Towering sweet chestnut trees dominate the Colchic forests of Machakhela, forming an integral part of this UNESCO-protected rainforest ecosystem. In fact, roughly 95% of the park’s territory is covered by ancient broadleaf woods – chiefly chestnut, beech, and hornbeam – where some chestnut trees reach ages of 200–300 years. These Colchic Chestnut Forests are not only ecologically vital (providing habitat for wildlife and stabilizing soils) but also economically and culturally important.
Locals have long gathered chestnuts each autumn as a nutritious staple: the glossy brown nuts are high in carbohydrates, earning the nickname “bread of the woods” for sustaining highland communities. Chestnuts can be enjoyed roasted over open fires, boiled or baked into traditional dishes, and even ground into flour for confections. The wood, meanwhile, has historically been used for durable timber and wine barrels. Walking under the emerald canopy of Machakhela’s chestnut groves, visitors not only immerse themselves in natural beauty but also in a living legacy – one where forest and community thrive together.
