The Great Escape

City forests have always taken a rather special place within urban societies. On the one hand they are an integral part of them, on the other hand they offer — at least the illusion of — a possibility for escape and retreat. In line with Tuan’s (2007) distinction introduced in Chapter 1, city forests are both safe, familiar ‘places’ and unpredictable, exciting ‘spaces’.

In this chapter, city forests are analysed as ‘antidote’ to the routines of urban life, as a contrast to more urban settings. The chapter looks at how city forests have become popular as (recreational) escapes, enabling a wide range of activities that became popular as societies developed. City forests have helped to offer a ‘window to the world’, introducing people to the plants, animals, people and cultures of other parts of the world or bygone days. Forest recreation has changed over time, from walking and more sedate forms of nature experience (which are still very popular) to a wider range of leisure activities, including more adventurous ones. Our cities and towns are made up of many different people and obviously these people do not all have the same preferences regarding city forest use. They all have their own way of searching for The Great Escape. The final section of this chapter looks at city forests as ultimate escape, that is, as areas that have been – at least partly – beyond the law and control of the city.