Childhood experience in forest recreation practices: Evidence from nine European countries

Abstract

This study examines the role of childhood experience in forest recreational practices at adulthood. It investigates the effect of visitation frequency and type of settlement during childhood on frequency of visits at adulthood and analyses variations in nine European countries including Austria, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Germany, Denmark, France, Poland, Slovakia, and UK. The data are collected through a representative online survey and results are based on a generalized ordered logit model in which frequency of forest visits is considered as an ordered categorical variable. Childhood experience is found to be a significant factor determining frequency of forest visits at adulthood. In addition, current residential settlement, distance to the nearest forest, and other socioeconomic factors influence frequency of forest visits. The study findings show the importance of forest accessibility to children for a development of better recreational habits that support active mobility, sustainability and healthy lifestyles.