Summary
The overall aim of this research was to explore people’s experiences of the relationship between peri-urban woodlands and their health and well-being. This research focused specifically on:
- Experiences in and perceptions of the physical environment
- Motivations for visiting woodlands, activities and benefits
- Social experiences in woodlands
- Identifying what is special (if anything) about trees and woodlands.
Objectives
The objectives of the research included answering the following questions:
- What are the specific components/characteristics of peri-urban woods that people think promote health and well-being?
- What are the range of benefits people gain from undertaking activities in woodlands?
- What social characteristics and factors enable people to use woods for health and well-being?
- Do peri-urban woods facilitate social contact between people, and if so how does this occur and do people believe it has an impact on their health and well-being?
Methods
Four case study sites, all over 90 hectares in size, were included in the research: two Community Woodlands (Bentley and Brodsworth in Doncaster) and two Destination Woodlands (Birches Valley, Staffordshire and Shorne Woods, Kent). Six groups with a total of forty nine woodland users were involved in the research.
Evidence was gathered in situ in the four woodlands with researchers participating in an activity with participants for approximately an hour. Photo elicitation was used as a method with four of the six groups. Participants were asked to take photographs of anything in the wood they felt had an impact (positive or negative) on their health and well-being.
After the woodland activity, a one hour focus group was held to discuss the types of photographs participants had taken.
Results
Experiences in and perceptions of the physical woodland environment
- Access infrastructure (paths, car parks, toilets, benches) is critical for some participants, particularly the elderly, disabled and those suffering from long term health problems.
- Participants talked of the importance of striking a balance between management that allows and encourages access and the need for what is viewed as more ‘natural’, less managed woodland.
Motivations, activities and benefits
- Motivations for visiting include the opportunity to try new activities, getting outdoors into the fresh air, being encouraged by others, wanting to pass on enjoyment of woodlands to children and making a contribution through activities such as volunteering.
- The most common responses concerning the benefits of woodland experiences were to do with restoration, including aspects such as peacefulness, calm, restfulness as well as stimulation of the senses.
Social experiences in woodlands
- Many of the participants enjoy sharing activities and experiences with others.
- Being outdoors in woodlands allows people the space to behave more socially with strangers than they might do in everyday life.
- Participants often enjoy watching other people engaging with and behaving in woodlands in a positive way
What is special about trees and woodlands?
- Woodlands provide participants with a sense of history and continuity, creating atmospheric experiences and a sense of natural grandeur.
- Participants feel that woods provide security, shelter and screening from others or from the built/urban environment.
Publication
Full report (PDF-1309K)
Funders and partners
The Forestry Commission funded this research.
Contact
Liz O’Brien
Forest Research
Social and Economic Research Group
Farnham
Surrey
GU10 4LH
Email: liz.o’brien@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
