“Why Jordán?” That’s a question you might ask about Hrnčířský rybník. Because on old maps from the 19th century, Hrnčířský rybník was actually called Jordán. We are standing at Hrnčířský rybník now. It is the largest pond in a system of ten ponds near Hrnčíře and Šeberov.
These ponds are in the Kunratický potok source area. Six of these ponds are part of the Hrnčířské louky protected area. Hrnčířský rybník is the largest of them all. The Hrnčířské louky are a valuable natural area. They are home to many birds and amphibians.
The ponds are not in a cascade. They are fed by springs and small streams. These streams join to form the Kunratický potok. Sladkovský, Jordán and Nový rybník are owned by the City of Prague. Hrnčířský, Brůdek and Šeberovský rybník are state-owned. The city district of Prague Šeberov leases these ponds. Local fishing groups manage them. Jordánek, Šmejkal and Kovářský rybník are privately owned.
The oldest record of a plan to build a pond near Hrnčíře dates back to 1433. It is not known when this plan was realized. The ponds vary in age. Some sources say there were six ponds here in the Middle Ages. A military map from the second half of the 18th century shows eleven ponds.
Hrnčířský rybník itself covers five hectares. Its dam is 300 meters long and approximately 13 meters wide. A road called K Labeškám runs along the dam. It connects Hrnčíře and Kunratice. You can’t walk all the way around Hrnčířský rybník. A wet meadow blocks the path on the inflow side.
The pond is used for fish farming. It is regularly drained in the autumn. Hrnčířský rybník plays a vital role in the area’s ecology. It also helps manage water and provides a habitat for wildlife.
Hrnčířské louky represent the last remains of a vast spring area. This area once stretched from the Botiče valley to Točná. The groundwater level is high here. The meadows have varying degrees of wetness. This creates biodiversity and natural value.
Many water birds stop here during migration. You might see a ruff, common snipe or garganey. Meadow pipits and reed buntings nest in the meadows. Grey herons, lapwings, little ringed plovers, moorhens, ducks and swans live here. The wetlands are suitable for amphibians. Green toads, common toads and marsh frogs breed here. Historically, European tree frogs lived here as well. Great bitterns and common bitterns have also been spotted. Reptiles like the grass snake also live here.
To protect this environment, expansions in building construction must be prevented. Changes in drainage conditions would negatively affect the protected area of wet meadows and wetlands. Recreational activities can have negative impacts too. This is especially true during bird nesting season. The current transport system also harms amphibians. It fragments their habitat.
Efforts are underway to expand the protected area. This will help protect the valuable biotopes. Cooperation with the public is essential. It helps balance ecological needs with recreational pressures. As you stand here by Hrnčířský rybník, remember its long history. Appreciate its importance to the environment and the community.