Bejkovna

Bejkovna is a small but botanically valuable nature reserve in the Klatovy district of the Czech Republic, lying southwest of the village of Petrovice, within the cadastral territory of Petrovice u Měčína. The protected site sits on the left side of the road connecting Petrovice with the village of Ostřetice, roughly 200 metres from the roadway. It's a destination for travellers drawn to quiet, understated corners of nature rather than crowded landmarks — a patch of wetland wilderness tucked into the farmland of southwestern Bohemia.

Why was this site protected?

Bejkovna is a mosaic of abandoned pastures, peatlands, and stream springs that, over decades of grazing followed by gradual abandonment, developed an unusually rich flora typical of wet meadows. The official reason for protection is precisely this combination of disappearing pastures, peat bogs, and spring-fed wetlands with abundant plant life. This habitat type has been shrinking across Central Europe for years, as land drainage and agricultural intensification dry out once-marshy meadows.

What grows in Bejkovna?

The reserve's most valuable botanical feature is its population of vanishing wetland species, most notably the marsh helleborine (Epipactis palustris), an orchid characteristic of wet, base-rich fen meadows. The presence of this species is itself a good indicator of habitat quality, since marsh helleborine responds sensitively to changes in groundwater level and soil chemistry.

What is the history of protection here?

The area was originally established by a decree of the District Office in Klatovy in 1990. The initially proclaimed area was around 0.60 hectares, but geodetic surveys carried out that same year determined the actual extent to be 0.84 hectares. Despite its modest size, the reserve serves an important role as a refuge for biodiversity within a landscape otherwise dominated by farmland and managed forest.

How do you get to Bejkovna?

The reserve lies along road II/191, which runs from Petrovice to Ostřetice, about 200 metres from the road itself. The nearest landmark is the village of Petrovice, administratively part of the municipality of Měčín. Given its small size and ecological character, a visit here means walking along the edges of the protected area rather than following built tourist infrastructure — this is a spot for nature observation, not sightseeing facilities.

Frequently asked questions

Can visitors walk freely through Bejkovna? Because the site protects sensitive peatland habitats, caution is advised — it's best to view the reserve from its edges or designated paths rather than walking through the delicate vegetation itself.

What else is worth noticing besides the marsh helleborine? The whole complex of former pastures and spring-fed wetlands creates a unique microclimate that supports rare marsh plants, so it's worth taking in the entire mosaic of wet meadows rather than focusing on a single species.

When is the best time to visit Bejkovna? Late spring and early summer, when most orchid species on wet meadows are in bloom, offer the most rewarding window for nature observation.

How large is the reserve? The protected area covers 0.84 hectares, making it one of the smaller protected sites in the Klatovy region, though one of significant botanical importance.