Revitalizing the Krkonoše Meadows

This area is a unique botanical site, located in the Giant Mountains. Every spring, it eliminates the old grass from the previous year. This process opens up more light and space for less competitive plant species, many of which are often legally protected. Several notable locations include Slunečná stráň near Svoboda nad Úpou, the quarry in Horní Albeřice, Hoffmanovy Boudy, květnice na Rýchory, Sklenářovické údolí, Bíner, and Peklo u Lánova, as well as Shushmanák in Černý Důl, and locations like U Zvoničky and Lipka in Víchová nad Jizerou, Bolkov, Rýžoviště, and Anenské údolí in Harrachov, plus a wetland near Fido in Strážný. These sites are particularly significant due to the presence of various vascular plants, including rare gentians and saffron, which can also be found here. Nevertheless, these precious areas face constant challenges from competing species, notably grasses and mosses.

Key activities involve regular maintenance of meadows, during which workers gather branches, stones, and litter that have accumulated over the winter months. A critical aspect of this work also includes cutting back woody debris that can start to overtake the meadows in the Krkonoš mountains and suffocate the meadow communities.

Active management of the meadows is essential, especially concerning the battle against invasive plant species. These invasive species pose a serious risk to the native ecosystems of the Giant Mountains. Besides these specialized tasks, staff also focuses on caring for the meadows themselves. This encompasses regular grass mowing, the cleaning of grass clippings, fertilization, liming, and several other operations primarily conducted in the areas rich in meadow biodiversity. A specific method known as strip mowing is particularly effective, as it encourages plant diversity and supports the life of invertebrates.

Overview of the Krkonoše Meadows

1. The Vital Role of Field Workers

• Commitment & Hard Work

  • Field workers undertake the essential, hands-on tasks necessary to preserve and restore the subalpine meadows.

  • Their efforts ensure these landscapes remain intact for future generations.

2. Meadow Management & Maintenance

• Routine Care

  • Cleaning & Woody Debris Removal: Clearing fallen branches and dead wood to prevent shrub encroachment.

  • Invasive Species Control: Identifying and eradicating non-native plants that threaten native flora.

• Nutrient Management

  • Grass Cutting: Regular mowing to maintain open meadow structure.

  • Fertilization & Liming: Applying nutrients and adjusting soil pH to optimal levels for meadow species.

3. Ecological Mowing Techniques

• Strip Mowing

  • Mowing in alternating strips rather than uniformly promotes higher plant species diversity.

  • Allows invertebrate populations to persist and supports less competitive plant species that flourish in residual refuge strips.

4. Biodiversity & Rare Plant Species

The open, nutrient-managed meadows of Krkonoše are home to a suite of rare and specialized plants, including:

• Staminate Plants (male-flowered species)

• Gentians (e.g., Gentiana acaulis)

• Saffrons (e.g., Crocus sativus)

• …and many more adapted to the subalpine environment.

5. Notable Natural Landmarks

1. Studniční hora

   • Elevation: 1 555 m (3rd highest in both the Krkonoše range and the Czech Republic)

   • Located within Zone I of Krkonoše National Park; access is restricted to protect its sensitive habitats.

2. Svobodský kras

   • A lesser-known karst area featuring the Bear Cave, renowned for unique fossil finds.

3. Ambrožova vyhlídka (Ambrož’s Lookout)

   • Named after conservationist Jindřich Ambrož.

   • Sits on the hiking trail between Labská and Vrbatová bouda, offering panoramic views.

4. Old Limestone Quarries

   • Nine disused quarries constitute the largest karst feature area in the Giant Mountains.

5. Subalpine Peat Bog

   • The western Krkonoše’s most extensive peat bog, stretching between Kotl and Labská louka.

6. Source of the Elbe River

   • Originates in Labská meadow, near the Polish border.

   • Labská meadow is also a popular tourist destination, celebrated for the river’s headwaters.

6. Wildlife Conservation: The Rescue Station

• Function

  • Treats injured or disabled wild animals.

  • Provides rehabilitation with the goal of returning animals to their natural habitats.