PRESS RELEASE
“Blšanský Chlum” Nature Reserve Changing Shape
“Blšanský chlum” 4 July 2013 - Ecologists have completed the entomological monitoring of
the “Blšanský chlum” (Blšany Hillock) nature reserve. There are a large number of rare thermophilic
species of plants and animals in the area, and to save them, the civic association DAPHNE Czech
Republic - Institute of Applied Ecology is using the grazing of goats and sheep there, which prevents
the growth of natural seeding. The uniqueness of the former military training area will be preserved for
both biologists and visitors through the project “Natura in Green – Management of Europe’s Special
Areas of Conservation Influenced by Former Military Activities”, which was launched with the support
of NET4GAS Closer to Nature programme in 2012.
Last year, the results of the initial feasibility study gave the green light to environmentalists, who
removed the natural seeding of bushes in the most valuable parts of the locality last autumn, and
continued by introducing more than one hundred goats and sheep this year. “Grazing improves the
species composition of grasslands, supporting the development of valuable fauna and flora,”
explained Lenka Vokasová, the Project Manager of Natura in Green of DAPHNE Czech Republic. The
herd will stay at Blšanský chlum until the end of June, and it will be reintroduced again in October, with
a similar pattern repeated next year. “The Jersey Tiger (Euplagia quadripunctaria), which is the
subject of protection in this area, is an example of a species tied to the unique local habitats,” Lenka
Vokasová added.
Blšanský chlum is a former military area, mistakenly believed by the public to be devastated. However,
just the opposite is true. It is a unique natural habitat, whose ten-hectare relief was created by the
prolonged use of heavy machinery. Maintaining the desired condition of the area is now crucial for the
survival of many plant and animal species that are tied to areas with disrupted surfaces.
The Natura in Green project was launched in 2012 in two pilot localities of European importance
included in the Natura 2000 network; the same management as that for Blšanský chlum is also being
implemented for “Načeratický kopec” (Načeratice Hill) in the district of Znojmo.
The purpose of the NET4GAS programme Closer to Nature is also to present these unique natural
localities to the public, sparking an interest in the protection of these localities. Therefore, from the
spring, Blšanský chlum will be more accessible to nature enthusiasts and tourists from far and wide,
who will learn more about the location from the newly installed information panel, and who will be able
to appreciate the rejuvenated natural spring, which is well known locally, with benches on which to sit
down and with a view of the nearby hilltops of the Central Bohemian Uplands.
DDeM., s. r. o., Polská 10, 120 00, Praha 2 - Vinohrady, Tel.: +420 222 250 300, ddem@ddem.cz
For more information about the location of Blšanský chlum and of other NET4GAS projects within the
Closer to Nature programme, please visit the website www.blizprirode.cz.
Contact:
Pavel Marhoul
Zuzana Kučerová
DAPHNE Czech Republic
NET4GAS, s.r.o.
(Natura in Green project manager)
Specialist Promotion
email:pavel.marhoul@daphne.cz
email:zuzana.kucerova@net4gas.cz
The mission of the civic association DAPHNE Czech Republic - Institute of Applied Ecology is to contribute to
improving the state of the landscape through the application of ecological research, the promotion of sustainable
management, and raising awareness of key groups with influence on the landscape. Its work is based primarily on
the wide range of expertise of its staff - from botany and zoology, through Applied Ecology statistics, to
agriculture. The association contributes to the protection of nature and low-impact landscape management
through the implementation of specialised research and practical activities and education on ecology and
agriculture. Daphne Czech Republic was founded in 2004.
NET4GAS is a reliable and safe gas transmission system operator, and thus its area of business is closely linked
to the issue of the protection of nature and the preservation thereof for future generations. This principle is based
not only on the company’s responsible business practices above and beyond the legal standards, but also on the
long-term strategy of corporate philanthropy carried out under NET4GAS’ programme Closer to Nature.
NET4GAS is the general partner of the Czech Union for Nature Conservation and of the civic association
DAPHNE Czech Republic - Institute of Applied Ecology for the projects “Revitalization of Peat Bogs in the Ore
Mountains”, “ Natura in Green – Management of Europe’s Special Areas of Conservation Influenced by Former
Military Activities.” NET4GAS also supports other projects for which the motto “Closer to Nature” is an important
part of sustainable development. You can find detailed information about accessible locations, which can serve as
interesting tips for places to visit, on the public website www.blizprirode.cz.