Blatná hráz

Blatná hráz is a small nature reserve in the Vysočina Region of the Czech Republic, right next to the village of Cidlina in Třebíč District. Covering roughly 4.4 hectares within the Brtnická Highland, at an elevation of 576–614 metres above sea level, it protects a narrow strip of the naturally meandering Šebkovický Stream valley, along with surviving patches of riparian alder forest tucked among the surrounding spruce plantations.

What makes this reserve worth protecting?

The reserve was formally established on 29 November 2002 by the Vysočina Region authorities to safeguard the stream's floodplain and the remnants of alder woodland growing along it. It also harbours one of the last significant populations of spring snowflake in Třebíč District — a small bulbous plant with delicate, bell-shaped white flowers that appears in early spring. The area is classified under IUCN Category IV, meaning management is focused on specific species and habitats, and it falls under the care of the Nature and Landscape Protection Agency of the Czech Republic.

What does the landscape look like?

Blatná hráz is a long, narrow corridor of land following the stream valley. The bedrock consists of Precambrian metamorphic rock, mainly gneiss interlaced with quartzite bands, while the valley floor itself is covered in sandy-silty fluvial sediment. In spring, the ground turns white with blooming spring snowflake, accompanied by other typical floodplain-forest plants such as ferns, bitter cress, creeping buttercup, and various sedges. The shrub layer includes alder buckthorn and guelder rose.

Which animals live here?

Wildlife records for the reserve are limited, but observations from 2020 confirmed the presence of middle spotted woodpecker, Eurasian nuthatch, stock dove, and common raven. Among invertebrates, two harvestman species have been documented — Ischyropsalis hellwigi and Mitostoma chrysomelas — both small arachnids typical of the damp, shaded forest floor found along the stream.

Why are the surrounding spruce plantations a concern?

The commercial forests surrounding the reserve are largely single-species spruce stands, which for decades cast heavy shade over the valley floor and squeezed out space needed by the light-demanding spring snowflake. A management plan drawn up in 1998 led to selective logging of spruce trees between 1999 and 2001, aimed at opening up the plant's habitat and giving it room to spread. At one point, a protective fence was installed around part of the site, but it proved ineffective and was later removed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is Blatná hráz located? The reserve sits next to the village of Cidlina in Třebíč District, Vysočina Region, within the Brtnická Highland geomorphological unit.

How large is the protected area? It is a small reserve, roughly 4.4 to 5 hectares, covering a narrow strip of the Šebkovický Stream valley.

What is the main attraction in spring? The blooming spring snowflake is the highlight — this is one of the last sizeable populations of the species in Třebíč District.

Is the site easy to reach? The reserve borders the village of Cidlina directly, making access straightforward, though the protected area itself remains small and quiet, without significant tourist infrastructure.

Since when has the site been protected? The reserve was officially designated on 29 November 2002, although the underlying management plan for the habitat dates back to 1998.