<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

<p>The Province of Silesia, in Poland, is an area where many railway connections, of mostly local importance, have been closed recently. In some cities, they have been eliminated altogether and passenger rail transport has been replaced by bus transport. For this research, a sociological study was conducted using the diagnostic survey method and the questionnaire technique. A transversal testing strategy was also used. The aims of the study were to illustrate the function of abandoned railway areas in the landscape and to present possible recommendations for their development from the point of view of the needs of society. The research population included 1,685 people who were students at the University of the Third Age and adult residents. The surveys focused on the possibility of exploiting the natural potential of railway areas. The respondents’ answers provided suggestions for the development of unused railway areas, which included creating bicycle lanes, alleys with a high biodiversity of both flora and fauna, and walking tracks. The analysis of the study’s results can be useful to both local authorities and the Management of the Polish State Railways (PKP S.A.) in their decision-making processes concerning the revitalization of unused railway areas. Similar revitalization efforts have already been undertaken by various cities and communities.</p>
</abstract>

The Province of Silesia, in Poland, is an area where many railway connections, of mostly local importance, have been closed recently. In some cities, they have been eliminated altogether and passenger rail transport has been replaced by bus transport. For this research, a sociological study was conducted using the diagnostic survey method and the questionnaire technique. A transversal testing strategy was also used. The aims of the study were to illustrate the function of abandoned railway areas in the landscape and to present possible recommendations for their development from the point of view of the needs of society. The research population included 1,685 people who were students at the University of the Third Age and adult residents. The surveys focused on the possibility of exploiting the natural potential of railway areas. The respondents’ answers provided suggestions for the development of unused railway areas, which included creating bicycle lanes, alleys with a high biodiversity of both flora and fauna, and walking tracks. The analysis of the study’s results can be useful to both local authorities and the Management of the Polish State Railways (PKP S.A.) in their decision-making processes concerning the revitalization of unused railway areas. Similar revitalization efforts have already been undertaken by various cities and communities.

The socio-economic importance of abandoned railway areas in the landscape of the Silesian Province (southern Poland)

University of Silesia in Katowice, Faculty of Natural Sciences

University of Silesia in Katowice, Faculty of Social Sciences

Environmental & Socio-economic Studies

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

The Province of Silesia, in Poland, is an area where many railway connections, of mostly local importance, have been closed recently. In some cities, they have...

The socio-economic importance of abandoned railway areas in the landscape of the Silesian Province (southern Poland)

Published Online: Apr 19, 2023

Page range: 1 - 12

Received: Nov 10, 2022

Accepted: Mar 15, 2023

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/environ-2023-0001

Keywords
biodiversity, post-industrial areas, land use, railway transport, socio-ecological research

© 2023 Agnieszka Hutniczak et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

The socio-economic importance of abandoned railway areas in the landscape of the Silesian Province (southern Poland)

Published Online: Apr 19, 2023

Page range: 1 - 12

Received: Nov 10, 2022

Accepted: Mar 15, 2023

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/environ-2023-0001

Keywordsbiodiversity, post-industrial areas, land use, railway transport, socio-ecological research

© 2023 Agnieszka Hutniczak et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Keywords
biodiversity, post-industrial areas, land use, railway transport, socio-ecological research