Assessing Urban Forest Quality Through Space Syntax, Expert Evaluation and User Perception: The Case of Zielona Góra

Urban forests play an important role in improving environmental quality and supporting the well-being of city residents. However, their effective planning and management require comprehensive assessment methods that integrate both spatial characteristics and users’ perceptions. This study evaluates the quality of the Piast Hills urban forest complex in Zielona Góra (Poland) using a methodology that combines field analysis, questionnaire surveys, expert assessment and Space Syntax analysis. Four assessment criteria were adopted: accessibility, safety, recreational appeal and user comfort. These components were integrated into the proposed Synthetic Assessment of Forest Environment Index (SAFEI), while Space Syntax analysis was incorporated as a complementary spatial analysis supporting the interpretation of accessibility-related results and the spatial configuration of the path network. The findings indicate that recreational appeal was the highest-rated aspect of the urban forest, whereas safety received the lowest assessment, highlighting the need to improve lighting, surveillance and wayfinding. The calculated SAFEI value (0.607) indicates a moderately high quality of the investigated urban forest complex. The Space Syntax analysis provided complementary spatial information that was consistent with the accessibility patterns identified through the questionnaire and expert assessment. Unlike most previous studies focusing on individual aspects of urban forests, the SAFEI framework provides an integrated approach that can support evidence-based planning, management and long-term monitoring of urban forests and other urban green spaces.