What stops people coming to national parks?
Beyond transport and cost: understanding barriers to participation in the Scottish National Parks and National Nature Reserves
Key points from the presentation of Kris von Wald, Avante Consulting
Download Kris von Wald's powerpoint presentation (ppt)
The aims of this project are to identify barriers and develop a programme of connection, developing ways and means of sustaining programmes so that they become embedded; and to work in partnership to develop practical solutions.
The process is participatory and evolutionary and consisted of a literature review; four expert focus groups; planned programmes; facilitation; case studies; and a ‘recycle’ phase. Through ‘action research’, it created teams to reflect on practise during the project.
Research worked through questioning: ‘What? So what? Now what?’
What: Barriers across target groups were: cost, transport, lack of confidence/awareness/information/motivation; fears re safety; low expectations; ‘the parks aren’t for me’/ ‘nothing for me to do there’. For people with disabilities: physical barriers; inaccessible facilities; limited range of activities; lack of staff awareness. For schools: disruptions to classes; curriculum and timetable requirements; teacher qualifications and confidence.
So what: No surprises! Good practice is in place, but there are barriers beyond the typical ones. The project will inform a changing situation in Scotland, as things are improving all the time.
Now what: demonstration projects are already developing. 360 degree view for schools, looking at perceptions of parents, admininstrators, teachers – make sure the right questions are asked. The aim is to find the ‘tipping point’ to participation and to create practical resources.
