What is a recreation management plan?
A document that sets out how a site balances public access with conservation, safety, and day-to-day (long-term) management objectives.

Why do we need a recreation management plan?
Mostly to get ahead of problems before they happen.  For example, footpath erosion, overcrowding, and conflict between dog walkers and cyclists. It’s also increasingly expected by funders and, on some sites, by planning authorities.

Who needs a recreation management plan?
Anyone managing public access to land, for example, woodlands, nature reserves, country parks, private estates open to visitors and local authorities with green space portfolios.

What does a recreation management plan typically include?
Usually, a site analysis, visitor data (counts, surveys, sometimes traffic and parking studies), an access and trail strategy, some zoning, and an action plan with costs and phasing. T he level of detail varies depending on the site.

How long does it take to produce a plan?
Typically 3 to 6 months, depending on site complexity, stakeholder consultation, and the scope of surveys required.

Does a recreation management plan require public consultation?
For most sites with a planning angle or public funding, yes.  Even where it isn’t strictly required, in our experience, it is highly valuable.  Consultation helps identify issues and solutions you might otherwise miss and, importantly, allows you to test new ideas directly with the landowner, local community and site users.

How does a recreation management plan relate to planning permission?
It can strengthen an application by showing that increased footfall or new facilities have actually been thought through, rather than just asserted.

How is visitor impact assessed?
Footfall counters, habitat condition surveys, erosion monitoring, and primary research with visitor and user groups.  Traffic and parking analysis if vehicle access is part of the picture may also be required.

Can a recreation management plan help secure funding?
Some funders will expect to see one before committing.

How often should a plan be reviewed?
This depends, but a standard review should happen every 3–5 years.  Additionally, anything that significantly changes visitor numbers or site conditions should trigger an immediate review of the plan.

Who should be involved in developing the plan?
Site managers, staff and volunteers, as well as user groups (for example, walkers and cyclists), plus conservation bodies and the local community, where the site has a strong local profile.

What’s the difference between a recreation management plan and a conservation management plan?
Recreation plans are about access and visitor experience; conservation plans are about protecting habitats or heritage fabric.  At some sites, they end up as companion documents rather than separate exercises.

Find out more about recreational management planning.