The impact of field coppices on viewsheds: A case study of the agricultural land-scape of Roztocze

Abstract

In the discourse agrocenoses biodiversity lost, the important role of field coppices is indicated as a landscape element that favours the formation of biodiversity. However, each change in the way of land use, both planned and occurring through secondary succession, affects the physiognomic resources of the landscape. Field coppices, as an element of the agricultural landscape, can form harmonious, linear arrangements accompanying multi-ribbon field beds. Still, at the same time, they can create tight viewing curtains limiting the field of active exposure of viewing points. The article examines the influence of field coppices functioning in the landscape on the size and spatial range of the field of active exposure of viewing points. The research is conducted using the example of the Roztocze National Park buffer zone using the geoprocessing method of spatial data. Based on the obtained results, it was found that in the buffer zone of the RPN, the area of mid-field coppice is 10003.6 ha, at the same time, in all four analyzed viewpoints significant changes were noted in the range of the active exposure area (a decrease in the area from 18.3% to 43.2%). The obtained results allow recommendations on how to minimise potential spatial conflicts between the need for biodiversity enhancement and new field coppices introduction landscape scenic resources preservation.