Many trails in the Żywiec Beskids lead through alpine tundra and glades characterised by breath-taking views. The open areas are also interesting in terms of flora, provided that the rare plants and colourful flowers are not obscured by alpine dock.

Alpine dock, Rumex alpinus, is a burdensome weed of the mountain-region pastures. It’s a plant with an overground wheel of leaves that grow 10-30 centimetres to the sides. Its flowers, gathered in a dense florescence, are located on a hard stem from June to August. They die in the winter forming dry stalks over the dry leaves.

pic. ZPKWŚ

Thanks to its strength and the ability to adapt to unfavourable conditions, alpine dock is an expansive species. Many floristically rich habitats have been eliminated by areas of alpine dock, which, due to the land on which it is located not being used anymore, obscures the beautiful views and homogenises the character of the glades in a negative manner.

pic. ZPKWŚ

pic. ZPKWŚ

As part of the Life+ Beskidy Project, alpine dock is removed from chosen parts of alpine tundra and mountain glades in the Żywiec Beskids twice a year. The operation is conducted on two dates: in June, before the first blooming of the plant, and in September, in order not to give it a chance to bloom again. Moreover, in September, in places from which the dock has been removed native plant species, gathered in neighbouring glades, are sowed.

The immediate results of the operation look bad, therefore it is important for the tourists walking the trails in the areas included in the Project to be aware of the objective of those activities. Effects can be seen after the third year of conducting the activity; the share of the green plants other than dock rises.

pic. ZPKWŚ