Impact of water reservoirs in Nienawiszcz on improve of the visual values of landscape

Abstract

Background. Surface waters are components of the environment, which greatly enhance landscape attractiveness, so they are included in most landscape assessment methods. As a result of natural processes and long-term intensification of agriculture and land development many waterbodies have degraded and disappeared. Due to the increasing importance of protection of natural values in agricultural landscape it is advisable to revitalise it through the restoration or construction of small waterbodies. Material and methods. The study assesses the influence of the reconstruction of waterbodies and the introduction of trees on the visual qualities of agricultural landscape. The research was conducted in an area located near the village of Nienawiszcz, where a private investor built three waterbodies between 1999 and 2012 and thus enriched the landscape. In 2014 the landscape was visually assessed by means of the Wejchert impression curve adapted to the non-urbanised landscape. Results. The study showed that the landscape was varied and attractive. Additionally, the reconstruction of the waterbodies in Nienawiszcz diversified the agricultural landscape and resulted in its higher visual rating both in the summer and winter. Conclusions. The reconstruction of waterbodies and intensive landscape activities enriched the agricultural landscape and increased its attractiveness, especially for recreational and tourist purposes.