Changes in the area covered by woody plants communities in the Karpnicki Potok valley as an example of changes in forest area in lower parts of the Sudety Mountains

Abstract

On the basis of historical and recent cadastral maps, topographic maps, and aerial photographs, we analysed changes in forest area within the cadastral units of Karpniki village, in the Karpnicki Potok (SW Poland). In 1823−2012, forest area increased there from about 41% to over 57% of the total area. The greatest increase has been recorded recently. Moreover, at that time over 16% of land classified officially as farmland was naturally colonized by communities dominated by woody plants. This seminatural process in the analysed case does not pose any serious threat to natural resources, but a complete lack of its control may lead to deterioration of the value of the local landscape and development of low−quality forest stands. The observed changes seem to be typical of other areas located in lower parts of the Sudety Mountains