The composition of wood differs in every part of the forest. Soft flood plains containing willows and poplars alternate with hard flood plains containing oaks, ashes, sycamore maples and lindens, and oak-hornbeams. Composition in some parts is very similar to the original and would develop in that place also without human touch. The herb floor encompassing typical flora is richly developed. The most suitable moment to observe flora in this wood is spring when the whole area is in blossom. We speak about ’spring aspect’ of vegetation. Climatic changes and alteration of water supply have a negative impact on moisture, which has been rapidly decreasing recently. These changes cause gradual transformation of soft flood plain into hard one with poorer biodiversity.

Apart from a great number of common species, Žebračka is also vital for many sparse species of fauna and flora which inhabit not only ecosystem of Central European alluvial forest, but also periodically flooded ponds and remains of cut off river branches. This nature reserve is also significant for birds. It serves not only as crossroads for migrating birds, but also as a habitat for many species of birds which build nests here. By the end of the 20th century 79 species of nesting birds out of total number of 139 were observed in Žebračka.

Strhanec is a man-made channel which runs through the northern part of Žebračka, the national nature reserve. This channel used to serve as a millrace but throughout the time it acquired a natural character. The millrace was first mentioned in 1481. Its good position and high energetic potential gave rise to attempts for its exploitation. In the 30´s of the 20th century seven industrial companies used its power along the length of 17 kilometres. Nowadays, this channel serves, and not only on the area of the reserve, as a home for many rare water animals that require high quality of water. PDF

GPS: 49°28'13.226"N, 17°27'53.8"E

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