Abstract
Biodiversity is an important aspect of forest areas that are used for recreation, exercising, hunting, etc. We focus on the effects on biodiversity by three types of management in suburban forests. Moreover, the assessment of qualities of the forests by urban people are studied. Knowledge about effects by management on ecological mechanisms and social values are needed for developing sustainable strategies for suburban forests. In field experiments, the effects on biodiversity by management are examined for three trophic levels, i.e. trees and shrubs, certain arthropods, and birds. Three types of management are evaluated: (1) Open ground and almost no shrubs; (2) Covered ground, multilayered forest, no forest practises conducted; (3) A mosaic of 1 and 2. The responses by the public on management are investigated by questionnaires and interviews. In general meetings, the public and landowners make suggestions for adjusting the management. In this new approach, we will integrate scientific results and values perceived by the public in order to achieve a sustainable management of suburban forests.
Sweden