October 26, 2010
AONB’s urgent call for volunteers to help with survey
Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) has the huge job of finding out visitor numbers and local views from a variety of AONB sites.
Lots of feedback is needed so the AONB can compare the results with a
Visitor
Survey
Staffordshire
University carried out on their behalf in 2000.
Emma Beaman, Assistant AONB Officer, said: “Surveys are a really good way to find out how many people come to Cannock Chase AONB, which covers a variety of protected sites in Cannock, Rugeley, Lichfield District, Stafford and
South Staffordshire. It is also an opportunity to discover how visitors travel to these areas, where they come from, and why they go them – be that for walks, cycling, or to take part in the many activities on offer.
“As it has now been ten years since the last survey, we need to find out if anything has changed in this time, so we can make sure we are offering visitors what they want, while protecting the landscape and the precious biodiversity of the areas.”
This is why the AONB is hoping lots of volunteers will come forward to help them with their next Visitor Survey, which is kicking off later this month.
“Because we have a limited budget, we’re relying on local people, who feel passionately about their AONB, to help us with this important survey. It would mean spending 12 days spread over a year, from October 2010 to October 2011, monitoring how many people visit the area, and asking some of these visitors a quick questionnaire. The surveys need to be done at various times throughout the week and on weekends, so that we can get a realistic idea of how many people visit the AONB in one year,” said Emma.
Volunteers will be working in pairs at their chosen site, and will each get a free t-shirt and everything they need to do the survey.
“We really hope lots of people volunteer as it’s a great way to get involved with your local AONB, meet new people, and the chance to spend time in the great outdoors,” added Emma.
To volunteer to help with Cannock Chase AONB’s Visitor Survey, please telephone Emma Beaman, Assistant AONB Officer, on 01889 882613 or email
emma.beaman@staffordshire.gov.uk
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