Laurissilva Forest

Welcome to the Low-ree-sil-va Forest, a Living Museum that offers a rare glimpse into Europe's prehistoric past. As we stand amidst these ancient trees, we are witnessing a landscape that has remained largely unchanged for…

Look up at the towering canopy above you. The most impressive giants of the Laurisilva are the Teel (Ocotea foetens) and the Veen-yah-tee-koo (Persea indica). …

As you walk quietly, keep your eyes and ears open for the forest's most famous residents. The Tro-kaz Pigeon (Columba trocaz) is a large, grey-blue bird with a distinctive pinkish chest. …

Lower your gaze to the ground and the lower trunks of the trees. The Laurisilva is not just a forest of giants; it is an empire of the small. …

Running alongside many of the paths in the Laurisilva are narrow stone channels filled with flowing water. These are the Leh-vah-dash, a unique irrigation system that began in the 15th century. …

We now address the area known as Fah-nal, perhaps the most photographed spot in all of Madeira. Here, ancient, twisted Til trees grow in an open, grassy landscape that is frequently engulfed in thick mist, creating a hauntingly…

Before we finish, look for the tall, shrub-like plants known as Tree Heather (Erica arborea). In the healthier parts of the Laurisilva, heather forms a vital part of the ecosystem. …

As we leave the emerald embrace of the Laurisilva, I hope you carry a sense of awe for this prehistoric survivor. We have walked among giants that were old when the first explorers arrived, listened to the calls of birds found…