Louky u Drahlína

Louky u Drahlína (Meadows near Drahlín) is a protected natural monument made up of two separate meadow complexes on the eastern and western edges of the village of Drahlín, in the Příbram District of the Central Bohemian Region. The site covers thirteen hectares at an elevation of 509 to 581 metres above sea level and was formally declared a natural monument by the Central Bohemian Regional Authority, with the designation taking effect on 6 August 2016.

Why is this site protected?

The main reason for protecting this area is the presence of two severely threatened butterfly species: the dusky large blue and the scarce large blue. Both butterflies depend on great burnet, the plant on which females lay their eggs, and their larvae later complete development inside the nests of Myrmica ants — a remarkably specific, multi-stage life cycle that requires the coexistence of the host plant, the right ant species, and a particular meadow structure. Alongside the butterflies, the site also supports solitary mining bees of the genus Andrena, which dig their nests in the ground on sunnier, sparsely vegetated patches of meadow.

What do the meadows look like?

Before heavy agricultural machinery became widespread, the meadows were mown regularly and occasionally grazed by cattle, a management pattern that helped maintain a rich diversity of plants and insects. With the arrival of mechanised farming, management shifted: today the area is mown regularly, except for the wettest sections, which remain too soft for heavy equipment to access. One consequence of this change is that the southern edge of the western meadow has gradually become overgrown with trees and shrubs, slowly reducing the open, damp grassland the protected species rely on.

The landscape consists of two unconnected meadow patches, separated by the built-up area of Drahlín itself — one lying east of the village, the other west of it. Their damp character comes from sitting in a shallow depression where groundwater stays close to the surface, favouring the kind of vegetation typical of wet meadows.

Who is this site for?

Louky u Drahlína is aimed primarily at nature enthusiasts, entomologists, and nature photographers interested in observing rare butterflies in their natural habitat. It is not a site built for mass tourism — there are no boardwalks, information trails, or viewpoints typical of better-known reserves. Its value lies in its scientific and conservation significance rather than in dramatic scenery.

Visitors should keep in mind that the area carries legal protection, and stepping off marked paths onto the protected meadow sections can disturb the delicate habitat balance that both butterfly species and the wild bees depend on for survival. The best time to look for the butterflies is during their flight period, which typically falls in summer.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Louky u Drahlína located? The site lies within the cadastral area of Drahlín, in the Příbram District of the Central Bohemian Region, and consists of two separate meadow patches on either side of the village.

Which species are protected here? Primarily two butterfly species — the dusky large blue and the scarce large blue — along with solitary mining bees of the genus Andrena.

When was the area protected? It was declared a natural monument by the Central Bohemian Regional Authority, with protection taking effect on 6 August 2016.

How large is the protected area? The site covers thirteen hectares, at an elevation of between 509 and 581 metres above sea level.

Are the meadows mown? Yes, they are mown regularly, except for the wettest patches, which are too soft for heavy farm machinery to reach.