An inspiring space for escape, adventure, discovery and quiet reflection
# Engagement Levels
People engage with a range of different aspects of the PDNP, such as its special qualities and characteristics. People typically engage by visiting key attractions, attending events, taking part in volunteer programmes, contributing to policies that affect the PDNP or becoming members of local groups.
These different levels of engagement with the PDNP can be seen loosely as a hierarchy. First someone is aware of the PDNP, then through enjoying the place they develop a connection with it, which leads them to support it.
# 48% of the population of England were aware of the PDNP
On average across 2019-21, 48% of respondents to a national NFP Synergy survey were aware of the PDNP. Awareness was higher in the older, white and highest social grade categories [1].
The 2019 Residents Survey showed that 82% of residents felt informed about why the PDNP exists.
Many of those who do not engage with the PDNP are still aware of it: in the 2015 non-visitor survey, only 32% were unaware of the PDNP, while 45% had heard of it but didn’t know much about it, 21% knew a bit about it and 3% knew a lot about it.
# 1 in every 2 visitors engaged with nature during their visit to the PDNP
On average across 2019-21, an estimated 20% of the adult population reporting having visited the PDNP in the last two years. Those who had visited were asked to list the aspects of the PDNP they engaged with during their visit. The most popular aspects were natural beauty (63%), nature (50%), opportunity for escape, tranquillity and lack of development (47%) and wellbeing (44%) [1:1].
The percentage of people who said they ‘didn’t know’ what they experienced or said they experienced ‘none of the above’ was very low (4% and 3% respectively). This shows that people are aware of which aspects of the PDNP they are engaging with. It also shows that the survey and graph below capture the majority of what people chose to experience [1:2].
What visitors chose to experience at the PDNP (n=401)
# 8 in 10 visitors who were engaged with the PDNP felt a strong connection to the place
Beyond simply visiting and enjoying the PDNP, many people feel a connection to the place. In 2021, 29% of people said they felt connected to the PDNP [1:3]. This is particularly significant, as only 20% of respondents reported having visited the PDNP in the last two years. Those least likely to feel a connection with the PDNP are those from the lowest social grade (DE). Furthermore, 65% of people anticipated feeling welcome if they did visit and 50% would recommend visiting to a friend or colleague.
Similarly, in the 2017/18 the DJS survey [2], respondents were asked how strong their connection with the PDNP was. The vast majority (79%) reported a strong connection, with less than 5% reporting a weak/non-existent connection. These scores are much higher than those in the NFP Synergy survey, most likely because participants in the DJS survey were all either visitors, residents or volunteer rangers. This indicates that those who physically engage with the PDNP could be more likely to feel connected to it.
Strength of connection to the PDNP 2017 (PDNPA DJS Brand Research)
# 80% of respondents to a national survey thought national parks should be cared for and protected
If engagement is seen as a hierarchy, once people are aware of something, feel a connection to it and enjoy it, the theory is that they are more likely to support it. People can support the PDNP in a variety of ways: theoretical support for the place; volunteering; donating; joining local groups; and contributing to policies that influence the place.
# Theoretical support for the Peak District as a place
91% of residents, 92% of visitors and 100% of volunteers agreed that ‘It is important that the PDNP is maintained for future generations’ [2:1]. The wider national NFP Synergy survey found that 85% of all respondents thought national parks should be cared for and protected [1:4].
The 2019 Residents Survey found that 79% of residents said the PDNP was definitely a good place to live and a further 19% said it was a good place to live to some extent. Reasons given typically focused on the beautiful area and varied scenery, countryside and views.
While only 3% of people surveyed nationally by NFP Synergy considered themselves current supporters of the PDNP, 17% said they would consider supporting the National Park in the future [1:5]. This shows a relatively high level of potential future engagement with the PDNP. The highest levels of current support were seen in the 16-24 and non-white/mixed demographic categories, with over double the average levels of current support.
What are the gaps in our research and ata?
- Conclusive answer as to whether events are having negative impacts on the environment and/or local communities
- Total numbers of visitors within the NFP Synergy surveys are still relatively low, so further surveys are needed to increase the baseline number of visitors and increase the robustness of the results
- Comprehensive data on volunteering numbers across the PDNP
- Comprehensive data on user groups across the PDNP
- Data is not always comparable and sometimes not available for remote engagement