Red Forest in Chernobyl

Because of the accident of April 1986, greenery growing around Chernobyl nuclear power plant was severely affected. The trees got so much radiation that they burned from inside and turned red. Even today, the area of the red forest remains the most contaminated and radioactive in the whole exclusion zone.

What Caused the Forest to Turn Red in Chernobyl Zone?

The answer might be complex, but all the options have the same thing in common: huge dose of radiation. After the accident, the wind was blowing to the North and later shifted to the West. That’s why the areas that were located in these two directions suffered the most. The forest, which consisted mainly of pine trees, was pretty sensitive to the radiation. If there had been a person when the explosion took place, he or she would have died within a couple of minutes.

Because of the absorbed radiation, greenery started dying. Needles of the pine trees got colors from light orange to brown.

Moreover, Chernobyl glowing trees is not a myth or one of those spooky stories about mutations and zombies. Interaction of the particles and radioactive decay with trees enzymes caused light glowing. It could be observed in the night during first month after the accident.

Chernobyl Red Forest: Present Time

Pine trees are able to absorb the particles effectively. On one hand, it makes them perfect filter, but on the other, if they burn, they release everything into the air. Before the wildfire, which happens quite often in the zone, could destroy the trees, the liquidators cut them and buried under the ground on the very same area.

The nature is restored there. Chernobyl red forest wildlife is outstanding nowadays. It’s a home for rare species: lynx, black stark, black grouse and many others. Though, the soil will remain radioactive for thousands of years. Such a unique environment is natural laboratory. It brings scientists from all over the world: basically, this is the only place on the Earth where they are able to study such radioactivity effects on nature.

Because of the contamination, there are no touristic routes into the forest. However, before entering ghost city of Pripyat, the visitors have quick stop on the road that goes along the red forest near Chernobyl power plant.

Although the time spent there is short, it’s still fascinating. You will measure the background when standing on the road and when taking just five steps in the direction of forest. The level is still safe for the people (unless you decide to have picnic there), but the difference will be stunning. We are inviting you to check it out.

You can see Chernobyl Red Forest with your own eyes with our exclusive Chernobyl tours.

Red Forest FAQ

What is the Chernobyl Red Forest?

The Chernobyl Red Forest, also known as the ‘Rudyi Lis’, is a ten-square-kilometer area surrounding the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. Named after the ginger-brown color of the pine trees after they died following the absorption of high levels of radiation from the 1986 disaster, it is one of the most contaminated areas in the world.

Can I visit the Chernobyl Red Forest?

Due to the high levels of radiation, the Red Forest is off-limits to tourists for safety reasons. However, it can be seen from a distance during guided tours of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone.

Why is the Red Forest important in the context of the Chernobyl disaster?

The Red Forest provides a stark visual reminder of the intensity of the radiation released by the Chernobyl accident. It also serves as an ongoing research area for scientists studying the effects of radiation on the environment.

What happened to the wildlife in the Red Forest after the accident?

Many animals in the Red Forest died immediately after the disaster due to high radiation levels. However, in the following years, the area has seen a resurgence of wildlife, including species that are rare elsewhere, creating a unique, though still highly radioactive, nature reserve.

Has the Red Forest recovered since the Chernobyl disaster?

While the Red Forest has seen a resurgence of wildlife, the area is still highly contaminated. The trees that turned red and died in 1986 were bulldozed and buried in “waste graveyards”. The new forest that has grown since is not as red but still absorbs radiation from the soil.

What are scientists learning from the Red Forest?

Despite its contamination, the Red Forest provides a unique opportunity for researchers to study the long-term effects of radiation exposure on flora and fauna. These insights can help guide responses to future nuclear incidents.