Nature—and trees in particular—contributes in many different ways to human well-being. In the article series Trees and Their Ecosystem Services, we have explored the functions trees provide in terms of water management, cooling, air quality, biodiversity, CO₂ storage, and promoting well-being in urban environments. In this blog, we focus on the cultural ecosystem services that trees provide us.
Cultural ecosystem services are intangible, experience-based benefits that trees deliver to people. They are primarily related to spiritual enrichment, cognitive development, recreation, and perception. We distinguish several main groups of cultural ecosystem services that trees provide:
1. Natural environments for recreation and tourism
2. Contribution to a green living environment
3. Natural heritage
Natural Environments for Recreation and Tourism
Trees make an essential contribution to creating attractive environments for leisure activities. This leads to nature-related tourism and recreation, such as walking, cycling, water-based recreation, and play. In recent years, partly because of the rediscovery of nature during the COVID-19 pandemic, such activities have steadily increased.
A green recreational area improves both the physical and mental health of visitors. Proximity to such an area also stimulates outdoor recreation and physical activity, with a direct positive effect on health. For children in particular, contact with green spaces significantly supports healthy development. There is now sufficient scientific evidence supporting these positive effects, including the report Kennisbundeling Groen en Gezondheid (RIVM, 2022) and the factsheet Groen en wonen (Wageningen University & Research).
Climbing Trees
Let children play in green spaces and they will freely discover nature. Let them run around and climb trees—they gain confidence from it. “Climbing trees are more fun than tablets,” says today’s youth.
Our favorite climbing trees: Platanus × hispanica (London plane), Carpinus betulus (hornbeam), and Pterocarya fraxinifolia (Caucasian wingnut).
Contribution to a Green Living Environment
A green environment, in which trees play a defining role, is attractive to many people thanks to its positive influence on living conditions, visual enjoyment, and the opportunities for recreation already mentioned. The ecosystem service we refer to here relates to the benefits of living close to nature.
Studies have shown a link between property value and views of green spaces with trees compared to views of paved areas (excluding private gardens). The added value of a house with a green view is estimated at 5–14% (literature study for the Netherlands; Ruijgrok, 2006).
Natural Heritage
The concept of natural heritage as a cultural ecosystem service of trees refers to the specific cultural value that trees can hold within a community. Trees can have different cultural meanings and play important roles in traditions, symbolism, rituals, and historical events. Think of the Christmas tree that many cultures decorate in December, or the numerous tree symbols depicted on flags. Trees in cemeteries and modern memorial trees form a separate category in this context, where symbolism, culture, and connection come together. For more on this, see the book Bomen op Begraafplaatsen, a source of information and inspiration for designers and managers.
Natural heritage encompasses more than this. It also includes trees of ecological importance, trees supporting biodiversity, or trees that play a key role in local history and culture. One example is De Maasheggen, the area where Ebben Nurseries is located. It is an ancient cultural landscape where nature, landscape, economy, and culture are inextricably intertwined. Since 2018, it has been the only UNESCO biosphere reserve in the Netherlands.
Historic tiered lindens are another example, still found in the centers of villages such as Oisterwijk, Nuenen, and Hilvarenbeek. These Tilia × europaea (common lime) were traditionally planted in village squares and pruned into three levels: the lowest representing ordinary citizens, the middle for authority, and the top reserved for the gods. Under these lindens, village festivals were held, justice was administered, and weekly markets took place. The divine symbolism may no longer be current, but the social function of the tiered linden remains relevant today.
Finally, we should highlight the educational value of natural heritage. Trees serve as natural classrooms where people learn about nature, ecology, and biodiversity.
In short, the preservation and sustainable management of trees as cultural heritage are essential to safeguard cultural ecosystem services and maintain the unique connection between trees and human culture.
