Europe’s natural environments have long been plundered in the name of progress. So, we couldn’t miss the opportunity to spend the day at a project to rewild one of Romania’s central counties. An hour’s drive south of Suceava is the Vanatori Neamt National Park. It lies on the boundary of Suceava, also called Bucovina County and Neamt County. The project involves the reintroduction of the bison that used to once roam free across parts of Europe.
Vanatori Neamt National Park flora and fauna
A day spent in the park will leave you wanting more. In 1999 it was established as a ‘forest park’. This was because over 80% of the park is covered by trees. However, it was the project to reintroduce bison into the park that brought it to our attention. In addition, many of the trees are over 100 years old. The Silver forest, is named after the abundance of birch trees. In contrast the Brass forests are mostly oak, averaging 150 years. The park is said to be home to brown bears, wolves, the Carpathian deer, fallow deer, badgers and numerous birds.
The Vanatori Neamt National Park headquarters
It was extremely quiet when we arrived, but the part-solar-powered visitors centre was open, and we were welcomed by a very friendly ‘guard dog’! By the car park are picnic tables and signs indicating short walking routes in the area.
The recently arrived bison are held in a very large enclosure close to the visitor centre. During the winter these bison are fed. One of the walks leads to an extensive wooden walkway from where the feeding can be viewed. As it was spring the bison were roaming wild, making viewing considerably harder.
Observation decks
Just beyond the building is a kilometre long wooden walkway, built high into the forest canopy. This is a good vantage point from which to observe the bison. Despite the odds we were lucky to catch a glimpse of the bison through the birch forest surrounding the visitor centre.
Inside the visitor centre is a small museum. A taxidermist has clearly been at work, as a fully grown bison stands ready for inspection. A bear skin hangs on the wall and a pair of deer antlers. However, the small museum is informative of the park. Of more interest is the ‘bison corridor’ that is being created with Ukraine to the north, to once again ensure that these animals roam free.
Nangle angle
Rewilding Vanatori Neamt National Park is a project that should be supported by us all.
Nangle facts & tips
Bison land in Neamt County is already certified as ecotourism destination by the Romanian Ministry of Tourism and is awaiting recognition by the EU. Accommodation is in smaller hotels and pensiones, but we were offered camping at the visitor centre. Combine a trip to Vanatori with the Painted Monasteries of Bucovina.
