Jiřina

Jiřina is a small nature monument (přírodní památka) located by the village of Kozly u Tišic, roughly 25 km north of Prague, along the banks of the Elbe river. It protects one of the last surviving fragments of the original floodplain forest that once stretched extensively across the Polabí lowlands surrounding the Elbe — a landscape now reduced to scattered, small enclaves.

Protection history

The site was first placed under protection on 31 December 1933, under its original name "Velký les v Jiřině" (Great Forest at Jiřina). This makes it one of the older instances of nature protection in this part of the Czech lands, reflecting early recognition of the value of this remaining pocket of floodplain woodland. The core protected area covers 1.72 hectares, surrounded by an additional buffer zone of 2.2 hectares.

What to see

The main purpose of the protection is preserving a natural floodplain stand containing all three native oak species found in the country — pedunculate (summer) oak, sessile (winter) oak, and the introduced red oak. They grow alongside hornbeam, linden, elm, black poplar, beech, ash, and several maple species. Such species diversity packed into one small forest patch is unusual, giving Jiřina outsized ecological importance despite its modest size.

This rich vegetation structure supports notable birdlife. The forest is home to the common nightingale and the river warbler, along with the black woodpecker. A very rare Eurasian sparrowhawk has also been recorded here — its presence is a further sign of just how ecologically valuable this remnant of floodplain forest is.

Getting there

The most convenient way to reach the reserve is on foot along the bank of the Elbe, about 1.5 km upstream from the village of Kozly. The route runs through the quiet, flat landscape typical of the Polabí lowlands and requires no special preparation — an easy walk suitable for most visitors.

A nature trail also passes nearby, linking Jiřina with another protected site close at hand — the Polabí u Kostelce natural monument, which preserves remnants of former Elbe oxbow lakes. This makes it possible to combine a visit to two related but distinct pieces of the river valley's natural heritage in a single outing.

Frequently asked questions

What exactly does the Jiřina reserve protect? The last surviving fragments of the original floodplain forest (lužní les) typical of the Polabí lowlands, including a diverse oak-dominated stand and notable bird species.

How large is the protected area? The core reserve covers 1.72 hectares, with an additional 2.2-hectare buffer zone around it.

Since when has the site been protected? Since 31 December 1933, originally under the name "Velký les v Jiřině."

How do I get to the reserve? On foot along the Elbe riverbank, about 1.5 km upstream from the village of Kozly.

Are there other natural attractions nearby? Yes — a nature trail connects Jiřina with the Polabí u Kostelce natural monument, which preserves remnants of former Elbe oxbow lakes.