Source of
information
The statistics on
visitor numbers and characteristics arc taken from a survey
conducted in 1997 by the Welsh Institute of Rural Studies at the
University of Wales, Aberystwyth (Scott et al. 1998; Christie et
al. 1998).
Visitor
numbers
The total number of
visitors in 1997 was estimated at 20.000 per year (Christie el al.
1998). This will, of course, include a large number of repeat
visits, so the total of individuals will be considerably less.
Since 2004. electronic dala loggers have been used to obtain more
accurate figures. These confirm previous estimates, suggesting that
numbers have remained stable, or possibly risen slightly by perhaps
10%.
Visitor
Characteristics
Visitors are evenly
divided between those that come from outside Wales (467<) and
those coming from within Wales (47%). Of those that visit from
within Wales about half are local (within 10 miles). Only 6%- are
from outside the UK.
The majority of
visitors (65%) are couples or families, with 207 visiting alone and
10% as part of a small group. No visits are from larger groups or
as more formally arranged activities by clubs or educational
establishments.
Most visitors (58%)
are over 45 years, with just 4% under 18: 607 of visitors are male
and 40% female.
The majority (70% )
are either working or students, with 21% being retired. Only 2% are
unemployed and none are unable to work as a result of disability or
illness.
Visit
Characteristics
The vast majority of
visitors (71%) come to watch nature or for other specialist
interests, with the opportunity to see red kite being most
specifically mentioned (31%). Just 77 come to
enjoy the landscape
qualities of the area and 16% are dog-walkers.
Of those that are on
holiday, 42% describe the opportunity to visit the reserve as a
major feature of their holiday, while just 18% stumbled across it
by chance. Among local people, the majority (62%) visit at least
several times a month.
Almost all visits
(93%) last less than three hours, with over a quarter (28%) lasting
less than half an hour.
References
Christie et al.
(1998). The effectiveness of interpretation, its economic impact
and recreational use of Welsh National Nature Reserves. University
of Wales. Aberystwyth.
Scott et al. (1998).
A survey of visitors to Welsh National Nature Reserves. University
of Wales. Aberystwyth.
