Mariella Marzano

Public preferences across Europe for different forest stand types as sites for recreation.

A Delphi survey involving experts in forest preference research was carried out to derive scores for the recreational value of 240 forest stand types across Europe. The survey was organized around four regional panels: Great Britain, Nordic Region, Central Europe, and Iberia. In each region, 60 forest stand types were defined according to five forest management alternatives (FMAs) on a continuum of management intensity, four phases of development (establishment, young, medium, and adult), and three tree species types (conifer, broadleaved, and mixed stands of conifer and broadleaved). The resulting scores were examined using conjoint analysis to determine the relative importance of the three structural attributes (FMA, phase of development, and tree species type), and each level or component of the attributes. The findings quantify the extent to which forest visitors prefer a degree of management to unmanaged forest nature reserves across the four regions. Phase of development was shown to make the highest contribution to the recreational value of forests while the contribution of tree species type was shown to be relatively unimportant. While the results are indicative, they provide evidence to support long-term retention and low-impact silviculture in forests where recreation is a primary objective of management.

Forests for All? Considering the Conservation Implications of Human-Species Interactions in the Context of Multifunctional Forestry

People and wildlife interact in many ways and recently there has been increased recognition that forests have multiple uses and management objectives providing opportunities for recreation, education, conservation and enhancement of biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and the production of timber and fuel. Whilst many benefits can perhaps be delivered simultaneously, there is potential for conflict between these objectives. In this chapter we focus on the possibly contradictory objectives of recreation and conservation. Forests are increasingly places where human-wildlife interactions occur through recreational activities such as walking, cycling, nature-watching, and general visits to relax, play and/or picnic. The pursuit of outdoor recreational activities can have substantial human benefits including improved mental and physical health; and there is evidence to suggest that positive recreational experiences are associated with natural [forest] settings where there is an opportunity to see or hear wildlife.