Investigating design and provision of access facilities as a barrier to woodland use

A key policy objective of many European Governments and their forestry departments is socially inclusive use of woodlands as use is a pre-requisite to enjoying many of the benefits afforded by woodland. However, access to woodlands is unequally distributed across British society and research suggests disconnect between the facilities provided and their suitability-for-use, given the wide range of reasons for visiting woodland. This research sought to inform woodland management and complement research into barriers to accessing woodland by investigating whether the design and provision of core access facilities may preclude certain user-groups. The research was carried out on the public forest estate of England; although the results are applicable to any woodland where public access is encouraged. The generic findings are applicable also to other greenspace types. Preferences in design were strongly influenced by the instrumentality (functionality) and aesthetic of an item – whether it was in-keeping with the woodland setting. Facility provision and upkeep are also important to woodland users. The study suggests that small changes in facility provision, including greater emphasis on naturalistic and rustic designs, provision of a range of pathway surface types and reducing the urbanisation of woodland, could increase the appeal of woodland to a wider demographic. Woodlands can fulfil a wide range of social functions. Where this is desirable, the woodland (new or existing) should be appropriately designed to reflect these intended roles and functions. This will require a range of facilities sympathetically provided.