Kunratické brook valley
If you follow the yellow or green tourist sign north of the village of Kunratice, you will walk through the territory of the natural monument Údolí Kunratického potoka. The natural bends of the Kunratický brook in the original forest stands became the subject of protection in 1988. The natural monument lies in a relatively dense area, it is frequently visited, not only hiking trails lead here, but also cycle paths and an educational trail focused on forestry.
Information for visitors
Interesting facts Kunratické brook valley
The subject of protection is not only the stream
The reason for declaring the area a natural monument is not only the bends of the Kunratický brook, but also various other plant or animal communities. Forest communities, remnants of steppes and a special geological profile are definitely worth preserving for future generations. Rubble forests, alders, oak groves and other woody plants are found here in significant numbers. There are also less common species of plants, woodpecker, periwinkle, chrysanthemum, passerine or whitefish. Rare animal species include some species of weevil, woodpecker, woodpecker or spotted woodpecker.
Visitors are not only attracted by nature
Children's playgrounds and recreational gazebos were built in the area of the natural monument Kunratický brook valley. You can also visit the ruins of a Gothic castle, which was built at the beginning of the 15th century by Wenceslas IV. This New Castle later became the place where Wenceslas IV. he died. The Velká Kunratická race takes place here, which has become a problem for nature for a large number of participants, which is why the number of competitors is currently limited.
Natural memory damages human activity
High popularity and attendance results in the destruction of this natural monument. It is not just about direct vandalism, but also about trampling the soil, damaging plants, disturbing animals, moving people out of the way and so on. Wildlife and birds are disturbed by free-range dogs, and the landscape is disturbed by artificially planted mouflons. Immissions also threaten the health of vegetation. The Kunratický stream itself is polluted by wastewater.
Author: Helena Syslová