Woda w krajobrazie wsi

For centuries, surface water in various forms was an important feature of rural landscape. Villages were founded along streams, sometimes in the vicinity of reservoirs. In many villages there were large ponds or even systems of ponds, serving various functions and oftentimes connected with watercourses. Water-mills, with their streams and ponds, were a common and characteristic feature. Today, ponds have largely lost their practical function. Some serve as water tanks for fire-fighting purposes, others have fallen into disrepair, polluted and overgrown with weeds. Research has shown that over the last two decades the area occupied by standing water reservoirs has diminished considerably in most Lower Silesian villages. However, there are also positive tendencies. Garden owners are increasingly fond of pools, ponds, fountains, cascades and springs. In some villages efforts have been undertaken to save he old ponds with their unique ambience.