THE EFFECT OF RESURFACING THE PENNINE WAY ON RECREATIONAL USE OF BLANKET BOG IN THE PEAK-DISTRICT-NATIONAL-PARK, ENGLAND

The effects on the level of recreational disturbance of resurfacing a stretch of the Pennine Way have been quantified. Resurfacing appears t o have resulted in a two fold increase in the number of visitors using the improved stretch of the Pennine Way. Following resurfacing, 3.8% of walkers strayed from the path, compared to over 30% before the foot path was altered. Thus, despite the increased pressure along the route of the footpath, the overall level of recreational disturbance to the surrounding moorlands has fallen dramatically. The pattern of use thr oughout the day and the season, and the extent to which poorly supervi sed dogs accompany the walkers, have changed little, compared with a p revious survey. The implications of this successful management of dist urbance along the Pennine Way for other sensitive areas are discussed. (C) 1997 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.