Preservation of River Valleys in Wielkopolska in the Landscape Perception Terms – The Case of the Valley of Samica Kierska River

Abstract

River valleys, apart from their natural values, have unique visual features. The perception of landscape is mainly determined by its spatial structure. Contemporary scientific research confirms significant compliance in the terms of ecological and aesthetic evaluations. The paper presents the results of the research carried out by the authors in the Valley of Samica Kierska River in Wielkopolska which is an area protected as a part of Natura 2000 network. There were three main objectives of the research: 1) an analysis of the relations between spatial structure and visual perception of landscape in the Valley of Samica Kierska River, 2) a comparison of the expert evaluation of the visual values with public aesthetic preferences towards landscape, 3) an assessment of the potential effectiveness of the existing conservation methods in Natura 2000 network for the preservation of landscape visual features.

Developing a Framework for the Implementation of Landscape and Greenspace Indicators in Sustainable Urban Planning. Waterfront Landscape Management: Case Studies in Gdańsk, Poznań and Bristol

“…For example, biodiversity (attributed to ecological indicators) may be associated with complexity of landscape composition (attributed to visual indicators). Similarly, ecological composition and configuration may be associated with coherence and legibility, while continuity-with landscape visual scale (openness) [25,81,85]. Structural indicators in turn describe the above-mentioned landscape features in relation to space by means of its parameters (proportions, scale, form, distribution, variability and the share of particular elements).…”

“…The variability of the shape and profile of the river and the diversity of cover determines its visual attractiveness. The particular feature of riverside landscape is its extensive panoramas and views and the possibility to observe it from many different viewpoints, which provides a wide range of aesthetic sensations [85]. Therefore, spatial planning instruments should ensure the protection of both ecological and visual diversity for urban river landscapes.…”