Kocoury

Kocoury is a tiny but botanically significant nature reserve tucked into the northern slope of the Vrchy hill, just north of the village of Prosetín in the Žďár nad Sázavou district of the Vysočina Region. Covering a mere 0.44 hectares, its ecological value far outweighs its modest footprint. The site was declared a natural monument on November 23, 1996, by decision of the Vysočina Regional Office, which continues to administer it today.

Why is this site protected?

The reserve was established to protect an island of herb-rich meadows growing on limestone outcrops — an unusual geological base in this part of the Czech Republic that has allowed a distinctive flora to take hold. Kocoury is considered one of the highest-altitude sites where wood anemone (Anemonoides sylvestris) grows. In spring, the plant blankets the ground in a dense carpet of white flowers, making that season the best time to visit.

What grows in Kocoury?

The reserve sits at an elevation of 616 to 632 meters above sea level. A thicket of European beech and silver birch has developed on the rocky scree that covers much of the slope. The forest floor and adjoining meadows harbor several rare plant species, including baneberry, dog's mercury, mezereum, wild ginger, and Solomon's seal, while the neighboring grasslands support meadow saxifrage and cowslip. To preserve this diversity, the meadow is mowed regularly — without this maintenance, the rich herbaceous vegetation would gradually be overtaken by more aggressive grasses and shrubs.

Views across three regions

Kocoury is not only a botanical curiosity but also a viewpoint. Because it sits on the slope near the summit of the hill, the reserve offers a panorama stretching across three regions: to the southeast, the Blanensko area in the South Moravian Region; to the north, Svitavsko in the Pardubice Region; and the rest of the horizon fills with the landscape of Vysočina and the valley of the Svratka river. This combination of a small, precious habitat and a sweeping view makes Kocoury a worthwhile stop for anyone hiking around Prosetín.

How to get to Kocoury?

The reserve lies directly adjacent to the village of Prosetín, in the Žďár nad Sázavou district of the Vysočina Region. It is a quiet, rural corner of the Czech Highlands, well suited to a relaxed walk combined with some nature observation.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Kocoury? Spring is ideal, when wood anemone blooms and covers the ground in its characteristic white carpet of flowers.

How big is the reserve? Kocoury covers just 0.44 hectares, making it one of the smaller protected areas in the region.

What makes Kocoury special? Besides its rare vegetation growing on limestone outcrops, the reserve offers a rare panoramic view spanning three regions: South Moravian Blanensko, Pardubice-region Svitavsko, and Vysočina with the Svratka valley.

Since when has the area been protected? It received protected status on November 23, 1996.