Special issue "Forest, Trees, Human Health and Wellbeing"

Forest and trees are essential not only for their ecological and economical values, but also for human health and wellbeing. There can be psychological, physiological and social benefits from both direct and indirect contact. This Special Issue presents up-to-date research on how forests and trees can support people’s health and wellbeing through prevention, promotion or interventions. It aims to gather systematic reviews and meta-analyses on the topic, study protocols, theoretical and/or conceptual papers as well as empirical studies. The study design may vary from randomized controlled trials, longitudinal studies, case studies and evaluation of best practices. Papers can focus on how forest environments or trees can support affordances, activities or experiences in support of human health and wellbeing. The papers can explore these topics from both the perspective of the individual or from a broader societal perspective. The focus of this Special Issue will be on health-promoting mechanisms that are mediated via the direct perception or interaction with trees and forest environments, rather than on purely physically mediated effects.