RECREATION MANAGEMENT
RECREATION SURVEYS
Completing a recreation survey allows us to start building a picture of how people use your site. This can help influence decisions like where to focus efforts on signage, infrastructure repair, or where additional infrastructure might be required in the future. It identifies how the public access your site, what routes they use, and what areas they value.
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What types of recreation are surveyed? All types of recreation are included. We look at primary activities such as walking, cycling, running and camping. But can also include more niche activities such as climbing, canoeing, kayaking, canyoning, ski touring, orienteering, or any other relevant outdoor pursuits.
How do we collect data? We collect data in four steps -Desk based assessment This helps us to identify how people are using your site through data uploaded by users. This includes looking at information available on routes, access, and reasons to visit your site. -site visit We visit your site to identify the impacts recreation is having and see for ourselves how people are accessing your site. -On site data collection Collecting real data on the number of people using your site. This usually includes camera traps and people counters to build an accurate picture of the volume of traffic the site has. This is a key step to identify what activities are taking place. - In person or online surveys Where relevant we engage with the sites user base. This builds an accurate picture of the motivations of those accessing the site.
Can you make recommendations? Yes, we can produce a report outlining management options for your site. All recommendations are within The Scottish Outdoor Access Code framework. We can work to resolve specific issues, or provide an overview of management options if you have no specific issues.
Can you help with public engagement? Yes, absolutely. We have extensive experiance in community engagement around a variety of issues. This can include community consultation events, volunteer days, or community led initiatives. We'll have more on this in the coming months.
trail SURVEYS
Trail surveys help to identify the maintenance requirements for mountain bike trails, cycle trails, woodland paths, and hill paths. Surveys are also conducted to identify health and safety issues.
What types of trail are surveyed? All types of trail can be surveyed. Purpose built footpaths whether lowland or upland benefit from regular inspection. We also survey both official and unofficial mountain bike trails. This helps to identify any maintenance issues early and before they become expensive problems to fix. Surveying unofficial mountain bike trails and desire lines is important from a health and safety perspective. Ensuring trails the public are accessing are safe helps reduce the landowners liability.
Can you assist with maintenance? Yes, we are experienced in maintaining a variety of mountain bike and walking trails. From annual tasks such as drain clearing and vegetation management, to more significant maintenance issues such as rerouting, and resurfacing. We work closely with partners to complete larger maintenance tasks that require heavy machinery.
How accurate is your surveying? Our surveying is extremely accurate. We take the time to inspect every feature, this includes rock features, each board on a bridge, and each culvert. We take our time and physically travel each trail. It's also easy to map trails while we are surveying.
trail mapping
Trail mapping can be used for a variety of land management practices. From identifying unofficial trails on your site to creating accurate maps for land management or recreation.
What will be mapped? We can focus on a particular type of trail, whether these are unofficial or official trails, or the main user base.
How will maps be presented? We can provide GPX files for use in GIS software. Or we can produce site maps that can be viewed as any photo or PDF could be. If you are looking for recreation maps that can be used by the general public we can assist in producing leaflets and signage. We work closely with partners to deliver these.
Can you map long distance routes such as walking trails? Yes, we can map existing routes. Or produce new routes depending on your specifications. These are usually limited to walking and cycling. We specialise in mountain bike routes.
How accurate is your mapping? Our mapping usually has an accuracy within one meter. This is impacted by a variety of factors such as cloud cover and terrain. We collect data by travelling the routes ourselves. This provides an extremely accurate representation of what lies on the ground. Its also easy to incorporate trail surveys into this process.