Natural monument Čtvrtky za Bořím

Čtvrtky za Bořím is a small natural monument sitting right beside the village of Býkovice in the Blansko District, South Moravian Region of the Czech Republic. Covering just 2.51 hectares, this protected site tells an unusual conservation story — a place where human construction work unintentionally created one of the region's most valuable habitats.

Where does this site come from, and what exactly is being protected?

The monument lies at an elevation of 360–365 metres above sea level, occupying an old road cutting left behind after construction. Over the following decades, natural succession took over the exposed slopes of this cutting, gradually turning bare, disturbed ground into a habitat with real ecological value. The exposed soil layers and varied moisture conditions along the cutting created microhabitats that simply don't exist in the surrounding farmland or managed forests.

Why was this particular spot given protected status?

The main reason for establishing the natural monument is its rich population of military orchid (Orchis militaris), a rare and legally protected orchid species found in the Czech Republic. These orchids depend on very specific conditions: nutrient-poor, sun-exposed grassland that hasn't been fertilized or intensively farmed. The old road cutting, gradually colonized by dry, xerothermic grassland over the decades, turned out to be an ideal refuge for this demanding species. Formal protection of the site was established on 20 February 1996.

What does the landscape here actually look like?

The site takes the form of an elongated cutting running along the former route of the road. Slopes of varying steepness and sun exposure create a mosaic of microhabitats — from dry, sun-baked stretches to slightly damper hollows. This varied terrain supports a range of plant species typical of xerothermic grassland, growing alongside the orchids that give the site its protected status.

Who manages the area, and what is its conservation status?

The natural monument is administered by the South Moravian Regional Authority (Krajský úřad Jihomoravského kraje). Under the IUCN international classification system, it falls into Category IV — a habitat/species management area. That means conservation here is about active management to maintain conditions favorable for specific species, rather than simply leaving the land untouched.

Is it worth visiting while exploring the Kunštát and Boskovice area?

Čtvrtky za Bořím appeals mainly to visitors interested in botany and nature photography, particularly during the orchid flowering season, which typically falls around late May to early June. It's a small but telling example of how past engineering work — in this case, building a road — can end up creating a genuinely valuable natural habitat. The surrounding area near Býkovice, part of the scenic Kunštátsko-Lysicko region, offers additional viewpoints and hiking trails, making this monument a worthwhile stop on a longer trip through this part of South Moravia.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Čtvrtky za Bořím located? The natural monument lies next to the village of Býkovice, in the Blansko District of the South Moravian Region, at approximately 49.4266°N, 16.5609°E.

How large is this natural monument? The protected area covers 2.51 hectares.

What is the main conservation target here? A rare, rich population of military orchid (Orchis militaris) growing on the slopes of a former road cutting that has undergone natural succession.

When was the site given protected status? Formal protection was established on 20 February 1996.

Who is responsible for managing the site? The South Moravian Regional Authority oversees the natural monument.