Butcher's Broom (Ruscus aculeatus) Educational Path

The educational path starts from the information sign located in front of theó Máriagyűd pilgrimage church and can be walked following the walkers’ path marked with a yellow stripe. Finding your way is also madev simpler by the wooden markers located at distances within sight of each other along the path: each marker has a drawing of  Butcher's Broom.

Downloadable map of the wine region indicating the Butcher’s Broom educational path. Please, enlarge at Máriagyűd!!!

The educational path, which runs between the church and the hut at the foot of the Tenkes hilltop, is approximately 2.5 kilometres long. When reaching the end, it is well worth climbing up the hill ridge and then walking down the paths marked with a yellow cross or red stripe to Máriagyűd.

Along the educational path, in addition to the signs at the start and end of the path, there are 22 information signs providing insight into the flora and fauna of the region. Trees and shrubs are introduced by 16 signs, all standing right next to the respective species, making it easier for the reader to recognize the plants featured on the signs.

There is also information on the life of the soil and indigenous plant and tree life. We can learn a lot about the flora in the region’s forests, and the smaller animals and bigger game living in the woods. About halfway along the educational path walkers who climb up the wooden look-out tower constructed beside the path are treated to a beautiful panorama . Upon reaching the end point of the educational path, enjoy a well-deserved break in the hut,or have a meal at the high-quality watering-hole..

Visitors should not miss a visit to the Catholic pilgrimage church of Máriagyűd in the vicinity of the educational path, and the avenue of protected lime trees. Siklós Fortress is also nearby, in which we can see an exhibition of hunting and environment protection. Visitors to Siklós should also see the avenue of protected horse chestnut trees.

During your forest walk, learn from the information signs about the natural treasures of Tenkes Hill (the hill is managed by Mecsek Forestry Inc. and has been submitted for protection status by the Directorate of the Danube-Dráva National Park.); about the possible cooperation and joint interests of forestry and nature preservation; and the flora and fauna of the forest. The educational path has a look-out tower, an outdoor cooking fireplace and a rest area at the destination. The educational path is clearly marked withsigns with Butcher's Broom pictures.

STAGES

Signs depicting species

1. Black Elder
2. Wych Elm
3. Bird Cherry – Common Ivy
4. Field Maple
5. "The will to live..."
6. Common Walnut
7. Field Maple
8. Field Elm
9. Cornelian Cherry
10. Mistletoe
11. Silver Lime
12. Turkey Oak
13. Common Hawthorn
14. Manna Ash
15. Downy Oak
16. Wild Pear

Other information signs

• TInformation
• History of the forests of Tenkes Hill
• Big game
• Small animals
• Soils
• Herbaceous plants
• Growth of the trees

RECOMMENDED ROUTES CROSSING THE BUTCHER'S BROOM EDUCATIONAL PATH

Blue walking trail - Tenkes-Hill ridge - Yellow walking trail – Beginning of the educational path (Máriagyűd pilgrimage church) – Look-out tower – Rest area (end of the educational path) - Return
Beginning of the educational path (Máriagyűd pilgrimage church) – Look-out tower – Rest area (end of the educational path) – Yellow walking trail - Tenkes-Hill ridge - Blue walking trail – Return

SIGHTS OF INTEREST AT THE STAGES OF THE EDUCATIONAL PATH

1. History of the forests of Tenkes Hill
In the territory of the Villány Hills, a relatively small area is covered now by quasi-natural forests. Their vanishing is due to a large extent to the penetration of viticulture and a species of trees, the Black Locust. Now it is only the northern slopes of Tenkes Hill that are covered by large forests in their more or less original condition.

2. In the wake of the game of the forest
The commonest animals living in the Villány Mountains (badger, red deer, fox, roe deer, hare, marten, weasel, wild boar) are introduced by information signs: their relatives, footprints and droppings are also shown.

3. Small animals of the forest
The commonest and best known small mammals, amphibians, reptiles and arthropods.

4. The life story of a tree
The growth of trees is shown, with a tree-ring analysis.

5. The soil beneath our feet
The most typical soils of the Villány Hills are shown by the information sign (skeletal soils, brown forest soil, slope sediments), in the form of a vertical section of a particular soil. Information is also shown on the structure of soils and creatures living in the soils.

6. Most typical plants
The sign introduces the early spring, spring and summer vegetation of the Villány hills, with the commonest herbaceous plants.

7. Signs introducing tree species
The small signs display the  trees and bushes characteristic of the Villány hills. Information can be read on the distribution of the species and their distinctive features, as well as their role in our lives (wood processing industry, medicines and dyes, children’s toys, other interesting information).

PUBLICATIONS ON THE EDUCATIONAL PATH

A leaflet that contains a map of the educational path with its stages is available at
http://www.mecsekerdo.hu/index.php?m=7_0&f=suli/_csodabogyo