The main aim of this study was to assess the way of changes in abudance and structure of benthic community located just below a dam and canoeing track and in a control side in a natural section of the Drzewiczka River. It was observed that the level of disturbances in the river created a mosaic of bed patches downstream of the canoeing track and the dam. In consequence, this influenced the abundance and biodiversity of  benthos as compared with the control site.

 River in the town – dam, sport, recreation; benthofauna response to stress