Twenty-five years of forest recreation research in Denmark and its influence on forest policy

Nearly 3000 members of the Danish public, aged 15-76 yrs, were surveyed in 1976-1978 and 1993-1995 using postal questionnaires regarding their recreational use of forests and forest preferences. The sample increased their use of forests from the 1970s to the 1990s, accompanied by some minor changes in type of use. It was ascertained that the distance to the forest is of substantial importance for the number of forest visits made. Forest preferences were generally stable over the period, although some changes were found. The study also gauged public knowledge of the rules of forest access. The results are discussed in relation to other social trends and their impact on Danish forest policy. In conclusion, forest recreation research has influenced renewal of the Danish forest act and the national afforestation programme.