Mata Nacional de Vale de Canas, Nature reserve in Torres do Mondego, Portugal.
Mata Nacional de Vale de Canas is a forest reserve covering approximately 16 hectares with multiple walking paths that wind through different vegetation zones. The woodland contains various plant communities, with trails allowing visitors to explore the diverse natural landscape on foot.
The Portuguese state acquired this forest in 1867 with the purpose of obtaining pine wood to support hydraulic works that would help prevent flooding. This decision shaped how the woodland developed and its role in regional water management over the centuries that followed.
The forest serves as a place where students come to learn about native plant species and understand local nature better. Walking through the paths, visitors can develop a sense of how this woodland functions as a center for people to connect with the environment.
Access to the forest depends on the day of the week, with varying hours that require advance planning. Visitors should check the current opening times before arriving to ensure they can enter during the hours the reserve is available.
The reserve contains a tall eucalyptus tree reaching 73 meters that stands as one of the most remarkable specimens found in continental Europe. This particular tree draws attention from visitors and nature enthusiasts interested in seeing such an exceptional botanical presence firsthand.
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