Attitudes towards Foresters in Polish Society

Abstract

In recent years, foresters in Poland have faced a decreasing level of social acceptance. Scientists have demonstrated that core values and personal experience shape the social acceptance of foresters and their work. The aim of our study was to determine what kind of attitudes towards foresters (ATF) do Poles have? What shapes Poles’ ATF? Is recreational behavior connected to the ATF? Which foresters’ PR and educational activities have the biggest impact on peoples’ ATF? The research tool used was the original research questionnaire consisting of closed questions only. A sample of 1000 Poles was selected in 2018. Most respondents (85%) held an ATF that was at least slightly positive. Most of the respondents recognized that the foresters are well prepared to do their job, and considered that the foresters perform their job well. Socio-demographic characteristics had no effect on ATF. Personal experiences, such as frequent visits to the forest; the use of educational, bicycle, jogging or horse riding paths in the forest; the picking of forest berries and mushrooms; and knowing a forester, have a small impact on the attitude. An organized community offer provided by foresters, such as picnics, and family events, etc., had no statistical effect on the attitude score.