Karolina Pietrzykowska, Jerzy Wojtatowicz
DOI: 10.21858/msr.50.03
Vol. no: 50
The article attempts to determine the value of monumental trees from the perspective of visitors, with particular emphasis on sightseeing tourism. This aim was achieved on the example of 83 trees located in the Mazowieckie Voivodeship. The analysis in this regard was conducted in a multi-directional way. In the first stage, focus was placed on the parameters used to assess natural monuments. An analysis of the literature review was also carried out in terms of assessing the perception of landscape values. Subsequently, the trees were selected for evaluation. The selection was made based on data obtained from PTTK Mazovia Branch of the Polish Tourist and Sightseeing Society (PTTK) regarding natural monuments visited in the years 2016–2022, student papers originating in the 1980s to 2022, and personal preferences. The aesthetic and scenic values of selected trees were developed on the basis of the methodology presented in the article “Assessment of Exceptional Trees in the Landscape” [Wojtatowicz 2010, pp. 100–105], which includes tree inventory sheets: A1, B1, and T1. In addition, sheet P3 and nine criteria were developed to evaluate the trees. These criteria were related to their location and accessibility, as well as aesthetic, scenic, natural and cultural, compositional features, considering their surroundings. The obtained data are summarised in the table. The analyses conducted revealed that out of the 83 natural monuments examined, 54 grew near places or objects attractive to tourists or walkers, 73 in attractive locations, 35 along tourist trails and walking paths. In the case of 65% of monumental trees, it is impossible to observe them against the background of the environment. For 6% of the trees, the monuments were visible from one side, 7% of the trees were fenced, and 6.6% of the monumental trees could not be viewed by tourists without additional permits. Twenty-one out of eighty-three trees increased the aesthetic and scenic value of the interior, and the aesthetic environment positively influenced the visual perception of the tree itself. Fourteen out of eighty-three natural monuments were considered useful for orientation in the area. The legitimacy of T1 and P3 sheets was confirmed for 13% of natural monuments, and only T1 for 86% of them.