Malý Polec

Malý Polec is a small nature reserve in the Šumava mountains, situated on the southern and southwestern slope of Churáňovský vrch (1,120 m above sea level), right next to the Churáňov meteorological station and the Zadov ski resort, in the Prachatice district. The protected area spans elevations between 1,108 and 1,183 meters, roughly 5.5 kilometers southwest of the village of Stachy.

What does the reserve protect?

The reserve protects a small raised peat bog covered with dwarf mountain pine. It was officially declared on 15 April 1992 to preserve the endangered plants and animals associated with this type of habitat. The protected area covers 11.37 hectares, and the average depth of the peat layer is around one meter.

What plants grow on the peat bog?

The ground cover is dominated by heather and bog bilberry, while the moss layer is made up mainly of sphagnum species, particularly bog rosemary and red sphagnum moss. Various sedges typical of Šumava's high-altitude peat bogs also grow here. This vegetation is closely tied to the acidic, nutrient-poor substrate and the constantly moist microclimate of the site.

What is the history behind this place?

The peat bog was once commercially exploited, with peat extraction ending in the early 20th century. Since then, the area has been left to develop through natural succession, without human intervention in its ecological processes. It only gained official nature reserve status in 1992, once the value of this surviving fragment of mountain peatland was recognized.

Why is this site considered endangered?

Despite its legal protection, Malý Polec is regarded as one of the most threatened peat bogs in all of Šumava. The main reason is its proximity to the large recreational and sports resort at Zadov, which creates pressure from tourist traffic and ski infrastructure right next to this fragile peatland ecosystem.

Who manages the reserve?

The site falls under the care of the Šumava National Park Administration, which oversees monitoring the condition of the peat bog and limiting the negative impact of the neighboring tourist infrastructure.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Malý Polec located? On the southern slope of Churáňovský vrch, next to the Churáňov meteorological station and the Zadov ski resort, about 5.5 km southwest of Stachy, in the Prachatice district.

How large is the reserve? It covers an area of 11.37 hectares.

When was the reserve established? On 15 April 1992.

What can you see there? A raised peat bog with dwarf mountain pine, heather, bog bilberry, and sphagnum mosses — a typical landscape of Šumava's high-altitude wetlands.

Is the reserve accessible to visitors? It lies close to the popular Zadov resort and the trails around Churáňov, but as a protected area it requires visitors to follow the nature conservation rules in force within the national park.