Mapping European forest archetypes

European forests have been extensively altered by human activity. Consequently, comprehensive socio-ecological information on forests is crucial for developing policies from multiple perspectives, such as biodiversity conservation, climate mitigation, and renewable energy. This study presents a map of forest archetypes in Europe by integrating data on both natural and socio-economic characteristics. The map identifies seven archetypes, ranging from natural to intensively managed forests. Our findings indicate that over 50% of European forests are subject to medium to very high use intensity, while the most natural forests comprise only 13% of the total forest area. This forest archetypes map is a valuable tool for informing EU policies, including the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2030, the Nature Restoration Regulation, and the Bioeconomy Strategy. Understanding the distribution and prevalence of archetypes within regions and countries is essential for assessing the current state of forests and exploring potential management pathways, conservation, and management targets.