Forest reserves are protected forested areas where all human activities are ultimately stopped so that the natural processes of the forest can prevail and thus become easier to recognise and study.

In the last few decades such areas were designated in numerous European countries; most of them have a diverse structure, rich and specific flora and fauna and also show natural dynamics. In the 1990's the establishment of a forest reserve network started in Hungary too and in several of these areas research has begun. The Hungarian network includes 63 forest reserves at present.

Photo: János Bölöni

The aims of the programme  Gaining knowledge about the natural lifecycle, varied structure, long-term processes and rich wildlife of the forests The creation and preservation of a network - as part of the European system - of forest stands representing the landscapes and characteristic forest associations of Hungary The presentation and transfer of this new knowledge towards conservation, forest management and other stakeholders A long-term practical benefit of the programme is that conservation actions and natural forest management can rely more on the natural processes of the forest; e.g. spontaneous regeneration and the natural structure, of which huge old trees, snags and logs, gaps and rare species are as much part of as the timber of high economical value.

The reserves are strictly protected areas so in order to enter or carry out research in any of them a written permission of the National Inspectorate for Environment, Nature and Water is required.