Outdoor Life and recreation in environmental impact assessments focusing on wind power

Outdoor life is about being outside in nature and cultural environments, including both nature tourism and recreation. People can experience a greater quality of life and higher satisfaction from being outdoors in nature. However, wind power establishments can affect outdoor values and recreation; nonetheless, wind power is necessary for the green transformation. Therefore the purpose of this study was to investigate how the consequences, values and measures for outdoor life and recreation are assessed and identified in environmental impact assessments (EIAs) for wind power. The aim was also to investigate any differences based on distance to small towns or urban areas. The method used was thematic analysis and the results showed that outdoor life was addressed in all EIA:s, with no significant difference between wind farms located within 5 km of small towns or urban areas and those that were located more than 5 km from small towns or urban areas regarding values, methods, and outdoor policy goals. However, there was a significant difference concerning various types of outdoor activities. The conclusion that can be drawn is that the treatment of outdoor life and recreation in EIA:s varies but not in clear relation to the distance from small towns or urban areas. The connection to the national outdoor policy goals is weak but can be found indirectly.