Landscape planning in areas of sand extraction in the Silesian Upland, Poland

In the Silesian Upland, sand has been used as fill material in coal mines for over a 100 years. Sand extraction has significantly transformed the geological structure, relief, water and soil conditions, vegetal cover, and microclimate. The aim of the following paper is a synthesis of anthropogenic transformation of the environment, shaping the landscape and restoring nature in areas of sand extraction. We have presented simple models of the environment functioning during mining and post-mining periods. Research implies that of the two preferred directions, i.e. aquatic and forest reclamation, the first approach leads to quicker restoration of nature and ensures greater biodiversity despite higher costs. As a result of forest reclamation, previous vegetal cover is re-established within the bounderies of the working, however, in the zone of the cone of depression, due to permanent draining, persist water and soil conditions that are unfavourable for vegetation. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.