Research in Outdoor Recreation

There are many different types of outdoor recreation interests linked to the landscape – from mountain biking to hunting or "just" taking a walk.

 

The starting point for ensuring a balanced interaction between different activities – and the use and protection – is a detailed knowledge of the extent and nature of outdoor recreation and a basic knowledge of the visitor’s wishes, attitudes and values.

 

Key research themes about outdoor recreation

 

• The extent and nature of outdoor recreation

• The population's view of nature and values, as well as forest and landscape preferences

• Different communities’ use and view of nature (e.g. elderly and ethnic minorities)

• Conflicts in relation to different outdoor recreation activities

• Accessibility as well as transport and movement patterns (GIS and agent-based modeling)Experience mapping

• The importance of wildlife for outdoor experiences, and ethics related to hunting and wildlife management.

The outdoor recreation research provides a research-based knowledge supporting policy, planning and management of forests and other green spaces.

 

Researchers Frank Søndergaard Jensen Senior Researcher   Jette Hansen-Møller Associate Professor    Hans Skov-Petersen Senior Researcher   Ole Hjorth Caspersen Senior Researcher

PhD Students Sandra Gentin   Anton S. Olafsson

 

Collaboration about outdoor recreation

As part of our research, we are active in the international research network IUFRO, the European COST-collaboration, and in relation to the Nordic Council of Ministers and The Nordic Forest Research Cooperation Committee (SNS).

 

In Denmark we collaborate with Department of Exercise and Sport Sciences (IFI), Københavns Universitet, Aarhus Universitet, National Environmental Research Institute, Unit for Movement, Sport and Society (BIS), Syddansk Universitet, The Danish Nature Agency og The Danish Outdoor Council.