Perception of forestry and foresters as a vocational group by society in 'Lasy Beskidu Slaskiego' and 'Lasy Beskidu Sadeckiego' Forest Promotional Complexes

The main aim of the research was to identify the image of the vocational group of foresters and of the State Forests National Forest Holding held by the public opinion. To do so, respondents’ knowledge of forestry and foresters’ work was checked, using an original questionnaire. The questionnaire survey was carried out inside (Promotional Forest Complexes) and outside the forest (urban areas). The findings show that people eagerly spend their free time in forests, appreciating mainly their non−productive functions. Both foresters and the State Forests NFH entertain good opinion and high public confidence. However, people have insufficient knowledge of foresters’ competences and the State Forests NFH actions