This study assesses the changes in the spatial structure of the landscape between 1825 and 2019 in the isolated, protected forest complex of the Niemodlin Forests. Based on the analysis of changes in this structure, a change the supporting ecosystem services related to the protection of biodiversity was proposed. The landscape metrics were used separately for the analysis of the structure of the whole landscape, and individual types of ecosystems were used in the research. There were no major changes in the share of individual types of ecosystems during the period under review. At the same time, a very large increase in built-up areas and tree stands was found in 1825. Landscape metrics point to internal changes in the landscape composition, which is important for the functioning of the landscape and is related to the fragmentation and increasing isolation of ecosystems. Changes in the share of the surface of individual types of ecosystems in the landscape do not provide enough information about the actual structural and functional changes and ongoing ecosystem support services. There has been ecosystem degradation that is associated with freshwater habitats—surface waters, marshlands, meadows and pastures, as well as ecosystem support services related to these habitats. Changes in the spatial structure of the landscape cannot be solely deduced on the basis of changes in landscape metrics that are calculated for the whole landscape. Changes in the spatial composition of individual groups of ecosystems should be analyzed. Landscape metrics are very helpful in studying changes in the structure and function of ecosystem services.

The landscape-nature complex is one of the few forms of protecting landscape visual assets and the only one created by local governments, which may contribute to the preservation of the aesthetics of small towns. The scope of its application has not been recognised so far. The aim of the research was to evaluate the use of landscape-nature complexes in the protection of landscapes of small towns in Poland. The studies embraced the dynamics of the application of this instrument in the last 30 years, its spatial distribution and representativeness in relation to the landscape zones of Poland, the share and location in the urban space, protection motives, as well as structural features. The results show that complexes in the protection of small town landscapes in Poland are used to a small extent, not exceeding a few percent of the cities. There has not been much interest in using this instrument, particularly in the last 10 years. The occurrence of complexes in areas of high landscape values, especially in mountain, foothill, lake and coastal areas, is insufficient and not representative. The area shares are very diverse, but in most cases, they do not exceed a few percent. Complexes are located mainly on the outskirts of towns, less often in the center. The dominant protective motive is the protection of nature, while parks constitute mainly cultural and historical assets. In a small proportion of the complexes, aesthetic and visual values are explicitly indicated as the purpose of protection. The differences in the landform of the complexes are small, as opposed to the cover forms. It is necessary to improve the legal basis for the protection of the existing complexes and to develop unified methods and procedures for their identification, creation and protection.

The development of onshore wind energy is linked to the conditions for landscape protection and development established during the implementation of the European Landscape Convention (ELC). In Poland, the implementation of the ELC results in the designation and protection of priority landscapes, which may restrict the construction of new wind farms. The widespread ratification of the ELC by European countries where wind farms are being developed makes the possibility of limiting wind energy development through ELC implementation an important issue from a research and practical perspective. Experience from Poland can be helpful in optimizing the implementation process without impacting the total installed capacity of wind farms. Using GIS tools and a multi-criteria assessment of the conditions for excluding areas from wind energy development in Poland, the scale of territorial barriers was assessed in the variants without and with priority landscapes. The resources available for wind farms and the reduction in these resources associated with the implementation of the ELC were assessed quantitatively and spatially. The amount of capacity that can be connected and that will be limited by the implementation of the ELC was estimated. The analysis was conducted for the country, its regions, and zones with varying wind conditions predisposing to wind energy development. An approximately 5% reduction in the territorial potential for onshore wind energy development was observed due to the implementation of the ELC. Significant spatial variation was observed, including regional limitations on wind farms associated with the implementation of the ELC. Spatial barriers to development result not only from the presence of high-quality landscapes but also from varying regional policies for their protection and shaping. There is a lack of national coordination of regional policies for the implementation of the ELC, and there is no coordination of this process with other plans and strategies, including energy transformation and security. Despite the identified limitations to wind energy development, no threat to the achievement of strategic wind energy development goals related to connecting new capacity by 2030 and 2040 has been identified. However, in the longer term, as areas available for wind energy development become increasingly scarce, implementing ELC may pose a significant barrier to energy transition. Research indicates that the ELC implementation model in Poland, which emphasizes landscape protection rather than landscape planning and sustainable management, is not beneficial for onshore wind energy. It is necessary to integrate landscape protection policy with energy transition policy, particularly in zones with the most favorable wind (economic) conditions for onshore wind energy development.

The increasing evolution of pathogen resistance is a global problem that requires novel solutions. Recently, an increased interest in ethnomedicinal sources can be observed in the derivation of new medicines. The return to traditional medicinal formulations handed down for generations is being followed, but it is necessary to revise them again, taking into account the generally accepted research protocol. We aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of historical deposits of Silesian healing clay (SHC), used in ethnomedicine against Gram-positive bacteria and to assess their biological activity using a primary dermal fibroblast line (NHDF) and a model monocyte line (THP1). Information on medicinal clay deposits that occur in Silesia and are traditionally used in ethnomedicine or ancient medicine and known as terra sigillata Silesiaca or SHC, was selected on available source materials and old prints and maps from the archives of the Polish Geological Institute (Wrocław, Poland). Subsequently, their places of occurrence were identified and traced in the field by taking three deposits from the Silesia territory: Upper Silesia (D1), Opole Silesia (D2), and Lower Silesian (D3) Voivodeships for analysis. Their basic parameters and antimicrobial efficacy against pathogenic bacteria, Gram-positive streptococci and staphylococci, including methicillin-resistant strains, were examined. The study evaluated the effects of clays on growth and vitality using a primary dermal fibroblast line (NHDF) and a monocytic line (THP1). Studies were performed on a cell culture model to determine the effects on tissue regeneration (fibroblasts) and anti-inflammatory effects (monocytes). The study attempted to identify the mechanism of antimicrobial action, especially the textural characteristics and geochemical composition, as well as the environmental reaction (pH). SHCs were classified into the following textural classes: clay loam (D1), clay (D2), and sand (D3). The tested deposits have antimicrobial properties that reduce the bacterial population (10⁴ CFU) compared to the control (10⁸ CFU). The antimicrobial effect depends on the type of clay and the species or strain of bacteria used. In-house studies clearly showed that Staphylococcus aureus Pcm 2054 and Staphylococcus epidermidis MRSE ATCC 2538 cells were completely adsorbed by clay minerals from clay D3.13. Furthermore, 10% leachates also showed an antimicrobial effect, as a reduction in bacterial populations was observed ranging from 91 to 100%. The results showed stimulation of fibroblast culture proliferation and inhibition of the growth of inflammatory cells (monocytes). SHCs tested have antimicrobial potential, in particular D2.7, D2.11, and D3.13. The D3.13 deposit had a bactericidal effect against the staphylococci tested. Aqueous solutions of clays also showed bacteriostatic effect. The results obtained in cell culture model tests indicate properties that modulate the healing process - stimulation of fibroblast growth (NHDF line) and inhibition of monocyte growth (THP1 line).

Od 22 lat w Polsce nie powstał żaden nowy park narodowy, mimo że powstało wiele projektów i podejmowano działania na rzecz ich utworzenia. Planowany Park Narodowy Puszczy Śląskiej jest jedną z propozycji ważnych dla zachowania zróżnicowania przyrodniczego Polski. Ma być utworzony w Śląskiej Krainie Przyrodniczo-Leśnej, która jako jedyna nie ma tego typu formy ochrony przyrody. Obszar spełnia wymogi prawne dla parków narodowych, charakteryzuje się dużą różnorodnością i naturalnością lasów, mimo ich gospodarczego wykorzystania. Występują w nim duże koncentracje chronionych i rzadkich gatunków roślin i zwierząt. Z dwóch enklaw leśnych planowanych do ochrony zachodnia charakteryzuje się większą naturalnością, wschodnia wyższymi walorami kulturowymi. Dla optymalizacji projektu, w tym zmniejszenia konfliktów przestrzennych i społecznych należy wyłączyć z propozycji ochrony prywatne tereny zabudowane i grunty orne zlokalizowane przy granicach parku. Możliwe jest też utworzenie parku tylko w granicach projektowanej do ochrony enklawy zachodniej. Ma ona powierzchnię typową dla istniejących w Polsce średniej wielkości parków narodowych.