Plaviště

Plaviště is a small but ecologically valuable nature reserve near Jesenice, in the Rakovník district, located within the cadastral area of the village of Soseň (administratively part of the town of Jesenice). This natural monument, covering 3.59 hectares, has been protected since 1990 and forms one of the most notable wetland sites within the Jesenicko Nature Park.

What can visitors find here?

At the heart of the protected area lies the Plaviště pond, surrounded by a wet meadow and a small patch of forest. This combination of open water, peatland and meadow has made the site a refuge for rare plant and animal species typical of wetland habitats in central Bohemia.

What plants grow around the pond?

The banks of the pond and the adjoining meadow support vegetation characteristic of lowland and transitional peat bogs. Species recorded here include sphagnum moss, narrow-leaved cottongrass, marsh violet, bistort, bogbean, early marsh orchid and marsh helleborine. This botanical diversity gives Plaviště considerable regional significance.

Which animals live in the area?

The Plaviště pond is also an important site for amphibians. Species observed here include the smooth newt, fire-bellied toad, common toad and marsh frog, along with its hybrid forms. The presence of such a varied amphibian population reflects the good condition of the aquatic and riparian habitat.

How does Plaviště fit into the surrounding landscape?

The reserve is part of the larger Jesenicko Nature Park, which covers the western part of the Rakovník district. The park also includes other protected areas, such as the Luční potok and Rybníčky u Podbořánek nature reserves, as well as the Soseňský lom and Prameny Javornice natural monuments. Together these sites form a network of valuable habitats that safeguard the biodiversity of this part of the Czech Republic.

The site lies south of the village of Kosobody, below the Obecní vrch hill, and is managed by the Regional Authority of the Central Bohemian Region.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Plaviště located? The reserve lies within the cadastral territory of Soseň, administratively part of the town of Jesenice, in the Rakovník district, south of Kosobody, below the Obecní vrch hill.

How large is the protected area? It covers 3.59 hectares.

Since when has the area been protected? The site has held protected status since 1990.

What is being protected here? The protection covers a wetland site comprising a pond, meadow and small forest patch, which serves as habitat for rare peatland plants and amphibians.

How can visitors reach Plaviště? The site is accessible via a blue-marked hiking trail heading toward Sv. Hubert.

Is Plaviště part of a larger protected area? Yes, it forms part of the Jesenicko Nature Park, which includes several other reserves and natural monuments in the western part of the Rakovník district.