Choryňská stráž

Choryňská stráž is an 8-hectare nature monument on the western edge of the village of Choryně, in the Vsetín district of the Zlín Region in the Czech Republic. It covers the southern slope of a hill of the same name, which rises to 375 meters above sea level. The site was granted protected status in 1999.

Why was this site protected?

The nature monument was established to preserve species-rich meadows with thermophilic plants and insects, along with the natural succession of what was once an original oak forest. The southern and southeastern slopes, once home to a cherry orchard, are now covered with flower-rich meadows. Together with the surrounding oak woodland and hornbeam groves, these meadows form a habitat that supports numerous heat-loving plant and insect species.

What can you see here?

Several species of orchids grow within the reserve, making it a notable stop for anyone interested in the region's botany. The old cherry orchard, though no longer used for fruit production, has become a valuable biotope for the cherry long-horned beetle, one of the most striking beetles found in this part of Europe. The presence of this species points to the good condition of the old trees and deadwood on site, both of which are essential for many invertebrates.

An educational trail through the reserve

In 2015, a roughly three-kilometer nature trail was opened within Choryňská stráž. The route leads visitors toward the Juhyně and Bečva rivers, where a bird observation point has been built on the riverbank. This spot allows for watching waterfowl and other river-associated wildlife, complementing the botanical interest of the meadows and woodlands higher up the slope.

The trail was designed to combine educational value with recreational appeal, offering hikers a quiet, close encounter with nature away from the busier tourist centers of the region.

How to get to Choryňská stráž

The reserve sits right next to the village of Choryně, making it easily reachable for anyone traveling through the Vsetín district. Its proximity to the Bečva and Juhyně rivers means it is often visited as part of longer excursions through the Bečva river valley.

Frequently asked questions

How large is the Choryňská stráž nature monument? The protected area covers 8 hectares.

When was the site granted protected status? It was declared a nature monument in 1999.

What plant species can be found here? The meadows host several orchid species, and the site also includes oak woodland and hornbeam groves.

Is there an educational trail on site? Yes, a three-kilometer nature trail opened in 2015, leading to a bird observation point on the Bečva riverbank.

What notable insect lives here? The old cherry orchard serves as a habitat for the cherry long-horned beetle, one of the more striking beetles found in the region.