Annual Outdoor Visitor Survey 2021

Access and Recreation in the Uplands

The DEFA upland estate extends to over 8,000 hectares (20,000 acres), is publicly owned and freely accessible. It is therefore a valuable, yet sometimes overlooked and under explored asset for locals and tourists alike. In contrast to neighbouring jurisdictions, public ownership provides significant control to limit damaging activities, whilst offering additional opportunities to shape future access, use and management.

Our upland habitats are the Island's largest carbon store, facilitating low input low output food production. They are without doubt, a vital resource providing; all of our freshwater, flood regulation and, numerous habitats supporting iconic species of wildlife.
Whilst the points listed above highlight the many benefits of our uplands it would be disingenuous to think that all public access and land use expectations do not conflict with the interests of stakeholders, neighbouring private landowners and other user groups.
This year's survey looks to identify the numbers of people using our uplands and the reasons for use.
We welcome your feedback. 
1.What is your age?
2.What is your gender?
3.Where do you live?
4.How would you describe your level of knowledge and experience of the Island's upland Environment?
5.Are you a member of any of the following organisations associated with recreational or conservational activities?

Please tick all that apply.
6.Which of the following recreational/conservational activities have you undertaken during your visit(s) to the Island's upland areas in the last 12 months?

Please tick all that apply.
7.In the last 12 months, how often on average have you visited the Island's upland areas for leisure, recreation and/or conservational purposes?
8.When visiting the Island's uplands, are you usually
9.Which one of the following options best describes your personal reasons for visiting the Island's upland areas?
10.How important do you perceive the upland areas to be?
11.Please select all factors you consider important concerning the Island's upland areas.
12.Which of the following are your main reasons for not visiting the Island's uplands more often or at all?
13.How do you rate the current general signage/way-marking on the Island's uplands you have visited in the last 12 months?
14.Do you think the Isle of Man is in need of an Upland/ Heathland Access Code to inform occasional visitors of what they can/can't do?
15.In general, how would you rate the condition of the upland paths you've used in the last 12 months (ie. surface, drainage, extent of any erosion)?
Mostly very bad
Mostly quite bad
Mix of good and bad
Mostly quite good
Mostly very good
16.How do you mainly navigate/track your recreational activity whilst in the uplands?
Please select up to three answers:
17.Which of the following statements do you consider true?
True
False
I would avoid a particular upland route if I knew there was no obvious path
The presence of a path is not important when I plan an upland route
I try to plan an upland route so that I am using a path that is in good condition 
A poorly maintained path would deter me from using that upland route again
18.Do you think upland recreation and access can be improved, and in what way?
Opportunity to provide further comments/ feedback below on Q20.
19.To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements about the Island's approach to upland management?
Disagree
No strong feelings
Agree
Upland management should remain in place, in order to protect the ecosystem services it provides
Our uplands seem to be adequately resourced 
Full off-road cycling access should be permitted across the entire upland DEFA estate
I would be willing to participate in volunteering opportunities to help maintain and upkeep the Island's upland areas
Sustainable tourism in the uplands should be widely encouraged all year round
There should be more educational signage installed to manage recreational use with interpretation showing what wildlife can be found
Clear signage is required to clarify boundaries of land ownership
Seasonal information (bird nesting season) signage at access points and parking areas should be implemented
Dogs should be kept on a lead whilst on the uplands during livestock breeding/ bird breeding and nesting season (April 1st-July 31st)
20.Do you have any further comments or general feedback relating to the recreational management of DEFA's upland estate?
Current Progress,
0 of 20 answered