ABSTRACT

The natural environment typically comprises the landscapes, habitats, wildlife and cultural heritage features of both rural and urban places. Although some authors would define ‘natural environment’ strictly in terms of the absence of any human interference or impact, in this chapter it is taken in its more general meaning – that is, the environment separate from (but sometimes found within) the built environment, more natural in character and appearance. A nation’s natural heritage is unique – its mountains and valleys, coastal and marine sites, lakes, forests and woodlands, national parks, inland waterways, urban parks and open spaces. To walk in the countryside and along coastal paths, and to enjoy the hospitality of local towns, rural villages, pubs, restaurants, hotels, inns and bed and breakfast establishments – getting ‘off the beaten track’ – is to be at leisure; as is enjoyment of parks and green spaces in and around towns and cities. This chapter considers this natural environment – whole landscapes and local green spaces – the use made of them for leisure and the management challenges that they present.

In the early years of the outdoor recreation profession, facilities and services were often developed and managed without much information about the people they were aimed at or users’ needs and demands. For example, so-called tourist ‘honeypots’ have developed often in an ad hoc manner over many years, occasionally leading to problems of overuse and erosion. Leisure facilities have been created where land has become available, such as in the creation of parks on restored derelict land. This rather opportunistic approach has led to the development of a range of facilities and services which some have argued is somewhat fragmented and unplanned (see, for example, Curry, 1994).