Kačenčina zahrádka

Kačenčina zahrádka is a small nature reserve tucked into the lower part of the village of Deštné v Orlických horách, in the Orlické hory (Eagle Mountains) on the Czech side of the border, right next to the local ski slopes. Covering just 0.637 hectares, this modest protected area was established in 2005 by the Orlické hory Protected Landscape Area administration to preserve a surviving patch of semi-natural grassland and herbaceous plant communities that have become increasingly scarce in the region.

What is there to see in the reserve?

Kačenčina zahrádka preserves a valuable remnant of wet meadowland covered with shrubby willows and vegetation typical of moist mountain habitats. Around 120 species of vascular plants grow here, including several rare and protected ones: round-leaved sundew (an insectivorous plant typical of peat bogs), Davall's sedge, early marsh orchid, globeflower, and fragrant orchid. The presence of these species points to the high ecological value and consistently high moisture level of the site.

The reserve is equally notable for its insect and spider life. Researchers have recorded 67 beetle species, 19 butterfly species, and as many as 60 spider species within its boundaries — an impressive diversity for such a small patch of land.

How to get to Kačenčina zahrádka?

The protected area sits right along the road running through the lower part of Deštné, making it an easy stop on a tour of the Orlické hory. A wooden boardwalk on stilts leads from the road across the wetland, letting visitors cross without damaging the delicate vegetation. Information panels along the path describe the local plant species, turning the short walk into a brief nature lesson as well.

The reserve is open to the public year-round, though the best time to visit is spring and summer, when the orchids and globeflower are in bloom. Given its small size, a visit typically takes only a quarter of an hour or so, making it a convenient stop while hiking nearby trails or during a longer stay in Deštné v Orlických horách, a well-known ski and hiking destination at the foot of the Orlické hory.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to Kačenčina zahrádka free? Yes, the reserve is open to the public free of charge, and visits are limited to the marked boardwalk.

How long does a visit take? Because the reserve is small (0.637 ha), walking the boardwalk usually takes 10–20 minutes.

When is the best time to visit? The reserve is most rewarding from late spring through summer, when protected species such as globeflower and early marsh orchid are in bloom.

Can rare animals be spotted in the reserve? Yes, the site is rich in invertebrates — dozens of beetle, butterfly, and spider species have been recorded there, though most are small and require close observation to spot.