Niva u Volduch

Niva u Volduch is a small but ecologically valuable nature reserve located northeast of the village of Volduchy, in the Rokycany District of the Plzeň Region, right next to Radeč Nature Park. The site lies just below the outflow of the Horní haberský pond, at roughly 430 meters above sea level, and covers only 1.45 hectares — yet it protects one of the more distinctive micro-habitats in this part of the Czech Republic.

Why was this reserve created?

The area was declared protected on September 5, 1989, primarily to preserve a surviving remnant of natural alder floodplain forest. Alder makes up about 45% of the tree stand, growing alongside maple, ash, alder buckthorn, rowan, and spruce. The spruce trees are being gradually removed, since they are not part of the forest's natural composition and destabilize the habitat over time. The site is classified under IUCN category III as a natural monument.

What does the landscape look like?

The reserve sits in the floodplain of the meandering Voldušský stream, which is fed by natural springs on its southern side. The soil here is heavily waterlogged, creating ideal conditions for moisture-loving plants — ferns are especially abundant in the forest floor's herb layer. Within the reserve is also the "V Habru" spring, long used by local residents as a source of drinking water.

What plants and animals live here?

While no particularly rare plant species have been recorded within the reserve, its ecological value lies in the structure of the forest itself. Decaying deadwood provides habitat for invertebrates, including beetle species that depend specifically on natural alder forests — a type of woodland that has become increasingly scarce across the Czech Republic's heavily managed agricultural and forestry landscape. It is this combination of deadwood and damp, shaded conditions that makes the reserve ecologically distinctive despite its small size.

How to visit and what to know

Niva u Volduch lies between the Horní haberský pond and the road leading to Těškov, making it easy to reach on foot or by bike from the surrounding area. The site is used for educational purposes, hosting nature excursions that let visitors observe a near-intact alder floodplain ecosystem typical of Central European river valleys.

Frequently asked questions

Can visitors walk freely through the reserve? As a protected area, it calls for respecting nature conservation rules — sticking to marked paths is recommended, especially since much of the ground is heavily waterlogged.

What is the main highlight of this site? The preserved fragment of natural alder forest, together with the invertebrate fauna tied to its decaying wood — a rare find at such a small scale.

Are there other natural attractions nearby? Yes, the reserve directly borders Radeč Nature Park, making it easy to combine a visit with a longer walk through the surrounding forests and hills.

Is there access to drinking water on site? Within the reserve boundaries lies the "V Habru" spring, historically used locally as a drinking water source.