This review aims to answer the question “What natural features and artificial infrastructure do different publics want in woods, forests and urban greenspaces with trees?”. Across the three types of location included in this review (urban greenspace with trees; peri-urban woodlands; large visitor forests) there is ample evidence about preferences for seating and paths/trails. However, the range of facilities and infrastructure captured is very broad, and includes: paths, seating, tables, catering outlets, car parking, signage, litter bins, toilets, information, play areas and equipment, sporting equipment and spaces, and more. With regard to other natural features alongside trees, there is much less evidence than that relating to artificial infrastructure. Alongside preferences for artificial infrastructure and natural features a third category was evident from the literature, that of social infrastructure. This incorporates organised events and activities, spaces for social gatherings, places for communities to come together, and the presence of other people including staff and security. Given the tree planting and woodland expansion targets of the UK, Scottish and Welsh governments it is important to understand what ‘types’ of future woods and forests people want in terms of infrastructure and facilities and also treescape design alongside and amongst other natural features and types of greenspace. This review aims to address this by providing evidence relevant to this topic.

The report has been produced as part of Core Programme 3.

An infographic summarising the review is available below.