přírodní památka Chvalský lom

Can you imagine a sandstone quarry transforming into a haven for wildlife? Right here at Přírodní památka Chvalský lom, that’s exactly what happened. This former quarry, nestled in Horní Počernice in Prague, became a protected nature reserve in 1988. Přírodní památka Chvalský lom spans nearly two hectares. The quarry’s sandstone was a valuable resource, used for building roads and local structures, possibly dating back to the Middle Ages. This activity continued into the 19th and 20th centuries. The quarrying ceased with the construction of a double-track railway line. Its operation would have disrupted the continued extraction. One of the key reasons for protecting Přírodní památka Chvalský lom was the presence of the sand martin, a protected bird species that nests in the quarry’s high sandy banks. The site also boasts a remarkable geological profile. This profile showcases the Peruc-Korycany Formation, revealing a transition between the geological periods of the Cretaceous and Cenomanian. This means two layers of Mesozoic sandstone are visible here. The lower layers are of freshwater origin, the upper ones of marine origin. The site’s flora is diverse, featuring species like Thymus pannonicus, Artemisia campestris, and Ballota nigra. Birch, aspen, and acacia trees dot the landscape, along with a variety of shrubs. You might also spot a pheasant, a hedgehog, or even a common lizard. The main threat to Přírodní památka Chvalský lom is the encroachment of trees and shrubs, particularly acacia. The city of Prague works to manage this through regular clearing. While waste was removed in the 1990s, plastic waste remains a persistent issue. Today, access to Chvalský lom is somewhat limited as it serves as a base for a scout group. However, with prior arrangement, you might be able to explore this unique blend of nature and history.