Publics* and woodlands in England: well-being, local identity, social learning, conflict and management

Abstract

People's values and ways of viewing and interpreting the world around them provide the framework in which they assess and describe their use of woodlands and debate and understand wider environmental isues. Publics' values for woodlands and trees are a key element of sustainable forest management, as values underlie people's actions and behaviour and, without a greater understanding and awareness of this, organizations will often continue to experience conflict over management. The research described in this paper focuses on the social and cultural values of woodlands and trees in both urban and rural areas in the north-west and south-east of England. Using a qualitative methodology, in-depth discussion groups were held with a range of respondents from different socio-economic backgrounds to discuss people's relationships and interactions with woodlands. The analysis of the discussion group data highlights a number of major themes. These themes include publics' feelings of well-being gained from using and viewing woodlands, conflict and confusion over what is viewed as anti-social behaviour and issues concerned with who owns land. The themes also highlight the importance of education and learning about the environment, people's sense of personal and community identity in relation to woodlands as well as issues of management for conservation, economic and public benefit. The research helps to describe and explain the ways in which woodlands and trees are perceived and used within contemporary society. Implications for future policy development are explored, emphasizing the need for effective public participation, the importance ot addressing people's safety worries, the significance of education in a multi sensory environment and the importance and meaning of place.