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Isotopic methods have been used widely in recent years in many different fields of research. They allow, amongst other things, for the reconstruction of climatic and environmental change. Isotopic data for reconstruction can be obtained from various archives, such as ice cores, lake sediments, corals, and organic matter. Mass spectrometric methods allow for the precise measurement of stable isotope ratios, as well as the concentration of radiocarbon (the AMS method). One of the isotopic archives frequently used in recent years is tree rings. Isotopic fractionation of organic matter occurring in the tree depends on climatic and environmental conditions. Therefore δ13C, δ18O, δ2H and δ15N in the wood can be used as a sensitive indicator of climatic and environmental change. This paper presents an example of the use of isotopic measurements in tree rings for climate research. The results of δ13C measurements for pine from the Augustów Wilderness region were used for temperature reconstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]