Urban Ecosystem Restoration Measures
On the beginning it was a former arable fields were the major part of the area. The later abandonment of cultivation resulted in the gradual transformation of this area into a wasteland and further changes in the form of gradual degradation, disturbance of water conditions and, consequently, the creation of an area inaccessible to residents.
Thanks to European funds and its own resources, the commune developed the Błonia Niepołomickie - almost 6-hectare urban green area, created in a former oxbow lake of the Vistula River. New urban green areas serving public functions made it possible to increase the biologically active area thanks to layered plantings: trees (107 trees), shrubs, perennials (approx. 75,000) and low greenery. Matched native species, adapted to function and develop in the climate of southern Poland, create an excellent environment for "inhabitation" by native birds, small mammals and insects. Blue infrastructure was not forgotten, reducing surface runoff from the city and increasing overall retention by creating rain gardens with water-collecting plants. All this is highlighted by the necessary and aesthetic infrastructure enabling access to green areas.
Błonia is:
• a place for everyone who likes relaxation, rest, sports and nature
• it is an area that naturally combines the functions of the city
• an alternative to the overpopulated Niepołomice Forest - a Natura 2000 area
• natural acoustic screen
• retention sponge
• additional "lungs" of the city
Divided into 4 zones:
• Małe Błonia on the northern side with a horse zone,
• recreation zone in the central part of the area with rain gardens and flower meadows
• sports zone on the south-eastern side
• and the area next to the castle (open-air museum) with a rose-hornbeam alley.
Places:
• Sensory rain garden with an area of approx. 550 m2 with a dry river
• Rose and hornbeam alley
• Dog park
• Orchard
• Vegetable and fruit garden
• Flower meadows
• Horse warm-up area
• Duck village
• Hedgehogs village
• Birdhouses
• Insect hotels
• Games for children and adults (boules, chess, creating constellations)
• Science playground with planetary system and orbits
• Viewing hill
• Earth hills
• Surfaces: concrete (pedestrian and driving), mineral-resin, aggregate, wooden, and the necessary infrastructure.
A place for everyone!
