Nature Parks
“Łąki na Kopcach” (Meadows on Hillocks) Nature-park.
It is situated in Boguszowice, on the right slope of the Olza river valley, from the south-west and it adjoins the southern border of the “Kopce” reserve. It comprises meadows, thicket, and field groves whose total area is 14,51 ha, out of which forest takes 3,6 ha.
In the area of the nature-park almost 70 species of vascular plants of rare occurrence, either in the scope of the country, or of the region, have been found. Cieszynianka wiosenna is one of them. Fourteen species are legally protected: (Latin) Carlina acaulis, Centaurium erythraea, Gentiana cruciata, Equisetum telmateia, Epipactis helleborine, Primula elatior, Primula veris, Asarum europaeum, Daphne mezereum, Galium odoratum, Hedera helix, Frangula alnus, Aquilegia vulgaris, and Onosis spinosa.
Among the plant communities the most interesting is the community of xerothermic grass with a range of interesting stenothermal plants. The brushwood contains plants of different sizes, mainly hawthorns, blackthorns, hedge maples, viburnums (Viburnum opulus) and small forests growing on dry ground. The area has been used as a motocross course since 1970s, thanks to which it is possible for non-forest communities to remain there. The rich fauna in that area is also worth noting. Among the species living here there are some legally protected, such as: (Latin) Helix pomatia, Papilio machaon, and the following amphibians: (Latin) Salamandra, Triturus, Bombina variegata, Bufo bufo, Bufo viridis, Hyla arborea and Rana temporaria. The fauna of one of the groups of cockchafers, i.e. the weevils, is exceptionally rich (113 species). There is also one rare (and protected) species of spider living here, i.e. (Latin) Argiope bruennichi.
“Łęg nad Puńcówką” Nature-park.
It comprises the area of a so-called “flood-terrace” and it adjoins the “Lasek Miejski nad Puńcówką” reserve. An area of more than 1 ha, situated at a bend of the Puńcówka, next to the kayak landing on the Młynówka stream.
Practically the whole area is covered by young trees, mainly alders (Alnus incana), 30 years of age. Single willows and maple-trees (Acer negundo) can also be found there. In the undergrowth the dominant plants are: (Latin) Urtica, Chaerophyllum hirsutum, and Galium aparine. Besides these, one can also find the following species: (Latin) Bidens tripartita, Caltha, Petasites hybridus, Adoxa Moschatelina, Geranium phaeum, Calystegia sepium, and Reynoutria japonica.
The grounds were once used as a ski-run for ski jumping, (the ski-jump was situated in Lasek Miejski on the slope from the side of Błogocka street. It ceased to exist in the 1960s. The terrace was planted with trees and became the grounds on which the process of natural development is taking place, i.e. a spontaneous creation of forest community on swampy grounds, typical of moist areas along rivers and streams.