Work

• Kielder Wildlife Tourism Study

  April 2010 | Filed under: Tourism Strategies & Plans

  Kielder Water & Forest Park comprises the largest man-made forest (600+ kms²) and the largest man-made lake (11+ kms²) in northern Europe.  At the same time, it is a working forest (producing 25% of England’s timber), its habitats and species are protected under UK and European legislation and it is enjoyed by visitors, who come to take part in a range of activities.

  Research shows that visitors see Kielder Water & Forest Park (KWFP) as a place to enjoy wildlife and the outdoors.   Members of the Kielder Partnership commissioned this study to explore the opportunity of creating a step change in the provision of wildlife events and activities, and in the number of people enjoying them, whilst ensuring the long-term sustainability of the wildlife resources.

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• Developing RSPB Bempton

  April 2010 | Filed under: Feasibility Studies

  Bempton Cliffs is the largest and most accessible sea-bird colony on the English mainland.  The RSPB asked us to consider the opportunities to improve current visitor facilities and attract additional visitors, in particular, we were asked to investigate market demand from the UK and overseas, to address the seasonal presence of the birds, to consider planning issues and to prepare an outline business plan and economic impact assessment.

• Langold Country Park: Financial Appraisal

  April 2010 | Filed under: Business Plans

  Our financial review of the existing operation of Langold Country Park led to the development of a new framework and business plan to be taken forwards by a partnership of the public and voluntary sectors working with local people.

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• Watson Bird Centre & Celebration: Feasibility Study

  April 2010 | Filed under: Feasibility Studies

  Feasibility study of establishing a bird centre and a series of events in Galloway, south west Scotland to celebrate the work of bird artist and writer Donald Watson and the scientific work on raptors of his son Jeff. Working with the Project Director, Roger Crofts, the three-month study assessed the market demand for the project, the levels of support in the local communities in The Glenkens area on Galloway, the potential partners, the use of existing facilities and the development of new ones. An overall vision was developed and a series of supporting objectives identified. The study concluded that a Watson Bird Centre should be developed in the former family home or on the adjacent site in St John’s Town of Dalry. A series of celebratory projects were identified and their development recommended.  The project should be taken forward through a specially established trust. Recommendations for other bodies operating facilities in the wider area were made. The project was funded by the LEADER programme for Rural Dumfries and Galloway, Scottish Natural Heritage and the in kind contributions of the Project Director.

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• Promotion Plan for the Welsh National Access Register

  March 2009 | Filed under: Marketing & Promotion

  This work involved primary and secondary research to identify key users of the Countryside Council for Wales’s on-line mapping.  Our report prioritised target markets for promotion and recommended product development opportunities.  Use of on-line mapping is likely to increase following the recent announcement by the Ordnance Survey to make its mapping more freely available.

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