Rečkov

Rečkov is a small but ecologically significant nature reserve located roughly 4 km northwest of Bakov nad Jizerou, in the Central Bohemian Region, within the Mladá Boleslav district. Covering just 3.45 hectares, this modest area protects one of the region's most valuable wetland meadows along the Jizera river basin.

How did this place come to be protected?

The story of Rečkov's protection dates back to August 1949, when the valley of the Rokytka stream was declared a national nature monument by the then Ministry of Education, Science and Art. The decision was driven mainly by the presence of rare plant species that had developed on the fertile alluvial sediments of this marshy stream valley. The protected territory lies in the floodplain of the Rokytka stream, near the hamlet of Velký Rečkov, spanning the cadastral areas of the villages of Malá Bělá and Nová Ves u Bakova.

What kind of plant life grows here?

The wet meadows and boggy ground of Rečkov have become a refuge for several rare plant species that thrive on damp, nutrient-rich soil typical of stream floodplains. It was precisely this unique combination of moisture, soil fertility and the stream valley's microclimate that earned the area protected status nearly eight decades ago, long before wetland conservation became a widespread priority in the region.

What has changed in the reserve since it was established?

In 1974, the Rečkov water treatment plant was built within the boundaries of the nature monument, comprising a series of deep wells ranging from 50 to 160 meters below ground. The project was part of a group water supply system serving Mladá Boleslav and its surroundings, operated by the local water and sewerage company. As a result, Rečkov today combines its original ecological role with a practical economic function, supplying drinking water to the wider region.

How can visitors reach Rečkov?

The reserve lies along popular hiking and cycling routes that pass through the area around Bakov nad Jizerou, including trails linking the Jizera river region with Bohemian Paradise (Český ráj). Many walking and cycling paths near Bakov nad Jizerou run close to the Rečkov nature monument, so travelers exploring the wider region often pass by it as part of a longer excursion rather than as a dedicated destination.

Frequently asked questions

What exactly is Rečkov? It is a nature monument covering 3.45 hectares, protecting a marshy valley of the Rokytka stream along with rare plant species, located near Bakov nad Jizerou.

When was the area placed under protection? The site was declared protected in August 1949, mainly due to the valuable rare meadow and wetland plant species found there.

Is there any infrastructure within the reserve? Yes, since 1974 a water treatment plant with a series of deep wells has operated here, supplying drinking water to Mladá Boleslav as part of a regional water system.

Where exactly is Rečkov located? About 4 km northwest of Bakov nad Jizerou, in the Central Bohemian Region, within the cadastral territories of Malá Bělá and Nová Ves u Bakova, near the hamlet of Velký Rečkov.

Is it worth visiting Rečkov while touring the area? Yes, especially for nature lovers interested in wetland ecosystems — it makes a good addition to a route connecting Bakov nad Jizerou with other attractions in the Jizera region and Bohemian Paradise.