Kůlny

Kůlny is a nature reserve set on a rocky hillside above the left bank of the Brno Reservoir (Brněnská přehrada), within the Brno-město district, in the cadastral area of Kníničky. It lies in the South Moravian Region and forms part of the Bobrava Highlands (Bobravská vrchovina), a compact but ecologically rich patch of terrain right at the edge of Brno.

Where exactly is Kůlny located?

The reserve stretches across a steep, rocky slope descending toward the reservoir, at an elevation of 230 to 310 meters above sea level. It covers a total area of 10.79 hectares. The site has held protected status since May 1, 1989, and is managed by the South Moravian Regional Authority. Internationally, it is classified under IUCN Category IV, meaning it is managed primarily for the conservation of specific habitats and species.

What is the geology of the area?

The bedrock consists of biotite and amphibole-biotite granodiorites of the Veverská Bítýška type, part of the wider Brno Massif, a major geological unit of southern Moravia. Biotite pararhyolites also occur in places. On this rocky base, the soils that developed are rankers and acidic typical cambisols — shallow, nutrient-poor soils typical of exposed hillside sites.

What grows in the Kůlny reserve?

The tree layer is dominated by oak, hornbeam, maple, linden, elm, and rowan, a mix typical of sun-exposed, thermophilic woodland on rocky ground. The shrub layer features dogwood, privet, blackthorn, and wild rose, forming dense, thorny thickets along the border between forest and bare rock. The herb layer includes species such as filago, cyclamen, bird's-foot trefoil, corydalis, and primrose — plants adapted to dry, sun-baked conditions.

Which animals live here?

Kůlny is an important refuge for reptiles: smooth snake, tessellated water snake, grass snake, slowworm, and common lizard all occur here. Among amphibians, the spotted salamander has been recorded. Birdlife includes the collared flycatcher, common redstart, middle spotted woodpecker, and golden oriole. Dead wood and leaf litter support beetles typical of old deciduous forests, including the stag beetle and various longhorn beetles.

Why was the area protected?

The reserve was established to preserve near-natural forest communities — stunted oak woodland growing on steep, rocky slopes — together with a rich xerothermic flora and populations of protected reptile species. The combination of distinctive geology, a warm rocky-slope microclimate, and decades of conservation makes Kůlny a valuable pocket of nature right on Brno's doorstep.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Kůlny located? On a rocky slope above the left bank of the Brno Reservoir, in the Kníničky cadastral area, within the city of Brno.

How large is the reserve? It covers 10.79 hectares, at an elevation of 230 to 310 meters above sea level.

Since when has the site been protected? It has held protected status since May 1, 1989.

What is the site's main natural value? Stunted oak woodland communities on rocky ground and a rich reptile population, including the smooth snake and tessellated water snake.