Opatovské zákopy

Opatovské zákopy is a nature reserve right next to the village of Opatov, in the Třebíč district of the Vysočina Region in the Czech Republic. The site sits at an elevation of roughly 624 to 650 metres above sea level and covers a total of 15.4 hectares, split across several separate plots. It is one of the last surviving complexes of regularly mown wet meadows in the region, located in the headwater area of the Brtnice river.

What is the history behind this place?

During the Middle Ages, gold was mined in the surrounding area, and traces of that old mining activity shaped both the landscape and the site's name — the Czech word "zákopy" refers to the trenches and ditches left behind by the workings. Later, the land was converted into agricultural meadows that were regularly mown for decades, a practice that preserved the open, characteristic vegetation cover seen here today.

The area first received formal protection in 1988. In 2020, under a decree issued by the Vysočina Region dated 24 March, the reserve was newly designated, refining its boundaries and conservation rules.

Why is this site ecologically valuable?

Opatovské zákopy represents one of the last remaining fragments of peat meadows in the Třebíč region. The site is managed long-term under nature conservation practices, which has allowed well-developed sedge and moss vegetation, typical of peatland habitats, to persist. Regular mowing prevents the meadows from becoming overgrown with shrubs and trees, a process that would otherwise happen naturally without human intervention.

The reserve forms a distinctive meadow enclave hosting an above-average number of endangered species. Its wet character, resulting from its position in the headwater area of the Brtnice river, helps sustain damp habitats that have been drained or converted to farmland in many other parts of the region.

What can visitors expect to see?

Visitors can observe a mosaic of wet meadows, peat bogs, and headwater streams that feed the Brtnice river. The site appeals to anyone interested in botany or wetland ecology — its open, meadow-like character allows for a quiet walk away from crowds, set against a landscape typical of the Vysočina Region.

Because of its protected status, it is advisable to stick to marked paths and avoid stepping into the most sensitive, waterlogged sections of the meadows to prevent damage to the fragile vegetation.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Opatovské zákopy located? The reserve lies next to the village of Opatov in the Třebíč district, Vysočina Region, at an elevation of 624–650 metres above sea level.

How large is the protected area? It covers a total of 15.4 hectares, divided across several separate plots.

Since when has the area been protected? It was first protected in 1988, and the reserve was newly designated in 2020 by a decree of the Vysočina Region.

Where does the name "zákopy" come from? The name refers to the trenches and ditches left behind by medieval gold mining that took place in the area.

What is the main natural feature of this site? Preserved peat meadows with sedge and moss communities and a high number of endangered species, located in the headwater area of the Brtnice river.