The paper presents results of questionnaire research conducted to determine social preferences regarding leisure in Warsaw municipal forests (WMF) (Poland). The preferences pertained to frequency of visits and willingness to pay for recreational infrastructure in a forest depending on its appearance, level of development, and the respondent’s income. The data were processed using statistical analysis (ANOVA Friedman test, U Mann–Whitney test, logistic regression). The results show that the higher the development level of a forest, the more often young people choose it for leisure. Willingness to pay for a forest depends on its development level, with respondents more willing to fund forests with a higher development level. No such correlation with the respondents’ income was found. Preferences regarding the selection of a specific type of forest for leisure were dependent on per capita income of the respondents only in the case of forests at a lower level of development. A forest’s preference level affected the willingness to pay for it and varied depending on the development level.

Urban forests are essential recreational spaces that enhance cultural heritage, foster social integration, and provide economic benefits through local tourism. Their significance for recreation has grown due to increased leisure time, better access to information, and heightened concerns about mental and physical well-being. This study seeks to evaluate social preferences for funding recreational activities in urban forests in Warsaw and Lisbon, focusing on their appearance and societal significance. Utilizing the Contingent Valuation Method (CVM), the research assessed individuals’ willingness to pay (WTP) for recreational access. Advanced techniques such as logistic regression and discriminant analysis were employed to identify the factors influencing WTP in Poland and Portugal. In Poland, WTP is primarily affected by preferences related to the appearance of forests, particularly the distinction between natural forests and those equipped with more infrastructure. In contrast, in Portugal, WTP tends to decrease with a greater appreciation for natural forests and a belief in the necessity of investing in urban forestry. The findings indicate that various social factors, such as the appearance of forests and perceived maintenance requirements, influence people’s willingness to fund urban forests. However, conducting research with only younger respondents limits the ability to generalize these findings to older populations.

Manor parks are characteristic cultural features in Polish agricultural landscapes. About 10,000 manor parks are estimated to exist in Poland, and due to their high natural, historic and scenic value, these features represent potential in terms of ecosystem services. To properly manage these sites, it is advisable to determine the preferences of its visitors. The present study presents the results of a quantitative survey based on a group of 352 young visitors to manor parks in south Poland. The results show that visitors with higher monthly incomes have a statistically significant higher awareness as far as caring for the authenticity and preservation of the natural and historical heritage of manor parks and forests. Conversely, for visitors with lower incomes, additional touristic promotion attractions (e.g., souvenirs, guided visits) are increasingly important. The results of the study provide an important basis of information for local authorities, as well as private owners, with regard to preserving the natural and historical values (which are closely connected with the scenic values) of these sites, as well as local tourism development. The values of nature, sustainability, tourism and the improvement of life quality are linked to the enhancement of manor parks, as these facilities are providers of ecosystem services.

Forest areas have recently become increasingly popular for physical activity in society, especially among niche sports enthusiasts. We analysed the attitude of the specific social group of cross-country skiers in Poland to pay for recreation in forest areas using their Willingness-To-Pay (WTP) and Willingness-To-Accept (WTA) declarations, which was endorsed by classification and regression tree (CART) analysis. In January–March 2023, we surveyed 50 (in a pilot study) and 255 (in the main survey) cross-country skiers, of whom 117 declared both their WTP and WTA amounts. The investigated explanatory variables included gender, age, education, residency, employment in the forestry sector, and respondents’ income or engagement in skiing. The average WTP and WTA values equalled PLN 68.6 ± 46.4 and PLN 81.3 ± 59.0/person, respectively. Despite apparent differences in the distribution of the declared WTP and WTA amounts, their medians differed only insignificantly. We found a significant correlation only between the WTP value and respondents’ income per capita, and between WTP and WTA. The CART models showed that WTP and WTA levels depended primarily on the frequency of skiing, with higher values declared by less frequent visitors. At the current respondent income level, the expenses for skiing were related the most to the respondents’ age and the frequency of skiing. In the case of increased income, they were related mostly to the respondents’ age and place of residence. The research provides practical information for forest managers in the field of recreational access to forests for people who spend their time actively in forests.