Lom Na plachtě

Lom Na plachtě is a small nature monument in the cadastral area of Třebohostice, roughly two kilometers south of the village of Škvorec, in the Central Bohemian Region not far from Prague. The site is officially registered under number 1173 on the Czech list of protected natural areas.

What kind of place is this?

The site is a former granite quarry where mining stopped decades ago. Once extraction ended, the basin-shaped pit gradually filled with water and became overgrown, evolving into a distinctive wetland ecosystem. The area was granted protected status in 1990, and since 2005 it has also been listed as part of the European network of sites of Community importance.

Why is the area protected?

The main reason for establishing the nature monument is the protection of a wetland habitat that supports a rich population of amphibians and reptiles. Depending on the season and weather, temporary pools form across the former quarry floor, while the northern part of the basin holds permanent water year-round. This fluctuation between temporary and permanent water suits species that need standing water for breeding but drier ground for overwintering.

What wildlife can be found here?

Recorded species include brown frogs, agile frogs and green frogs, along with common toads, green toads and fire-bellied toads. Among the tailed amphibians, both great crested newts and smooth newts are present. Reptile life includes grass snakes and sand lizards. The fauna is rounded out by numerous invertebrates — mollusks, dragonflies and caddisflies — for which the marshy banks and shallow pools provide natural breeding conditions.

What about the vegetation and geology?

Beyond its value for wildlife, the site is also of geological interest: rock exposures left from quarrying allow visitors to observe the granite structure typical of this part of Central Bohemia. The vegetation includes some less common species tied to wet and marshy habitat, such as frogbit and false helleborine.

How to get there?

Lom Na plachtě sits in a quiet, rural setting close to Škvorec, making it an easy day-trip destination from Prague. Given its status as a protected nature site, the best way to visit is a calm walk around the area without entering the water or disturbing the animals — this is a fragile habitat under protection, not a swimming spot or playground.

Frequently asked questions

Is Lom Na plachtě a former quarry? Yes, the site occupies a disused granite quarry that filled with water after mining ended.

Since when has the area been protected? It has held nature monument status since 1990, and since 2005 it has also been recognized as part of the European network of protected sites.

Which animals does the reserve protect? Mainly amphibians (frogs, toads, fire-bellied toads, newts) and reptiles (grass snakes, lizards), along with numerous aquatic invertebrates.

Does the quarry hold water all year round? Only the northern part of the basin has permanent water — the rest consists of temporary pools that depend on weather conditions.

Is there a larger town nearby? The nearest larger settlement is Škvorec, and the whole site lies within easy reach of Prague.