Woodlands for All: A GUIDE TOWARDS FOSTERING COMMUNITY BENEFITS AND ENGAGEMENT IN COMMUNAL WOODLANDS

Communities increasingly take charge of their wellbeing, with a notable shift towards local empowerment. This guideline was co-developed to illustrate the interrelations between the community and nature. At a time when we are globally facing the loss of natural ecosystems, the sustainable management of woodlands and communities' participation has never been more important. This guide compiles insights from a literature review on community woodland initiatives, emphasising their benefits and strategies to enhance their positive impact on human well-being and the environment. This research project is part of the COEVOLVERS (Coevolutionary approach to unlock the transformative potential of nature-based solutions for more inclusive and resilient communities), a Horizon Europe-funded project (2022 – 2026). This guide presents practical ideas for community groups to explore and enhance their woodland spaces. Our interest is to help inform key stakeholders who use woodlands frequently. We understand that woodlands may not appeal to everyone; however, we intend to create a document that enhances accessibility and usability for a diverse audience, including schools, community groups, environmental professionals, and policymakers. We hope it can inform future woodland management practices and inspire deeper collaboration between communities and those involved in the stewardship of our natural landscapes. For updates on this guide, feel free to visit www.woodlandsforall.co.uk