Žebračka National Nature Reserve

The National Nature Reserve of Žebračka was established to protect the remnants of floodplain forests in the Bečva river basin. The current size is 234 ha (578 acres). The main object they are trying to protect is a complex of ecosystems, (lowland forests, including Strhanec creek and their transition to other types of mixed deciduous forests), linked to the geological substrate terraces of the Bečva river. It has a large diversity of common and endangered wild flora and fauna species.

It is flat with river bed depressions that are dry all year-round or flooded only occasionally. This water regime is mainly influenced by the Bečva river. In recent decades an unfortunate gradual decline in moisture has been observed as the Bečva river was straightened and its bed deepened, between 1880 - 1933, to avoid the annual seasonal flooding characteristic of floodplain forests. This has caused the underground water levels to gradually drop in the reserve and has led to the transformation of natural diversity into a somewhat poorer, hard, alluvial plain.

The most interesting and beautiful time of year in Žebračka is the springtime with its flourishing vegetation. Perhaps the most striking plant on the entire reservation, which should not be overlooked, is wild garlic.  It has blossoms that give off an intense garlic odor.
Further information

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