The Woods are Calling: Auswirkungen der Corona-Pandemie auf die Waldbesuche in der Schweiz.

Following the outbreak of the Covid 19 virus, various policy measures were taken in most countries around the world to contain its spread. While governments in some countries banned visits to forests and green spaces at the beginning of the pandemic, forests in other countries experienced a boom in visitors. This study examines the extent to which Covid 19 incidence and pandemic-related regulations on working conditions (home office and short-time work) had an impact on forest visits in Switzerland. We use data from a representative online panel survey from Switzerland, conducted both one week before the Covid measures were imposed in Switzerland and two weeks after. We find a significant positive impact of home office on forest visitation frequency.