Peri-urban forests are complex systems capable of providing amenity and scenic values as well as recreational opportunities for citizens. From early 2020, national governments have promulgated restrictions, requiring citizens to adopt a new lifestyle to counter the COVID-19 outbreak. This study aimed to understand if citizens’ behaviors and attitudes in the use of peri-urban forests are changing due to COVID-19 restrictions. Methodologically, a questionnaire survey was carried out, adopting a systematic sampling method. Two peri-urban forests were chosen as study areas: the first one was close to the town of Trento in the Alps (Monte Marzola), and the second one was in the proximity of the city of Florence (Monte Morello). At the end of data collection, 281 questionnaires were collected and processed. The results showed an increase in visits to peri-urban forests during the COVID-19 pandemic (36.4% of visitors in Monte Marzola and 17.1% in Monte Morello, respectively) with the aim of satisfying the need for relaxation and contact with nature. However, the use of peri-urban forests in times of crisis has been quite different in the two contexts: the visitors of Monte Marzola evidenced the role of a forest as a place where they can satisfy their need to play sports (mean value 4.53 in a five-point Likert scale), while Monte Morello forest was considered by visitors to be a place where the demand for companionship was fulfilled (mean value 4.27).

Aim of the study: To estimate fresh and basic density values of Douglas fir deadwood for the five decay classes used in the National Forest Inventories (NFIs). Area of study: Rincine forest in Tuscany region (Italy). Material and methods: 140 samples of Douglas fir deadwood (28 for each decay class; 14 of which were collected in summer and 14 in winter) were collected and analysed in the laboratory. The samples were weighed fresh, then placed in the oven for 3 days at 60°C. Afterwards the samples were weighed dried. The laboratory data were used to estimate moisture content (%), fresh and basic density by decay class. Main results: The results showed that the trend of basal density decreased from 1st to 5th decay class (0.43 g cm-3, 0.39 g cm-3, 0.37 g cm-3, 0.29 g cm-3 and 0.20 g cm-3). An average basic density of 0.34 g cm-3 could be used in future studies concerning the estimation of C-stock in Douglas fir deadwood. Research highlights: The moisture content of all decay classes of lying deadwood is influenced by the season (winter vs. summer) and consistent with the local climate regime.