Volume: 5, 2026
5th International PhD Students’ Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: E013
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL5.E013
Published online: 22 April 2026
Reclamation and development of a land formerly used for the extraction of natural aggregates
Beata Kołodziej*1 and Judyta Popiołek2
1 Institute of Soil Science, Environment Engineering and Management, University of Life Sciences, 7 Leszczyńskiego St., 20-960, Lublin, Poland
2 Faculty of Agrobioengineering, University of Life Sciences, 7 Leszczyńskiego St., 20-960, Lublin, Poland
* Corresponding author: beata.kolodziej@up.edu.pl
Open-pit mining, including the extraction of natural aggregates, permanently alters the natural environment. However, land reclamation and appropriate land-use planning, which involves assigning new functions to these areas, can mitigate the negative impacts of mining. Although land reclamation is a long-term process, it yields significant benefits for the natural environment. This study aims to develop a concept for the redevelopment of a degraded site that was formerly occupied by a gravel and sand mine in the village of Kolonia Domaszewska. Following an analysis of the site’s natural and locational attributes, as well as the provisions of the local zoning plan, it was decided that the site would be used for recreation and leisure. When developing the land use concept, special attention was paid to enhancing the landscape with new spatial forms and creating new habitats for plants and animals, as well as spaces for rest and recreation. The reclamation project aims to enhance the landscape and ecological values. Developing the area for water-based recreation is also intended to transform the site into an attractive tourist destination once sand and gravel extraction has ceased. The flooded section is earmarked for sport and recreational fishing. Additionally, the reservoir in Field I will be used for water sports. The dry land area will be reforested and seeded with a mixture of grasses. A park featuring a network of walking paths and a barbecue area will also be created here, attracting not only anglers, but entire families too. Field II will focus on forestry and water-based recreational activities. Field III will contain a reservoir designated for sport fishing, and the rest of the area will be reforested. The reclaimed site will be equipped with the necessary technical infrastructure and attractive amenities. If developed in this way, the post-mining site could serve recreational and ecological functions in the future, as well as becoming a tourist attraction.
Keywords: land rehabilitation; landscape; mining
How to cite
Kołodziej B.,Popiołek J., 2026. Reclamation and development of a land formerly used for the extraction of natural aggregates. In: 5th International PhD Students’ Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL5.E013