The preliminary results of" the research on the transformation dynamics of shrub communities in their initial developmental stage obtained from 15 permanent research plots are presented. Observations were carried out during the years 1997-99. They constitute the first phase of a long-term research aiming at the recognition or the shrub phytocoenoscs' structure. Iloristic composition, and local differentiation in various succcssi ve stages. The analysis showed that a significant increase in the volumes of shrubs was followed by a decrease in the richness or a vegetation patch. Furthermore, the role of both the taxa from the Artcmisietca class ancl, transitionally. of the meadow species becomes more visible. At the same time the plants or xcrothcrmic grasslands and thermophilous saum-communities disappear. Additionally. a significant inllucnce of the surroundings on the course of shrub colonisation was observed.

In the years 1988 and 1998-1999 botanical investigations were carried out within the projected "Diabla Góra" nature reserve, located near Bukowno town in the north-eastern part of the Silesian Upland. The occurrence of 57 taxa of bryophytes (5 liverworts and 52 mosses) as well as 248 taxa of vascular plants were reported. Among bryophytes there are 11 taxa regionally rare and endangered, for example Barbilophozia barbata and Pterigynandrum filiforme. Ten species (17.5% of brioflora) represent mountain element. Among vascular plants there are 20 protected species (8.1% of vascular flora) and 22 regionally rare and endangered taxa, for example Allium montanum, Botrychium lunaria, Orobanche caryophyllacea, Scorzonera humilis and Thalie/rum minus. Six taxa (2.4% of vascular flora) are mountain species. Eight associations (4 forest and 4 non-forest) were distinguished. The most interesting are thermophilous beech forest Carici-Fagetum and xerothermic grasslands from class Festuco-Brometea.