The term “fortress landscape” is a holistic one which involves coverage and terrain adapted for defensive purposes. The specificity of the historical heritage of the Polish cultural landscape is expressed in a great number of such objects, some of which have been absorbed by its cities. A case in point is the Warsaw Fortress. A significant part of its fortification has survived to this day. Due to its spatial structure, manner of use and condition, the Fortress constitutes a valuable element of Warsaw’s natural system. At the same time, it should be noted that this element is important due to being a tourist attraction and is an example of qualified military tourism. Military tourism is one of the most popular types of modern tourism. Its elements are frequently integrated into the urban green area system. Moreover, due to its specific spatial structure, the Fortress provides a unique element enriching the cultural landscape of the city. In this paper, a historical background of the Warsaw Fortress is analyzed with a special emphasis on its cultural value and public perception. The methods used in the study include a cultural value assessment, the WNET method, a survey questionnaire and both PCA and PCC statistical methods. The analysis showed that the landscape value of the Fortress received 70% of the maximum possible rating in the conducted survey. What is more, the Warsaw Fortress was also evaluated using all the assessment criteria. The study shows that the entry of the fortress elements into the city’s natural system is perceived as being valuable, although it often lacks a specific program. Consequently, the Warsaw Fortress should be subject to landscape protection with a view towards revitalization, along with introducing a recreational program.

Urban forests provide benefits in terms of the environment and society. Many people living in urban areas could profit from the recreational services provided by urban forests to alleviate the physical and psychological stresses caused by closure restrictions during the COVID-19 epidemic. However, limited research has been conducted on the role of forest recreation during the COVID-19 lockdown to support future policy decisions regarding such dramatic circumstances. The study aims to investigate the frequency of visitors in the reference Training Forest Enterprise Masaryk Forest Křtiny in Brno, Czech Republic, and to verify if the lockdown led to its intensified use, under the context of weather conditions. Data were collected using a Pyro Box Compact reader and TRAFx Infrared Trail Counter. Regression analysis was performed to determine whether individual weather factors significantly influenced the intensity of forest visitations before and during COVID-19. The number of visits in 2021 during the strict lockdown and post-lockdown periods was significantly higher during spring and autumn than in 2016 and 2017, respectively. The frequency pattern of forest users visibly changed in 2021, and the total number of visits was much higher, even though 2021 had worse weather than the reference years before the pandemic. The results show the recreational use and importance of the forest, especially during the pandemic. This work is a continuation of our previous research with regard to this area, which indicated the importance of forest recreational services for the well-being and health of city dwellers.

Motives: In the context of the global health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a need to develop new, safe forms of recreation and nature education.Aims: The Polish State Forests are introducing the concept of bushcraft, which has gained popularity among those willing to develop such skills. Sociological research and analysis of forest resources have helped to develop regulations for this form of recreation and a map of places where it can be practiced. The availability of information on the website of the General Directorate of State Forests is an important consideration, as it can facilitate the process of organizing recreation for participants and foresters.Results: The pilot program “Stay overnight in the forest” has been a success, attracting interest without negatively affecting forests and ecosystems. In the face of current and future pandemic challenges, such an innovative form of recreation may attract nature enthusiasts.

Współcześnie elementy krajobrazu fortecznego w mieście mogą stanowić niezwykle ważną składową krajobrazu kulturowego, systemu zielonej infrastruktury oraz systemu przyrodniczego miasta [SPM]. Ze względu na swoją specyfikę w organizacji przestrzeni ich rola w strukturach miasta wiąże się ze świadczeniem usług ekosystemowych we wszystkich aspektach. Niestety bardzo często elementy krajobrazu fortecznego ulegają zniszczeniu wskutek nieodpowiednio dobranego sposobu użytkowania. Prezentowany artykuł dotyczy analizy funkcjonowania obiektów fortecznych w aspekcie usług ekosystemowych, z głównym naciskiem na funkcjonowanie w systemie przyrodniczym miasta oraz pełnienie roli turystycznej wybranego obiektu, jakim jest Twierdza Warszawa. Tłem dla analiz twierdzy Warszawa są obiekty powstałe w podobnym przedziale czasowym w Europie. W sumie przeanalizowano 34 obiekty. Dokonano analizy wspomnianych obiektów pod kątem świadczeń ekosystemowych. Do tej oceny stworzono autorski system porównania, oparty na bonitacji punktowej. W dalszej części scharakteryzowano pod kątem historycznym, przestrzennym, przyrodniczym i ekosystemowym przedmiot opracowania – Twierdzę Warszawa. Zastosowano badania sondażowe, dotyczące odbioru obiektów fortecznych oraz ich wykorzystania. W podsumowaniu położono nacisk na wysoką wartość kulturową, przyrodniczą i ekosystemową takich obiektów, a co za tym idzie konieczność ich ochrony i odpowiedniego doboru sposobu użytkowania.