Visitor Access Study of Therfield Heath Site of Special Scientific Interest

Description

The purpose of the project is to: • Build up a comprehensive picture of visitor activity across the SSSI • Identify where visitor pressure may already be having an adverse effect on wildlife and environment of Therfield Heath • Recommend potential measures to resolve issues, enhance access and minimise impacts from visitors. The study will be made up of two parts: A. Build up a comprehensive picture of visitor activity across Therfield Heath Using existing data and information held by landowners, site managers and stakeholders; supplemented by data gathered from visitor surveys carried out as part of this contract at Therfield Heath to build up a comprehensive picture of visitor activity across the site including: • total numbers of visitors and how the site is used (types of activities undertaken & routes followed) • geographical and temporal distribution of visits to the site • how visitors value the site • sphere of influence of Therfield Heath (distance people travel to visit the site) and method of transport to access the site e.g. walking, car, bike etc. B. Using information gathered in part 1 and any other relevant sources; produce a Visitor Access Report This will a) Summarise current visitor usage, behaviours and values of visitors identified in part 1 b) Identify where visitor pressure may already be having an adverse effect on wildlife and environment of Therfield Heath and predict likely future impacts. c) Recommend potential measures to resolve issues, enhance access and minimise impacts from visitors.