Urban forests of ageing societies. Example of Łódź and Warsaw (Central Poland)

The purpose of this work is to examine the opinions of respondents from Warsaw and Łódź forests, using the example of two forest complexes, Bielański Forest and Łagiewnicki Forest, which are the main places for active recreation. The work used a multi-mixed method that combines quantitative methods (analysis of demographic data) and qualitative methods (indicators of preferences of the elderly). Methods include a survey conducted among forest users via Google Forms and QR codes. Each respondent was assigned to a group based on age, gender, and socioeconomic status, which allowed for the detection of statistical significance (chi-square test, Statistica). Next, field inspections were conducted, as well as an assessment of the functioning of the forests and guidelines for municipal administrators. The surveys carried out in the Łagiewnicki Forest and the Bielański Forest in Łódź and the statistical analyses (test hi-square) show the fear of the ageing population about the actions initiated during the pandemic by managers and city authorities towards limiting active recreation in urban forests to promote ecology and protection of avifauna. The research points to the issue of environmental protection and active recreation in forests in the context of anthropopressure and further development of urban green infrastructure. The study could guide managers on properly manageing forest space in cities, adapting it to the needs of older people who visit it most often during the week.