Indicators of Sustainable Development

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Indicator: Access to the countryside † S8
Frequency of visits for pleasure to the countryside, including the use of a car or other transport [1]: 2001  
Indicator Chart
Note: [1] Excluded trips to the countryside for proper holidays, to play golf or use other sporting facilities and trips to the beach.
Change since
dots 1970
dots 1990
dots Strategy

Coverage: England

Source: Defra

Objective: Promoting public access and enjoyment of the landscape
  • In a 2001 survey, 80 per cent of respondents said they had visited the countryside for pleasure in the last 12 months. Ranging from most days to less frequently, 39 per cent had visited at least once a month.
  • The most commonly mentioned reasons for visiting the countryside were tranquillity (58 per cent), scenery (46 per cent), open space (40 per cent), fresh air (40 per cent) and plants and wildlife (36 per cent).
Note: † New since QoLC (1999)

Page last modified: 21 April 2004  |  Page published: 21 April 2004