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The beech forest on top was quite fun to observe as we hiked near it.
High-altitude Beech forest (Hayedo), which is one of the most magical ecosystems in the Somiedo Natural Park. They are very dominant; their dense summer canopy creates a deep shade that prevents most other plants from growing on the forest floor. The smooth, light-grey bark is a classic identifier. In the humid climate of Asturias, these trunks often become host to lichens and mosses.
Some of the trunks are slightly curved at the base before growing straight up. This is often caused by "snow creep."
These trees produce Beechnuts (fayucos). For the Cantabrian Brown Bear, these nuts are a critical "superfood" during the autumn. The bears will spend hours foraging on the forest floor exactly where you are standing to fatten up for their winter lethargy.
High-altitude Beech forest (Hayedo), which is one of the most magical ecosystems in the Somiedo Natural Park. They are very dominant; their dense summer canopy creates a deep shade that prevents most other plants from growing on the forest floor. The smooth, light-grey bark is a classic identifier. In the humid climate of Asturias, these trunks often become host to lichens and mosses.
Some of the trunks are slightly curved at the base before growing straight up. This is often caused by "snow creep."
These trees produce Beechnuts (fayucos). For the Cantabrian Brown Bear, these nuts are a critical "superfood" during the autumn. The bears will spend hours foraging on the forest floor exactly where you are standing to fatten up for their winter lethargy.