Na hadci

Na hadci is a small but ecologically remarkable nature reserve located about one kilometre northwest of the village of Raškov, in the Šumperk district of the Olomouc Region in the Czech Republic. It stretches across the southwestern slopes of Raškovská bouda and the eastern slopes of Bouda, at elevations between 410 and 590 metres above sea level, within the Králická hornatina highlands. The reserve was established in 1990 and covers roughly 52.26 hectares.

Where does the name come from and what is being protected?

The name refers directly to "hadec," the Czech term for serpentinite — a rock with a distinctive grey-green colour marked by dark spots that resembles snake skin. Outcrops of this unusual rock were the main reason the area was placed under protection. Serpentinite creates a nutrient-poor, chemically demanding substrate here, to which only a handful of highly specialised plant species have adapted over time.

What kind of vegetation grows on the serpentinite outcrops?

The reserve is mostly covered by spruce forest mixed with fir and native larch, while in places remnants of original relict pine stands survive, forming a mosaic together with vegetation tied directly to the exposed rock. Among the most valuable, critically endangered species found here is a subspecies of Carthusian pink, Dianthus carthusianorum subsp. capillifrons, along with the serpentine spleenwort (Asplenium cuneifolium) — a fern almost exclusively bound to serpentinite substrates and rarely found anywhere else.

Why does this reserve matter for bats?

Beyond its flora, the reserve serves as an important foraging ground for bats. A large summer maternity colony of greater mouse-eared bats (Myotis myotis) roosts in the nearby church in Raškov, and individuals from this colony regularly hunt insects within the reserve and its immediate surroundings. Other bat species also make use of the area, drawn by the mosaic of forest and rocky outcrops that provides favourable hunting conditions.

What should visitors know before coming here?

The reserve lies in a quiet, sparsely populated part of the Králická hornatina highlands, away from the main tourist routes, which makes it an appealing destination for anyone looking for less-disturbed nature. As a protected nature reserve, standard restrictions apply: visitors should stick to marked paths and avoid collecting plants or rock samples. Given the steep slopes and rocky terrain, sturdy hiking footwear is recommended.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the Na hadci reserve located? About 1 km northwest of the village of Raškov, in the Šumperk district of the Olomouc Region, at elevations of 410–590 metres above sea level.

When was the reserve established? The area was declared a protected nature reserve in 1990.

How large is the reserve? It covers approximately 52.26 hectares.

What is the main reason this area is protected? The presence of serpentinite (hadec) outcrops and the rare, specialised vegetation associated with them, including critically endangered plant species, as well as its role as foraging habitat for a bat colony based in the nearby Raškov church.

Can rare bat species be found in the reserve? Yes, the area is used as a foraging ground by greater mouse-eared bats (Myotis myotis) and other bat species linked to the nearby breeding colony.