Mrázkova louka (natural monument)

Mrázkova louka is a small yet ecologically significant nature reserve near the village of Bory, in the Velké Meziříčí area of the Vysočina Region in the Czech-Moravian Highlands. Despite covering just 0.52 hectares, this natural monument protects one of the best-preserved peat meadows left in the region.

Where does the name come from and what is the history of the site?

The reserve takes its name from a former landowner, Mr. Mráz, on whose land the meadow once stood before it came under protection. Conservation efforts began as early as 1945, and the meadow was officially designated a nature reserve in 1949. Since then, residents of Bory have played an active role in maintaining and restoring the site, helping preserve its distinctive character to this day.

What makes this meadow so special?

Mrázkova louka is a waterlogged peat meadow, considered one of the last surviving remnants of this type of habitat in the Velké Meziříčí region. Its acidic, water-saturated peat substrate has allowed plant species that have disappeared from most of the surrounding highlands to survive here. The combination of stable groundwater levels and the absence of intensive farming has kept this small patch of landscape almost unchanged for decades.

Which plants and animals live here?

The meadow is home to round-leaved sundew, an insectivorous plant typical of peat bogs, along with narrow-leaved cottongrass, easily recognized by its fluffy white seed heads. Fen bedstraw and fen peat moss, the plant that forms the very structure of the bog, also grow here. The meadow's greatest highlight, however, is its wild orchids, which bloom in vivid purple between late May and early June and draw nature photographers from across the region.

How is the site looked after?

Mrázkova louka has been cared for over the years by the local branch of the Czech Union for Nature Conservation (ZO ČSOP) in Bory. Because the peat layer is extremely sensitive, heavy agricultural machinery cannot be used on the site. Instead, volunteers mow the meadow by hand or with light mowers and scythes, a method that protects both the fragile peat structure and the rare plants growing on it.

When is the best time to visit?

The ideal time to visit is at the turn of May and June, when the orchids are in bloom and the meadow turns a striking shade of purple. As a protected area, it is best appreciated from designated paths rather than by walking directly onto the sensitive bog surface.

Frequently asked questions

How large is this natural monument? Mrázkova louka covers an area of 0.52 hectares.

Since when has the meadow been protected? Initial protection began in 1945, with full nature reserve status granted in 1949.

What protected plants can be found here? Round-leaved sundew, narrow-leaved cottongrass, fen bedstraw, fen peat moss, and wild orchids.

Who maintains the meadow? The local branch of the Czech Union for Nature Conservation in Bory, which mows it by hand due to the sensitivity of the peat bog.

Where exactly is the meadow located? Near the village of Bory, in the Velké Meziříčí area of the Vysočina Region, within the Czech-Moravian Highlands.