The announcement by the World Health Organisation (WHO) that the COVID emergency was officially over, must have come as a huge relief to everyone. COVID certainly has had a huge influence on all aspects of our lives, particularly upon both our physical and mental health. This impact also includes how people value, use and access greenspaces and forests. During the Pandemic, policies on use of public spaces varied considerably from country to country. In Germany, access to forests and most greenspaces remained possible for exercise throughout the duration of the Pandemic, whilst other countries applied more restrictive policies. 

A recently published study conducted in Bonn (Germany) analysed visitor patterns, attitudes and perceptions in a peri-urban forest, called the “Kottenforst”, during the lockdown period. The importance of forests for human wellbeing became even clearer than ever during the Pandemic. Urban forests act as a “decompression valve” during times of increased pressure, and theoretically, should be accessible to everyone. Positive effects like feeling happier and healthier, finding a sense of calm and contact with nature are not the only reasons people choose to visit a certain forest; other factors like location, ingrained habits and spontaneity are also important factors. 

The Kottenforst study originally set out to analyse the importance of social and cultural benefits of forests close to urban areas, however its aims were later broadened to include the impact of the lockdowns. The study timeline between April 2019 to May 2022 effectively charted visitors’ changing perceptions and emotional bond with the forest through two surveys: one before and one during the first strict lockdown (mid-March and early May 2020). During this period, the number of visitors to the forest dramatically increased after the lockdown was implemented in March 2020.  

Approximately 300 interviews were carried out. These were based on questions to record the visitors’ perceptions of the cultural, recreational, and aesthetic ecosystem services provided by the forest, and to assess their attitudes towards forest management measures. Three forestry professionals who work in the Kottenforst were also interviewed during the first lockdown to help interpret the data from the perspective of the local forest managers.