Acta Scientiarum Polonorum
Silvarum Colendarum Ratio et Industria Lignaria

Introduction. The areas which belong to the same forest site type are characterised by similar productivity and utility in silviculture. On the other hand, each of existing forest site type has different suitability for the recreational function of forests.

Aim of the study. The aim of the study was to present a review of forest evaluation methods, which assess forest site types in terms of their suitability for recreational functions.

Methods. The source material were studies conducted in the years 1985–2017. The presented study is a review.

Results. The results have shown that the cited authors agree that not all forest site types are suitable for recreational purposes. Admittedly, there are minor differences in the evaluation but they result mainly from the technical aspects.

Conclusions. Evaluation means the assessment of the value of inventoried elements or updating the assessment of natural values. It constitutes the basis for determining the value (e.g. natural, economic, cultural) of the examined object. Although, there is a wide range of proposed criteria for assessment, forest site type is the most frequently considered.