Natural England - Research
Research
Natural England collects evidence and undertakes research relating to the places that provide opportunities for enjoying the natural environment. We also survey how people use the natural environment and their attitudes and values.
Research is often undertaken in partnership with other organisations and we are a member of the Countryside Recreation Network, which exists to exchange and share information and to develop best policy and practice in countryside recreation.
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In 1983, the Countryside Commission set up the Common Land Forum to explore whether the main national bodies with an interest in common land could agree proposals for future commons legislation.
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We commissioned a strategic futures consultancy firm, the Henley Centre, to undertake an independent assessment of the main factors that will influence the future of outdoor recreation.
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Monitor of engagement with the natural environment
People enjoy the natural environment in many different ways, visiting to the countryside to enjoying green spaces in towns and cities, watching wildlife and volunteering to help protect the natural environment. Understanding how people use and interact with the natural environment is important to Natural England because it helps us to identify trends and patterns which helps us to develop new policies and plan projects and facilities.
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Open Access Land monitoring reports
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This identifies five key questions about public engagement with the natural environment. It summarises our current analysis of research evidence needed to answer them, as the basis for Natural England's social evidence work programme.
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Dog walkers account for up to a third of visitors to the countryside.
