Smraďoch
As you walk through this part of the Slavkovský Forest, you may wonder what that rotten smell is. It comes from small rifts which host no life. Bleached skulls of field mice and forest birds, together with a myriad of insects grimly complete the picture.
The gas discharged from these holes in the ground is sulphur dioxide - this is the last remnant of the once massive tectonic activity in the area.
The unique peat bog here releases gas and water in a part of the forest with soft ground. These are diversified water pits with mofette of gas releases and strongly fluctuating water levels. In addition to the unique algae community, there are a number of rare species of flora growing here. The Dactylorhiza longebracteata, Pinguicula vulgaris, and Drosera rotundifolia occupy the area, fond of the regularly drying bottom of the pits. Surface species diffusely include Pinus rotundata, Empetrum nigrum, and Oxycoccus palustris Pers. The entire area is dominated by quality waterlogged Bazzanio-Piceetum (association Mastigobryo-Piceetum) and peat bog (association Sphagno-Piceetum) sprucewood. The growth has been left to develop naturally
On the route from the roadway to the mofettes is a new educational trail which features disabled access.
Basic information | |
Category | nature reserve |
Altitude | 768 – 776 m above sea level |
Extent of specially protected area | 8 hectares |
Border length | 1300 m |