Borky – a Wetland Pocket in the Křemešník Highlands

Borky is a small but ecologically valuable protected area in the Pelhřimov District of the Vysočina Region, right next to the village of Bělá, close to the town of Počátky. The reserve sits at an elevation of 674 to 678 metres above sea level, within the Křemešník Highlands, a landscape known for its springs, peatlands, and waterlogged meadows.

What does this natural monument protect?

The protected area covers 9.16 hectares and was declared a natural monument on 30 September 2010 by decision of the Vysočina Regional Authority. It is formally classified under IUCN Category IV, meaning it is managed specifically for the conservation of habitats and the species that depend on them. The Vysočina Regional Authority acts as the site's administrator.

The object of protection is a well-preserved mosaic of water-related natural communities: spring areas, transitional peatlands, meadows that flood periodically, and marshy willow shrubland. This gradual transition between wetland types, without sharp boundaries between them, is precisely what gives Borky its ecological importance. Habitats of this kind have become increasingly rare across central Europe, since many comparable wetlands were drained or converted to farmland in past decades.

A landscape shaped by springs and peat

The character of the terrain is dictated by its hydrology. Borky lies within the catchment area of the Nežárka River, which explains the abundance of groundwater reaching the surface through numerous springs. This water feeds the transitional peatlands — habitats that sit between mineral-rich, groundwater-fed fens and purely rain-fed bogs. The result is a distinctive plant cover adapted to constant moisture and low nutrient availability.

The meadows within the reserve flood periodically, adding further variation to conditions across the seasons — from waterlogged patches in spring to somewhat drier stretches in summer. Along the edges of the wetlands, willow shrubland has developed, typical of transition zones between marshy ground and drier terrain.

Why this site matters

The protection of Borky is aimed at safeguarding specially protected species tied to this rare combination of wetland habitats. Spring areas and transitional peatlands are demanding environments — they respond quickly to any change in groundwater levels or in how surrounding land is managed. Formal protection status and ongoing administrative oversight are therefore essential for the long-term survival of these habitats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is Borky located? The reserve lies in the Pelhřimov District, Vysočina Region, next to the village of Bělá, near the town of Počátky, at an elevation of 674–678 metres above sea level.

How large is the protected area? The site covers 9.16 hectares.

Since when has the area been protected? Borky was declared a natural monument on 30 September 2010, by decision of the Vysočina Regional Authority.

What exactly does this natural monument protect? Natural communities of springs, transitional peatlands, periodically flooded meadows, and marshy willow shrubland, together with the specially protected species found there.

Who manages the site? The Vysočina Regional Authority is the administrator.

What IUCN protection category applies to Borky? Borky is classified under IUCN Category IV, covering habitat and species management areas.