The objective of the presented study was to portray changes in meadow sites and communities with the aim of emphasizing the need for their protection. On the basis of 450 phytosociological surveys, which were taken in years 1967–1968 and 1999–2002, changes in the floristic composition of isolated communities, site conditions as well as meadow and pasture values (LWU) were assessed.
In the upper section of the Barycz River, the dominating communities are those from the changing humid sites from the Molinietalia order of the Molinio-Arrhenatheretea class as well as from marshy meadows of Phragmitetea class. This geobotanical structure is the result of changes in hydrological conditions. The consequences of floristic changes indicating degradation of the isolated communities include their poor yields and low fodder value scores. Meadow communities on the examined areas more and more frequently fulfil non-forage functions.