The survey aimed to deepen Scottish Natural Heritage’s knowledge of recreation activity around the coastline of Scotland, and to explore the potential for a coastal and marine national park by finding areas that are popular for non-motorised forms of recreation.
LUC used a new and creative methodology to develop an unprecedented insight into recreational activities around Scotland’s coast. Our survey was web-based and interactive, allowing people to record where they sailed, cycled or paddled, and the reasons behind their choice of location.
Some activities are based in specific coastal locations whilst others can extend over quite large areas of sea. To solve this problem we used two specially devised maps, which allowed people to click or place markers to show where they had been.
The survey was advertised widely and we also used email networks to raise awareness among club members.
Analysis produced some interesting results, with fishing proving to be the most popular activity overall, but also some different geographic patterns, reflecting the availability of good surf, diving wrecks or cliff bird colonies.
