Pod Kamenným vrchem

Pod Kamenným vrchem is a nature reserve located roughly 2 km north of the village of Polnička, in the Žďár nad Sázavou district, within the Žďárské vrchy Protected Landscape Area (CHKO Žďárské vrchy). The site sits at an elevation of 600–615 metres above sea level and covers an area of 9.40 hectares. It was declared a protected area in 1985.

What is there to see?

The core of the reserve is a meadow enclave surrounded by forest, preserving near-natural grassland communities. The site supports plant species tied to wet and peatland habitats, including sundew, wild orchids, and bogbean — all specially protected species. The reserve also includes the adjacent Kamenný rybník pond, which adds an important wetland component to the overall mosaic of habitats.

Why is the area protected?

The reason for protection is precisely this combination of wet meadows, peatland vegetation, and standing water, which is uncommon in the wider region. As a result, the area has become a valuable habitat for amphibians as well as numerous bird and mammal species associated with wetland environments. The protected status aims to keep the meadows and their vegetation from being lost to forest encroachment or intensive agricultural use.

Who manages the reserve?

The site is managed by the Nature Conservation Agency of the Czech Republic (AOPK ČR), specifically through its regional branch, the Žďárské vrchy Protected Landscape Area Administration. This body is responsible for monitoring habitat condition and carrying out conservation measures such as periodic mowing to prevent the meadows from becoming overgrown.

Getting there and visiting tips

Pod Kamenným vrchem lies at the heart of the Žďár Highlands, close to other natural attractions of the Vysočina region, such as the large Velké Dářko reservoir. Because of its protected status, standard reserve rules apply: stick to marked paths, do not pick plants, and avoid disturbing wildlife, particularly during the amphibian breeding season in spring. Late spring and summer are the best times to visit, when the orchids and sundew are in bloom and the meadows are at their greenest.

Frequently asked questions

What makes this place different from an ordinary meadow? The key factor is the combination of wet, peatland conditions with the presence of rare and protected plant species that do not occur in typical dry grasslands.

Can you swim in Kamenný rybník? The pond is part of the protected natural area, so its primary function is ecological rather than recreational — worth keeping in mind when planning a visit.

Since when has the area been protected? The reserve has held protected status since 1985.

What wildlife can be found here? The area is an important habitat for amphibians and numerous bird and mammal species tied to wetland environments, though spotting them requires patience and respect for the reserve's quiet.

Where exactly is the reserve located? About 2 km north of the centre of Polnička, in the Žďár nad Sázavou district, within the Žďárské vrchy Protected Landscape Area.