CHANGES IN THE RANGE OF FORESTS AND THE USE OF LANDS IN THE CATCHMENTS OF SMALL LOWER WIEPRZA TRIBUTARIES IN HISTORICAL TIMES

The subject of the study were changes in land use over the last 400 years, including forest areas. The research covered the area, the range of which is determined by the basins of three small left-bank tributaries of the Wieprza River and its direct catchments (Northern Poland). The analysis included selected historical sources and, above all, maps issued in the years 1618-2008. It was found that in the studied area the border between forest and non-forest areas was established in the Middle Ages and subsequent changes in its course were of evolutionary nature. Until the mid-nineteenth century there was significant decline in forest area, which was related to the acquisition of areas mainly for arable fields as well as meadows and pastures. Subsequent changes of forest areas, studied for periods 1836-1934 and 1934-2008 were relatively small, but they were accompanied by significant modifications of the forest species composition. Relatively the biggest changes in the last distinguished period included built-up areas with orchards, where a decrease in occupied areas of almost 25% was noted.