Many people have a fear of walking in woodlands, and need encouragement to explore them.
Woodland edges, broad rides and tracks and wood-pasture or parkland landscapes are very popular for recreation, because they are attractive landscapes in which you are unlikely to get lost, and where you can see and be seen. Venturing into narrow paths under the woodland canopy or through dense woodland with thick undergrowth is generally less appealing.
This fear of woodlands is particularly high amongst women, including mothers with young families, older women and ethnic minorities, and may reduce their ability to take advantage of recreational opportunities in their local woodlands. Fear of woodlands may include the following:
- Fear of getting lost, or parents’ fear of children getting lost. Many people have a poor sense of direction, and woodlands can be confusing places. Children normally have little fear, but parents will be uneasy if young children are not within view. There is both a fear of getting lost within the woodland, and of being disorientated so that you emerge from the woodland at an unknown point. Some people are also worried that if they have an accident, there may be no-one nearby to give help.
- Fear of being attacked. This understandable fear is much stronger in places where you are hidden from general public view, and on paths which are little used.
Woodlands are by their nature dense and closed, with few open views. It is impossible to rid a woodland of the features which some people fear, while at the same time retaining the woodland habitat. However, there are actions which can be taken to make woodlands accessible to more people.
Path design
Where new woodlands are being designed and planted, paths should follow a simple layout both to make routes easy to understand, and to improve visibility along them.
A simple layout which follows direct routes or ‘desire lines’ across a site is easy to follow, as well as encouraging regular use by people wanting access across a site. Meandering routes which add length and variety can be included as necessary. Visibility along paths will be improved by making paths straight or with long gentle curves.
Where access routes are being created in new woodlands, a width sufficient to take a vehicle should be the minimum, except on steep ground.
Glades and open spaces
Wide sunny paths, woodland edges and glades and open spaces within a wooded setting are very appealing for walking and other recreation. In general most people will prefer to walk along the edge of a woodland, rather than venture into it, especially where there is undergrowth and the view is restricted. Mature beechwoods or other open woods with little undergrowth are an exception. For design and management of glades and woodland edges see here and here.
Trails, maps and signs
Marked trails, signs and information boards will encourage use of paths.
Encouraging regular use
Most people find ‘safety in numbers’, and use will be encouraged if people either visit a wood as part of a group, or know that the woodland is regularly used by other people.
- Dog walkers are the most regular users of woodlands, especially near residential areas, and are a reassuring legitimate presence for other woodland users. Dogs also have the useful function of disturbing deer, which are a problem in many woods. Encourage dog walkers by providing good access from nearby housing, or by providing car-parking areas.
- Consider upgrading any paths which provide a ‘short cut’ or direct access through a woodland. Surfacing of crushed stone or similar which provides an all-weather surface will encourage regular use throughout the year.
- Cycle paths are popular both for regular daily use and for recreation. Any cycle paths which link schools and residential areas are especially useful and may attract special funding.
- Circular routes with all-weather surfacing are popular with joggers.
- The needs of mobility vehicle users should be taken into account for all suitable routes.
Activities
Any organised activities which take place within a woodland will increase use, and familiarise visitors with the wood so that they are more likely to return. These can included guided walks, children’s activities, woodland crafts, woodland management, green gym activities and many others. Some activities may require temporary closure of particular parts of the wood to other users, which should be publicised in advance, and should not restrict the use of rights of way.
