Jalový dvůr

Jalový dvůr is a nature monument on the edge of the Ždánický Forest, sitting between the villages of Heršpice and Rašovice in the Vyškov district, roughly 6 km south of the town of Slavkov u Brna. The protected area covers 22.20 hectares and was designated by a decree of the Vyškov District Office on 28 June 1990.

What does the protected area consist of?

At its core lies the Heršpice pond, fed by the Buchlová stream, surrounded by a mosaic of forest, meadows and pastures. This combination of wetland and dry, sun-exposed slopes is what makes the site ecologically valuable — two very different habitat types sit side by side within a small area.

Why was this site protected?

The site was designated for the occurrence and breeding of several amphibian species in the pond, together with Pontic-Pannonian steppe flora on the adjoining hillsides. Endangered species found here include the European tree frog, the agile frog and the edible frog, all tied to the pond and its immediate surroundings. The sun-warmed slopes above the water, meanwhile, support steppe vegetation more typical of warmer parts of Central Europe, giving the reserve an unusual mix of moisture-loving and drought-tolerant habitats packed into a compact space.

What else is there to know about the surroundings?

An eco-farm operates within and around Jalový dvůr, and a handful of houses stand nearby. Despite its protected status, the area is not an untouched wilderness cut off from people — it blends nature conservation with the everyday life of a small farming community. The surrounding lanes and fields are also occasionally used as a route or starting point for local running events.

The landscape around the pond and forest is characteristic of the Ždánický Forest as a whole: gently rolling hills, a patchwork of fields, meadows and tree stands, typical of the transitional zone between the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands and the Danubian lowlands. That makes the area appealing not only to naturalists but also to anyone looking for a quiet walk away from the busier marked trails.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Jalový dvůr located? Between the villages of Heršpice and Rašovice in the Vyškov district, about 6 km south of Slavkov u Brna, on the edge of the Ždánický Forest.

How large is the protected area? It covers 22.20 hectares.

Since when has the site been protected? It was granted protected status on 28 June 1990 by decree of the Vyškov District Office.

What species can be found here? Mainly amphibians tied to the pond — including the European tree frog, agile frog and edible frog — along with Pontic-Pannonian steppe vegetation on the sunny slopes.

Is there anything else nearby worth seeing? Yes, an eco-farm operates on the site, and the reserve borders residential houses, making it a pleasant spot for a quiet walk that combines nature with local rural life.