The state enterprise Povodí Labe is restoring the Holštejn oxbow lake in the floodplain of the Orlice near Hradec Králové; the work is to be completed in April 2028.
The state enterprise Povodí Labe is carrying out the revitalisation of the Holštejn oxbow, which lies in the floodplain of the Orlice River near Hradec Králové. The contractual completion date is April 2028. The state will contribute a subsidy from the Ministry of the Environment covering eligible costs of around CZK 8 million. The contractor is the company PAS Natura, selected in a tender.[1][2]
Scope of the work
About 4,000 cubic metres of sediment will be removed from the oxbow, which will restore the water space and create two new pools. Dredging is carried out by excavators placed on a floating platform made of military pontoons. Aleš Prokopec, spokesman of Povodí Labe, described this equipment as uncommon.[1][2]
Tree felling is based on a dendrological survey and is to be limited to the necessary extent so that more light reaches the water surface. Selected parts of the area will be left to natural development. Marián Šebesta, director general of Povodí Labe, said that a local beaver had disrupted the plans in this section, having held a different opinion on the dendrological assessment.[1][2]
Natural values of the site
Although the area was affected by the historical regulation of the river, it has retained terrain depressions, pools, blind arms and river terraces. At higher water levels of the Orlice, the surrounding meadows become waterlogged and flooded. Species recorded here earlier include European frogbit and two specially protected species, tufted loosestrife and water soldier. Šebesta said that the enterprise has monitored the site over the long term and has noted the decline of rare species; through the revitalisation it wants to improve conditions for their return.[1][2]
In preparing the project, Povodí Labe drew on a biological survey and historical data and concluded a memorandum with the city of Hradec Králové on securing the municipal land needed for the construction.[2]
Related articles: Hradec Králové
Chronology
- — Povodí Labe has begun restoring the Holštejn oxbow of the Orlice river near Hradec Králové: excavators on a floating pontoon platform will remove about 4,000 m³ of sediment and two new pools will be created; the work, costing roughly eight million crowns, is to be finished by April 2028. Deník: Královéhradecký kraj iDNES.cz
Sources
- Deník: Královéhradecký kraj — 16 October 2026
- iDNES.cz — 16 October 2026