Exploring societal perceptions of forests, ecosystem benefits, and restoration. A case study in Sweden, Scotland, Germany, Serbia, Croatia, and Spain

Forests provide essential ecological and socio-economic benefits, yet forest restoration efforts often overlook how people perceive and engage with these ecosystems. Understanding public perceptions is crucial for designing effective restoration strategies, particularly in Europe, given its social, and ecological diversity. While previous research has recorded forest and restoration benefits, less is known about how individuals perceive these benefits, engage with forests, and participate in restoration efforts. We conducted structured key informant interviews with twenty individuals from selected regions in Sweden, Scotland, Germany, Serbia/Croatia, and Spain. Thematic analysis revealed two predominant perspectives on forests: one as “encompassing everything” and the other as “unique places.” Furthermore, results indicate that past restoration efforts often prioritised biodiversity conservation and hazard mitigation, while other forest benefits and uses were less integrated into these efforts. These findings highlight the need for inclusive restoration that reflects societal attitudes and aligns with community values.