Díly u Lhotky

Díly u Lhotky is a small but ecologically rich nature reserve set within a sub-mountain meadow near Žďár nad Sázavou, on the Bohemian-Moravian border, inside the Žďárské vrchy Protected Landscape Area. Designated a natural monument in 1985, it protects a surviving fragment of the original sub-mountain meadows that once covered much of this upland region before intensive farming replaced most of them elsewhere.

What makes the meadows at Díly u Lhotky special?

The reserve's landscape is a mosaic of damp and wet meadow types, including peaty, mat-grass and thistle meadows. This variety of habitats packed into a compact area supports an unusually rich assortment of rare and protected plants, most notably wild orchids. Visitors with a keen eye may spot the early marsh orchid in flower, and with some luck the marsh helleborine or the broad-leaved helleborine, species that have disappeared from much of the surrounding countryside as traditional meadow management declined. Alongside the orchids, the flora includes other plants typical of acidic, waterlogged upland grassland, all adapted to the cool, wet conditions of the site.

Which animals live in the reserve?

The wet meadows provide valuable habitat for amphibians and reptiles. Brown frogs and common toads use the damp ground for breeding and feeding, while the common (viviparous) lizard is a regular resident. Occasionally the European adder is also recorded here, drawn to the mix of open meadow and adjoining scrub. The presence of these species points to a well-preserved habitat with relatively little human disturbance.

Who looks after the site?

Díly u Lhotky is managed by the Nature Conservation Agency of the Czech Republic (AOPK ČR), through its administration of the Žďárské vrchy Protected Landscape Area, within which the reserve lies. Management focuses mainly on maintaining a careful mowing regime: regular but moderate cutting prevents shrubs and trees from encroaching on the meadow, keeping the habitat open enough for light-loving orchids and other rare plants to survive.

Frequently asked questions

When was Díly u Lhotky protected? The site was declared a natural monument in 1985.

What are the most valuable plant species here? Orchids are the highlight, particularly the early marsh orchid, with the marsh helleborine and broad-leaved helleborine occurring more rarely.

Are there protected animals in the reserve? Yes — the meadows are home to amphibians such as brown frogs and common toads, plus reptiles including the common lizard and, occasionally, the European adder.

Where exactly is the reserve located? Near the village of Lhotka, between Žďár nad Sázavou and Nové Město na Moravě, within the Žďárské vrchy Protected Landscape Area.

Is it a good spot for a casual visit? It appeals mainly to nature and botany enthusiasts. The best time to visit is late spring to early summer, when the orchids are in bloom — visitors should stay on paths to avoid damaging the delicate meadow vegetation.