Forests for recreation (report)

Forests for Recreation and Nature Tourism

Traditionally the main function of forests in Europe has been wood production.  However, the recreation and tourism functions of forests and woodlands are becoming more important, with benefits for economic development, health and quality of life. There is however a lack of information on both the benefits and costs related to recreation and nature tourism. This EU research project aimed to provide a European focus to forest recreation and tourism research to bring together existing knowledge on these activities and in particular the benefits they can deliver, but also how those benefits might be provided in a way which reduces the economic, social and environmental costs of delivery.