Doubí u Žíšova

Doubí u Žíšova is a small but ecologically valuable forest reserve in the Tábor district of the South Bohemian Region, located about 1.5 km northeast of the village of Žíšov and 2 km north of the center of Veselí nad Lužnicí. The protected area sits on the left bank of the Lužnice River, within its floodplain, and represents one of the last surviving fragments of natural floodplain forest in the region.

What is Doubí u Žíšova?

It is a natural monument (přírodní památka) established in 1956 to protect a preserved remnant of oak floodplain forest growing under natural riverine conditions. The name "Doubí" directly references the dominant tree species found here — the oak.

What vegetation grows here?

The forest stand is composed mainly of pedunculate oak (Quercus robur), with an admixture of silver birch (Betula pendula), downy birch (Betula pubescens), and aspen (Populus tremula). It was precisely this presence of natural, mixed old-growth oak forest along the river valley that justified placing the site under protection — floodplain forests of this kind have become increasingly rare as rivers are regulated and floodplains altered by human activity.

Depending on the season, the forest floor holds protected plant species. In early spring, the snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis) blooms here, and from late July onward, the striking flower spikes of the Turk's cap lily (Lilium martagon) appear — another species under legal protection.

Why is this site protected?

The main reason for protection is the preservation of natural floodplain forest vegetation within the Lužnice River's inundation area. Forests of this type play an important ecological role — they buffer river flooding, stabilize banks, and provide habitat for species tied to periodically flooded, moist environments. The presence of two protected understory plant species, the snowdrop and the Turk's cap lily, further raises the natural value of this small area.

The protected area is managed by the Regional Office of the South Bohemian Region (Krajský úřad Jihočeského kraje).

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Doubí u Žíšova located? It lies in the South Bohemian Region, in the Tábor district, roughly 1.5 km northeast of Žíšov and 2 km north of the center of Veselí nad Lužnicí, on the left bank of the Lužnice River.

When was this natural monument established? The area was placed under protection in 1956.

Which trees dominate this forest? Pedunculate oak is the main species, with an admixture of silver birch, downy birch, and aspen.

What rare plants can be found here? In early spring, the snowdrop, and from late July, the Turk's cap lily — both protected species.

Is this a good spot for a nature walk? Yes — given its floodplain forest character and the seasonal presence of protected plants, the area makes for an interesting destination for a short, quiet nature walk along the Lužnice valley.