The future of nature reserves in cities – opportunities und threats

<ns3:p>This paper discusses problems related to the protection and future of nature reserves in urbanized areas on the example of Gorzowskie Murawy nature reserve. The reserve was created in 2006 in the southwestern part of Gorzów Wielkopolski, within the moraine hills with varied relief and in the zone of the Warta valley. The subject of protection are xerothermic grassland, which are very rare in Poland and Europe. The unique nature of the vegetation found here is influenced by specific abiotic conditions (topography, soil, slope exposure, sunlight), but also by specific methods of use in the past – the area was used as a sheep grazing area, and then as military training ground. The problem of the functioning of this area is the functional and spatial conflict between the need to protect nature and the existing anthropogenic pressure, resulting mainly from meeting the recreational needs of residents.</ns3:p>