An Investigation of Expectations of Urban Forest Users: Example of Western Black Sea Region

Aim of study: The data on to what extend the urban forests, whose numbers have currently reached 133, meet the expectations of the society is insufficient. Whereas, the views of the urban forest users and the remaining non-user public are very important in governing of urban forests. The aim of this study is to determine the user characteristics and usage patterns of three urban forests in the Western Black Sea Region, and to find out about the expectations of the users from the urban forests. Area of study: This study was conducted at the Bartin, Karabuk, and Safranbolu urban forests in Western Black Sea Region of Turkey. Material and Methods: Within the scope of the study, field visits to Bartin, Karabuk and Safranbolu urban forests were carried out, during which the concerned parties were interview and notes were taken; and, to help determine the characteristics of the urban forest users, a survey consisting of 29 questions -including one open-ended question-was carried out face-to-face in each urban forest with a total 180 individuals, 60 of which were users. Data acquired have been evaluated by means of frequency and percentage analysis. Main results: In the study, it was revealed that the users generally perceive the urban forests as areas for picnicking or as areas that provide clean air. A significant part of the users consider that the selection of the locations for the urban forest were carried out correctly. Almost half of the users surveyed state that they were not happy with how the urban forests are managed. Research highlights: The perceptions and thoughts of the urban forest users regarding the resource they are utilizing shape their demands from these areas. Identification of the expectations of the users and satisfaction of those expectations will both increase the quality of services provided in urban forests and the level of success in the governance of urban forests.