Forest and recreation – New functions of afforestation as seen in Denmark

In this chapter, attention will be paid to the recreational functions of forests. This is important, since green spaces affect human health in a positive direction. Forests are actually the prevalent leisure facility for Danes. The pattern of recreational use of forests by Danes is described. It is stated that people who live in close proximity to a green space use it frequently, whereas those who live further away do so less frequently in direct proportion to the distance involved. Data from other countries show similar results. It is recommended that the pattern of recreational use should be elaborated upon, i.e. who is visiting the forest (here: who is “the” Dane)? Do socio-economically advantaged people more often visit the forest because they live closer to the forest? Are exposed areas in the city located too far from the forest (green spaces) so that people living in these areas will not visit the forest (regularly)? The Danish Forest and Nature Agency has developed a checklist which contains guidelines for “good national afforestation”. These guidelines might be a good national strategy; but to what extent can these guidelines contribute to increase the number of potential visitors to the forest?