Březinské tisy

Březinské tisy is a small but ecologically significant nature reserve located near the settlement of Březiny, in the Děčín district of the Ústí nad Labem region in northwestern Czechia. The protected area covers a steep, rocky and scree-covered slope of the Velký Chlum hill, descending toward the valley of the Ploučnice River. The site was declared a national natural monument back in 1969, making it one of the longer-protected areas in the region. The reserve spans roughly 37 hectares, almost entirely within forest land owned by the city of Děčín.

Why was this place protected?

The reserve was established primarily to safeguard a substantial, naturally occurring population of common yew (Taxus baccata) — a tree species that has largely disappeared from forests across much of Central Europe due to centuries of logging and overgrazing by wild deer. The steep, hard-to-access slope of Velký Chlum created conditions that allowed old yew trees to survive here to this day, offering researchers and nature lovers a rare chance to observe the species growing in a natural forest setting.

What lies buried in the ground here?

Beyond its botanical value, the site also holds notable paleontological significance. The surrounding rock formations contain layers of diatomaceous shale in which fossils from the Tertiary period have been preserved. These include imprints of plants — among them prehistoric roses — as well as preserved soft tissue remains of several amphibian species that once lived in a lake covering this area millions of years ago. Finds of this kind are rare, making Březinské tisy valuable not only to botanists but also to geologists and paleontologists.

What animals live here?

The rocky and forested habitats of the reserve support a rich array of wildlife. Among the vertebrates recorded in the area are the common European adder (Vipera berus), the middle spotted woodpecker, the black stork, and roe deer. The presence of these species points to a well-preserved, relatively undisturbed forest and rocky slope environment, offering both shelter and foraging grounds for animals that depend on quiet, natural conditions.

How can you get to Březinské tisy?

The reserve lies close to the village of Březiny, not far from Děčín, near the valley of the Ploučnice River. Because of the steep, rocky terrain, visiting requires caution, and straying from marked paths can pose risks both to visitors and to the protected habitat itself.

Frequently asked questions

What is Březinské tisy? It is a national natural monument in the Děčín district, protecting a natural population of yew trees and a Tertiary-period paleontological site.

Since when has the area been protected? Legal protection was established in 1969.

How large is the reserve? Around 37 hectares, mostly on forest land owned by the city of Děčín.

What animals live in the area? Among others, the common adder, middle spotted woodpecker, black stork, and roe deer.

What makes this site scientifically noteworthy? Fossilized plants and amphibians preserved in diatomaceous shale, documenting life from millions of years ago.