Visitor patterns on southern heaths: a review of visitor access patterns to heathlands in the UK and the relevance to Annex I bird species

Abstract

Many lowland heathlands have been designated as Special Protection Areas under the European Union Birds Directive as they support populations of bird species of European importance listed in Annex I of the Directive, including Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus, Woodlark Lullula arborea and Dartford Warbler Sylvia undata. Many lowland heaths are near to human settlements and are heavily used as open spaces by those living nearby. A number of past visitor surveys have established the range of uses to which urban heaths are subject, and the attitudes of those who use them. We have collated a number of these visitor surveys, many of which are unpublished reports relating to single sites, in order to provide a broad summary of access to heathlands. The majority of visitors to urban and suburban lowland heaths visit sites regularly and live nearby (within 5 km). A large proportion of visitors drive to sites and dog walking is the usual purpose for a visit. Visits are typically short, with the average dog walker travelling less than 2.5 km on the heath. Dog walkers typically stay on the paths, but most let their dog off the lead and consider it important to be able to do so. On large regionally or nationally known rural sites such as the New Forest, more visitors are day trippers and tourists, fewer are dog walkers, they stay for longer and their reasons for visiting differ from those of local residents. The information presented here is relevant in helping to inform decisions on the location of new housing development, and mitigating the impacts of existing and new settlements, as well as helping the heathland manager to make provision for visitors in ways that are most compatible with wildlife conservation.

Disturbances to great bustards (Otis tarda) in central Spain: human activities, bird responses and management implications

“…Walkers produced more disturbances when they were accompanied by dogs (see also Taylor et al 2007), and thus, we insist on the recommendation of keeping dogs leashed when walking near important areas for steppe-land birds (Lafferty 2001). Alternative open spaces that might attract walkers with dogs are also needed, since it is frequently argued that dogs should be allowed to run off the lead (Underhill-Day and Liley 2007).…”

Effects of large‐scale heathland management on thermal regimes and predation on adders Vipera berus

“…Many lowland heaths are also near to centres of human population and are used as recreational amenities (Underhill‐Day & Liley, ; Cordingley et al ., ). Consequently, they can support high numbers of predators of reptiles, including domestic animals (Phelps, ; Underhill‐Day, ; Edgar et al ., ).…”

Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus and Woodlark Lullula arborea– recovering species in Britain?

“…Visitor access should be considered as part of any management plan for heathland and forest sites. Recent research in southern England (Underhill‐Day & Liley 2007) has yielded useful information about visitor behaviour, including distances walked and penetration on to heathland. Gaining an understanding of the behaviour of visitors to a site will be helpful in deciding where best to locate heathland habitat restoration for Nightjars and Woodlarks.…”