Social perception of forest functions n the example of the municipality of Czarna Białostocka

Abstract

Nowadays, forest perception is multi-layered and often very subjective. Forest can have three basic functions: economic, social and protective. These functions are of varying importance for local communities. The paper analyses the significance of particular forest functions for the inhabitants of Czarna Białostocka commune. Factors that motivate respondents to visit the forest were analyzed. The evaluation assessed, among other things, the purpose and frequency of visits to forests, the type of resources extracted from forests and for what purposes they are used. The research tool was a questionnaire consisting of 11 questions. The research was conducted in autumn 2016 among 100 inhabitants of towns and villages adjacent to the forest areas of Czarna Białostocka  commune.
According to the conducted interviews, for the residents of Czarna Białostocka commune, the forest is used primarily for harvesting ground vegetation such as mushrooms, fruits and herbs. To a lesser degree, it is a place of rest and recreation.