EN > Trip tips > Pančava

The Pančava nature reserve is an important part of the Manor Gardens in the centre of Pozořice, which in turn were formerly a central part of the estates of the House of Liechtenstein. Over time, however, the local fish pond, shooting range, and orchards deteriorated, and - due to public neglect - fell from their former glory to become a local waste dump. The lower part of the garden turned into a swamp (however, this previously waterlogged area has become the home of an abundance of amphibians, aquatic birds, and fish).

An ensemble of mighty Crack Willow trees can be found on the site; their twisted trunks are reminiscent of trees in a tropical rainforest. It is a little-known fact today that it was from the acid in their bark that aspirin was prepared for the first time in 1899.

In 2007, a small arboretum of indigenous types of shrubs and trees was created in the garden where annual nature contests are organised by the Pozořice chapter of the ČSOP for children and their parents and elementary school pupils. The local schools have added visits to this garden to their natural-science curriculum. In 2012, thanks to the NET4GAS Closer to Nature programme, an educational panel on aquatic birds could be added to the park.