Stráně u splavu

Stráně u splavu is a small but ecologically significant nature reserve located about a kilometer northeast of the village of Vrbčany, in the Kolín district of the Czech Republic. It protects a steep, rocky slope within a narrow, canyon-like stretch of the Výrovka river valley, and has held protected status since 1951, making it one of the older nature reserves in this part of the country.

Where exactly is the reserve located?

The protected area covers the right-hand, steeply inclined slope of the Výrovka valley, stretching for roughly 280 metres along a width of no more than 30 metres. In practice, the reserve is made up of two separate patches around 150 metres apart, spread across the rocky slopes of the canyon-like section of the valley. Elevation within the reserve ranges from 205 to 230 metres above sea level, and the total protected area amounts to just 0.633 hectares — a modest size that belies the site's ecological importance.

Why was this site protected?

The reserve falls under IUCN category IV, meaning it is managed specifically for species and habitat conservation. It was established to protect warmth-loving plant communities typical of rocky steppe habitats, developing on a geologically notable rock outcrop. Within this small area, a concentration of rare and endangered plant and animal species tied to dry, sun-exposed environments can be found — the microclimate of the steep, south-facing rock faces favours species that have few suitable habitats elsewhere in the cooler climate of Central Europe. Because of these qualities, the site has also been incorporated into the European Natura 2000 network.

What lies within the rocks?

The geological bedrock of the reserve consists of orthogneiss belonging to the Kutná Hora crystalline complex, an ancient metamorphic rock formation. In places, this rock emerges at the surface as standalone outcrops, forming a scenic rocky defile above the river valley. Within these rocks, interesting minerals have been recorded, including garnet, titanite, epidote, tourmaline, adularia, and rock crystal (a variety of quartz) — making the site notable not only for botanists and zoologists but also for mineral enthusiasts.

What does the Výrovka valley landscape look like here?

The Výrovka river cuts into the bedrock at this point, forming a narrow passage that is almost canyon-like in places. The steep, rocky slopes contrast sharply with the gentler, agricultural landscape surrounding Vrbčany, and the sun-baked, dry slopes create a microhabitat entirely different from the surrounding terrain. It is precisely this contrast — a cool river valley set against sun-warmed, rocky steppe slopes — that gives this small area its ecological distinctiveness.

Frequently asked questions

Can visitors access the Stráně u splavu reserve? As a designated nature reserve, the area has restrictions on movement outside marked paths — it's worth checking local signage before a visit and treading carefully to respect the protected habitat.

What is the site's greatest natural value? The combination of rare, warmth-loving rocky steppe plant communities with an interesting geological structure — orthogneiss of the Kutná Hora crystalline complex and its associated minerals.

Since when has the area been protected? Legal protection was introduced in 1951, making this one of the older nature conservation sites in the Kolín region.

How large is the reserve? The protected area covers 0.633 hectares, split across two separate patches located roughly 150 metres apart.