Broumarské slatiny

Broumarské slatiny is a natural monument protecting a stretch of wet meadows and floodplain forest on the eastern shore of the Broumar pond, in the Rychnov nad Kněžnou district of the Hradec Králové Region in the Czech Republic. The site lies north of the line connecting the town of Opočno and the village of Semechnice, and covers 10.21 hectares.

Why was this area protected?

The designation preserves a mosaic of wetland habitats: meadow-fen grasslands without autumn crocus, tall-sedge stands, swamp alder woods, and ash-alder floodplain forest together with wet oak-hornbeam stands. These conditions — permanently waterlogged soil, a high groundwater table, and the absence of intensive farming — have allowed plant and animal species that have disappeared from much of the surrounding agricultural landscape to survive here.

What species live here?

Broumarské slatiny is best known for its rare orchids. It hosts Loesel's orchid (Liparis loeselii), one of central Europe's most threatened orchid species, restricted to fens and wet meadows with stable water levels. Also present are the incarnate fingered orchid (Dactylorhiza incarnata) and Davall's sedge (Carex davalliana), an indicator species of base-rich fen habitats. The continued presence of these plants points to well-preserved conditions and relatively limited human disturbance in recent decades.

What does the landscape look like?

The reserve alternates between open wet meadows, belts of tall sedges, and denser patches of alder-ash floodplain forest. Proximity to the Broumar pond raises air and soil moisture further, favouring species that depend on a constant water supply. This kind of habitat mosaic has become increasingly rare in the farmed landscape of eastern Bohemia, giving the site significance beyond the purely local for wetland biodiversity conservation.

Who manages the site and how should visitors approach it?

The natural monument is administered by the Hradec Králové Regional Authority. Because fen and wetland habitats are highly sensitive to trampling and drainage, visitors should keep to established paths and tracks near the Broumar pond rather than venturing into the wet meadows and sedge stands themselves.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Broumarské slatiny located? On the eastern shore of the Broumar pond, north of the line between Opočno and Semechnice, in the Rychnov nad Kněžnou district.

How large is the protected area? 10.21 hectares.

Which rare species can be found there? Loesel's orchid, the incarnate fingered orchid, and Davall's sedge, all tied to wet, peaty fen habitats.

Can visitors walk freely through the reserve? Since it is a protected natural monument, visitors should stay on marked paths and avoid entering the wet meadows and sedge stands directly.