Glimpse eastward from Prague’s center and find a surprising expanse. This is the Klánovice-Čihadla Nature Park. It is not just any park. It’s Prague’s largest.
Welcome to Čihadla. This nature park is a testament to Prague’s commitment to preserving green spaces. It offers a unique blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
Čihadla spans 907.7 hectares. It encompasses diverse ecosystems. You will find forests wetlands and water bodies. It’s a haven for various plant and animal species.
Imagine this area centuries ago. The Klánovice Forest also known as Vidrholec had its first historical mention in the Middle Ages. An imperial road stretched from Prague to Moravia. The area saw its share of struggles. Poor soil and the Thirty Years’ War led villagers to abandon their homes. The depopulated area became a dense forest. It provided refuge for robbers and bandits.
Even the notorious robber Petrovský roamed here in the 17th century. The forest once stretched far wider than it does today. It extended to Koloděje. Until the 19th century, it remained largely untouched.
The construction of a railway line led to tree felling. The Slavětický and Žák ponds were drained. In 1845 the first train passed through the Klánovice Forest. The Lichtenstein family owned most of the forest then. In 1945 part of the forest was transferred to the state. The rest went to the municipality of Klánovice.
The Klánovice-Čihadla Nature Park is divided into warm and moderately warm zones. The warm zones have hot dry summers. They also have mild warm springs and autumns. Winters are relatively short with little precipitation. The moderately warm areas have moderately dry long summers. They also have moderate short dry winters.
Several streams run through the Klánovice Forest. The Horoušanský and Běchovický streams both originate here.
Flora thrives here. Secondary forestry plantings dominate. These include Scots pine Norway spruce and red oak. Acidophilic oak forests define the undergrowth. Also present are European hornbeam forests and barren brome oak forests. You can find downy birch often hybridizing with silver birch. Acidophilic plants like heath grass and arnica grow here too. A hint of European mistletoe appears on oaks due to the nearby warm Polabí region.
The fauna is rich. About 20 mammal species live in the Klánovice Forest. Common sightings include common shrew western hedgehog and beech marten. You might also spot field mouse and brown hare. The area also hosts several bat species deer and black game.
The park supports rare insect species. Unique spiders like Hygrolycosa rubrofasciata and Pirata uliginosus inhabit the peat bogs. The rare lynx spider Oxyopes ramosus and Coelotes terrestris also find refuge here.
Ornithologists have identified around 60 breeding bird species. The Počernice pond serves as a crucial stopover for migratory birds. Nesting species include great crested grebe mute swan and mallard. Lucky visitors might spot osprey great cormorant or northern shoveler during migration. Occasionally kingfisher red-backed shrike or common buzzard appear.
Sadly past mining activities have left their mark. Small-scale sand mining occurred in the past. These sites are now waterlogged. Sewage outflows also affect the reserve. Littering poses a problem due to accessibility. Bark beetles currently pose the biggest threat. They infest trees throughout the forest.
Despite these challenges, the Klánovice-Čihadla Nature Park remains a valuable asset. It provides recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy walking horseback riding and cycling. Marked hiking trails crisscross the forest. Educational trails enhance the experience. Cyclists can use designated routes.
The Klánovice-Čihadla Nature Park stands as a vital green lung for Prague. It offers a chance to connect with nature just minutes from the city center. This blend of history, nature and recreation makes it a truly unique place. As you leave Čihadla consider the importance of preserving such spaces.