 Swedes love to spend time outdoors in the forest. A poll made by the Federation of Swedish Farmers – LRF indicates that as much as 94 % of all Swedes find it important to spend time in the forest. Six persons out of ten also know that forest provides renewable energy and that it is beneficial for the climate.
60 % of Sweden's total area is covered by forest and half of it is family owned. For about one farmer out of three forest is among two most important source of revenue. The poll further indicates that three persons out of four are inclined to consider farmers as forest owners. The results also clearly indicate that Swedes have confidence in them as managers of Swedish forests.
In southern Sweden people seem to be most aware of the fact that growing forests are also important carbon sinks. About 80% of those interviewed think that forestry is good for the climate.
Three Swedes out of four think that farmers pursue sustainable forestry. This means that forest owners do not fell more than their forests grow and that they make considerable efforts for nature conservation. If all forests in the world were managed like the Swedish ones, there would be no global threat to the climate.
The importance of being close to the forest seems to increase with age. 89 % of people in the age group 16 - 24 years consider it important to have an opportunity to spend time outdoors in the forest. The corresponding figure in the age group over 55 years is 96 %.
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