Urban allotment gardens (AGs) provide a unique combination of productive and recreational spaces for the inhabitants of European cities. Although the reasons behind the decision to have a plot, as well as the mode of use and gardening practices, are well recognised in the literature, these issues are mainly considered in relation to particular case studies within a single country. The regional diversity of European allotment gardens is still poorly understood, however. This knowledge gap became an incentive for us to carry out the present study. The research was conducted in seven countries: Austria, Estonia, Germany, France, Portugal, Poland and the UK. Surveys were used to assess the motivations of users regarding plot uses and gardening practices. Information was also collected during desk research and study visits, making use of available statistical data. Allotment gardens in Europe are currently very diverse, and vary depending on the historical, legal, economic and social conditions of a given country, and also as determined by geographical location. Three main types of plots were distinguished, for: cultivation, recreation–cultivation, and cultivation–recreation. The recreational use of AGs has replaced their use for food production in countries with a long history of urban gardening. The only exception is the UK. In some countries, the production of food on an AG plot is still its main function; however, the motivations for this are related to better quality and taste (the UK), as well as the economic benefits of self-grown fruits and vegetables (Portugal, Estonia). Among the wide range of motivations for urban gardening in Europe, there is increasing emphasis on active recreation, contact with nature and quality food supply.

Almost five thousand allotment gardens divided into one million plots are used by roughly 10% of Polish society. Several studies have emphasized their social importance and significance for enlargement of the area and the integrity of urban spatial greenery systems. However, the area of allotment gardens in Polish cities has been decreasing since the changes in the post-communist country in the 1990s. There is a lack of a simple method of classification and valuation of allotment gardens in relation to their significance in urban green space systems that could be used by officials and city planners. Hence, this study aims to examine the significance of allotment gardens in the spatial development of the green space system of Poznań and classify them with a simple and universal method of valuation which could be used in urban planning. The location of allotment gardens in the urban green space system in Poznań was examined with the classification method elaborated here. It was based on the valuation of several internal and external features of individual allotment gardens. The results showed that allotment gardens are important areas and spatial elements of the green space system in Poznań. Over 30% of allotment gardens are of high significance in the green space system of the city. Nevertheless, according to urban planning documentation, there are plans to reduce the area of allotments in Poznań. Even gardens indicated in the research to be of high significance to the integrity and enlargement area of the urban green space system are planned to be liquidated. Use of the developed classification could influence the decision-making process regarding the liquidation of allotment gardens and preserve the most valuable objects.

Extensive and continuous areas of urban greenery are essential for the proper functioning of cities and for achieving optimal natural conditions. The aim of our study was to investigate the changes in the areas of public green space of Szczecin, Poznań and Wrocław in the years 1996–2013, and compare data on public greenery with demographic data and changes in the spatial development of the described cities. We used a linear regression and exponential regression to explain the results. In our opinion, it is necessary to establish the appropriate proportion of public greenery to the built-up areas in cities. Otherwise, we will be observing an adverse reduction of green areas in relation to residential areas. Surveys also indicate the need for action to prevent the outflow of population to the suburban areas.

The phenomenon of outdoor advertising is particularly worrying in protected areas due to the limitation and depreciation of natural and landscape assets. The paper aims to identify and compare legal provisions concerning the advertising policy in relation to naturally and visually precious areas in Poland and Slovakia. Moreover, it determines the scale of visual pollution in a protected area – trends in the location, size, form and influence on the surroundings and perception. In both analysed countries there are regulations that would not bring the desired effects regarding the advertising policy. Advertisement devices are present in settlements and at significant road points, entrances to facilities connected with tourism. A point of concern is that they are frequently placed in the most precious landscape areas.

This article aims to analyse the development and use of allotment gardens (AGs) and plots in Westphalia and Lippe (Germany) and Wielkopolska (Poland) to assess what functions are feasible in their current stage, thus, contributing to an ongoing discussion on the role of AGs in contemporary urban space. The analysis considered ecosystem services, green infrastructure and urban agriculture. Characteristic features of AGs were identified by means of a survey of plot-holders, in-depth interviews with representatives of allotment associations, and exploratory walks. The management and use of AGs differs in both regions in terms of accessibility, common areas, impact on the landscape and plots development. AGs in Westphalia and Lippe are accessible and developed in a way which meets needs of external users. They fit harmoniously into the surrounding landscape. However, AGs in Wielkopolska are not as accessible, prioritise internal users, and do not always blend in with their surroundings. In Westphalia and Lippe, in addition to recreational and edible plant-growing plots, there are also educational and integration ones, while in Wielkopolska main categories of plots were more numerous and varied; from recreational with a predominance of ornamental plants to fully-cultivated. However, the considerable freedom that Polish plot-holders enjoy gives rise to the gradual marginalisation of edible-plant growing.