Dukovanský mlýn, Nature reserve in Dukovany, Czech Republic
Dukovanský mlýn is a nature reserve in the Jihlava River valley that protects forests and rare plant species across roughly 18 hectares. The site sits within a deeply cut gorge that creates specific conditions for specialized vegetation to thrive.
The site was originally a water mill that operated until the 1950s before being submerged by a reservoir in 1977. It became a protected natural area in 1983.
The reserve stands as a testament to the transformation of industrial heritage into environmental conservation, representing the evolution of land use in Czech society.
The reserve is accessible via marked hiking paths that connect to nearby locations and viewpoints in the surrounding area. Walking to the site requires proper footwear due to the hilly terrain and natural paths.
The reserve grows on serpentine bedrock with high magnesium content, which makes the soil very nutrient-poor. This extreme condition allows special plant species to survive that would struggle elsewhere.
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