A forest is a highly organised system in which dominant elements are plants, in particular trees, forming a canopy cover and playing the role of its major constituent species, and animals with their habitats. A great variety of life forms in the forest are linked with its multi-layered structure, which is the result of varying amounts of sunlight reaching the understory layer. This has a decisive impact on the distribution of species depending on their shade tolerance.

The forest performs a great number of functions, both as a natural formation and as a product of skilful human activity, when nature is harnessed to fulfil people's own needs. The value of particular functions of the forest is limited - an increase of one may occur at the expense of others. At the same time, many roles are either co-dependent or linked together and they change in time and space. The forest has three major functions:

1. Protective function - the forest has a stabilising effect onthe natural environment (water circulation, precipitation, aircirculation, temperature, global and micro-climate, soil erosion prevention). It creates the conditions sustaining biodiversity and enhances the conditions of agricultural production.
2. Productive function - timber is obviously a basic raw material coming from the forest and should be sourced carefully not to threaten its existence. Currently, timber has more than 30,000 applications worldwide. Other products that people harvest in the forest are: forest fruit, mushrooms, many species of herbs used in medicine and the meat of game animals.
3. Social function - the forest creates the environment favourable to the health and recreation of society, enhances the labour market, strengthens national defence, improves environmental awareness and culture of society. It is extremely difficult to measure the economic value of the non-productive functions of the forest, which is reflected by major discrepancies between different estimates. However, it is generally agreed that their aggregate value considerably exceeds the value of the productive function.

1. The positive impact of forestsis particularly felt in big cities. Nikiszowiec District, Katowice.
2. The amount of timber sourced in the Katowice Forest District annually does not exceed 70% of an increase in forest resources, which ensures that the criteria of sustainable forest management are fulfilled.
3. A guided tour with a forester along an educational path.
4. The forest is a perfect place for recreation and physical culture development. Panewniki Cross-Country Run in the Zadole Forest District.
5. Mushroom picking is an enjoyable leisure activity, especially when you are lucky to find such a beautiful specimen.
6. The forest with its multi--layered structure offers habitat to a variety of animal and plant species.
7. The forest is home to numerous animal species - wildboar piglets.