This paper presents a hydromorphological and landscape assessment of the Białka river valley. The study follows the Landscape and Hydromorphological Assessment of River Valleys Method (LSHM Method), which is intended for assessing and identifying areas in river valleys and there to determine their development potential. The LSHM Method distinguishes three main groups of factors: hydromorphological (H), landscape (L), and integrated (I). All these factors are assessed using a 10-point scale. In past practice, hydromorphological and landscape elements have been assessed separately. Hydromorphological methods have focused solely on the channel; while landscape methods have only assessed the area up to the watercourse boundary. Application of the LSHM Method offers more “holistic”, integrated knowledge of the river valley showing what should be improved and where. The Białka river is a mountain river and, as an effect, changes in its whole valley occur very quickly. Based on the results of the present study, the Białka river valley is characterized by a landscape of regional importance, with a very high tourism potential. It is moreover a braided river, which should be protected.
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