Tůně u Špačků

Tůně u Špačků is a small but ecologically valuable nature reserve on the southwestern edge of České Budějovice, in the Českobudějovice basin, roughly 2.5 kilometers west of the village of Staré Hodějovice. The protected area was established in 1954 and covers 5.13 hectares. Its Czech name refers to former local landowners, while "tůně" describes the oxbow pools and flooded depressions that make up the site.

What does the reserve consist of?

The area preserves remnants of the former channel of the Malše River, which once flowed through this part of the valley. On the eastern bank, within the floodplain terrace, a network of shallow pools has survived — some formed by natural silting of the old riverbed, others being flooded former gravel pits. Many of these pools are shallow and well lit, creating ideal conditions for rich aquatic and marsh vegetation.

Why is this site protected?

The main reason for protection is the presence of water soldier (Stratiotes aloides), an aquatic plant typical of still and slow-moving waters that has become increasingly rare across Central Europe's farmed landscapes. In the pools, water soldier forms dense clusters of floating leaf rosettes that emerge above the surface in summer. It grows alongside diverse reed and marsh vegetation, with a belt of alder and willow thickets surrounding the pools and forming a natural buffer between the water and drier ground.

What wildlife can be found here?

Tůně u Špačků is an important habitat for small aquatic fauna. Its pools are home to microscopic rotifers, including the species Euchlanis meneta, an indicator of clean, vegetation-rich water. The site also serves as a breeding ground for amphibians — visitors may find the common newt, the green toad, and various brown frog species, which use the shallow, sun-warmed pools as spawning sites in spring. The surrounding alder and willow thickets provide shelter for birds and small mammals tied to wetland environments.

What does the landscape around the reserve look like?

The surrounding countryside is typical of the Českobudějovice basin — flat terrain crossed by former river meanders, meadows, and small stands of trees. The Malše River's shifting course over time left behind several similar wetlands in this part of the valley, and Tůně u Špačků is among the best preserved and ecologically most valuable of them.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the reserve located? On the southern edge of České Budějovice, about 2.5 km west of Staré Hodějovice, in the České Budějovice district.

When was the protected area established? The reserve was designated in 1954.

How large is it? The area covers 5.13 hectares.

What is the main object of protection? The population of water soldier and the associated aquatic and marsh vegetation, along with amphibian breeding habitats and small aquatic fauna.

Can amphibians be observed here? Yes, the site is a breeding ground for the common newt, green toad, and several brown frog species.