Odval dolu Vítek
Ecologic stability of a landscape
Non-natural biotopes contribute to the ecological stability of the landscape. They provide a harbour for a whole number of species and foster the diversity of species also in the vicinity. They also serve as important migration routes for a whole range of plants and animals.
They can also fulfil many ecosystem services:
- water retention in the landscape,
- home for natural predators of insect pests, hereby decreasing the damage to farmers,
- imprint a character to the landscape.
Ecological stability is the ability of the ecosystem to withstand disturbances and balance them out. A stable ecosystem is able to continue and provide valuable ecosystem service despite the exerted stress, e.g. human interventions, unfavourable climatic conditions, catastrophic events etc.
Ecosystem services include e.g.:
- provision of natural resources, such as fresh water,
- regulation of climate and water regime,
- securing of soil fertility
- or recreational and aesthetic services.
The aim of protecting the stability is to preserve the ecosystem services and keeping the natural landscape balance. The landscape itself keeps stability thanks to self-regulating mechanisms – i.e. massive population deaths are prevented, just like changes in (micro)climate, water regime etc.
The ecologic stability of a community is linked to its diversity of species.
For instance a mixed forest resists diseases, parasites and extreme climate
fluctuations much better than a spruce monoculture. However, there are examples
or rather resistant communities that poor in number of species, e.g. reeds. 
Aesthetic functions
From a greater distance, the pit tip seems rather discreet, as and area with
dispersed vegetation in an agricultural landscape. Only upon entering the area,
the impression changes and the observer is presented with an open landscape with
sunny slopes and articulated relief. The remnants of times past, the pit tip
gradual development and burning through are visible on bare areas of the pit tip
and on formations reminding of stones and rocks. An amphitheatre open to the
southeast offers camp fire both for the local people and travellers; the steep
slopes tempt the motocross and cyclocross fans. These activities have no
negative impact on the location. The leisure time activities pose no serious
threat to the environment. The former dirt road and the intersection with a
railroad can be adapted to enable safe cycling and construct a bike path. It is
here that the pit tip biotopes can be promoted and popularized. 
