Skály (Drahanská vrchovina)

Skály is a nature reserve on the slope of the second-highest peak of the Drahany Highlands, straddling the cadastral territories of Protivanov and Buková in the Prostějov district of Moravia, Czech Republic. Covering just over 12 hectares, the reserve was declared in 1988 and falls under the administration of the Olomouc Regional Authority.

Why was this area protected?

The reserve exists to preserve a stretch of near-original beech forest. European beech dominates the canopy, with occasional spruce and maple mixed in. Such a composition is increasingly rare across the Drahany Highlands, where large parts of the natural deciduous forest have historically been replaced by spruce monocultures for timber production. Skály therefore serves as a living reference point for what the region's forests looked like before intensive forestry reshaped the landscape.

What grows in the forest understory?

The herbaceous layer beneath the beech canopy is diverse and typical of fertile montane beech woodlands. Wood fescue, wood melick, yellow archangel (in its montane form), dog's mercury, and oak fern all appear here, alongside moisture-loving species such as hairy wood-reed in damper patches. This rich understory reflects a long-term stability of the forest ecosystem, undisturbed by clear-cutting or intensive management for decades.

What birdlife can be found here?

The reserve also provides breeding habitat for several notable bird species. Among them is the stock dove, which nests in cavities of old trees — its presence underlines the ecological value of the mature beech stands that remain within the protected area. Old-growth features like standing dead wood and tree hollows, largely absent from younger commercial forests, are essential for this kind of cavity-nesting bird.

Where exactly is the reserve located?

Skály lies on the western slope of the peak that shares its name, itself the second-highest point of the entire Drahany Highlands. The reserve sits at approximately 49.49° N, 16.80° E, in a quiet, sparsely populated stretch of farmland and forest at the heart of Moravia, well away from major tourist routes — a factor that has helped the forest retain its natural character.

Is it worth visiting?

For nature lovers and hikers, Skály offers a peaceful walk through mature beech woodland, far from crowds. The surrounding villages of Protivanov and Buková connect to a network of local trails winding through the hills of the Drahany Highlands, with open views over forests and farmland on clear days. The reserve is best suited to visitors interested in forest ecology and birdwatching rather than dramatic rock formations — despite the name "Skály" (meaning "rocks"), the main attraction here is the forest itself rather than exposed rock outcrops.

Frequently asked questions

How large is the Skály reserve? The protected area covers roughly 12 hectares.

When was the reserve established? It was declared a nature reserve in 1988.

Which trees dominate the reserve? European beech is the dominant species, with some spruce and maple mixed in.

Are there notable birds in the reserve? Yes, the area serves as breeding habitat for the stock dove, among other species.

Who manages the reserve? The Olomouc Regional Authority oversees the protected area.