All three excursions will rejoin together at the ruin of a Medieval royal castle, Točník, (the site of a continuously-studied breeding colony of M. myotis) where an evening banquet will take place, together with optional opportunity for some bat detectoring.
The excursions will be guided by well-experienced bat students who work in the respective region. All the excursions will start from the Conference venue on Saturday 28 August at ca. 8.30 am. and return there on Monday 30 August in the early afternoon. The excursions cover three excursion days (including all meals and entrances to museums/venues, etc.) and two nights during which optional bat research efforts can be combined with visits to wine-cellars, local restaurants, etc.
Your luggage can be either left safely at the conference venue during the time of excursion or it can be taken with you. Participants of Excursion A (southern Moravia) can also take the opportunity to continue on to Vienna as it will be much closer to the excursion sites than Prague.
You have to apply for one of the post-conference excursions separately (via the respective application form) and we recommend that you do this as quickly as possible - we regret that some of the later applications may not perhaps be accepted because of the limited number of coach seats.
At the surface, most of the Moravian Karst area is forested. Valleys and canyons up to 150 m deep dissect the karst region into several plateaus with a mean altitude of ca. 500 m asl. Typically the deepest parts of the canyons (glens) are cold while the upper parts are warm, as are the plateaus (temperature inversion). Despite numerous paleokarst phenomena (including giant underground cavities infilled by Cretaceous and Miocene sediments), the Moravian karst is particularly characterized by an active hydrological system with numerous tributaries originating both in neighbouring non-karstic regions and in local sinkholes. These form a network of permanent and intermittent subterranean water coarses which join at the bottom of Macocha abyss in a common stream of the Punkva river. Surface streams disappear down sinkholes underground where they flow into the caves, some of which are permanently filled with water, and others flood periodically or have no running water. Variability of habitats, climate and other factors result in a high species diversity of plants and animals. In addition to its palaeontological and archeological findings, the territory also has various cultural values, such as the remains of old settlements, ruins of castles and famous churches. On 5th July 1956, the Moravian Karst territory (92 km2) was declared a Protected Landscape Area. The area includes several more strictly-protected localities. The excursion to the Moravian Karst area is co-organized by the Administration of Moravský kras Protected Landscape Area, http://www.cavemk.cz/en/.
The beginning of a scientific interest in the bats of the Moravian Karst dates back to F. A. Kolenati (1812-1864). In addition to species known to hibernate in the caves up to the present, he described a find of 180 Pipistrellus pipistrellus in the winter of 1957 "in den Felsspalten der mährischen Höhle Bečí skála bei Adamsthal", i.e. in the Býčí skála Cave. In another deep crevice of the same cave, he estimated twice as many bats of the same species. Such hibernating assemblages of pipistrelles have never been found since in any Moravian Karst cave, despite quite a rich appearance of the species in the early Holocene and late Pleistocene deposits in more caves of the Moravian karst. In the first half of the past century, only minor faunistic papers were published concerning the bats of the Moravian Karst. A large-scale mark-and-recapture programme was started in 1957 and lasted until 1980. Since 1981, numbers of hibernating bats have been monitored without banding or otherwise disturbing them. Since 1971, several netting campaigns have been launched at the entrances to various caves and since 1991 the flight activity of bats has been registered at various localities by ultrasound detectors. Modern methods such as automatic recording of activity with a double infrared barrier and/or night-vision scope have been used all year round at the Kateřinská Cave. More information will be submitted to participants at the netting within the programme of this excursion.
Saturday 28 August
08:30 Departure from Prague, Suchdol.
11:30 Arrival at the Skalní Mlýn Hotel, accommodation. 12:00 Lunch.
14:00 Departure to the Sloupsko-šošůvské Caves (by bus).
14:30 Information about bat research and tourist visit of the caves.
17:00 Departure to the Macocha Plateau (by bus).
17:15 Free programme, visit of the Macocha suspension bridges, a look into the abyss. Possible use of the lift to descend, instead of the bus (optional at own expense).
18:00 Departure to the hotel (by bus).
18:30 Dinner.
19:45 Departure from the hotel to the Kateřinská Cave (15 minutes on foot).
20:00 Information about the research of bat activity, netting at the entrance to the Kateřinská Cave, bat detectoring along the Pustý žleb Canyon and along the Punkva river. Return to the hotel (15 minute walk) at any time but not later than 24:00.
Both the geographic and geomorphologic characteristics of the area are reflected in the high diversity of its plant and animal world. The higher elevations belonging to the Bohemian Massif are situated within the Hercynicum in phytogeographical terms, while the plants of the Outer Carpathian piedmont represent an enclave of the central European Pannonian steppes. In addition, there are welcome additions from the relatively-close Alpine region. The character of the main Dyje Valley makes accessibility and human exploitation difficult ; this is still reflected in the well-preserved nature of the local habitats. The river itself has formed either a land or country border-line since the Middle Ages. Its function as a barrier culminated, at least from the Czech side, in the second half of the 20th century, when it formed part of the unpenetrable 'iron curtain' between the Eastern and Western political blocks. The Dyje Canyon was guarded as a military border zone and unauthorized persons were not allowed entry. But the natural land frontier made by the incised meanders of the Dyje River had been guarded much earlier than this. A system of castles had been built there for similar purposes since the early Middle Ages. Some of them have persisted until the present, mostly rebuilt in a baroque style, while others have degenerated to ruins or disappeared. Both castles and ruins act not only as dominant regional features but also harbour many living organisms, including bats.
Due to the combination of factors that has resulted in its high biodiversity and preserved local habitats, a part of the Dyje River Valley between Vranov nad Dyjí and Znojmo was declared a Protected Landscape Area in 1978 and the Podyjí National Park in 1991. A year later in 2000, the National Park Thayatal was declared on the Austrian side and the two together combine to form a protected bilateral territory of international importance.
The character of the valley will be demonstrated from at least two sight-seeing points, the Vranov nad Dyjí Castle mentioned above and the Nový Hrádek Ruin, another important autumn swarming place and also a bat hibernaculum. In addition to forest bat species, Pipistrellus pipistrellus is common there together with the less common syntopic P. pygmaeus. The town of Znojmo represents a natural centre for this part of southern Moravia. It is situated where the Dyje River leaves a narrow woody valley and enters a floodplain with a warm climate and intensive agriculture. Thermophilous synanthropic bats such as Plecotus austriacus and Eptesicus serotinus dominate here, in addition to those already mentioned. Bat species typical of lowlands are common, e.g., Nyctalus noctula and Pipistrellus nathusii. P. kuhlii was recently netted here, being the first record of this expanding Mediterranean species in the territory of Czech Republic. Flying and foraging bats will be observed at night in the Dyje Valley at the SE outskirts of Znojmo.
Sunday 29 August
08:30 Departure from the Skalní Mlýn Hotel.
11:00 Arrival at Vranov nad Dyjí, visit of the castle. Possible inspection of a R. hipposideros summer roost in the castle loft or a M. emarginatus roost nearby.
12:30 Lunch.
14:00 Afternoon excursion, options:
(1) visit of the Nový Hrádek Ruin, ca 7 km of walking through habitats typical of the Podyjí National Park, inspection of a locality of bat swarming and hibernation;
(2) visit of the historical centre of Znojmo, physically less challenging, possible visit of a R. hipposideros hibernaculum.
17:00 Departure to the hotel, accommodation, dinner.
19:00 Departure to the Winery Visitors` Centre in the Louka Monastery (10 minutes on foot), wine tasting.
20:00 Observation of bats along the shore of the Dyje River (5 minutes from the wine restaurant, 10 minutes from the hotel). End of the observation optional.
09:00 Departure to Prague.
It is possible to order train tickets Znojmo-Vienna to participants interested in visiting Vienna, at their own expense. Departures from Znojmo: 6:53, 7:53, 8:57, time span 1 hour, 45 minutes.
The municipalities of Lednice and Valtice, until the 20th Century the principal seat of the family Liechtenstein, are natural centres of this territory bounded by the Dyje River, Pavlovské vrchy Hills and the Czech-Austrian border. Due to its remarkable natural and culturally-historical values, the Lednice-Valtice Area, covering about 283 km2, was included into the UNESCO list of World Natural and Cultural Heritage sites. The landscape between Lednice and Valtice is represented by an artificial yet near-natural park that belongs to one of the greatest examples of a composed landscape, not only in Europe but worldwide. The landscape rearrangements expressing Romantic ideas integrated English inspirations of park design with local Baroque architecture, newly establishes Neo-Gothic castle buildings, as well as a number of smaller structures built in a Romantic style (Greenhouse, Minaret, Obelisk, and various small mansions or hunting castles such as Lovecký zámeček, Apollonův chrám, Rybniční zámeček, Nový Dvůr, Hraniční zámeček, Tři Grácie or Rendes-vous). The Hraniční zámeček (Border Chateau) was built by Prince Jan I of Liechtenstein in 1827 on the former border between Moravia and Austria. It was built on swampy ground, and its foundation rests on wooden piles and grids for stability. The upper part consists of three separate halls that can be accessed by ramps on either side. The middle one is of special interest: a large hall of mirrors, from which one may step out onto the terrace for a view of Hlohovec Fish Pond and the surrounding area. Recently, the chateau was rebuilt into a hotel and participants in the excursion will be accommodated here.
We will visit the Castle Lednice which is one of the major sights to see in the area. The rich architectural history of the present mostly Neo-Gothic structure is intertwined with the history of the powerful family Liechtenstein, who at the beginning of the 18th century used Lednice mainly as a place of social events and entertainment. The chateau has undergone several reconstructions in the spirit of the times. Today's castle is the result of a reconstruction in the years 1846-1858, according to plans by Georg Wingelmüller. Dating from the end of the 17th century are the grand Baroque buildings of the riding hall area, designed by architect Johann B. Fischer von Erlach. On the eastern end of the chateau is an adjacent greenhouse built in 1843-1845, designed by P.H. Desvignes. The chateau is surrounded by a French garden and a large landscape park, one of the oldest of its kind in the Czech Republic. The surrounding landscape includes numerous follies: remarkable decorative structures such as the Apollonův chrám (Temple of Apollo), built in 1819, the Empire building of Tři Grácie (Temple of the Three Graces), built in 1825, the artificial ruin of Janohrad (Jan's Castle) and the Border Chateau (1827) mentioned above. Within sight of the chateau, rising up from a rich green park, stands the Minaret, a unique architectural monument built in 1797-1804 according to designs by Josef Hardtmuth. Back to the chateau, the ground floor features excellent wood carving decorations in its many rooms, especially the library with its wonderful spiral staircase, imposing entry hall, and beautiful ceilings and wall-panelling in the Turquoise, Red, and Blue Rooms.
In addition to its castles and parks, the Lednice-Valtice Area is famous for its large fish ponds, archaeological excavations at Pohansko, and lastly, but not least, the production of wine. It is a paradise for both pedestrian tourists and bikers, but also for fishermen and horse riders. Lednice fish ponds, which are in fact artificial lakes that lie between Lednice, Valtice, and Mikulov, were founded back in the 15th century. The beauty of the Mlýnský rybník (Mill Fish Pond) is enhanced by the Temple of Apollo on the rise above it. The Prostřední rybník (Middle Fish Pond) is dominated by the modest, but ornithologically-important location of the Rybniční zámeček (Fish Pond Mansion), and on the higher terrain on the other side the Temple of the Three Graces, and Nový dvůr (New Court). These structures were set very carefully into the terrain, and with their viewpoints through the forest they become elements merging into an aesthetically-composed landscape. The Pond Mansion was built on a gentle rise above the Middle Pond in 1816 by architect Kornhäusel. This simple Classicist structure served originally as a meeting place for hunting parties before the start of fishing and bird hunting outings. The Liechtensteins donated the building in 1928 for ornithologists and hydrobiologists. At present it houses an exhibit on waterfowl, and is being used by the Mendel University of Agriculture and Forestry in Brno. Individual M. emarginatus have been observed in the loft since the 1970s and, in 1982, a big nersery colony of that species was discovered, see below. The dominant feature of the Hlohovecký rybník (Hlohovecký Fish Pond) is the Border Chateau. The southernmost and largest of the fish ponds is the Nesyt Lake with an area of 322 ha.
Sunday 29 August
08:30 Departure from the Skalní Mlýn Hotel.
11:00 Arrival at Lednice, visit of the castle and chateau park.
12:30 Lunch.
14:00 Afternoon excursion - visit to the Minaret (Turkish Tower) and Janohrad (Jan's Castle) by boat in combination with walking - inspection of beaver area and the bat hunting locality.
17:00 Departure to the hotel Hraniční zámeček (Border Chateau), accommodation, dinner.
19:00 Visit of Moravian wine cellar with wine tasting.
20:00 Observation of bats on the shore of the Hlohovecký rybník - ca 3 km walking tour around the fish pond (lake). End of the observation optional.
09:00 Departure to Prague (with an optional stop at a bat site on the way).
From Prague, we will travel south through Czech Siberia, the cold upland area south-east of Prague. We will cross the Třeboňsko basin and take accommodation in Hotel Bohemia in the town of Třeboň , the heart of the region. After a lunch comprising of typical specialities of Czech cuisine, we will make an afternoon excursion to the surrounding fish-pond nature reserves providing excellent possibilities for bird-watching as well as enjoying hundred-year-old trees growing on fish-pond dams. In the late afternoon we will return to Třeboň and enjoy this beautiful city. After an early dinner, we will conduct mist-netting and bat-detectoring on the immense dam of the Rožmberk fish pond, the largest fish pond in the Czech Republic. Enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of Třeboň, a traditional spa centre, may be an alternative programme for those who might not wish to take part in night batting activities. Třeboňsko Protected Landscape Area is situated at a flat landscape which has been influenced by man for hundreds of years. Despite this, exceptionally significant natural treasures have been preserved here. A large part of the area is formed by a landscape 'in balance', where human activity has been in harmony with nature. Třeboňsko was therefore designated one of the six Czech UNESCO MAB Biosphere Reserves in 1977. Man has been influential in the landscape formation of Třeboňsko since the 12th century. In particular, man has adjusted the wetland-water system, resulting in the formation of an ingenious network of artificial canals (for example, Zlatá Stoka 'Golden Canal' and Nová Řeka 'New River') and a large number of fish ponds. That is why Třeboňsko is the centre of Czech fish-pond culture (There are 460 ponds in total). This large fish pond network, together with secondary-developed littoral habitats, has initiated a significant breeding site and migration stop-over for water birds. The area is significant for its rich wetlands and water vegetation. The most significant biotopes are represented by large transitional bogs with preserved plant communities (Pinus rotundata bog forests) and the invertebrates that are dependent on it. A large area of the original meandering parts of rivers (for example, Lužnice River) has also been preserved, as well as alluvial plains, remnants of alluvial forests and extremely arid sites of airborne sand. The area includes two wetlands of international importance (Třeboňské Rybníky 'Třeboň Fish Ponds'and Třeboňská Rašeliniště 'Třeboň Peatlands') designated under the Ramsar convention. The area is significant with regard to the conservation of a range of endangered vulnerable vertebrates, for example Lutra lutra (otter) and Haliaeetus albicilla (white-tailed eagle). The balanced natural elements of the landscape are well accompanied by quite rare settlements and the uniquely-preserved historical architecture of towns (Třeboň Town Monument Reserve) and villages. With regard to natural and cultural factors, Třeboňsko is an exceptional area in a European context and has also significant recreational use. Traditionally, wetland ecological research is conducted here (by the Institute of Botany, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic). Recently, Třeboňsko was included in the international network of objects of long-term ecological research (ILTER). In total, 16 bat species (about 70% of the bat fauna of the Czech Republic) have been recorded in the region. The most widespread species are Myotis daubentonii, M. mystacinus, Nyctalus noctula, Pipistrellus pygmaeus, and P. nathusii. Less common, but also widespread, species are Myotis brandtii, M. nattereri, Eptesicus serotinus, Plecotus auritus and P. austriacus. The occurrence of some other rare species (Vespertilio murinus, Nyctalus leisleri, Eptesicus nilssonii, Pipistrellus pipistrellus) is apparently rather local and scattered. Detailed information on bats in the region is available.
On our way to the west, we will make a morning excursion to the Ruda field station in the northern part of the Třeboňsko basin. The station is surrounded by semi-natural forests, fish ponds and peat bogs and has been serving as a base for studies on the population ecology of forest-dwelling bats for more than four decades. It is also the place where a post-conference field trip was held during the 1st IBRC in 1968. Information on pending research will be given to all participants and a maternity colony occupying a nearby artificial roost will be demonstrated. Later on, we will continue to the west and reach Hluboká nad Vltavou after some 20 km where we will take accommodation in the Hotel Barborka and lunch will be served. Hluboká nad Vltavou is a town in the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic, near České Budějovice. This town was a favourite of Charles IV, who often visited when residing in České Budějovice. It is best known for its famous Windsor-style Castle ('chateau') where the first IBRC was held. During the afternoon, we will visit the castle in Hluboká and, optionally, we can organize a short bus trip along the surrounding fish-pond basin, which also offers good opportunities for bird-watching.
After dinner, we will mist-net bats in the vicinity of the village.
Altogether, 19 bat species (ca. 76 per cent of the bat fauna of the Czech Republic) have been recorded in the region. Myotis daubentonii is the most common species in the area. Based on the number of recorded sites, Nyctalus noctula, Myotis mystacinus, Eptesicus serotinus, Pipistrellus pipistrellus, P. nathusii, and Plecotus auritus are classified as common and widespread species. Pipistrellus pygmaeus, Plecotus austriacus, Myotis myotis, Eptesicus nilssonii, Myotis nattereri, Nyctalus leisleri, Barbastella barbastellus, and Myotis brandtii are less common but still mostly widespread species. Vespertilio murinus and Myotis bechsteinii are rare species in the region; however, the latter species regularly hibernates at one underground site at the highest numbers ever found within the Czech Republic. Myotis emarginatus and Rhinolophus hipposideros have been recorded only exceptionally and they are not permanent members of the local bat fauna. The sympatric and quite abundant occurrence of Pipistrellus pipistrellus, P. pygmaeus, P. nathusii, and Eptesicus nilssonii in the area is most probably unique within the whole country. Detailed information on the local bat assemblage is available.
After breakfast, we will set out towards the south, leave the Českobudějovicko basin and stop in Český Krumlov: a small medieval town situated along a meander of the Vltava river under a palatial castle, a monumentous well-preserved historical town complex and a UNESCO World Heritage Site (along with the historic Prague Castle district). Participants will enjoy the immense photogenic scenery and architectural treasures to be found in this small city. After lunch, we will return back to Prague.
From Prague we will take the express highway eastwards to Hradec Králové and then turn north through Jaroměř to Trutnov. Several kilometres from Jaroměř we will stop in Kuks - a large complex of baroque monuments famous for their picturesque baroque statues and nice parks. We will visit there the baroque Hospital of the Merciful Brethren with the Church of the Most Holy Trinity, and the Bethlehem. Then we will drive to Trutnov, visit the handicraft museum and have a snack of traditional country specialities, and after that we will move to the chateau hotel Bischofstein in Skály in the protected area of Broumovsko, Adršpaško-Teplické rocks reserve. It is surrounded by hills, crags and sandstone pinnacles and in the close vicinity is a small dark lake. Nearby are also the ruins of a gothic stronghold named Katzenstein (Cat Rock). Nearby to the latter a mist-netting session will be organized. Also, there are a lot of opportunities for bat detectoring.
The main phenomena of the Broumovsko Protected Landscape Area are the typical relief, fluvial network, interesting fauna and flora, rare and protected species, and also the system of urban settlement and local traditional architecture. The most popular sight of this region is the unique relief of Cretaceous sandstone with pisturesque table mountains, rocky towns, deep gorges and pseudokarst caves. Tectonic movements, water erosion, and cryogenic processes produced here a series of dramatic sceneries with steep rocky towers even higher than 100 m. Deep rocky gorges with a characteristic inversion climate form here a very complicated spatial network including one of the longest pseudokarst caves. "Teplická jeskyně" cave is about a 2 km-long system of corridors in between boulder debris infillings of deep gorges. The cave system "Poseidon" described quite recently, in 2006, is a complex of crack labyrinths, gorges and debris caves in total length of at least 27.5 km and a depth of 105 m. The locality hosts one of the biggest rhizome stalagmites in the world and numerous invertebrate glacial relics surviving here thank to the specific microclimate.
Bat research in this region is mainly focused on bats hibernating in galleries, the military fortresses, and cellars. The first bat records come from the Dobrošov fortress, castle and monastery cellars (1965) and from the gallery in the Teplicko-Adršpašské skály (rock town) near Dolní Adršpach (1971) [all in the Náchod District]. Recent monitoring data come from the Broumovsko Protected Landscape Area (including records of summer reproductive colonies of bats especially in church lofts, bat netting and bat-detection). In total 17 species have been recorded in the area. At hibernacula are mostly found Myotis daubentoni and Myotis myotis, and less commonly Eptesicus nilssoni, Plecotus auritus, and Myotis mystacinus. Among the rocks during summer have also been found Nyctalus leisleri, Vespertilio murinus and Eptesicus nilssoni. The area around Adršpašsko-Teplické rocks reserve has not been sufficiently chiropterologicaly-explored enough. Only one bat hibernaculum (a smaller gallery) has been investigated and summer bat detection surveys have been undertaken only during the last three years. Possible species that can be mist netted are: Myotis mystacinus, M. daubentonii, M. brandtii, Eptesicus nilssoni, Nyctalus noctula, Pipistrellus pipistrellus, and rarely Barbastella barbastellus, Nyctalus leisleri or Vespertilio murinus. More detailed survey of bat hibernacula is avilable (in Czech).
In the morning we will set out to the second Protected Area, Český ráj - Bohemian Paradise. Our first stop will be to the castle Kost. This medieval castle dates back to the middle of the 14th century and it was built by Beneš z Vartemberka and finished by his son. The building is dominated by its six-story residential tower called the White Tower. There we will visit both the castle and the neighbouring roost of horseshoe bats. Afterwards, we will be accomodated and have lunch in the castle hotel Hrubá Skála. Just nearby is another roost of little horseshoe bat. The 'chateau/castle' stands on the site of a castle which was built in the 14th century. Today it's a stylish hotel and in the gate tower is situated the reception office. The furnishings are as you might expect in a chateau - chandeliers and long curtains framing the large, deep windows. The next visit will be the surroundings of the iconic symbol of this area - the ruins of the castle Trosky, (http://www.trosky.cz/de/index.htm). Then we move to Valdštejn, visit the castle and roosts of bats and listen to choral songs in the chapel. You can choose the optional way on foot to Hrubá Skála or go back by bus. After dinner, we will be able to go to Zbirohy, a place for mist netting and/or this can be combined with bat detectoring along the banks of the River Jizera.
The region of the Protected Landscape Area Český ráj is particularly characterized by the dramatic eroded relief of the Cretaceous block sandstone, locally intruded by Neogene basalt eruptions. The castle ruin Trosky, occupying two neighbouring basalt columns, dominates the region. The variegated landscape of the region is reflected in the high diversity of its flora and fauna. Elements characteristic of rocky debris, humid to sub-xeric woodland and rocky habitats, or wetland species, are here combined with mountainous and thermophilous species. Both the acidiophilous vegetation (in regions of non-calcareous block sandstone) and basophilic plant communities on calcareous sandstone, marlite and porphyry occur here.
The first bat records come from old cellars in Hruba Skála, Kost and Mnichovo Hradiště castles (winter 1958). Recent attention has focused on the monitoring of bat winter roosts in several galleries and pseudokarstic caves (Kozákov, Postojná and Krtola cave), but most of the hibernating bats use historic castle cellars (Hrubá Skála, Valdštejn, Kost, Hrubý Rohozec etc.). In total, 19 species of bats have been described. The typical bat species of Český ráj is Rhinolophus hipposideros. Since the time of its dramatic disappearance in 1970-80 when the species almost disappeared from the region completely, its population has exploded - now it appears here in a number of large breeding colonies and even in mass winter roosts. The colony with highest number of individuals (250) is situated in the castle Kost and is one of the biggest colonies in the Czech Republic. Also, another species typical for Moravia, which is only seldom found in Bohemia, Myotis emarginatus, occurs here. Sibling species, Pipistrellus pipistrellus and P. pygmaeus occur in sympatry throughout the whole area. The other common species are Plecotus auritus, Nyctalus noctula, Myotis mystacinus, M. brandtii and Eptesicus serotinus. Although summer colonies of Barbastella barbastellus are not known in Český Ráj, the occurrence of this species in winter roosts is relatively high; for example, the cellars in Valdštejn and Hrubá Skála. Details on the hibernating bat communities can be found here: 1, 2, 3.
In the morning, we will go westwards to the third Protected Area: České Středohoří. We will see the castle Bezděz (1, 2), reported to be from the 13th century, and the extensive marsh/swamp area in its surroundings partly rearranged into a system of large fish ponds since the Middle Ages. A combination of local volcanos, sandstone relief and extensive wetland habitats form a distinctive pattern and give this region a very special beauty. The region is worth mentioning also for its very rich Mesolithic occupancy, intensively-studied by a series of sections which has also provided interesting fossil evidence on postglacial faunal evolution including that of bats. Lunch will be taken in a restaurant with a view on Novozamecký fish pond. Afterwards, we will pass through Bobří soutěska (Beaver gorge) with beautiful sceneries. Bobří potok (Beaver stream) has here created a deeply-eroded gorge, whose steep walls from basalt reach up to 30 m. The stream forms rapids, flows past huge stones, and in a small creek you can also see a 6-m-high waterfall. This will be the last point of our excursion and we will return back to Prague.
The České Středohoří Protected Landscape Area extends along both banks of the Elbe in northern Bohemia. Its characteristic conical hills are the result of Tertiary volcanic activity, which pushed up igneous rock mainly of phonolite and basalt-type rock into the form of mounds and blankets. It is a classic region for the occurrence of hydrothermal minerals formed by the crystallisation of the solutions which accompanied the volcanic activity and then cooled down and solidified as they penetrated the porous bedrock. These minerals often formed seams or filled cavities in the volcanic rock. Bohemian garnet occurs here and has been mined. Pseudokarst phenomena are also quite common. An important phenomenon, which can be best seen in the wintertime, are the volcanic vents (Borečský vrch). Steppe and scree habitats are typical in the area.