Leisure Landscapes

Table 4
Tourism uses of woodlands with development potential
Accommodation
Overnight stays in woodland, e.g. in forest holiday cabins, eco-lodges, yurts and Celtic roundhouses.
Cultural, heritage and arts activities
Based on local and regional woodland culture, e.g. old and interesting trees, archaeology, activities such as
coppicing, charcoal making, willow weaving and dying of textiles, forest theatre, story walks and folk-music
festivals.
Natural heritage activities
Based on birds, animals and plants associated with woodlands which have popular appeal, e.g. grouse,
capercaillie, merlin and osprey, squirrels, deer, badgers, pine martens, wild cats, dormice, primroses, bluebells.
Also broader woodland ecology.
Sports activity and adventure activities
Cross-country running, safari trips, long-distance routes for walkers, bikers and horse riders, and
sub-segments within core recreation activities – for instance, trekking, orienteering on horseback and carriage
driving in the equestrian market. Also woodland drives, to enable access to ‘wild’ areas for less mobile people.
Timber production activities
To convey information on land management for softwood and hardwood timber production, through activities
such as tree planting and the viewing of tree felling and timber processing.
Use of woodland as an environmentally sustainable product
Woodlands were seen as a means through which destinations could develop their ‘green’ credentials,
e.g. through ‘wood for fuel’ initiatives.
Woodland materials and products
To enable people to sample and purchase locally sourced products, such as wooden craft items, venison, berries,
mushrooms and charcoal.
Health and well-being activities
There was thought to be latent demand for health and well-being-based tourism activities, such as those based
on spiritual healing and alternative therapies.
Themed woodland holiday packages
For instance those focused on sport and adventure, health and well-being, wildlife watching, and foraging for
wild foods.
Events
For example rally driving. Events were regarded as important for introducing people to tourism destinations and
encouraging repeat visits.
24 Leisure landscapes: exploring the role of forestry in tourism