On the distance to recreational forests in Sweden

There is a strong tradition in Sweden of using forested areas for recreation. Earlier research has shown that on average, Swedes visit a forest at least every other week. This study surveyed 1000 randomly chosen individuals about their present distance, and what they considered to be the preferred (ideal) distance, between their residence and the closest recreational forest. Attitudes towards an increase in the present distance are studied together with an economic measure using the contingent valuation method. We found that over 40% of the Swedish population would prefer a shorter distance to the forest, and argue that residential areas should be planned so that most individuals have the closest recreational forest within walking distance (<1 km). In general, we found a shortage of housing possibilities within 1 km from recreational forests in Sweden. Forty-five percent of all respondents considered an increased distance to the forest (doubled) as negative. The probability of giving a positive willingness to pay bid to avoid an increase in the distance increases with the respondent’s present distance to the forest.