Sochorov

Sochorov is a small but ecologically significant natural monument in the Vysočina Region of the Czech Republic, located east of Havlíčkův Brod near the villages of Koječín and Herálec. Covering an area of less than two hectares, it plays an outsized role in amphibian conservation for this part of the country.

Where exactly is Sochorov located?

The site sits at an elevation of roughly 512 to 518 meters above sea level, within the rolling, forest-and-meadow landscape typical of the border zone of the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands. At its core lies an extensively managed forest pond of modest size, surrounded by patches of forest and meadow. It is this pond, fringed with reed vegetation and woodland, that gives the whole site its conservation value.

When and why was it protected?

Sochorov was designated a natural monument on 10 April 2000 by decision of the Vysočina Regional Authority. The area falls under IUCN Category IV, meaning it is protected primarily for the presence of specific species rather than for scenic or geological features. The reason behind the designation was straightforward: a resident population of newts breeding in the local pond.

What species live here?

Sochorov is one of the few places in the region where three newt species coexist within such a small area: the smooth newt (Lissotriton vulgaris), the alpine newt (Ichthyosaura alpestris), and the great crested newt (Triturus cristatus) — the latter considered rarer and more demanding in terms of habitat than the other two. The presence of the great crested newt is particularly significant, as the species is protected across the entire European Union and depends on clean, well-oxygenated standing water rich in aquatic vegetation for egg-laying. The wetland and wet-meadow vegetation surrounding the pond includes plants typical of such habitats, which help stabilize the banks and slow the natural silting-up of the water body.

What should visitors know before coming?

Sochorov is not designed for mass tourism — there is no extensive infrastructure, no viewing platforms, and no marked educational trails. It appeals mainly to nature enthusiasts, particularly those interested in herpetology and amphibian watching, as well as to anyone looking for a quiet walk through the peaceful countryside of the Vysočina Highlands. Because the protection here centers on a delicate pond ecosystem and its inhabitants, visitors are asked to stay out of the water itself and avoid disturbing the animals, especially during the newts' spring breeding season.

Frequently asked questions

Can visitors access Sochorov? Yes, the site can be visited, but as a protected area it requires respecting conservation rules — avoiding direct contact with the pond and surrounding vegetation.

What makes this place special? The coexistence of three newt species in such a small area, including the rarer great crested newt, is unusual even by regional standards.

How large is the protected area? Sochorov covers just under two hectares, including the pond and adjoining strips of forest and meadow.

When is the best time to see the newts? Spring is the best time for amphibian watching, when the newts gather in the pond to breed.