Praestholm, S., F. S, Jensen, B. Hasler, C. Damgaard & E. Erichen, 2002, Forests improve qualities and values of local areas in Denmark, in: Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, ,
- Author : Praestholm, S., F. S, Jensen, B. Hasler, C. Damgaard & E. Erichen
- Year : 2002
- Journal/Series : Urban Forestry & Urban Greening
- Pages : 97-106
- Abstract in English : Afforestation can create multiple social benefits. One fifth of the Danish municipalities plans to afforest in the next 5 years, amongst other reasons to attract new inhabitants. This paper focuses on how afforestation and forests influence quality of life in local areas and also on the importance of short distances between living areas and forest. The attractiveness and values of afforested areas have been investigated in two independent Danish studies; both with a hypothesis implying that the value of afforestation in substantial for residents having forests in close vicinity to their living areas. Qualitative interviews with landowners, community inhabitants and decision makers indicated that forests in Haderslev and Hvoslev are perceived to improve quality of life for citizens. A representative survey in the municipalities with more than 1200 respondents verified this conclusion. Nature qualities made respondents significantly more attached to the area, and forests improved the quality of living in the areas. Proximity to forest is considered important and people actually want to pay for having forest in the neighbourhood.
- Comments/Notes : KEYWORDS: urban forestry, afforestation, quality of life, access, distance, economy, house prices.