A case study on environmental perspectives of boulderers and access issues at the Niagara Glen Nature Reserve

Determining the influence of the social versus physical context on environmentally responsible behaviour among cycling spectators

“…This may depend on the number of visitations to a place (Snider et al, 2011), the perceived benefits received through visitation (López-Mosquera & Sánchez, 2012) and the specific meaning attached to a place by the visitor (Wynveen, Kyle & Sutton, 2012). Increased knowledge about a place through information provision (Halpenny, 2010) or through regular use (Thompson, Davidson & Hutson, 2008) also increases the likelihood that an individual will display responsible behaviour in order to protect the place. Similar to the findings of Laing and Frost (2010) in corporate events, there may be instances where a stronger sense of attachment may be developed toward a sports event or activity if it is associated with socially responsible practices (Filo, Funk & O"Brien, 2008).…”

Socially constructed environmental issues and sport: A content analysis of Ski Resort Environmental Communications

“…While large-scale events have been the focus of much environmental impact research (Collins et al, 2009), individual sports can also have a significant impact. A study by Thompson, Hutson, and Davidson (2008) discussed how bouldering (a type of rock climbing) at the Niagara Glen Nature Reserve in Niagara Falls, Ontario had come under attack for the damage caused to fragile flora by hiking off the main trails. Skiing (discussed in more detail below) is often labeled as a sport with a relatively large impact and managers have experienced great difficulty in balancing the competing interest of the various groups involved (Holden, 2000;Weiss, Norden, Hilscher, & Vanreusel, 1998).…”

“…Golfers may experience a longer season in the future, but how will they view the sport if the greens suffer due to lack of water (Scott & Jones, 2006)? Boulderers desire access to the Niagara Glen and view their level of impact as generally acceptable, but if the area continues to grow in popularity and vegetation becomes increasingly scant will "beautiful" remain a common descriptor of the setting as it was in the study by Thompson et al (2008)? Will spectators and participants in large events continue to attach positive associations to the venue if environmental conditions significantly worsen, thus making the impacts of our sports more pronounced?…”

Learning from leisure: Developing nature connectedness in outdoor education

“…Andkjaer (2010) has similarly stated that adventure activities may represent and allow for a more "bodily sense of place" (pp. 19-20), while studies in recreational contexts (see for example Brymer & Gray, 2009;Thompson, Hutson, & Davidson, 2008) also lend weight to the proposition that it is through the experiencing of adventure activities that a deep embodied connectedness or care for nature may be developed.…”