Kovárské stráně

Kovárské stráně is a small nature reserve located just west of the village of Kováry, in the Kladno district of the Czech Republic. Covering only 1.7 hectares, it occupies a south to southwest-facing slope in the valley of the Zákolanský stream, directly across from the point where the Dřetovický stream flows into it. The site borders the Okolí Okoře landscape park, placing it within a wider network of protected land in this part of the country.

Why was this site protected?

Kovárské stráně was declared a protected natural monument in 1987. The designation was driven by the exceptional character of the thermophilous (heat-loving) plant communities that have developed on this sun-exposed slope. The composition of species growing here was considered valuable and threatened enough to warrant formal protection, despite the site's modest size. It falls under the category of specially protected areas in the Czech nature conservation system, meaning interventions affecting its vegetation and terrain are restricted.

What does the terrain look like?

A defining feature of the landscape is a pair of artificially formed terraces along with the adjoining balks (unplowed field margins) that together make up the entire protected area. This terrain, likely shaped by past agricultural or grazing activity, helps maintain the specific habitat conditions the site is known for — strong sun exposure, well-drained soil, and reduced competition from plants typical of richer, moister ground. The south and southwest orientation of the slope means it warms up faster than the surrounding land, a factor that matters greatly for heat-loving plant species.

What plants grow here?

The reserve is known for its thermophilous plant communities, among which several species stand out from a botanical and conservation perspective. Spring pheasant's eye grows here, a plant typical of dry, sun-drenched steppe grasslands, valued both for its ecological significance and its early flowering period. Primrose is also present, alongside Austrian milkvetch — a species tied to steppe and xerothermic habitats, rarely found outside such specialized environments. The co-occurrence of these species on such a small area points to a well-preserved xerothermic grassland community.

Where exactly is Kovárské stráně located?

The site lies immediately next to the village of Kováry, part of the Zákolany municipality, within the valley of the Zákolanský stream. Its approximate geographic coordinates are 50.186°N, 14.254°E. Sitting in the valley of a small watercourse surrounded by higher ground gives the location a microclimate distinct from the open, flatter terrain typical of the wider region, further supporting the persistence of its specific plant communities.

Frequently asked questions

Is Kovárské stráně a large reserve? No — it covers just 1.7 hectares, making it one of the smaller protected natural monuments in the Kladno region.

Since when has the area been protected? The site has held protected status since 1987.

What is the main reason for protecting this site? The presence of valuable and threatened thermophilous plant communities, including spring pheasant's eye, primrose, and Austrian milkvetch.

Are there other protected areas nearby? Yes, Kovárské stráně borders the Okolí Okoře landscape park.

How do you get to the reserve? The village of Kováry, which sits directly at the edge of the protected area in the Zákolanský stream valley, is the best starting point.