Landscape history research on notable forests and their surroundings in Nyírség

Abstract

In this publication we would like to present our results of landscape history assessment of two forest stands and their direct environment in Nyírség. Bakta-forest and Sóstó-forest are remains of original forest habitats in this landscape; hence they have a high significance in aspect of nature conservation. Maps of I., II., military surveys were digitalized and land cover categories were identified in two sample landscape windows. Data of surface land cover categories were analysed and compared each other in three time scale. The assessment was based also on military and civil maps from 20^th century, maps of forest management plans, archive script maps and literature data. Geographic names of maps were also analysed from the point of view of previous land use. We found differences between the surface changes of two sample forests. Forest cover of Sóstó-area had been increased continually since 18^th century to these days, forests of Bakta-area had transformed especially in composition, position and surface. Mosaic forests around the present Bakta-forest had almost disappeared in early 19^th century, large adventive tree stands had been planted in south part of Bakta-forest. Extensive wooded pastures of Bakta-area, which are similar to original steppic wood vegetation, had been also decreased radically in 19^th century. Habitats influenced by water and traditional grazing had transformed considerably in both sample areas. Still water surfaces, marshes, wetlands, wet meadows had changed to each other because of change of water bank zones, or transformed to arable and new planted forests similar to most pastures. Built-up area of Sóstó had expanded; natural habitats had been fragmented by infrastructural facilities because of nearness of town.