U Miličovska

U Miličovska is a small but ecologically valuable nature reserve in the Vysočina region, situated roughly one kilometer east of the village of Jankov, close to the main European watershed that separates drainage basins flowing toward the North Sea and the Black Sea. The protected area sits at an elevation of 656 to 662 meters, near the road connecting Pelhřimov and Jihlava, between the municipalities of Dušejov and Vyskytná.

What does the U Miličovska reserve protect?

The reserve's primary purpose is safeguarding a peat meadow with a distinctive mix of plants and animals typical of the wet, elevated terrain of central Bohemia. The site is included in the European Natura 2000 network of protected areas and falls under the administrative oversight of the Vysočina regional authority.

What plants grow in U Miličovska?

The waterlogged, acidic peatland habitat supports plants adapted to permanently saturated ground. Visitors can find sundew, a small carnivorous plant that traps insects on sticky leaf hairs, alongside bogbean, which favors marshy pond edges, as well as marsh clubmoss and approximate sedge, both characteristic of upland wet meadows and bogs. The undergrowth also includes wood all-heal, a plant once valued in traditional herbal medicine.

Which animals can be observed in the reserve?

The fauna of U Miličovska is closely tied to wet meadows and peat bogs. Most notable is the critically endangered Geyer's Grizzled Skipper butterfly, whose populations across the Czech Republic have declined sharply alongside the loss of natural wetlands. Among birds, the Jack Snipe is a discreet wading species that visits damp meadows during migration. The undergrowth and vegetation also host the Bog Bush-cricket, a grasshopper relative favoring humid habitats, the Meadow Bumblebee, and the Bog Wood-ant, a species highly dependent on undisturbed peatlands.

Why is this place worth visiting?

U Miličovska illustrates how a small, carefully managed fragment of Vysočina's landscape can preserve ecologically significant habitat through consistent protection and meadow management. It appeals to visitors interested in botany and entomology who are looking for genuine contact with rare peatland ecosystems rather than built tourist infrastructure. The quiet, rarely visited setting allows for observing natural processes without crowds.

How to get to U Miličovska?

The reserve lies close to the road linking Pelhřimov and Jihlava, about one kilometer east of Jankov. The most practical starting point is the village of Jankov itself, from which a short walk across surrounding fields and meadows leads to the site. Because the habitat is fragile, visitors should stay on established paths and avoid stepping directly onto the peat bog.

Frequently asked questions

Is U Miličovska part of the Natura 2000 network? Yes, the area is included in the European Natura 2000 system of protected sites because of its unique peatland habitats.

What is the main natural feature of the reserve? A peat meadow hosting rare plants such as sundew and bogbean, along with the critically endangered Geyer's Grizzled Skipper butterfly.

Are there marked hiking trails within the reserve? The area is not a developed tourist destination — access is via local field roads from Jankov, and moving across the peatland itself requires caution.

Who oversees the protection of this site? The Vysočina regional authority is responsible for managing the nature conservation plans covering this reserve.