Ecological impacts of a city forest and level of public awareness for recreational use of Nigde Atatürk city forest

Abstract

Aim: To explain the impacts of city forests on urban ecology and reveal the level of public awareness of Nigde Ataturk City Forest among the residents of Nigde. Methodology: Extensive field observations were performed in addition to literature review. A semiquestionnaire study was conducted by using random sampling method in order to measure the level of public awareness. Results: The city forests play a crucial role in enhancing the urban environmental quality and have numerous ecological benefits for the city. It was found that the participants had insufficient awareness about the benefits of Nigde Atatürk City Forest as regards the ecology and social life of the city. Interpretation: Urban forests add many economic, ecological, aesthetic and social values to the cities. Urban users should be informed about the benefits and use of urban forest.