Work

Forest biodiversity indicators correlate with perceived forest qualities but not with psychological well-being in urban forests

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Provision of recreational opportunities and biodiversity are among the most significant values associated with urban forests in Nordic cities. However, catering to both demands with a limited forest area can result in conflicts, which need to be accounted for in urban forest management and land-use planning. In this study, we examined associations between forest biodiversity and on-site experiences of city residents (n = 153) in spruce-dominated urban forests (n = 15) in five Finnish cities. Biodiversity values were assessed from four complementary perspectives including (1) tree species admixture, (2) abundance of dead wood, (3) heterogeneity of ground vegetation, and (4) late-successional ectomycorrhizal fungal richness in the soil. People's experiences were investigated in terms of perceived forest quality and change in felt restoration and energy level before and after the forest visit. We found several correlations between people's perceptions of forest quality and measured biodiversity indicators. The correlations indicated mostly synergistic relationships between forest biodiversity and human preferences. Yet, differences in biodiversity indicators were not reflected in felt restoration or energy level changes. Our results suggest that promoting forest structural features that benefit biodiversity in boreal spruce-dominated forests is mostly in line with urban residents' preferences regarding forest qualities, but that management within forests should enable easy passage through them. • People’s perceptions of forest qualities correlated with measured biodiversity. • Felt restoration and energy level were not associated with measured biodiversity. • Planning insights: found synergies between biodiversity and people’s appreciations.

Source: Urban forestry & urban greening

DOI: 10.1016/j.ufug.2025.129219

Authors: Aku Korhonen, Jenni Simkin, Ann Ojala, Marjo Neuvonen, Mathilda Kauppila, Leena Hamberg

Institution: Natural Resources Institute Finland

Language: English

Topic: Urban Green Space and Health

Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Life on land, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,870