Uholka-Shyrokyi Luh protected massif, Nature reserve in Zakarpattia Oblast, Ukraine
Uholka-Shyrokyi Luh protected massif is a large forest area in the Carpathians dominated by beech trees, with scattered limestone cliffs and cave systems running through it. The terrain is made up of two main valleys that together form one continuous woodland.
The area first received protection in 1920 to preserve the beech forests from logging. In 2007, it gained recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site alongside other protected areas.
The name comes from the two valleys that define this area: Uholka and Shyrokyi Luh. Today, researchers and conservationists are the primary presence, working to document and protect the undisturbed forest structure.
Two marked trails run through the main valleys and give access to caves and limestone formations. The best time to visit is May through September, when the paths are dry and easy to walk.
An ongoing research station has documented forest composition and tree ages for decades in this area. Some beech trees here have reached 400 to 500 years old, showing how long a forest can grow undisturbed.
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