Variability in Forest Visit Numbers in Different Regions and Population Segments before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

In view of the prevailing preferences for health and recreation revealed by previous studies as the main expected benefits of forest visits, the research presented herein focuses on whether such expectations would translate into a significant increase in the number of forest visits (NFV) following pandemic outbreaks. In this context, a Slovak nationwide survey on forests was conducted, with the main objective of casting light on possible changes in NFV as a coping mechanism or behavioral response to the discomfort and severe restrictions stemming from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the related measures. The survey was administered on a statistically representative sample after the pandemic’s first wave ebbed and restrictions were eased in the summer months of 2020. Collected data were assessed using ANOVA, the results of which supported the importance of forests as places providing opportunities for restoration of mental and physical resources. Forest accessibility as represented by forest coverage and settlement size emerged as a paramount factor affecting NFV rates both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic and its accompanying measures affected the relationships between NFV and average per capita income, type of employment, and most importantly age, highlighting possible vulnerabilities and disadvantages in certain population segments.

Forest Recreational Services in the Face of COVID-19 Pandemic Stress

“…Given these uncertainties, future qualitative, as well as quantitative, research efforts, such as those used in this study, will be crucial for drawing conclusions about visitor preferences and motivations to visit the forest after the lockdown. The results from a nationwide survey of residents of Slovakia [77] showed that forest accessibility was a paramount factor affecting the number of forest visits in both pre-COVID-19 situations and during the pandemic. In terms of the effects on NFV, settlement size was linked with forest accessibility through distance to the nearest forest, which was lowest in villages and towns with up to several thousand inhabitants.…”

Was it really different? COVID-19-pandemic period in long-term recreation monitoring – A case study from Polish forests

“…Stringent lockdown measures at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic (#stay at home) have shown that people cannot stay at home for extended periods of time without negative side effects and therefore the importance of local and neighbourhood open spaces as well as nearby outdoor recreation destinations have become critically important ( Dushkova et al, 2021 ; Kleinschroth & Kowarik, 2020 ; Weinbrenner et al, 2021 ). During COVID-19 pandemic public access to forest areas has been the subject of severe discussions at national and international levels and was changing over pandemic period throughout the world ( Derks et al, 2020 ; Pichlerová et al, 2021 ; Venter et al, 2020 ; Weinbrenner et al, 2021 ). Furthermore, some local restrictions concerning recreational use of specific infrastructure type, such as resting places, picnic spots or related to specific activities were introduced.…”

“…In particular, long-term systematic visitor monitoring techniques, such as the use of pyroelectric sensors, have been useful in capturing actual visitor volumes along recreational trails during the pandemic and in the years before ( Derks et al, 2020 ; Rogowski, 2021 ). Online surveys have also been a commonly used tool in studies of recreational behaviour and use of public open space during pandemic period ( Lopez et al, 2020 ; Pichlerová et al, 2021 ; Rice et al, 2020 ), as direct on-site surveys have not always been possible due to safety distance restrictions.…”

Covid-19-Induced Changes in Outdoor Recreation Habits in Latvia During Winter Holiday Season of 2020/2021

“…During the pandemic, outdoor spaces have provided a significant relief to people under stress (Grima et al, 2020;Lenaerts et al, 2021). Both public and private outdoor spaces have been reported as important (e.g., Lehberger et al 2021), and several papers reveal a significant increase in forest visits both in Europe (Derks et al, 2020;Pichlerová et al, 2021) and overseas (Foley, 2020;Stanturf, Mansuy, 2021). Moreover, the significance of outdoor areas has changed, as forests have acquired a new role not only as "green spaces" but also as "social spaces" where to alleviate the effects of social distancing and to connect with other people (Weinbrenner et al, 2021).…”