Recreation needs and its development in forests in Lithuania

Abstract

Social survey of recreation needs in forests was carried out in 2007 in Lithuania by interviewing 873 respondents from different districts and social stratum. Results were compared with results of similar social survey done in 1984. No significant changes of preferences to environmental factors of resting place occurred during 23 years period. Seaside is more popular in summer holidays, forested shorelines and gardens - during the weekends and feasts, living place and neighborhood green areas - in routine days. Forested shorelines are 2-4 time more attractive than unforested ones. The most significant environmental factors for resting place selection at summer time was recognized: clean water (41-56%), attractive forest (47- 50% of resp.), beauty of landscape (42-51%). Clean air as a factor is becoming more important. Objects of cultural and nature heritage, abundance of berries, mushrooms are important while holiday time (36%). The least important is the distance to the resting place at holiday time. There is the tendency of comfort preferences growth: preferences to the rest place close (up to 100 m) water increased by 15% since 1984 (52%). Demand for forest furniture and service is slightly rising. The reason of visiting the forest is mushrooms (24%), berries (20%) picking, delighting nature (20%; increased by twice since 1984) health promotion (walking and running) (9-11%). Society still enjoys forests without special recreational forest management (52%). In resent years mixed forest stands becoming more attractive. Society enjoys uneven aged, density forest stands of changing spatial structure. The main demand for forest management nowadays is becoming litter treatment (22%).