Unravelling Resident Forest Outdoor Recreation Patterns in Mallorcan Forests

The forests of Mallorca sum 153 115 ha that represent the 42% of the island surface. In a parallel way with the transformation from an agricultural economy and society statement to an urban and services based economy and society, forests have highlighted their role as outdoor recreation spaces. Because data on resident’s forest uses and profiles is scarce, this paper deals with the socio-demographic characteristics of the visitors, practices and preferences and also with their geographical imprint. On the basis of door-to-door questionnaires it was estimated that at least the 82.3% of residents of Mallorca visit the forest once a year, travelling less than one hour. The preferred activity is walking, followed successively by picnic and tracking. Nevertheless significant differences among the length of the visit and the activity, as well as, the size group are highlighted. The analysis of visit frequency, travel time and length of the visits result in a spectrum of activities influenced by formation and income levels as well as in a primate hierarchical organization of forests according to the visitors uses and previous recreation experience.