Podhůrka

Podhůrka is a small nature reserve on the southwestern edge of Nové Strašecí, in the Rakovník district of the Czech Republic. Covering just 6.3 hectares, it packs a valuable peatland ecosystem into a tiny area that has survived despite being right next to the town.

What does the Podhůrka reserve protect?

The site was declared a protected area on 1 June 1996. Its purpose is to preserve aquatic, wetland and meadow plant and animal communities that have developed on a peat deposit. This kind of ground — damp, acidic and low in oxygen — is exactly what allows species rarely found elsewhere in the region to thrive here.

What animals live in the reserve?

The waterlogged terrain suits amphibians particularly well. The reserve is home to the smooth newt and the alpine newt, both of which need clean, still water to breed, as well as the moor frog, a species typical of peat bogs and wet meadows. Among birds, look out for the common kingfisher hunting from ambush over the water, the ferruginous duck, a diving species tied to overgrown ponds, and the red-backed shrike, a predatory songbird that hunts from exposed shrub branches.

What plants grow here?

The vegetation at Podhůrka reflects its peatland character. The southern bladderwort grows in the reserve — a carnivorous plant that traps tiny aquatic organisms using specialised bladders. Visitors may also find the early marsh-orchid, a species typical of wet meadows and fen peatlands that usually flowers in spring with purple spikes. The presence of these species points to a well-preserved wetland habitat.

How can you visit the reserve?

A nature trail (naučná stezka) runs through or near the site, letting visitors learn about the natural surroundings of Nové Strašecí without disturbing the protected habitats. This is a common setup for small Czech nature reserves: it allows people to observe the peat bog and its wildlife from a safe distance while shielding sensitive plant communities from trampling.

Who is this place for?

Podhůrka appeals to nature lovers, birdwatchers and anyone interested in peatland ecosystems, rather than being a classic tourist attraction with visitor infrastructure. Given its small size, a visit takes little time, so it pairs well with a walk around Nové Strašecí or another route in the area.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the Podhůrka reserve located? It lies on the southwestern edge of Nové Strašecí, in the Rakovník district of the Czech Republic.

How large is the reserve? The protected area covers 6.3 hectares.

Since when has the site been protected? The reserve was established on 1 June 1996.

Which species are specially protected here? Among animals: the smooth newt, alpine newt, moor frog, common kingfisher, ferruginous duck and red-backed shrike; among plants: the southern bladderwort and the early marsh-orchid.

Is the reserve open to visitors? Yes, a nature trail runs through the area, letting visitors explore it without entering the most sensitive parts of the habitat.