Žabárník

Žabárník was a former nature reserve located northwest of the village of Sokolnice, in the Brno-venkov district of South Moravia. The site stretches along the valley of the Dunávka stream at an elevation of roughly 240–245 meters above sea level and once covered a protected area of 11.675 hectares.

What was Žabárník?

At the heart of the area lies a water reservoir originally built for irrigation, surrounded by a belt of wet floodplain forest. The combination of open water, dense reed beds, and damp woodland made this one of the more valuable wetland habitats in the region for several decades.

A history of protection — and its end

The site was granted legal protection on December 10, 1990, when the South Moravian Regional Authority designated it a nature monument, aiming to preserve the Dunávka valley and the natural features found within it. That status held for more than twenty-five years until August 1, 2016, when a decree issued by the South Moravian Region on May 5, 2016 formally revoked it. Despite losing its official protected status, the area has retained its natural character and remains a recognizable landmark near Sokolnice.

Why the site mattered ecologically

Žabárník served as an important nesting and breeding ground for a range of threatened species. Among the wetland birds recorded nesting in the reed beds and riparian scrub around the reservoir and below the dam were the marsh harrier, the golden oriole, and the bearded reedling. The site also supported amphibians, including the marsh frog, and reptiles such as the grass snake.

The vegetation was dominated by trees adapted to wet conditions — alder, white poplar, white willow, and ash — while reed beds lined the water's edge. Along the shoreline and in the understory, visitors could also find yellow iris and marsh marigold.

Landscape and layout

The protected area formed an elongated strip linking the floodplain forest to the water reservoir within the Dunávka valley. A band of riparian forest extended both below the dam and to the north of the reservoir, reinforcing the site's role as an ecological corridor connecting various damp habitats in the surrounding countryside.

Getting there

Žabárník can be reached via a paved slab pathway leading from the village of Sokolnice, as well as by an asphalt road branching off from road no. 380. The site borders the Rybářská bašta recreational facility, making it easily accessible for a short walk from Sokolnice or the surrounding area.

Frequently asked questions

Is Žabárník still a protected nature reserve? No. Its formal status as a nature monument was revoked on August 1, 2016, though the area has kept its natural and scenic character.

Where exactly is Žabárník located? Northwest of the village of Sokolnice, within the Dunávka stream valley, in the Brno-venkov district.

What species could be found there? Wetland birds such as the marsh harrier, golden oriole, and bearded reedling, along with amphibians and reptiles including the marsh frog and grass snake.

How do you get to Žabárník? Via a paved path from Sokolnice or an asphalt road off road no. 380, close to the Rybářská bašta recreational area.