Dynamic Growth of “Pioneer Trees” as a Basis for Recreational Revitalization of Old Urban Landfills: A Case Study of Zgierz, Central Poland

Andrzej Długoński (), Justyna Marchewka, Zuzanna Tomporowska and Joanna Nieczuja-Dwojacka
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Andrzej Długoński: Department of Landscape Architecture, Institute of Environmental Engineering, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-787 Warszawa, Poland
Justyna Marchewka: Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University in Warsaw, 01-938 Warszawa, Poland
Zuzanna Tomporowska: Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University in Warsaw, 01-938 Warszawa, Poland
Joanna Nieczuja-Dwojacka: Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University in Warsaw, 01-938 Warszawa, Poland

Land, 2025, vol. 14, issue 9, 1-25

Abstract: Urban tree biodiversity represents a valuable natural resource. However, some fast-growing tree species with limited esthetic value play an important ecological role by colonizing degraded areas, such as closed landfills. Our observations indicate that trees like Betula pendula (Roth), Acer negundo (L.), and Populus tremula (L.) reached the size of adult trees in less than 30 years after the landfill’s closure in the 1990s, forming a nature area similar to a natural forest. A resident survey conducted among the inhabitants of Zgierz confirmed that the lack of space provides opportunities for various forms of recreation. The example analyzed indicates a trend that can be replicated in other cities with minimal human intervention and low financial costs for landfill reclamation. The case study presents an ecological approach to managing degraded sites, where nature determines the quality of the soil environment by eliminating pollutants from the residential surroundings. Furthermore, the research framework provides a basis for developing future models for cleaning up urban landfill sites and promoting placemaking. This pilot study shows a model for old landfills in Europe with well-developed spontaneous vegetation that can be transformed into recreation and sports facilities in the urban areas with industrial past times.

Keywords: questionnaire survey; landfill; ecological approach; recreation; natural vegetation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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