Novoveská draha

Novoveská draha is a small nature reserve on the northern edge of the village of Nová Ves u Nepomuka, in the Plzeň-South district of the Czech Republic. Covering just 4.93 hectares, the protected area packs in a surprisingly varied mosaic of habitats — wet meadows, heathland patches, and marshy ground spread along the valley of an unnamed stream that actually rises within the reserve's boundaries.

What to see

The main draw of Novoveská draha is its richness of plant and animal species tied to damp, nutrient-poor habitats. Protected plants growing here include the Siberian iris, with its distinctive blue-violet flowers, the marsh gentian, which favours boggy meadows, saw-wort, mountain everlasting, and the early marsh-orchid, a spring-flowering orchid found on wet grassland. Their presence signals that these meadows have gone largely unfertilised and undrained for a long time.

The reserve's fauna is equally worth a look. In the small pond and along the stream you may spot green frogs, while among the grass and boulders live the common (viviparous) lizard and the grass snake, which hunts amphibians here. In the open landscape dotted with scattered shrubs, the red-backed shrike nests — a bird famous for its habit of impaling captured insects on thorns, which earned it the old folk nickname "butcher bird."

Rock and subsoil

The geological base is formed of muscovite-biotite granodiorite, which in places breaks through the surface as natural boulders. Combined with the poor, acidic soil, this bedrock helps sustain vegetation typical of unfertilised habitats — species that have long since disappeared from more intensively farmed land elsewhere in the region find one of their last regional strongholds here.

Why visit

Novoveská draha is a destination for nature enthusiasts rather than seekers of dramatic scenery — there are no towering rock faces or sweeping panoramas, but on a small scale it concentrates nearly every habitat type typical of the Plzeň region: wet meadow, heathland, and a small body of water, all within a few hectares. It's a good spot for a quiet walk and birdwatching, especially in spring and early summer when the orchids and irises are in bloom.

The reserve sits off the region's main tourist routes, which keeps visitor numbers low — a plus for anyone seeking peace and quiet alongside nature. It pairs well with a visit to nearby Nepomuk, the birthplace of St. John of Nepomuk, just a few kilometres away.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Novoveská draha located? On the northern edge of the village of Nová Ves u Nepomuka, in the Plzeň-South district, in the valley of an unnamed stream.

How big is the reserve? The protected area covers 4.93 hectares.

What species can be found here? Plants include the Siberian iris, marsh gentian, saw-wort, and early marsh-orchid. Animals include green frogs, the common lizard, grass snake, and red-backed shrike.

Is there tourist infrastructure on site? The reserve is a nature-focused site without extensive infrastructure — it's a place for a quiet walk and observation rather than a classic tourist attraction with facilities.

What is the local geology? The subsoil consists of muscovite-biotite granodiorite, visible in places as natural boulders on the surface.