Záplavy

Záplavy is a nature reserve situated north of Kamenné Žehrovice, spanning the boundaries of three cadastral areas — Kamenné Žehrovice, Srby u Tuchlovic, and Tuchlovice — in the Kladno district of Central Bohemia. The reserve sits at an elevation of 370–380 metres above sea level and covers the northern section of the Turyňský Rybník reservoir together with the adjoining wetland at the mouth of the Lodenice stream.

How did this reserve come to exist?

The story of Záplavy is inseparable from human activity in the area. A fishpond already existed here as far back as the 14th century, but the landscape's present form dates from far more recent events. During the 20th century, coal mining beneath the site caused ground subsidence, creating a depression in the terrain. This hollow filled with water during a flood in 1948, giving rise to the reservoir and surrounding wetlands that now form the core of the protected area. Conservation efforts began in the 1970s, and the reserve was formally established on 15 February 1985 by the then District National Committee. Today the protected area, covering 23.71 hectares, is managed by the Nature and Landscape Protection Agency of the Czech Republic.

What shapes the underlying landscape?

The bedrock beneath the reserve consists of arkose sandstones dating to the Carboniferous period. Within the depression left by mining subsidence, marshy soils have developed, favouring the growth of reed beds and wetland vegetation.

What plant life grows here?

Vegetation in the reserve remains in the early stages of ecological succession, a reflection of the fact that the ecosystem has only been taking shape since the mid-20th-century flooding. Common species dominate, including common reed and various sedges, forming typical reed-bed communities. The site is not considered particularly valuable from a botanical standpoint. Notably, the protected orchid Dactylorhiza majalis was once artificially introduced here, though its presence has not been confirmed in recent surveys.

Why does the reserve matter for birds?

Birdlife represents the reserve's greatest natural value. A survey conducted in 1989 recorded as many as 176 bird species at the site, of which 60 bred regularly. Permanent residents include mute swans, grebes, cormorants, and herons. The wetlands and marshy shorelines also provide suitable habitat for amphibians — fire-bellied toads and various frog species inhabit the shallow waters and reed beds, which offer both shelter and breeding grounds.

Can visitors explore the reserve?

An 11-kilometre educational trail, the "Povodí středního Kačáku – Drvotova stezka," runs through the area, allowing visitors to experience the reserve without disturbing its protected core. The trail is accessible from, among other points, the Kamenné Žehrovice railway station, making the site reachable without a car. Swimming in the reservoir is prohibited due to contamination of the bottom sediments, a legacy of past mining activity in the region.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the Záplavy reserve located? North of Kamenné Žehrovice, across three cadastral areas — Kamenné Žehrovice, Srby u Tuchlovic, and Tuchlovice — in the Kladno district.

When was the reserve established? It was formally created on 15 February 1985, although conservation efforts had already begun in the 1970s.

How large is the protected area? The reserve covers 23.71 hectares.

Is swimming allowed here? No, swimming is prohibited because of sediment contamination in the reservoir.

How can visitors reach the reserve? The most convenient way is by train to Kamenné Žehrovice station, from where an educational trail leads through the reserve.