Cholupická bažantnice

Cholupická bažantnice is a small but remarkably well-preserved nature reserve tucked into the southeastern edge of Prague, hidden within an isolated forest complex between the districts of Cholupice and Písnice and the neighbouring town of Dolní Břežany. The area was granted protected status in 1982 and covers just 13.8 hectares, making it one of the more intimate natural sites on the Czech capital's map. It sits at an elevation of 318 to 325 metres above sea level, on the site of a former pheasantry — which is where its name, meaning "Cholupice pheasant reserve," comes from.

Why is this forest protected?

The main reason for declaring the natural monument was to preserve natural floodplain-type forest stands, which have become increasingly rare in Prague's heavily urbanised surroundings. Nearly 90 percent of the reserve is covered by moist oak-hornbeam forest, while the remaining 10 percent consists of willow-alder swamp forest typical of periodically waterlogged ground. Oak and ash are the dominant tree species, and in some parts of the forest visitors can find genuinely old, impressive specimens that give the place its wild, untouched character.

What can you see here?

Cholupická bažantnice is especially notable for its rich insect life. Researchers have documented 99 species of forest butterflies within the reserve, including both the Apollo and the Clouded Apollo, along with hawk moths, whites, and sulphurs. That is an impressive count for an area of this size and speaks to the good ecological condition of the forest ecosystem.

The bird life is equally compelling. Buzzards, wood pigeons, tawny owls, and great spotted woodpeckers nest in the crowns of the old trees, and the forest is alive with the songs of numerous songbird species. For anyone who enjoys a quiet walk with binoculars, this is a place offering genuine contact with woodland fauna, despite its proximity to a major city.

What does the landscape look like?

The terrain of the reserve is relatively flat and covered by dense deciduous forest whose character shifts with the moisture of the ground — from the drier oak-hornbeam sections to damp hollows dominated by alder and willow. It is precisely this mosaic of habitats that accounts for the exceptional biodiversity packed into such a small area.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Cholupická bažantnice located? The reserve lies about one kilometre southeast of the village of Cholupice, within an isolated forest complex between Dolní Břežany and the Prague districts of Cholupice and Písnice, in the southeastern part of the city.

When was this natural monument established? The area received legal protection in 1982, primarily to preserve its natural floodplain forest stands.

How large is the reserve? Cholupická bažantnice covers 13.8 hectares, making it one of Prague's smaller but ecologically valuable protected areas.

What is worth seeing here? Mainly the mature oak-hornbeam and alder-willow woodland, along with rich fauna — 99 documented butterfly species and forest birds such as buzzards, tawny owls, and woodpeckers.

Is this a good place for a walk? Yes, the area is small and peaceful, ideal for a short, contemplative walk among old trees away from the city bustle, though it has no developed tourist infrastructure.