In the Cumpătu neighborhood of the city of Sinaia, Prahova county, there is one of the smallest forest reserves in the Curbura Carpathians, stretching over 1.4 hectares at the base of the western slope of the Tufa ridge. The reserve protects a deciduous forest, with alder (Alnus incana) predominant. Access is from the city center or from the Sinaia train station, following various routes on the local streets.
The reservation, located between 830 and 900 meters above sea level, is delimited by civil constructions. The relief has a slope of 10-15°, increasing to 25° at the upper limit. This includes two landforms: the Prahova meadow and a portion of the slope with sedimentary rocks. The Căşeria Stream crosses the reserve, having a variable flow rate depending on the rainfall.
The climate in the area has average annual temperatures of 3.7°C, annual precipitation of 800 mm and a specific microclimate due to its geographical position. The flora of the reserve, studied by Ştefana Radu in 1954-1955, includes 173 plant species from 42 families. The predominant species are alder and willow, and in the upper part beech and various other shrubby and herbaceous species are found.
Ruderal plants are also found on the edge of the reserve. In the northwest, less humid area, species characteristic of pastures grow. The reserve is located in a popular tourist area, Prahova Valley, attracting visitors from both the country and abroad.
Source: Parks and nature reserves from Romania, Gheorghe Mohan, Aurel Ardelean, Victor Bortaș ed. Victor B. Victor, 2006
