Skočický hrad, Nature reserve in Skočice, Czech Republic

Skočický hrad is a nature reserve on the twin-peaked hill Hrad (667 m) near Skočice, protecting the only natural herb-rich beech forest in the Strakonice district. The reserve covers 30.56 ha between 588 and 667 m, with acidophilous beech stands and a relict pine wood on the southwest slope.

The site gained protected status on December 1, 1985, securing the preservation of natural forest vegetation across its summit areas. This designation came after archaeological discoveries in the 1940s that revealed evidence of ancient settlement on the location.

The reserve protects one of the last natural beech forests found in the Strakonice area, representative of the old woodland character of South Bohemia. This vegetation type has nearly disappeared from the wider region due to past land use changes.

Access to the reserve comes through marked hiking trails that remain passable year-round and lead around the Hrad summit and into the surrounding woodland. Routes can be combined to create different paths depending on visitor preference and fitness level.

The 1940 find of 27 bronze ribs came from three small caves beneath the Knížecí kámen rock wall, used by foresters and hunters as shelter; one cave collapsed and the ribs surfaced while the fallen stones were cleared. Pieces are held in the museums at Písek, Protivín and Prague.