between the communities and the forest.
Access requires guided tours, with half of the passes available through online booking and the remainder distributed on-site at the entrance. It is best to check availability in advance and plan a visit on a cooler or cloudier day, as the forest can get busy.
Scientists use this forest as a research station to study how climate change affects beech trees, which normally do not grow this far south. This unusual southern population provides important insights into how these trees adapt to different conditions.
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