Few people know that the Súľov Mountains hide one of Slovakia’s rarest botanical treasures. Beneath the iconic rocky towers lies a multitude of small valleys, and one of them stands out for its exceptional orchid species diversity. Within an area of just 0.1 km², at least 22 species grow here, some of which are extremely rare in this region!
Selected species inhabiting the valley near Súľov include: Soó’s Fuchs’ orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii subsp. sooiana), Holuby’s bee orchid (Ophrys holubyana), fragrant orchid (Gymnadenia conopsea), and the military orchid (Orchis militaris). These species favor forest edges but not dark, dense forests or unmown meadows.
Unfortunately, just like in many other parts of our country, this area has undergone unfavorable changes in recent decades. Almost all orchid species here have been gradually declining, with only four forest-bound species persisting. Each of these delicate species faces its own challenges, but they share several common threats: the spread of cottage development, inappropriate planting of trees, overgrowing of meadows, and the densification of tree canopy in nearby forests. Orchids are literally being pushed into corners—their sunlit habitats have shrunk to narrow strips measurable with a ruler. In some years, certain species do not bloom at all. The valley’s colors are fading, its charm is vanishing, and it is becoming as ordinary as any other.
Before and after the removal of invasive shrubs. These consisted mainly of pines, young beeches, and hazels. All biomass was removed from the site.
Fortunately, the last remnants of this unique beauty are now cared for by conservationists from the Strážov Mountains Protected Landscape Area administration. Every two years, manual mowing and hay raking are carried out here. To help avert the gradual disappearance of the site, we agreed with the landowner to clear invasive shrubs and open up 4,000 m² of the most valuable orchid areas as part of the LIFE Endemic PANALP project. We carefully piled up the biomass, some of which was used as fuel by local residents. To prevent regrowth, the expanded area will, of course, continue to be mowed and raked in cooperation with state conservationists. Now we can only hope that the restored areas will one day bloom again with dozens of rare orchids.
Our restoration work on the site complements the regular mowing by staff of the Strážov Mountains PLA, which will continue on the cleared areas as well.