EN > Trip tips > Orchid meadow in Kolová

In the past, this 1.7-hectare meadow was managed by local farmers whose regular care ensured a rich and stable variety of grassland species.

After the meadow fell into disuse, gradual overgrowth caused a number of important plant species to disappear. For instance, the lesser butterfly orchid, which still grew here in 2005, has entirely disappeared from the site. Since 2020, the meadow has been under lease to the local Kynšperk chapter of the Czech Union for Nature Conservation, which is taking care of the site and making efforts to resurrect its original character as an "orchid meadow".  Regular scything and the work of animals put to grazing help suppress strong competitive plant species, such as quaking sedge, creeping thistle, and stinging nettle, giving rarer species room to grow. Today, the meadow is able to attract and retain such species as devil’s-bit, Cambridge milk parsley, and bitter vetch.  In the northern part of the meadow, stands of broad-leaved thyme have been preserved on abandoned anthills.

Across the way lies the headwater which in the past supplied Kolová with fresh water through the local distribution system.  Today, this area of springs feeds a system of smallish pools which was successfully rejuvenated in 2021, by dredging up accumulated silt and putting the former well-shaft under a canopy to transform it into a fountain.  This year, an information panel, a resting bench, and a causeway made from wooden planks were added to make the meadow and the area around the pools accessible to visitors.