Refugia

Olsztyn-Mirów refugium PLH240015

Area: 2210 ha
The Olsztyn-Mirów refugium is situated entirely on the territory of the Orle Gniazda Landscape Park. Two nature reserves are located on its area:
- Zielona Góra reserve: total area of 19.66 ha, founded in 1953 in order to protect calcareous hills and various types of deciduous forests, caves and bedrock outcrops connected with them.
- Sokole Góry reserve: total area of 215.95 ha, founded in 1953 in order to protect various types of mixed and pine forests, caves and bedrock outcrops.
Land use:
- forests 73% (including coniferous forests 43%, deciduous forests 21% and mixed forests 9%);
- farmlands 26%;
- other lands 1%.
State of ownership:
- State Treasury property 60%;
- private property 30%;
- common land 10%.

Description of the area:
The Olsztyn-Mirów refugium is located on the territory of the Kraków-Częstochowa macroregion, Częstochowa Upland mezoregion and Mirów-Olszyn microregion according to physiographic regionalization of Poland (Kondracki, 1998). It is situated in the Warta river basin, east of Częstochowa, in the northern part of the Częstochowa Upland, being an enclave of natural and semi-natural ecosystems amongst highly urbanized industrial districts of Silesia and Częstochowa. The Olsztyn-Mirów refugium involves complex of calcareous hills consisting of upper Jurassic limestone. The hardest limestone, i.e. the massive limestone, form characteristic monadnocks shaped like blocks, towers and gates. The average altitude of the refugium is 350 metres above sea level. Karst processes taking place on the territory of the refugium have contributed to the formation of pitches, cenotes and caves with interesting speleothems. The bottoms of the valleys between the hills are filled with fluvio-glacial sands. Mountain slopes and peaks are covered with
- deciduous forests: lime-oak-hornbeam forests (Tilio-Carpinetum betuli) and oak-hornbeam forests (Galio-Carpinetum betuli) (9170), beech forests: Luzulo pilosae-Fagetum forests (9110-1), Galio odorati-Fagenion forests (9130-1), Fagus sylvatica-Cruciata glabra beech forests (9150-2); Holy Cross fir forests (Abietelum polonicum) (91P0) and rarely: Euro-Siberian steppe woods with Quercus spp. (91I0-1)
- non-forest plant communities of semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates (6210) and Juniperus communis formations on heaths or calcareous grasslands (5130).
The areas in the proximity of the hills are mainly occupied by post-farming pine forests and farmlands.
On the territory of the refugium two species of amphibians mentioned in the Annex II of the Habitats Directive (1992) can be found, namely: the Great Crested Newt (Triturus cristatus) (1166) and the Common Firebelly Toad (Bombina bombina) (1188). What is more, 8 species of birds mentioned in Annex I of the Birds Directive (2009) have their hatching areas on the territory of the refugium. These are: the Black Woodpecker (Dryocopus martius) (A236), the Grey-headed Woodpecker (Picus canus) (A234), the Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio) (A338), the European Nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus) (A224), the Woodlark (Lullula arborea) (A246), the Collared Flycatcher (Ficedula albicollis) (A321), the Red-breasted Flycatcher (Ficedula parva) (A320) and the Tawny Pipit (Anthus campestris) (A255).

The importance of the Olsztyn-Mirów refugium for the biodiversity and protection of the habitats and species on regional, national and European level:
14 types of habitats (including four with priority status) listed in Annex I of the Habitats Directive (1992) have been identified on the territory of the Olsztyn-Mirów refugium: inland dunes with open Corynephorus and Agrostis grasslands (2330), xeric sand calcareous grasslands (*6120), semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates (Festuco Brometalia) (6210), lowland hay meadows (Alopecurus pratensis, Sanguisorba officinalis) (6510), alkaline fens (swamps, moss and sword-grass areas) (7230), Medio-European calcareous screes of hill and montane levels with Stipion calamagrostis communities (*8160), calcareous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation (8210), caves not open to the public (8310), Luzulo-Fagetum beech forests (9110), Medio-European limestone beech forests of the Cephalanthero-Fagion (9150), Galio-Carpinetum oak-hornbeam forests (9170), Euro-Siberian steppe woods with Quercus spp. (*91I0), Holy Cross fir forests (Abietelum polonicum) (91P0). Out of all these habitats, semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates (Festuco Brometalia) with important orchid sites seem to be one of the most important for the refugium as they constitute a habitat for many rare and endangered species of stenothermic plants and animals. One of such valuable species is Galium cracoviense (2189) – an endemic species which can be found only in the rock grasslands on a few hills near Olsztyn. When it comes to fauna in grasslands of the refugium one should definitely mention the Scarce Large Blue (Phengaris teleius) butterfly (1059). Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates (Festuco Brometalia) (6210) cover the area of 110 ha which equals 5% of the area of the Olsztyn-Mirów refugium.
Caves not open to the public (8310) constitute another important habitat on the territory of the Olsztyn-Mirów refugium, especially for the bats dwelling in them. 14 species of bats spend winters in these caves, including 6 species mentioned in Annex II of the Habitats Directive (1992): the lesser horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus hipposideros) (1303), the barbastelle (Barbastella barbastellus) (1308), the pond bat (Myotis dasycneme) (1318), the Geoffroy's bat (Myotis emarginatus) (1321), the Bechstein's bat (Myotis bechsteinii) (1323), the greater mouse-eared bat (Myotis myotis) (1324). There is one more valuable type of habitat in the Olsztyn-Mirów refugium, namely Juniperus communis formations on heaths or calcareous grasslands (5130) which cover the slopes of the Góry Towarne mountains.

The following tasks and actions leading to the elimination or the reduction of the environmental risks shall be undertaken:
- Restoration of moderate herding preceded by the removal of the wilding and sapling trees and shrubs;
- Management of herding preventing the juniper thicket communities from further succession into forest communities and from their excessive density. What is more, it is crucial to maintain the balance between the juniper thicket and the grasslands ensuring their optimal mosaic occurrence;
- Removal of illegal dumpsters from the area of the grasslands;
- Introduction of the preventive patrols;
- Popularization and promulgation of the natural values of the refugium among the local community.

Złoty Potok refugium PLH 240020
Area: 2748 ha
The Złoty Potok refugium is situated entirely on the territory of the Orle Gniazda Landscape Park. Three nature reserves are located on its area:
- Ostrężnik reserve: total area of 4.10 ha, founded in 1960 in order to protect a fragment of the beech forest near the old castle;
- Parkowe reserve: total area of 153.22 ha, founded in 1957 in order to protect the area of the Wiercica river valley with well-preserved fragments of the primeval forest and multiple calcareous formations;
- Bukowa Kępa reserve: total area of 52.84 ha, founded in 1996.
Land use:
- forests 80% (including coniferous forests 29%, deciduous forests 40% and mixed forests 11%);
- farmlands 20%.
State of ownership:
- State Treasury (State Forests National Forest Holding) property 80%;
- private property 20%.

Description of the area:
The Złoty Potok refugium is located in the northern-eastern part of the Śląskie voivodeship near the town of Złoty Potok on the territory of the Kraków-Częstochowa macroregion and Częstochowa Upland mezoregion according to physiographic regionalization of Poland (Kondracki, 1998). It is situated in the Wiercica river basin and consists of Triassic and Jurassic limestone. The upper Wiercica river together with Zygmunta and Elżbiety springs make up a typical Jurassic landscape. The waters of the Wiercica river constitute a habitat for rare species such as the European brook lamprey (Lampetra planeri) (1069) and the bullhead (Cottus gobio) mentioned in Annex II of the Habitats Directive (1992). Back in 2006 near the spring of the Wiercica river there was a substituted position (one out of 3 in Poland) of the endemic Cochlearia polonica (2109), the population, however, has become extinct. The river bed of the Wiercica became a basis for the fish ponds.
Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion alvae) which may be found on the territory of the Złoty Potok refugium are a priority habitat of Natura 2000 (*91E0). Karst formations with distinctive surface and underground features such as monadnocks, ponors, cenotes, pitches, dry valleys and caves, including caves not open to the public (8310) are typical of the Złoty Potok refugium. The average altitude of the refugium is 350 metres above sea level. Another type of habitat which occurs on the territory of the refugium are the petrifying springs with tufa formation (Cratoneurion) (7220). The soil on the territory of the refugium vary substantially: in the northern-eastern part of the refugium we can find lessive and podsolic soil together with small patches of Rendzina soil; fertile brown soil and Rendzina soil in the southern part and brown soil, lessive soil and pre-Rendzina soil in the north-west.
When it comes to fauna in general and avifauna in particular, the Złoty Potok refugium constitutes a hatching area for over 70 species of birds (Markiewicz, 1969; 1977) including birds listed in Annex I of the Birds Directive (2009): the Black Woodpecker (Dryocopus martius) (A236), the Middle Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos medius) (A238), the Grey-headed Woodpecker (Picus canus) (A234) and the Red-breasted Flycatcher (Ficedula parva) (A320). Valuable invertebrates: the hermit beetle (Osmoderma eremita) (1084) and Helicigona lapicida snail have been reported to have their positions on the territory of the refugium.
In total, 12 habitats listed in Annex I of the Habitats Directive (1992) can be found on the territory of Złoty Potok refugium, these include: inland dunes with open Corynephorus and Agrostis grasslands (2330), lowland hay meadows (Alopecurus pratensis, Sanguisorba officinalis) (6510), alkaline fens (swamps, moss and sword-grass areas) (7230), calcareous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation (8210), caves not open to the public (8310), Luzulo-Fagetum beech forests (9110), Asperulo-Fagetum beech forests (9130), Medio-European limestone beech forests of the Cephalanthero-Fagion (9150), Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion alvae) (*91E0), Holy Cross fir forests (Abietelum polonicum) (91P0) (based on SDF Natura 2000 for the Złoty Potok refugium). Though SDF Natura 2000 does not mention the occurrence of semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrate on the area of the refugium, the research conducted by Babczyńska-Sendek (2009) and the Silesian Voivodeship Landscape Parks Complex have proved that they can be found in the eastern part of the refugium. Two calcareous hills with semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies will constitute Niegowskie Góry reserve and Bukowie Góra reserve in the future.

The importance of the Złoty Potok refugium for the biodiversity and protection of the habitats and species on regional, national and European level:
The Złoty Potok refugium is one of the most valuable areas of the Częstochowa region, having indisputable scientific and landscape qualities. Currently, it is endangered due to the excessive unregulated tourist traffic. The most valuable plant community of the region are the semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates (Festuco-Brometea class and stenothermal Asplenion septentrionalis-Festucion pallentis grasslands) (6210), which are at the same time the most endangered elements of the Złoty Potok refugium environment. In the past few years, one may observe rapid extinction of the grassland and scrubland plant species. Grasslands and scrubland facies are located in the eastern part of the refugium on the calcareous monadnocks and provide a habitat for such rare and protected species as Gentianella ciliata and the silver hairgrass Aira caryophyllea. Caves not open to the public (8310) constitute another important habitat on the territory of the the Złoty Potok refugium with their abundant chiropterofauna including 6 species of bats listed in Annex II of the Habitats Directive (1992): the lesser horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus hipposideros) (1303), the barbastelle (Barbastella barbastellus) (1308), the pond bat (Myotis dasycneme) (1318), the Geoffroy's bat (Myotis emarginatus) (1321), the Bechstein's bat (Myotis bechsteinii) (1323) and the greater mouse-eared bat (Myotis myotis) (1324). Caves habitats and the bats dwelling in them are particularly endangered because of the growing number of tourists. The refugium is also crucial for the preservation of valuable species of birds. The observations carried on the territory of the Parkowe reserve estimate the current avifauna at 79 species, whereas in 2000 only 15 species were reported to nest there. Two species mentioned in Annex I of the Birds Directive (2009): the Black Woodpecker (Dryocopus martius) (A236) and the Grey-headed Woodpecker (Picus canus) (A234) deserve special attention. 5-6 pairs of the first one are present on the territory of the refugium and 3-4 pairs of the latter.

The following tasks and actions leading to the elimination or the reduction of the environmental risks shall be undertaken:
- Restoration of moderate herding preceded by the removal of the wilding and sapling trees and shrubs especially in the area of Wzgórze Bukowie hill, Wzgórze Ludwinów hill, Wzgórze Kazubiec hill and Suliszowice;
- Management of herding preventing the juniper thicket communities from further succession;
- Removal of illegal dumpsters from the area of the grasslands;
- Introduction of the preventive patrols;
- Popularization and promulgation of the natural values of the refugium among the local community.

Kroczyce refugium PLH240032
Area: 1391.2 ha
The Kroczyce refugium is situated entirely on the territory of the Orle Gniazda Landscape Park. One nature reserves is located on its area:
- Góra Zborów reserve: total area of 45 ha, founded in 1957 in order to protect inanimate nature, i.e. multiple limestone formation constituting a group of monanocks.
Land use:
- forests 82% (including coniferous forests 47%, deciduous forests 19% and mixed forests 16%);
- farmlands 17%
- other lands 1%.
State of ownership:
- State Treasury property 10%;
- private property 90%.

Description of the area:
The Kroczyce refugium is located in the northern-western part of the Śląskie voivodeship near the town of Zawiercie in the middle part of the Częstochowa Upland. It consists of Triassic and Jurassic limestone. Refugium involves a few Jurrasic hill ranges (i.e. Kroczyce rocks, Podlesice rocks, Rzędkowice rocks), most of which are topped with monadnocks of different shapes. The average altitude of the refugium is 350 metres above sea level. The geological structure of the Kroczyce refugium results in the lack of springs and other sources of the outflow of the groundwaters. The refugium is located on the area of the major drainage divide between the Vistula river and the Odra river basins. On the territory of the refugium this drainage divide separates the catchment basins of the Warta river and the Pilica river. The nearest permanent watercourse is the Białka Zdowska river flowing into the Pilica river. The soil of the refugium include lessive soil and Rendzina soil. The flora of the Kroczyce refugium is diverse. Significant area of the refugium is covered with various types of forest. The hills are usually covered with patches of various forms of beech forests, whereas in the lower parts and the topographic lows filled with sands pine (usually post-farming) forests are more popular. The best preserved patches of the Fagus sylvatica-Cruciata glabra beech forests (9150-2) can be found north-east of the Morsko resort in Zawiercie, while the smaller ones occur on the southern, western and southern-western slopes of a few hills of the Kroczyce rocks, i.e. Pośrednia Góra, Popielowa Góra, Góra Łysak and Góra Jastrzębnik mountains. Many species of the Orchidaceae family grow on the territory of the refugium, including the White Helleborine (Cephalanthera damasonium), the Sword-leaved Helleborine (Cephalanthera longifolia), the Broad-leaved Helleborine (Epipactis helleborine), the Royal Helleborine (Epipactis atrorubens), the Bird's-nest Orchid (Neottia nidus-avis) and the Lesser Butterfly-orchid (Platanthera bifolia).
On the northern slopes of the Kroczyce refugium hills one may encounter vast patches of the Fagus sylvatica-Hypericum maculatum beech forests (9150-3). Many parts of the refugium are covered with thicket consisting mainly of Juniperus communis (5130). Rock grasslands (6210-1) formations have developed on the rocks which are not surrounded and shaded by the forests. The most valuable plant communities of the Kroczyce refugium are connected with calcareous substrate habitats. These include calcareous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation (8210) such as the populations of Potentilletalia caulescentis and dry or semi-dry grasslands on calcareous substrate (6210), though the latter experienced significant changes because of the cessation of herding on the area they have been covering. The biggest patches of dry or semi-dry grasslands on calcareous substrate can be found on the hills between Mirów and Bobolice, near Łutowiec and on the Rzędkowice rocks. The smaller ones occur on various partly deforested hills such as Góra Zborów mountain, Góra Słupsko mountain and a hill east of Rzędkowice. The fragmentary habitat of dry or semi-dry grasslands on calcareous substrate occurs on all non-forested rocks of the refugium and in the parts of the rocks which are surrounded but not completely shaded by the forest. The grasslands on the slopes consist mainly of moderately xerothermic Cirsio-Brachypodion communities of the Fetusco-Brometea class, though other xerothermic species such as the Boehmer's cats-tail (Boehmera Phleum phleoides) also can be found, as the floristic composition of the grasslands phitocenoses remains diverse. Other species occurring in the dry and semi-dry grasslands on the calcareous substrate include: the Perennial yellow woundwort (Stachys recta), the Stemless carline thistle (Carlina acaulis) and the Carthusian Pink (Dianthus carthusianorum). Phitocenoses of the rock grasslands are connected with certain rare species such as the Cheddar Pink (Dianthus gratianopolitanus), a glacial relic of the White Mountain saxifrage (Saxifraga paniculata) and Festuca pallens.
Juniper thicket on the territory of the Kroczyce refugium represents habitat 5130 – Juniperus communis formations on heaths or calcareous grasslands. The Kroczyce refugium is of great significance considering the protection of this type of habitat in Poland. The area of Juniperus communis formations on the territory of the Kroczyce refugium is the vastest in the Śląskie voivodeship where it is protected. The fauna of the refugium is not identified enough. Natura 2000 SDF for the Kroczyce refugium mentions only one species, namely the Brandt's bat (Myotis brandtii), however the data collected by the Association of the Zawiercie District Enthusiasts (Towarzystwo Miłośników Ziemi Zawierciańskiej) prove the occurrence of the Scarce Large Blue (Phengaris teleius) (1779) and a rare type of Carabid beetle Carabus variolosus (1787).

The importance of the Kroczyce refugium for the biodiversity and protection of the habitats and species on regional, national and European level:
Expansive development of the xerothermic thicket and light-seed trees eliminates certain components of flora which constitute stenothermic grasslands lowering the population and the possibility of regeneration from the soil seed bank. Special care should be taken of the semi-natural non-forest plant communities, which are of standing out biodiversity. Characteristic semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates (Festuco-Brometea class and stenothermal Asplenion septentrionalis-Festucion pallentis grasslands) (6210) are one of the most naturally valuable habitats for the region. They cover the area of 14 ha which constitutes 1% of the Kroczyce refugium. The environmental monitoring conducted in 2011 proved that semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates become gradually overgrown with trees and shrubs such as the juniper thicket or the thicket consisting of blackthorn, buckthorn, dogwoods, roses and hazels with the addition of juniper. The Kroczyce refugium is very important for the protection of Juniperus communis formations as they are protected on the area of the Śląskie voivodeship. Juniper thicket originally covered the area of circa 16.7 ha (1.2% of the Śląskie voivodeship). The overgrowing thicket has been cut in certain parts of the refugium, however some species tend to produce basal shoots and, in consequence, develop even more vigorously. Such outgrowing plants can be found for example on the southern slopes of Grzęda Mirowska hill.
Rock grasslands, on the other hand, do not suffer as much due to the lack of herding. More threatening factor for this habitat is related to the shades set by the shrubs and trees growing on the mountain slopes. Rock grasslands are very important as they constitute habitats of various xenothermic plants which flourish thanks to the optimal conditions provided by the rock grasslands. Unfortunately, the overgrowing of the rock grasslands patches by with trees and shrubs results in the extinction of these plants. Well-developed rock grasslands occur on the slopes of Góra Zborów mountain.
Calcareous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation (8210) are quite common in the Kroczyce refugium as they are a typical formation of the Częstochowa Upland. The Kroczyce refugium is crucial for the preservation of this type of habitat not only on the regional but also on the national scale as the fern populations growing in the rock crevices occur in Poland only in a few regions. Pietrowa cave representing habitat 8310 – caves not open to the public, is included in the CORINE biotopes database due to the species of bats mentioned in Annex II of the Habitats Directive (1992) dwelling in it: the lesser horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus hipposideros) (1303), the greater mouse-eared bat (Myotis myotis) (1324) and the Bechstein's bat (Myotis bechsteinii) (1323). What is more, Pietrowa cave provides the habitat for a few dozens of other species, especially invertebrate, typical of the region. It is also known for its geomorphologic values such as the existence of the inviolate speleothems in its halls and the fact that the main part of the cave is located in the secondarily karst crevice. The walls and the ceiling of the cave are covered with the imprints of the ammonites shells.

The following tasks and actions leading to the elimination or the reduction of the environmental risks shall be undertaken:
- Restoration of moderate herding preceded by the removal of the wilding and sapling trees and shrubs from the mountain slopes and their bases especially in the area of Wielka Góra, Bukowiec, Łutowiec, Słupsko, Piaseczno, Rzędkowickie rocks, Morsko;
- Management of herding preventing the juniper thicket communities from further succession;
- Active protection of the rock grasslands involving exclusion of certain rock formations (being the positions of rare species) from rock climbing, resulting in the improvement of the condition of 16 monadnocks ;
- Removal of illegal dumpsters from the area of the grasslands;
- Introduction of the preventive patrols;
- Actions connected with regulation of the tourist traffic;
- Popularization and promulgation of the natural values of the refugium among the local community.

Środkowa Jura refugium PLH240009
Area: 5767.5 ha
80% of the Środkowa Jura refugium is situated on the territory of the Orle Gniazda Landscape Park. Three nature reserves are located on the area of the refugium:
- Góra Chełm reserve: total area of 12.19 ha, founded in 1957 in order to protect the natural beech forest;
- Smoleń reserve: total area of 4.32 ha, founded in 1959 in order to protect the calcareous monadnocks with the ruins of a castle and the fragment of the beech-hornbeam-larch forest;
- Ruskie Góry reserve: total area of 153.65 ha, founded in 2000 in order to protect the patches of the Dentario enneaphylli-Fagetum and the Acer pseudoplatanus forests.
Land use:
- forests 81% (including coniferous forests 52%, deciduous forests 8% and mixed forests 21%);
- farmlands 19%.
State of ownership:
- the forests are the property of the State Treasury (State Forests National Forest Holding);
- private property.

Description of the area:
The refugium is located on the territory of the Śląskie Voivodeship (70%) and the Lesser Poland Voivodeship (30%) in the middle part of the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland, south of Ogrodzieniec, in the southern-eastern part of the Zawiercie district. It has the vastest area of the refugia located in the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland. The Środkowa Jura refugium consists of mild calcareous hills transected by the erosional-denudative valleys. The average altitude of the refugium is 419 metres above sea level. Mountain ridges are topped with multiple limestone monadnocks usually surrounded by deciduous forests such as Dentario enneaphylli-Fagetum, Cephalanthero-Fagenion and Luzulo pilosae-Fagetum beech forests as well as Lunario-Aceretum sycamore forests. Deforested areas are a common place of the occurrence of monadnocks and floristicaly rich semi-natural dry grasslands. On the territory of the Środkowa Jura refugium the following soil types are the most common: lessive soil, Rendzina soil and pre-Rendzina soil. The drainage system is undeveloped. Rare springs outflow in the contact zone of the Jura formations and the Quaternary sand deposits. The springs of the Centuria river are located about 700 m north-west of the Góra Chełm nature reserve. In one of these springs there is a supplementary position of the valuable endemic of the Polish scurvy grass (Cochlearia polonica) (*2109) in which it develops well and occurs in the population of thousands of specimens. Cochlearia polonica (*2109) is a priority species according to Annex II of the Habitats Directive (1992) and is mentioned on the Red List of Polish Plants and Fungi and on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The karst limestone rocks often provide caves with interesting speleothems - a winter shelters of various species of bats, including species mentioned in Annex II of the Habitats Directive (1992): the pond bat (Myotis dasycneme) (1318), the greater mouse-eared bat (Myotis myotis) (1324) and the lesser horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus hipposideros) (1303). The Środkowa Jura refugium is characterized by the high afforestation rate. The non-forest habitats are quite rare and cover a relatively small area. The patches of non-forest habitats are scattered and usually occur in the vicinity of human settlement areas. A vast area of grasslands can be found near Podzamcze, on the territory neighbouring with the refugium on the north. The most valuable and the most characteristic non-forest habitat of the Środkowa Jura refugium are semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates (Festuco-Brometea class and stenothermal Asplenion septentrionalis-Festucion pallentis grasslands) (6210). The grasslands provide great habitats for various species of flora and fauna, including the following protected tracheophytes: the stemless carline thistle (Carlina acaulis), the Cross Gentian (Gentiana cruciata) and the Bartling's broomrape (Orobanche bartlingii) and butterflies mentioned in Annex II of the Habitats Directive (1992): the Scarce Large Blue (Phengaris teleius) (1059) and the Danube Clouded Yellow (Colias myrmidone) (4030). Seslerio-Festucion duriusculae rock grasslands are also very important for the refugium. On the territory of the Środkowa Jura refugium one may encounter the following birds listed in Annex I of the Birds Directive (2009): the Black Woodpecker (Dryocopus martius) (A236), the Middle Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos medius) (A238), the Grey-headed Woodpecker (Picus canus) (A234), the Barred Warbler (Sylvia nisoria) (A307), the Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio) (A338), the Woodlark (Lullula arborea) (A246), the Red-breasted Flycatcher (Ficedula parva) (A320) and the Ortolan Bunting (Emberiza hortulana) (A379). The total number of 16 habitats listed in Annex I of the 92/42/EEC Directive have been reported to occur on the territory of the Środkowa Jura refugium. These are: semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates (Festuco Brometalia) (6210), inland dunes with open Corynephorus and Agrostis grasslands (2330), European dry heaths (4030), Molinia meadows on calcareous, peaty or clayey-silt- laden soils (Molinion caenuleae) (6410), hydrophilous tall herb fringe communities of plains and of the montane to alpine levels (6430), lowland hay meadows (Alopecurus pratensis, Sanguisorba officinalis) (6510), transition mires and quaking bogs (7140), alkaline fens (swamps, moss and sword-grass areas) (7230), calcareous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation (8210), caves not open to the public (8310), Luzulo-Fagetum beech forests (9110), Asperulo-Fagetum beech forests (9130), Medio-European limestone beech forests of the Cephalanthero-Fagion (9150), Galio-Carpinetum oak-hornbeam forests (9170), Tilio-Acerion forests of slopes, screes and ravines (*9180), alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion alvae) (*91E0) (based on Natura 2000 SDF for the Środkowa Jura refugium).

The importance of the Środkowa Jura refugium for the biodiversity and protection of the habitats and species on regional, national and European level:
The Środkowa Jura refugium includes the most valuable grasslands species which, however, are extremely rare and have singular positions. Preserving biodiversity of the Środkowa Jura refugium demands nurture and protection of the semi-natural plant communities. The active protection should involve mainly the habitats of the stenothemal grasslands communities and the valuable species connected with them, e.g. the Cheddar pink (Dianthus gratianopolitanus). The patches of semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates are scattered all over the Środkowa Jura refugium and cover the area of 7 ha which constitutes 0.12% of the area of the refugium. The most species-rich phitocenoses of semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates habitats have been found near Smoleń. Rock grasslands which cover the isolated hills are not especially rich, though they include species typical of this kind of habitat. The only richer rock communities can be found in the area of high monadnock occurrence, e.g. Kromołowiec or Góra Janowskiego mountain.
The biggest environmental threats for the Środkowa Jura refugium are:
- the complete abandonment of herding on the hills which may result in unfavourable changes in the grasslands floristic composition, overgrowing of the grasslands with shrubs and trees and the occurrence of pine in the juniper thicket;
- intensive tourist traffic in certain parts of the refugium (especially near Kromołowiec hill and Podzamcze) resulting in damaging the plants by threading and littering (visible particularly during the summer);
- extensive land development near particular hills, especially outside the refugium (the most invasive form of land development can be observed on the Góra Janowskiego mountain, where the most beautiful grasslands with the abundant population of the species of the Bartling's broomrape (Orobanche bartlingii) were buried by the rocks mined during the construction works;
- holiday building development for example near Hutki-Kanki which is threatening for the natural environment of the Centuria river valley and the position of the Polish scurvy grass Cochlearia polonica;
- changing groundwater levels;
- air pollution;
- uncontrolled cave penetration threatening for hibernating bats;
- increased rock climbing leading to the deterioration of the rocks and degradation of the plants growing on them.

The following tasks and actions leading to the elimination or the reduction of the environmental risks shall be undertaken:
- Restoration of moderate herding preceded by the removal of the wilding and sapling trees and shrubs, involving for example Ryczów rocks and Kromołowiec hill;
- Management of herding preventing the juniper thicket communities from further succession into forest communities and from their excessive density;
- Removal of the basal shoots of the invasive alien species of poplar on Kromołowiec hill;
- Active protection of the rock grasslands involving exclusion of certain rock formations (being the positions of rare species) from rock climbing resulting in the improvement of the condition of 10 monadnocks;
- Purchase of the lands with the well-head of the Centuria river in order to protect the Polish scurvy grass Cochlearia polonica;
- Removal of illegal dumpsters from the area of the grasslands;
- Introduction of the preventive patrols;
- Actions connected with regulation of the tourist traffic;
- Popularization and promulgation of the natural values of the refugium among the local community.