Little Amazonia is a natural wetland located near the village of Žižín, not far from Pardubice. (map). Its name is a symbolic connection to the South American Amazon – it reminds us that protecting nature also makes sense at home. This once lively area was destroyed for decades, but today it is undergoing restoration. The goal is to preserve its natural values, bring it back to life, and create a space to appreciate the landscape, water, and its significance. Little Amazonia is intended not only as a refuge for wildlife, but also as a place that reminds people how precious and fragile the nature around us is.
Petr Tlapák
The creation of Little Amazonia was inspired by a man deeply influenced by a journey to the real Amazon. After returning from this expedition, he sought a long-term and meaningful way to help nature. The idea of buying a piece of the rainforest proved unrealistic due to distance and political instability. So, he turned his attention to the landscape of his childhood – an overgrown wetland near his hometown of Žižín. After six years of bureaucratic negotiation, he managed to purchase the land. Since then, he has devoted himself to its restoration, believing that even a small personal initiative can influence the state of our planet.
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Past and Present of Malá Amazonie
History of the Little Amazonia Wetland
The Little Amazonia wetland originated on the site of the original river branch of the Chrudimka River, as evidenced by historical maps from 1839. After the original riverbed was silted up, a system of pools fed by a stream flowing from surrounding fields was formed here, ensuring permanent moisture and supporting rich aquatic and plant life. The wetland thus served as a refuge for newts, frogs, and numerous aquatic and marsh plants. However, in the 1940s, the Chrudimka River was regulated and straightened, which fundamentally changed the natural conditions in the landscape. In the 1980s, drainage was carried out, diverting the inflow into a pipe and stopping the natural water supply. This led to the gradual drying of the site and the disruption of natural fish reproduction. Nevertheless, local residents remembered this place as a once vibrant and diverse ecosystem and tried to maintain it, at least partially, by manually digging pools. Human interventions continued – construction of a sewage system, installation of an overflow pipe, and gradual infill disturbed the natural water regime. Without regular maintenance, old pollard willows began to die, and the area gradually became overgrown with non-native woody plants, leading to a loss of native species and decline of the entire site. Today, we strive for its restoration and return to its original form, which would once again offer a valuable space for biodiversity and natural balance.
Present of the Little Amazonia Wetland
Today, the Little Amazonia wetland is in a poor condition, with the original pools almost dried up and most of the area overgrown with non-native trees and shrubs. The water inflow from the surrounding fields is minimal, and instead of the former abundance of life, degraded vegetation of little ecological value now dominates. The pollard willows, which once formed a characteristic feature of the landscape, are developing cracks due to lack of care and are at risk of falling. Nevertheless, Little Amazonia has great potential – remnants of native plant and animal species are still present, and its location within the urban landscape makes it an ideal space for ecological restoration and environmental education. Petr Tlapák is therefore working on revitalizing this valuable site, aiming to restore the water regime, thin out invasive woody plants, support natural habitats, and bring back the life that once thrived here. The project aims to create a better space not only for nature itself but also for city residents and school excursions, where people can learn about the importance of wetlands and their protection. The planned revitalization will thus combine ecological, landscape, and educational goals, helping to restore the lost balance between humans and nature.
Little Amazonia is not just a place, but also a dream full of inspiration and refuge, born from a deep connection with nature. This vision stems from an unwavering determination to protect natural heritage despite obstacles. The goal is for everyone to find a piece of Amazonian legacy within themselves and become part of the dream of a sustainable and valuable environment.
