Module Identifier RS25620  
Module Title VISITOR MANAGEMENT  
Academic Year 2006/2007  
Co-ordinator Mr Ian P Keirle  
Semester Semester 2  
Course delivery Lecture   3 x 1 hour lectures per week  
  Other   4 x 3 hour visits per semester  
  Seminars / Tutorials   4 x 2 hour workshops  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Assessment Recreation plan Outcomes assessed: 1, 2, 3  50%
Semester Exam2 Hours Written examination Outcomes assessed: 4, 5, 6  50%
Supplementary Exam2 Hours Written examination Outcomes assessed: All  100%

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module students will be able to:

1.   Describe and utilise the marketing process in relation to countryside recreation management.
2.   Evaluate the issues concerned with the management of a countryside recreation site and to plan the
management of a site accordingly

3.   Assess the use made of countryside recreation sites through the use of recreational survey techniques.

4.   Describe the role and function of interpretation and apply best practice to its planning and development.

5.   Discuss and interpret legislation concerned with access to the countryside.

6.   Discuss the role, methods of delivery and issues associated with environmental education and be able to plan and implement an environmental education programme safely.

Aims

This module is concerned with how visitors to recreation sites can be managed to ensure maximum benefit to visitors, communities and conservation and how the site environment can be interpreted to visitors and children. A marketing approach is taken throughout the module whereby the countryside resource is considered as a product and the visitor as a customer. The first half of the module is concerned with management techniques such as infrastructure, developing accessibility, use of the media and customer care. The module concludes by detailing the role of interpretation and environmental education and the techniques that can be used in the development of these areas.

The aims of this module are to:

a. Develop an appreciation of marketing and its value as an approach to the management of countryside recreation
b. Develop an understanding of the methods available for the management of recreational visitors to the countryside
c. Develop an understanding of the function of interpretation
d. Develop an understanding of the process involved in the development of interpretation and the techniques that can be used.
e. Develop an appreciation of the role of environmental education and how it is delivered in the UK context
f. Develop an understanding of the planning and resource requirements needed to deliver safe and effective environmental education.

Content

This module is composed of two main elements, the management of visitors in the countryside and interpretation and environmental education. Overall it looks at the methods available to manage recreation in the countryside in such a way as to maximise the benefits and minimise potential conflicts. A marketing approach is used as the underpinning theme of the module with recreation sites considered as products and visitors as customers. The module considers the role played by management techniques such as signposting, site infrastructure, information, use of the media transport, erosion control and disabled access in the management of recreational sites. Interpretation is an important management tool and the module assesses the role of interpretation in the countryside and considers the best practice in its development. The role and issues associated with environmental education are also investigated and assessments made of the differing methodologies that are taken in delivering it.

Transferable skills

.1 Independent project work
This will occur within the assignment.

.2 IT and information handling
This may occur within the assignment.

.4 Writing in an academic context
This will occur within the examination.

.5 Oral discussion and presentation
The module contains several workshops which involve group discussion.

.6 Careers need awareness
The issues covered within this module are directly related to employment within the countryside
management industry.

.7 Self-management
   Students are required to manage their own time in carrying out continuous assessment.

Module Skills

Problem_solving This will occur within the assignment  
Research skills The assignment may require primary research to be conducted  
Communication Report writing skills will be developed within the assignment  
Improving own Learning and Performance This occurs through feedback from the assignment  
Team work The module uses a number of group work sessions within the teaching  
Information Technology In the assignment, IT skills will be required  
Application of Number The assignment may require some survey work that will include a need for numeric skills.  
Personal Development and Career planning This module provides a range of skills and knowledge that are directly relevant to the countryside job market.  

Reading Lists

Books
** General Text
Bell, S (1997) Design for outdoor recreation E and F N Spon
Broadhurst R (2001) Managing environments for leisure and recreation Routledge
Curry N (1994) Countryside recreation, access and land use planning E and F N Spon
Hammitt, W E (1987) Wildlife recreation, ecology and management
Jobber, D (1998) Principles and practice of marketing McGraw-Hill
Riddall, F and Trevelyan, J (1983) Rights of way: a guide to law and practice
Sharpley, R (2002) Tourism and leisure in the countryside Elm Publications
Sports Council (1995) Good practice in planning and management of sport and active recreation in the countryside Sports Council
Veal, A J (1992) Research methods for leisure and tourism Longman/ILAM
** Recommended Text
Keirle, I (2002) Countryside recreation site management: a marketing approach Routledge

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5