Rouvas forest, Oak forest ecosystem in Psiloritis mountain, Greece.
Rouvas forest is an oak woodland on Psiloritis mountain in central Crete, spreading across the slopes between several peaks. The dense forest is dominated by oak trees that form a continuous woodland landscape in this mountain area.
The forest developed its current form when pastoral activities declined and oak trees grew without the pressure of constant human use. This shift allowed the woodland to expand and the trees to reach their impressive sizes over time.
The scattered stone shelters called mitata dot the forest slopes and reflect how shepherds once used this landscape for grazing. These simple structures tell the story of pastoral life that shaped the region for centuries.
The forest is reached via the E4 European walking trail, with the main path connecting Gergeri village to the Mountain Shelter. The trail passes through dense woodland, so sturdy footwear is advisable for the uneven terrain.
The oak trees here grow to unusual sizes, with trunk diameters exceeding one meter and heights surpassing 15 meters. These exceptional dimensions are rare in Greece and make this forest biologically noteworthy.
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