Forests are more than just ecosystems, they are places of work, resource management, recreation, and conservation. They are shaped by foresters, landowners, and planners who make decisions that impact both biodiversity and human experience. While some people feel at home in the woods, others find them unfamiliar, difficult to navigate, or even unwelcoming.
Forests serve many purposes, from timber production to habitat preservation, but could they also be designed to invite more people in? Can we shape forests in ways that balance ecology, economy, and accessibility, so that they remain productive while becoming more intuitive, engaging, and welcoming?
Making forests more accessible
Forests are already designed to some degree. Roads and trails are planned, trees are cultivated, and landscapes are managed over decades. But small interventions could make them more accessible without taking away their natural character.
Clearer pathways
Thoughtfully, naturalistic developed trails can help more people feel confident navigating the forest while still blending into the landscape.
Viewpoints
Creating viewpoints by clearing sight lines can significantly enhance people’s sense of place in a forest. By thoughtfully managing vegetation to open up views, designers can make forests more inviting and navigable. Clear sight lines also improve natural surveillance, contributing to a sense of safety and comfort.
Resting spots
Windfallen trees, rocks, or small clearings create natural places to pause, observe, and orient oneself.
Sensory landmarks
The sound of a creek, the texture of moss-covered stones, or the color of certain tree species can serve as waypoints that help people feel grounded.
Cultural connections
Integrating local folklore, art, or historical narratives can deepen visitors’ personal connections to the landscape. Imagine trails imbued with stories or legends unique to the area.
These features don’t require heavy infrastructure or artificial modifications, just small, thoughtful design choices that make forests feel more inviting to a broader range of people.
A forest for more than humans
A well-designed forest isn’t just about human experience. A mix of dense thickets, open meadows, and layered vegetation supports biodiversity, offering habitats for birds, insects, and mammals.
Sustainable forestry practices already consider long-term growth cycles and ecosystem health, but they could also factor in how forests function as shared spaces, for workers, visitors, and wildlife alike.
The future of inclusive forests
As rewilding and regenerative forestry become more widespread, there’s an opportunity to rethink not just how forests are managed, but how they are experienced. Can a forest be a place where both work and recreation coexist? Where both solitude and shared experiences are possible?
Perhaps the best design isn’t one that controls or overdefines the forest, but one that guides gently, leaves space for discovery, and ensures that forests, no matter how wild, are places where more of us can belong.
