A Valuable Landscape in Need of Restoration
Between the villages of Turnov, Pelešany and Karlovice, in the Bohemian Paradise Protected Landscape Area, lies a unique natural site that was damaged in the past by human intervention through extensive drainage works. Despite these alterations, the area remained waterlogged and unsuitable for either economic use or construction. The traces of these interventions, in the form of drainage pipes and ditches, remained visible for decades, and without human assistance, the site would not have been able to return to its natural state.
Bringing Nature Back
This situation began to change in 2022, when 14 pools were created and the area gradually regained its natural character. The Foundation of Ivan Dejmal has worked to protect the natural water regime of the landscape and preserve the wetlands as a valuable ecosystem. Thanks to the financial support of donors, the Sedmihorské wetlands have been restored to their essential role in retaining water within the landscape.
The site is also an important habitat for numerous rare plant and animal species. It is home to a unique bird nesting area, supporting species such as the endangered common crane, which has successfully nested here after many years, as well as the northern lapwing and the Eurasian curlew.
Large-Scale Landscape Revitalisation
Thanks to the efforts of the Sedmihorské Mokřady Land Association and the Society for the Jizera Mountains, agreements were reached with the owners of more than 30 land plots, enabling the implementation of the project and, in some cases, the purchase of land. Detailed project documentation was subsequently prepared, and funding was secured through European subsidies.
As part of the project, 14 pools covering a total area of 5,956 m² were constructed to increase the landscape’s water retention capacity. This has become increasingly important in recent years, not only during prolonged periods of drought but also during episodes of heavy rainfall. Ensuring the full restoration of the Sedmihorské wetlands was essential to enable the area to once again provide moisture to the surrounding landscape and support local biodiversity.
To achieve this, approximately 7 kilometres of drainage pipes were excavated or disconnected, while 770 metres of drainage ditches were dammed. In addition, 680 metres of clay barriers were installed underground to further improve water retention across the site.
Long-Term Benefits for Nature and People
As a result of these measures, the water retention capacity of the revitalised area increased by approximately 26,500 m³, including around 3,000 m³ retained in pools and other depressions and approximately 23,500 m³ stored within the soil.
The pools themselves are shallow and carefully designed to blend naturally into the surrounding landscape. Ongoing management and maintnance activities continue to ensure the long-term success of the restoration efforts.
In the future, small visitor facilities, including a bird-watching observatory, will be added to the area. The site will provide a rich and diverse habitat for wildlife while also offering visitors the opportunity to learn about the importance of wetland conservation and the vital role these ecosystems play in protecting water resources and biodiversity.
Photos © Nadace Ivana Dejmala pro ochranu přírody
Vojtěch Šťastný (p. 1,2,4), Jakub Trsek (p. 6,7,8, 10), Jiří Šťastný (p. 3,5), Michal Sluk (9)
