This grove of oddly-shaped pine trees just outside Nowe
Czarnowo, West Pomerania, is a man-made wonder, but nobody is quite certain how
or why. Some believe that some sort of tool or technique was used when they
were planted in the 1930s so that they could be used in ship building.
Others speculate
that the young saplings were crushed by tanks during the Second World War and
that’s what made them grow this way. Whatever the reason, the result is one of
the strangest forests you are ever likely to see.
2. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Named after the nearby town of Monteverde, this 26,000 acre forest reserve sits high in Costa Rica’s legendary cloud forests.
The Reserve consists of 6 ecological zones, 90% of which are virgin forest. With over 2,500 plant species (including the most orchid species in a single place), 100 species of mammals, 400 bird species, 120 reptilian and amphibian species, there’s bound to be something that catches your eye.
3. Redwood National Park
California redwoods are the tallest trees on the planet and the Redwood National and State Parks are where you’ll find 45% of them. The last of their kind, these old growth giants are spread across four parks and cover 158 square kilometres.
Growing up to 116 metres tall, just looking up at these natural skyscrapers will make you feel tiny. You’ll probably get a little damp too. Fog accounts for up to one-fourth of the precipitation needed so the mighty coast redwoods can survive. Remember, fog drip is a good thing!
4. Sagano Bamboo Forest
A short train ride from Kyoto, this magnificent bamboo towering
forest in the district of Arashiyama has become a must-visit destination
for locals and tourists alike.
Visually, the forest
is stunning. But stop for a moment and listen to the wind rustling through the
creaking bamboo. That sound has been declared one of the "100
Soundscapes of Japan" by the Japanese government, a selection of everyday
noises intended to encourage locals to stop and enjoy nature's music.
5. Great Bear Rainforest
The last large expanse of coastal temperate rain forest on the planet, the Great Bear Rainforest in British Columbia is a vast land of ancient cedars, mossy waterfalls and ‘Spirit Bears’, the rare, cream-colored Kermode bear considered sacred by the local T'simshian people.
Roughly the size of Ireland, the forest is also home to coastal gray wolves, grizzly bears, Sitka deer, cougars, mountain goats, orca, salmon, sea lions, sea otters, humpback whales. It is ethereal and magical and teeming with wildlife.
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