Manor Park Research Articles

Ptačí diverzita v historickém zámeckém parku – implikace pro ochranu biodiverzity v hospodářských lesích

Long-term trends of abundance and diversity of forest birds have been very stable over past decades in European managed forests. It can be caused by high heterogeneity on habitat scale. In European cultural landscapes, there is another habitat very similar to managed forests, and that is a historic manor park. The parks can even show higher bird diversity than managed forests. However, there is an evident knowledge gap related to long-term changes of bird abundance and diversity in the habitats of manor parks. In this study we observed long-term changes of bird community in the historic manor park Čechy pod Kosířem (Czech Republic) using comparison of bird territory mapping in 2022–2023 with older bird studies in this locality. We gained an overview of bird community changes in the manor park for the period of 1997–2023. Results show that the bird community in historic manor park was remarkably unvarying in abundance and diversity. Historic manor parks can be considered as important refuges for forest bird diversity in cultural landscapes. We discuss the research implications for conserving bird diversity in managed forests especially in connection with large old trees preservation providing heterogeneity of nest habitats.

Sociodemographic Characteristics Associated with Higher Numbers of COVID-19 Cases: A Neighbourhood Level Study in Ottawa, Ontario

INTRODUCATION: The complex interplay of the social conditions that one lives in and functions greatly influences the exposure to a certain health condition and the ability to recover from it. Reports on COVID-19 diagnosis, hospitalization and fatality reveal a clear sociodemographic divide with the marginalized communities bearing a disproportionately higher burden of the outcomes. The objectives of this study was to explore the neighbourhoods characteristics associated with higher COVID-19 rates in Ottawa by employing a social determinants of health framework that identifies critical intersections that impact of multi-level determinants of health. METHODOLOGY: This study is based on data on 98 neighbourhoods in Ottawa that were collected from the Ottawa Neighbourhood study (ONS). The outcome variable was COVID-19 rate between March 09, 2020 - January 31, 2021. The independent variables were potentially vulnerable groups, Socioeconomic, neighbourhood, and demographic factors. We used descriptive and logistic regression methods to analyse the data. RESULTS: The neighbourhoods that had relatively high number of rates COVID-19 cases were Hunt Club Park (909), Manor Park (831), Greenboro East (739), Overbrook McArthur (641), and Hunt Club Upper-Blossom Park (619); and the ones with lowest rates were Laurentian (44), Old Ottawa South (31), Richmond (22), Riverside South Leitrim (19), Wateridge Village (5), and Westboro (3). Multivariate regression analysis showed that neighborhood characteristics such as percentage of community health center within a 50m walk, higher population density, higher percentage of people taking public transportation to work, higher percentage of people with no high school diploma, perceived walkability score, low income prevalence, higher percentage of unsuitable housing,  households with multiple family,  refugee population, new comer during 2011-16, single parent family, and higher percentage of living alone were associated higher odds of above average COVID-19 rates. CONCLUSION: These findings reflect a greater likelihood of COVID-19 infection in the neighbourhoods with poorer socioeconomic and living conditions such as low income, unhealthy housing, and higher population density. Addressing the challenges among the disadvantaged communities may help reduce the higher vulnerability and promote health conditions.

LARGE STONES IN THE MANOR PARKS OF LATVIA

Starting from the 18th cent., construction of manor castles and laying out of landscape parks developed in Latvia. The parks contained different structures; mostly transformations of terrain associated with parks and the large stones have survived till nowadays. These stones have not been previously dealt with in uniform research. Several park stones have been mentioned in different connections in a series of publications. Connection of manors with the large stones appears at least since the 15th cent. The article provides information concerning eight large stones of manor parks, with average dimension in one direction no less than 2 m. It must be assumed that a large stone, entwined by legends, might have been inspiring to lay out a manor park in its close proximity. Sometimes dated texts have been carved in the large stones (1768; 1798; 1845–1855). Two large stones are crudely shaped stone benches. Several of the large stones, as testified by folklore and hollows in stones, might be connected with sacrality. Part of park stones fall within the circle of Devil’s legends. There are also folklore subjects on buried treasure, tragic lovers, etc. Nowadays the large stones of manor parks are included in cultural movement again, this time more focusing on tourists and other visitors. Long ago recorded narratives are used, and new folklore is developed. Today, the large stones of manor parks and the crown of folklore around them, become part of the park landscape and keep up peculiar park atmosphere, retaining the presence of legendary ancient times.

Filtration Properties of Anthropogenic Soils in Kozłówka Manor Park

Filtration Properties of Anthropogenic Soils in Kozłówka Manor Park

<i>Amanita phalloides</i> in Northwest European Russia

The article reviews available data on the “death cap” (Amanita phalloides) occurrences in the North-West of the European Russia (Leningrad, Novgorod, Pskov Oblasts and St. Petersburg City). The literature data are analyzed, the review of ecological preferences of the species in the studied area is carried out. It has been suggested that the species can be both native and imported and was introduced with broad-leaved tree seedlings during the foundation of numerous manor parks in the XVIII–XIX centuries. Molecular-genetic analysis was carried out, showing that ITS sequences of A. phalloides samples from Leningrad Oblast form a common clade with the sequences of collections from Central Russia as well as from Northern and Central Europe.

Preferences of Young Adult Visitors to Manor Parks in South Poland: A Study on Ecosystem Services and Scenic Quality

Manor parks are characteristic cultural features in Polish agricultural landscapes. About 10,000 manor parks are estimated to exist in Poland, and due to their high natural, historic and scenic value, these features represent potential in terms of ecosystem services. To properly manage these sites, it is advisable to determine the preferences of its visitors. The present study presents the results of a quantitative survey based on a group of 352 young visitors to manor parks in south Poland. The results show that visitors with higher monthly incomes have a statistically significant higher awareness as far as caring for the authenticity and preservation of the natural and historical heritage of manor parks and forests. Conversely, for visitors with lower incomes, additional touristic promotion attractions (e.g., souvenirs, guided visits) are increasingly important. The results of the study provide an important basis of information for local authorities, as well as private owners, with regard to preserving the natural and historical values (which are closely connected with the scenic values) of these sites, as well as local tourism development. The values of nature, sustainability, tourism and the improvement of life quality are linked to the enhancement of manor parks, as these facilities are providers of ecosystem services.

Traditions in the formation of historical manor parks of the Poltava Region (Ukraine)

The article is devoted to the historical manor parks of one of the picturesque regions of Ukraine – Poltava Region. The focus of the study is on traditions and peculiarities of their formation, which developed historically in the period of the 18th-19th centuries. Historical-factual, monographic, stylistic, and comparative-historical methods were used during the research. The methods of theoretical analysis, visual inspection and graphic reconstruction were also applied. The article presents a brief history of the emergence of manor and park complexes in the region. Foreign and local specialists, who were involved in their formation, including park areas, are presented. Manor parks were distinguished by the nature of landscape design and planning composition. The article proves that the functional and planning composition of manor parks of the Poltava Region was based on the following structural elements: park (landscape), economic and production, greenhouse, and orchard zones. The main features of the solution of the Poltava Region historical manor parks were revealed. They consisted in the harmonious combination of a natural massif of greenery with created landscape groups, existing water sources with artificial ponds, and architectural buildings of estates. Traditionally, life in Poltava manors was mainly focused on calm rest and the development of agricultural (or industrial) productions’ branches. The landscape and hydrological characteristics of the area and the dendrological composition of the vegetation were the basis for the landscape-planning solution of manor parks. Local gardeners and gardening experts involved in the work tried to preserve and emphasize them. Manor parks continue to interest researchers as examples of garden and park art. Exquisite stylistic solutions, interesting landscape and dendrological compositions were tested on these private territories. Unique views and landscapes were created here.

Pomniki przyrody i drzewa pomnikowe wybranych gmin powiatu wejherowskiego (województwo pomorskie)

The paper presents results of a survey of natural monuments and monumental trees in the Wejherowo County, Poland. During the field research it was found that there are 106 monuments of nature in the community of Gniewino, Linia, Luzino and Łęczyce. Under monument protection are as follows: 1 climber, 69 individual trees, 3 alleys, 18 groups of trees and 15 erratic boulders. The largest number of monuments of nature is located in the Łęczyce community (51 natural monuments), while the smallest monuments number is located in the area of the Linia community (3 monuments). In total, there are 65 monuments of nature in the State Forests, which constitutes as much as 61% of the total number in the studied area. Along the roads, there are 22 monuments in cemeteries and 19 on private land. Manor parks are rich in monuments of nature. There are a total of 23 monuments in them. All natural monuments should be labeled with the word “NATURE MONUMENT”, while only 72 of them are marked as such. During the research work, 7 monument trees were selected as follows: 4 specimens of the common beech Fagus sylvatica L., 2 specimens of Coast Douglas-fir Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco and 1 specimen of small-leaved lime Tilia cordata Mill. Due to its impressive size and standing out among other trees of the same genus or species, they should be taken under monument protection.

A participatory approach to embedding evidence in practice to support early language and communication in a London nursery school

IOE (Institute of Education), UCL’s Faculty of Education and Society (University College London, UK) has a long tradition of engagement with schools to support young children’s learning and co-produce knowledge through research–practice partnerships. From the first demonstration schools in the early 1900s to engagement with contemporary research schools, the vital importance of linking theory and practice in education through schools has been an integral part of the IOE’s values and ethos. One way to link theory to practice is to utilise participatory research methodologies to embed evidence in practice. This article discusses the research project Manor Park Talks, undertaken in collaboration with IOE and a leading partner, a head teacher and IOE alumnus of the East London Teaching and Research School. The aim of the project was to support early language and communication in a cluster of early years settings in Newham, London, and it involved a process of co-production in the design of a systematic review to assess the evidence-based pedagogical strategies that can be used to inform teaching practices to enhance the professional development of early years education practitioners (to include teachers, classroom assistants, childcare workers and other ancillary staff). The research aimed to evaluate a community of practice for early years practitioners to support young children’s early language development and communication, and to inform an evidence-based practice tool to guide teaching practices in early years settings. A commentary on the review findings and methodological innovation of the study in using a participatory approach to review the evidence is provided in this article.

Effects of Adjacent Land Use Types on the Composition of Vascular Flora in Urban Forest Ecotones in the Southern Poland

The purpose of the research was the recognition of edge effects regarding similarities and differences of vascular flora in undergrowth layers in the urban forest ecotones. Four types of urban forest neighborhoods were analyzed: ecotones adjacent to the manor park, the agriculture field, housing estates and the road. The plant compositions in the forest ecotones were compared with the plant compositions in the urban forest interior and the forest nature reserve. The phytosociological type of studied forests was a subcontinental oak-hornbeam one (Tilio-Carpinetum). Diagnostic plant species (e.g., characteristic) for forests from the non-diagnostic ones were identified. Forest consistent plant species dominated in the ecotone adjacent to the manor park and in the interior of urban forests too, but the best conditions for these plants were inside the forest nature reserve, where native consistent forest plants showed the highest dominance when comparing all studied areas. A higher anthropogenic pressure from the adjacent areas results in supporting the growth of inconsistent plant species in the forests, and these plants are mostly represented by plants belonging to grass and synanthropic communities. Another conclusion drawn from our research is that the protected forest, represented by a nature reserve in the city, provides better “shelter” for native forest plants than the urban forest without any protection. Ultimately, a permanent challenge is to achieve and maintain the balance between nature and the impact of anthropogenic activities on urban forests in the city. The high quality of green areas, biodiversity, including forests, implicates possibilities of sustainable development in cities. The research results will be useful for local urban planners and ecologists during their work on strategies of city development, including shaping of green infrastructure.

Do Adjacent Forests Affect the Regeneration of Oak-Hornbeam and Ancient Forest Plant Species in Manor Parks in Poland?

Manor parks are characteristic objects in the agricultural landscape of Poland. Lack of proper management after World War II, however, led to their devastation from a cultural point of view, but may allow the regeneration of rare and endangered species. The aim of our study was to determine if the presence of forests in the vicinity of manor parks will work as an accelerator of the regeneration process of oak-hornbeam and ancient forest species. Phytosociological analyses were conducted in manor parks adjacent to forests and not adjacent to the forest as well as natural forests. The total number of plant species, number and percentage share of ancient forest species, and plant species consistent with oak-hornbeam habitat were analyzed using a GLM model. Characteristic species were identified using detrended correspondence analysis. Parks adjacent to forests and natural forests showed higher numbers of total species, ancient forest species, and oak-hornbeam species compared with parks not adjacent to forests, but there were no differences in percentage shares of ancient forest species and oak-hornbeam species. For all three types of studied objects, characteristic species could be identified. We conclude that adjacent forests allow greater regeneration of ancient forest species and oak-hornbeam forest species in manor parks.

The model of trees for the restoration of historical manor parks in Estonia

The aim of this article is to work out the methodological basis for the restoration of historical manor parks according to the requirements of the Florence Charter. This is why the park is not studied as an object of biodiversity but as a built monument and an architectural piece, whose composition is mainly created by woody plants particularly trees. The purpose of the current research was to clarify the proportion of examples of distinct tree species in manor parks today and to determine the main tree and shrub species originally used in manor parks. Working out the model for the composition of stands of trees in a historic park. The model for the composition of stands of trees in a historic park was developed. The article summarizes the results of a survey what is a part larger study that explores and understand the key characteristics of Estonian Manor Ensembles and parks.

Integration of abandoned manor parks, that are cultural heritage sites, into an environment, that corresponds to the “smart city” concept

The paper is devoted to the possibility of urban development using manor parks, which are cultural heritage sites, to improve the quality of the built environment. To justify the type of their use, we propose a methodology based on the factors identified during the study that affect the type of use of manor parks, as well as on the analysis of existing similar, already optimally used manor parks and a sociological study of the needs of potential visitors. Using this method will help improve the quality of the built environment when implementing the “smart city” concept.

Факторы, влияющие на разнообразие лишайников в усадебных парках Псковской области

The article describes the results of studies of the factors affecting lichen diversity in 46 manor parks of the region of Pskov. The investigated parks were founded in the end of XVIII – beginning of XX centuries. Twenty of them are fragmented and currently occupy less than 5 ha, the area of nine parks varies from 5 to 10 ha, those preserved within historical boundaries cover from 11 to 100 ha. Manor parks are situated both within the settlements’ boundaries (31 parks) and outside the settlements either bordering forest (12) or agricultural lands (3). Ten of the former border the forests. During the study 166 lichen species were identified. Statistical methods were performed to investigate the factors affecting lichen diversity in manor parks. Linear regression analysis was used to examine the dependence of the lichens species number on the park age/date of park creation (dispersion pattern), area of the parks (box plot), substrata diversity (dispersion pattern), and the dependence of the epiphytic lichens species number on tree and shrub species diversity (dispersion pattern). With the biserial correlation coefficient the impact of the settlement and the presence of the surrounding natural forests was calculated. Correlation analysis was performed to demonstrate the colligation between lichen species composition of the parks located in different subzones of forest zone in the region of Pskov. Our findings show that the number of lichen species depends on the park area (p = 0,0315), the variety of substrate types (p ˂ 0,001), and the variety of trees and bushes planted (p ˂ 0,001). The date of park creation and the presence of the surrounding natural forests do not influence the species diversity of lichens. We reveal that the location of the parks in a specific subzone of forest zone (southern taiga and mixed coniferous-broad-leaved forest) has no significant effect on the lichen species composition. The species richness of lichens tends to decrease in parks located within the settlements. The data obtained indicate not only the similarity of the species composition of lichens in the studied communities, but also the long-term development of lichen park communities in comparable climatic and landscape conditions.

Epiphytic bryophytes in Latvian manor parks

Epiphytic bryophytes in Latvian manor parks

Manor Parks in Poland—Costly Heritage or Potential for the Development of Rural Communes

Historical parks, as an inseparable element of manors and landowners’ palaces, constitute a valuable cultural heritage, commemorating the times of the Polish nobility. From among the 16,000 manor houses existing before 1939, only 3433 objects remained, including 1965 of them are residential parks without the dominant feature in the form of a building. Numerous studies and activities are carried out to protect, restore, maintain and adapt these facilities to current needs. They are general, often theoretical, or individual concern objects, or only mansions or palaces, excluding parks, which makes it difficult to assess the problem objectively. The aim of this study is a comprehensive assessment of the distribution (in terms of spatial, social and administrative terms), the state of preservation (in terms of area size, technical, phytosanitary and original composition) and the use of the potential of historical parks in manor or palace complexes. The authors examined the distribution of these objects using relative indicators and descriptive statistics. The economic potential of the parks was explored in comparison to the facilities based on their sale offers, using the analysis of variance and the Tukey test. The results show the detailed distribution, state of preservation and problems related to the current and potential use of post-manor parks, manor and palace parks in 16 voivodeships of the country.

The use of woody plants in Estonian and Livonian manor ensembles during the second half of the 17th century

Abstract Not much is known about the 17th-century Estonian and Livonian landscape architecture. Most of the information is based on the descriptions found in historical archival and literary sources and on some of the well-known engravings. According to these, a common idea of that era's landscape architecture is that it was humble in scale and design, and was similar to the practice of late-medieval times when there was no space or ambition to grow woody plants in small gardens of castles. But when diving into the Swedish manor plans dating back to the last decades of the 17th century, it can be noted that the layouts of manorial hearts are inherent to the spatial design of early baroque, which is characterized by a landscape that has strongly been redesigned and includes a decorative garden, kitchen garden and a park. This article focuses on the spatial composition of Estonian and Livonian manor parks of the second half of the 17th century and observes the role of trees and their use in these landscapes. This article is based on the results of a study about the planning of baroque manor hearts Understanding the Role of 18th Century Estonian Manor Ensembles in Contemporary Planning and Conservation (Eesti 18. sajandi mõisaansamblid 21. sajandi maastikuplaneerimises: avastamine, mõistmine, tõlgendamine) which was carried out by the author of this article. The map analysis results deal with the spatial structure of manor ensembles and the observations made during the analysis. The article examines the possible ways of using woody plants in 17th-century Estonian manors while looking at the manor ensemble as an architectonic of early baroque. Based on the research results it can be said that by the last decades of the 17th century the wealthiest manors had already built manor hearts with a modest but a clearly baroque style layout which is characterized by a regular and symmetrical ensemble core, a garden axially connected to the main building and avenues heading into the landscape. This type of approach enables to broaden the common conception of the era's garden and park architecture in the manor hearts of Estonia and Livonia. Based on what is highlighted in the article it can be said that the tradition and practice of garden art that has shaped the image of Estonian landscape had already been developed by the end of the 17th century.

Forty species of lichens, lichenicolous and calicioid fungi new for the Kaliningrad region (former Ostpreußen) with additional noteworthy records

Himelbrant, D., Stepanchikova, I., Korolev, K., Motiejūnaitė, J. & Petrenko, D. 2020. Forty species of lichens, lichenicolous and calicioid fungi new for the Kaliningrad region (former Ostpreusen) with additional noteworthy records. – Herzogia 33: 34–56.The most important results of lichenological fieldwork in the northern part of the Kaliningrad region (former Ostpreusen), conducted in 2019, are reported. Forty species are new to the Kaliningrad region, of which Fuscidea lightfootii and Xanthoparmelia mougeotii are also new to Russia. Jamesiella anastomosans and Reichlingia leopoldii were otherwise known in Russia only from the Caucasus. Also treated are another sixteen species which are rare or protected in the region, or are indicators of biologically valuable forests. The most diverse and valuable fraction of the lichen diversity in the northern part of the Kaliningrad region was observed in the remnants of old-growth Norway spruce-broadleaved, broadleaved, and black alder forests, as well as in old-growth broadleaved alleys and manor parks.

Regeneration of vegetation in manor park in Laskowice (Dąbrowa Forest District)

Laskowice is a village located in Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodeship, in Świecie Upland near Świecie. On the edges of the village there is a manor-palace complex established by Franz von Gordon in the first half of the 19th century. Since the palace was destroyed in 1945, the maintenance of the park was ceased. Currently the object is administrated by Dąbrowa Forest District. The aim of the study was to determine the direction of vegetation transformation of the park in the light of lack of use. Lack of human interference within examined object has initiated regeneration processes. At present the vegetation of the park refers to structure and species composition of natural forest plant communities. Phytosociological research carried out in 2015 and 2016 revealed the presence of following associations: Ficario-Ulmetum , Fraxino-Alnetum and Tilio-Carpinetum. Shrub vegetation of Rhamno-Prunetea class develops in places. Non-forest vegetation of meadows ( Arrhenatheretum elatioris ) and nitrophilous edges ( Urtico-Aegopodietum ) are present. In case of analyzed object the physionomy and species composition of forest communities differs from typical forms. An attention is paid to a strongly developed layer of brushwood. There is a lack of some characteristic species, alien species are present in treestand and shrub layers. A large share in phytocoenoses of Ficario-Ulmetum and Tilio-Carpinetum has Sambucus nigra and in case of the first association also alien species – Philadelphus coronarius and Symphoricarpos albus . Values of calculated indices of synanthropization confirm the regeneration of forest communities: index of natural character achieves value 40% and synanthropization index ranges from 48.78% for Tilio-Carpinetum to 60.00% for Fraxino-Alnetum.

Historical gardens and their potential use for proecological development of urban green space, as illustrated by Felin Manor Park in Lublin, Poland

Historical urban parks are particularly valuable in terms of their ecology, as they offer habitats to many valuable flora and fauna. A study was conducted in Felin Manor Park, Lublin, southeastern Poland, dating back to the end of the nineteenth and the first half of twentieth century. The aim of the study was to assess the suitability of this type of urban park for the proecological design of urban green areas that will comply with the legal requirements for historic gardens. The investigation demonstrate that long-living native tree species (e.g., <em>Tilia cordata</em>, <em>Quercus robur</em>, and <em>Fraxinus excelsior</em>) are the best preserved plants in this park. The dendroflora of the park is, however, characterized by a great variety of species flowering between early spring and fall. These reward species ensure continuity of the food base for insects throughout the vegetation season. A floristic inventory facilitated development of a concept for the restoration of the park combining cultural (historical, educational) and ecological functions. <em>Tilia cordata</em> was used for line planting arrangements along the park boundary. It is a component of the alley design along the driveway and is one of the most valuable nectar reward species. The survey allowed the definition of future design guidelines, i.e., the preservation of the historical park structures (formed by long-living native species) and complementation of the park dendroflora with species that are attractive for bees and other insect pollinators. To supplement their food base, it is recommended that a “bee garden” with herbaceous reward plants should be created.