Veselský háj a rybník Smrkovák

Veselský háj and the Smrkovák pond form a two-part protected nature area in the Jičín district of the Hradec Králové region, east of the town of Jičín. It comprises the Veselský háj nature reserve and the Smrkovák pond natural monument, spread across the cadastral territories of Chotělice, Smidary, Staré Smrkovice, Vysoké Veselí and Velešice.

How was this protected area established?

The Veselský háj nature reserve was declared in 1998, originally covering 106 hectares of forest. In 2014 the protection was expanded to its current extent of 444 hectares, aimed at preserving valuable forest ecosystems and creating suitable conditions for endangered plant species. The neighboring Smrkovák pond was given independent nature-monument status in 2011.

What makes the Smrkovák pond notable?

Smrkovák pond lies about 1.5 km east of the village of Vysoké Veselí and 4 km north of Smidary, at an altitude of roughly 250 meters. Its cadastral area is small, only 1.35 hectares. It is a shallow, flow-through pond fringed with reed vegetation, set in an open, flat agricultural landscape. This combination of shallow water and reed beds makes it a valuable habitat for amphibians and wetland birds.

Which species does the area protect?

Veselský háj and the Smrkovák pond protect a range of endangered plant and animal species. Among amphibians, the fire-bellied toad is present, a species sensitive to the quality and stability of wetland habitats. The area is also significant for birds tied both to forest and to the wetland margins around the pond. The reserve's forests, which include older stands of trees, provide shelter for species that depend on large, relatively undisturbed woodland complexes.

Why visit this area?

This is a destination for travelers interested in the quieter, less publicized side of East Bohemian nature, away from crowded tourist attractions. A walk through the Veselský háj forest can be combined with a short stop at Smrkovák pond to observe waterbirds and reed-bed vegetation. The surrounding landscape is agricultural and forested, making the route suitable for visitors who enjoy calm, low-key nature outings rather than developed tourist infrastructure.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Smrkovák pond located? About 1.5 km east of Vysoké Veselí and 4 km north of Smidary, at an altitude of around 250 meters, in the Jičín district.

When was protection of this area established? The Veselský háj reserve was created in 1998 at 106 hectares, with its current 444-hectare extent set in 2014. Smrkovák pond became a separate natural monument in 2011.

What species can be found here? The area protects the fire-bellied toad along with other amphibian and bird species tied to wetlands and older forest stands.

Is the area suitable for a family walk? Yes, for a quiet nature walk — there is no developed tourist infrastructure, but the area is accessible on foot from the surrounding villages.