Sponsors

Association of National Park Authorities

ANPA represents UK National Park Authorities at home and abroad and provides a focus for shared experience and collaborative action.ANPA (Association of National Park Authorities)

Cathryn Marcus
Co-ordinator
UK Association of National Park Authorities
126 Bute Street
Cardiff Bay CF10 5LE
Tel: 029 20 499966. Mobile: 07949 236312.
www.nationalparks.gov.uk


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British Waterways

British Waterways maintain 2,000 miles canals and rivers for a wide range of leisure and business uses. With half of Britains population living within five miles of one of our waterways, our network touches the lives of millions.

Customer Services
British Waterways
Willow Grange
Church Road
Watford
WD17 4QA
Tel: 01923 201 120
Website: http://www.britishwaterways.co.uk

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Chief Leisure Officers Association
(Northern Ireland)

Chief Leisure Officers Association (Northern Ireland)
Craigavon Borough Council
Civic Centre
Lough Neagh Discovery Centre
Oxford Island National Nature Reserve
Craigavon
BT66 6NJ
Tel: 02838 322205
Fax: 02838 311699

Contact Representative:
Ross Millar, Director of Leisure Services

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Coillte Teoranta - The Irish Forest Board

Coillte Teoranta is Ireland's leading forestry company which was established under the Forestry Act 1988 to manage State owned forests commercially. We now own 438,000 hectares of forest land which are a vital national economic, social and environmental resource. We manage these forest resources in accordance with sustainable forest management principles.

The Irish Forestry Board,
Newtownmountkennedy,
Co. Wicklow
Tel: ++353 1 2011111
Fax: ++353 1 2011199
Email: pr@coillte.ie
Website: www.coillte.ie

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Countryside Access and Activities Network
 
The Countryside Access and Activities Network is an umbrella organisation which seeks to bring together all groups and bodies which have an interest in, or involvement with, countryside recreation. This includes those participating in countryside recreation activities, local and central government organisations, farmers and landowners, environmental and community organisations, youth organisations and providers of outdoor education.

The Network was established in 1999 in response to the publication of Northern Ireland's first Countryside Recreation Strategy in November 1998 and it is charged with the strategic development and management of countryside recreation across Northern Ireland.

The Countryside Access and Activities Network (for Northern Ireland)
The Stableyard
Barnett's Demesne
Malone Road
Belfast
BT9 5PB
Tel: 028 90 303930
Fax: 028 90 626248
Email: info@countrysiderecreation.com
Website: www.countrysiderecreation.com

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Countryside Council for Wales/ Cyngor Cefn Gwlad Cymru

The Countryside Council for Wales is the Government's statutory adviser on sustaining natural beauty, wildlife and the opportunity for outdoor enjoyment in Wales and its inshore waters. The national wildlife conservation authority.

Cyngor Cefn Gwlad Cymru yw cynghorwyr statudol y Llywodraeth ar gynnal harddwch naturiol,bywyd gwyllt a'r cyfle i fwynhau cefn gwlad Cymru a dyfroedd ei glannau. Y Cyngor yw'r awdurdod cenedlaethol ar gadwraeth bywyd gwyllt.

Countryside Council for Wales/Cyngor Cefn Gwlad Cymru
Maes-y-Ffynnon
Penrhosgarnedd
Bangor
Gwynedd LL57 2DW

Tel/ Ffon: 0845 1306 229
Email/ Ebost: enquiries@ccw.gov.uk
Website/Gwefan: http://www.ccw.gov.uk

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Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) (previously DETR)

The Countryside (Recreation and Landscape) Division is responsible for policy on landscapes (including National Parks and AONBs) countryside recreation and commons. We also sponsor the National Park Authorities, the Broads Authorities, the Commons Commissioners and BTCV. In addition we undertake casework on commons and countryside bylaws and advice on rights of way.

Defra was formed in June 2001 from the former DETR and MAFF to bring together Environment, Rural, Food and related issues.

Defra's aims are:

Sustainable development, which means a better quality of life for everyone, now and for generations to come, including:

• a better environment at home and internationally, and sustainable use of natural resources;
• economic prosperity through sustainable framing, fishing, food, water and other industries that meet consumers' requirements;
• thriving economies and communities in rural areas and a countryside for all to enjoy.

Defra's objectives are:

Objective 1
To protect amd improve the rural, urban, marine and global environment and to lead integration of these with other policies across Government and internationally.

Objective 2
To enhance opportunity and tackle social exclusion in rural areas.

Objective 3
To promote a sustainable, competitive and safe food supply chain which meets consumers' requirements

Objective 4
To promote sustainable, diverse, modern and adaptable farming through domestic and international actions.

Objective 5
To promote sustainable management and prudent use of natural resources domestically and internationally.

Objective 6
To protect the public's interest in relation to environmental impacts and health, and ensure high standards of animal health and welfare.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Nobel House
17 Smith Square
LONDON
SW1P 3JR
Tel: 020 7238 6000
Website: http://www.defra.gov.uk

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Environment Agency

Environment Agency
We are the leading public body for protecting and improving the environment in England and Wales. It's our job to make sure that air, land and water are looked after by everyone in today's society, so that tomorrow's generations inherit a cleaner, healthier world. We do this by:
" Protecting homes and businesses from flooding.
" Protecting human health by regulating industrial air emissions and discharges to water.
" Protecting wildlife and habitat
" Licensing freshwater fishing
" Balancing water resources
" Monitoring and setting standards for water quality
" Regulating large industrial, agricultural and nuclear waste.
As part of its management of the water environment, the Agency is responsible for promoting the recreational use of water and the land around it. We are also responsible for navigation on a number of rivers, including the non-tidal Thames, Nene & Ouse Systems, Medway and Rye Harbour.

The Environment Agency,
Rio House,
Waterside Drive,
Aztec West,
Almondsbury,
Bristol,
BS32 4UD.
General Enquiries: 08708 506 506 (Mon-Fri 8-6)
Incident hotline: 0800 807060 (Freephone* 24 Hour) to report an environmental incident)
To contact us by email please use: enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk except for reporting environmental incidents.

Environment Agency Wales
Rivers House
St. Mellons Business Park
Fortran Road
St. Mellons
Cardiff
CF3 OEY
General Enquiries: 08708 506 506 (Mon-Fri 8-6)
Incident hotline: 0800 807060 (Freephone* 24 Hour) to report an environmental incident)
To contact us by email please use: enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk except for reporting environmental incidents.

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Environment & Heritage Service, DoENI

The Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) was set up as an agency within the Department of the Environment in 1996, to provide integrated care for the natural and builtheritage, together with environmental protection, a provision which is unique in the UK. The aim of the Service is to protect and conserve the natural and built environment and to promote its appreciation for the benefit of present and future generations.

EHS is responsible for implementing environmental policy in Northern Ireland within the framework of Northern Ireland legislation, European Commission Directives and other provisions. In 1999 the Countryside Access and Activities Network (CAAN) was set up to work with EHS and carry out work and research in this area.

Environment and Heritage Service
Department of the Environment
Klondyke Building
Cromac Avenue
Gasworks Business Park
Lower Ormeau Road
Belfast
Northern Ireland
BT7 2JA
E-mail: terry.eakin@doeni.gov.uk
Website: http://www.ehsni.gov.uk

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Local Government Association

The Local Government Association speaks for nearly 500 local authorities that represent over 50 million people and spend some £78 billion pounds per annum. Local authorities provide a range of facilities and services that promote and enable countryside and
urban greenspace recreation by providing leisure centres, sports pitches, formal and informal parks and public open space and through the provision of leisure, parks and countryside services.

The LGA exists to promote better local government. Local authorities are uniquely placed to ensure that the needs of rural and urban communities are understood, communicated and addressed. Councils have a strong track record in developing robust and effective partnerships at the local level, bringing together a wide range of stakeholders to deliver policies and programmes that work at a local level. And building on this expertise, in working collaboratively, local authorities have done much to help reconnect 'town and country' and to promote the social, health and economic benefits of recreation.

Website: http://www.lga.gov.uk

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Forestry Commission

The Forestry Commission is the Government Department responsible for forestry throughout Great Britain. The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs directs the Commissioners' activities in England and Scottish Ministers and the National Assembly for Wales direct the activities in Scotland and Wales respectively. The Commission is responsible for advising Ministers and for implementing each country's separate and distinct forestry policy.

Our mission is to: Protect and expand Britain's forests and woodlands and increase their value to society and the environment.

Forestry Commission
231 Corstorphine Road
Edinburgh
Scotland
EH12 7AT
Telephone: 0131-334 0303
Fax: 0131-334 4473
E-mail: enquiries@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
Website: http://www.forestry.gov.uk

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Heritage Council, Republic of Ireland

The Heritage Council is a statutory organisation set up in 1995 to propose policies to identify, protect, preserve, and enhance Ireland's heritage. In the countryside recreation area, the Council is working on a number of projects on walking routes and greenways.

Heritage Council
Kilkenny
Ireland
+353 56 70777
+ 353 56 70788
Website: http://www.heritagecouncil.ie

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National Trust

The National Trust was set up in 1895 to act as guardian for the nation in the acquisition and protection of threatened coastline, countryside and buildings. The Trust now cares for over 248,000 hectares of beautiful countryside in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, plus almost 600 miles of outstanding coastline and more than 200 buildings and gardens of outstanding interest and importance. Most of these properties are held in perpetuity and so their future protection is secure and the vast majority are open for visitors.

The National Trust (Central Office)
Heelis
Kemble Drive
Swindon
SN2 2NA
Tel: 020 7222 9251
Fax: 020 7222 5097
E-mail: enquiries@ntrust.org.uk
Website: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk

The National Trust
PO Box 39
Warringto
WA5 7WD
Tel: 0870 458 4000
Minicom: 0870 240 3207
Fax: 020 8466 6824,
Email: enquiries@thenationaltrust.org.uk

Contact
Jo Burgon
Email: jo.burgon@nationaltrust.org.uk

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National Waymarked Ways Advisory Committee

The National Waymarked Ways Advisory Committee is a Committee of the Irish Sports Council with an advisory, promotional and regulatory role for Waymarked Ways, with special refernce to the National Network of 31 Long Distance Walking Routes.In carrying out this function it has carried out several research projects including:

• ‘Waymarked Ways in Ireland’ including user profiles, numbers and Route Management Strategies. Completed by Dr Ken Boyle and Vicki O’Donnell at the Faculty of Tourism and Food, Dublin Institute of Technology. [Kerry Way, Wicklow Way]
  
• 'The Economic Impacts of Walking on the Western Way (Galway)’. Prepared by Dr Sheila Flanagan and Linda Campbell of the Tourism Research Centre, Dublin Institute of Technology. The NWWAC was founded in 1978 as the Long Distance walking Committee and has overseen the development of long distance waymarked walking routes in the Republic of Ireland from one in 1980 until the current thrirty-one.

Cormac MacDonnell
NWWAC Development Officer NWWAC
Irish Sports Council
Top Floor, Block A, West End Office Park, Blanchardstown
Tel: +353-1-8608823
Fax:+353-1-8608880
E-mail: cmacdonnell@irishsportscouncil.ie
Website: http://www.irishwaymarkedways.ie 

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Natural England

Natural England has been established to conserve and enhance the natural environment, for its intrinsic value, the well-being and enjoyment of people and the economic prosperity that it brings. To achieve its purpose Natural England has defined four strategic outcomes that will be used to focus its activities and resources:

A healthy natural environment;
Enjoyment of the natural environment;
Sustainable use of the natural environment;
A secure environmental future.

Natural England was formed in October 2006 and brings together the landscape and recreation elements of the Countryside Agency with English Nature and the Rural Development Service of Defra.

Natural England
Head Office
1 East Parade
Sheffield
S1 2ET
Tel: 0114 241 8920
Fax: 0114 241 8921

Website: http://www.naturalengland.org.uk

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Northern Ireland Tourist Board

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) is a Non-Departmental Public Body of the Department of Economic Development (DED) constituted under the Tourism (Northern Ireland) Order 1992. It has responsibility for developing tourism in Northern Ireland and for promoting the area as a tourist destination. It also advises the Department on the formulation of policy in relation to the Development of tourism.

As one of the Department of Economic Development's agencies, NITB is represented on the Department's management board and contributes to the Department's core policy-making. In delivering its services , NITB works in close co-operation with the other DED businesses, in close co-operatom with the other DED businesses, in particular the Training & Employment Agency (T&EA), the Industrial Development Board (IDB) and the Local Enterprise Development Unit (LEDU).

NITB also works closely with other government departments, with the tourism industry in Northern Ireland and with its counterparts elsewhere in the UK and the Republic of Ireland. Its board is made up of business people with knowledge and expertise in the areas of tourism, marketing and commerce.

Northern Ireland Tourist Board
59 North Street
Belfast
BT1 1NB
Tel: +44 028 90231221
Fax: +44 028 90240960
E-mail: info@nitb.com
Website: http://www.nitb.com

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Scottish Government

The Scottish Executive is the devolved government for Scotland. It is responsible for most of the issues of day-to-day concern to the people of Scotland, including health, education, justice, rural affairs, and transport.

The Executive was established in 1999, following the first elections to the Scottish Parliament. It is a coalition between the Scottish Labour Party and the Scottish Liberal Democrat Party. The Executive's plans and priorities are set out in a Partnership Agreement which was drawn up following the 2003 election.

The Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department is responsible for advising Ministers on policy relating to agriculture, rural development, food, the environment and fisheries, and for ensuring the implementation of those policies in Scotland. The Department also supports and promotes the agricultural and biological science base in Scotland.

Ministers aim to help the people of Scotland secure a high quality of life through sensitive stewardship and sustainable development of the country's natural resources.
In particular, the Executive wants to achieve a clean, healthy and safe environment, an effective and high quality water industry, and improvements in people's enjoyment of their natural surroundings.

Scottish Executive
Environment and Rural Affairs Department
Countryside and Natural Heritage Division
1-J(S) Victoria Quay
Leith
Edinburgh
EH6 6QQ
Tel: 0131 244 4068
E-mail: sally.thomas@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
Website: www.scotland.gov.uk

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Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH)

Scottish Natural Heritage - working with Scotland's people to care for our natural heritage. SNH promotes the care and improvement of the natural heritage, its responsible enjoyment, its greater understanding and appreciation, and its sustainable use, now and for future generations.

Great Glen House
Leachkin Road
Inverness IV3 8NW
Tel: +44 (0)1463 725000
Fax: +44 (0)1463 725067

E-mail: enquiries@snh.gov.uk
Website: http://www.snh.org.uk

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Sports Council for Wales

The Sports Council for Wales is the national organisation responsible for developing and promoting sport and active lifestyles. It is the main adviser on sporting matters to the Welsh Assembly Government and is responsible for distributing funds from the National Lottery to sport in Wales.

The four broad objectives of the Sports Council for Wales are:

• to increase participation in sport and physical activity;
• to raise standards of performance and excellence;
• to improve the provision of sporting facilities;
• to provide technical information and advice about sport, recreation and active lifestyles.

The Council aims to be one of the main contributors to the Welsh Assembly Government's vision for sport, 'Climbing Higher'.

Sports Council for Wales
Sophia Gardens
Cardiff
CF11 9SW
Tel: 029 2030 0500
Fax: 029 2030 0600
E-mail: publicity@scw.co.uk
Website: http://www.sports-council-wales.co.uk

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Sports Northern Ireland

The Sports Council for Northern Ireland is focused on developing people in sport, especially young people, and providing places / facilities for people of every age group and ability to be able to participate, enjoy and perform to the very best of their abilities.

The policy aims of the Sports Council are:

To increase and sustain committed participation in sport and physical recreation amongst the population with particular emphasis on young people;

To raise standards of sporting excellence; and

To promote the good reputation and efficient administration of sport in Northern Ireland.

The Sports Council's vision is:

Through sport, to contribute to an inclusive, creative, competent, informed and physically active community.

Mike McClure
Countryside Recreation Development Officer
Sports Council for Northern Ireland
House of Sport
Upper Malone Road
Belfast
BT9 5LA
Tel: 028 90 383855
Fax: 028 90 383822
E-mail: mikemclure@sportni.net
Website: http://www.sportni.net

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Sport England

Sport England has two main tasks: to provide lifelong opportunities for everyone to take part in sport and to support the country's top sportspeople in their quest for excellence. Sport improves the quality of life for all and provides lasting benefits in areas such as education, health, regeneration of communities and promoting social inclusion.
Sport England also distributes of grants for sporting projects through the Sport England Lottery Fund.

Victoria House
Bloomsbury Square
London
WC1B 4SE
Tel: 020 7273 1500
Fax: 020 7383 5740
E-mail: info@english.sports.gov.uk

Sport England Lottery Fund
Tel: 0845 7649649
Website: www.sportengland.org

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sportscotland

Sportscotland is the national agency dedicated to promoting sporting opportunities for all Scots at all levels, whatever their interest and ability. Everything we do is driven by three visions:

• widening opportunities - creating a country where sport is more widely available to all
• developing potential - creating a country where sporting talent is recognised and nurtured
• achieving excellence - creating a country achieving and sustaining world class performances in sport

sportscotland
Caledonia House
South Gyle
Edinburgh
EH12 9DQ
Tel: 0131 317 7200
Fax: 0131 317 7202
Website: http://www.sportscotland.org.uk

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Visit Britain (Enjoy England)

Visit Britain
Thames Tower
Blacks Road
W6 9EL

Website: http://visitbritain.com

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Visit Scotland

VisitScotland's Priorities:
To attract visitors to Scotland; To engage with partners within the industry; To add value to the visitor experience.

VisitScotland's core objectives are to:
Attract visitors by building a successful Scottish tourism brand.

Engage and work in partnership with the tourism industry.

Enhance the visitor experience

Provide strategic direction to the industry

Manage our business efficiently and effectively

VisitScotland (Head Office)
Ocean Point One
94 Ocean Drive
Leith
Edinburgh
EH6 6JH
Tel: 0131 472 2222
Website: www.visitscotland.com

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Visit Wales, Department of Enterprise, Innovation and Networks, Welsh Assembly Government

Visit Wales works within the Department of EIN, Welsh Assembly Government, to bring strategic direction to a fragmented industry. Its functions are to encourage people to visit Wales and encourage the provision and improvement of tourist amenities and facilities in Wales.
Visit Wales also obtains some funding from EU grants and from revenue raised from private sector operators. Visit Wales seeks to optimise tourism's economic and social contribution to the people of Wales.

Visit Wales
2, Fitzalan Road
Cardiff
CF24 0UY
Wales
UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1492 536906
Fax: +44 (0) 1492 533 423

Website: http://new.wales.gov.uk/topics/tourism/?lang=en

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Waterways Ireland

Waterways Ireland
5-7 Belmore Street
Enniskillen
Co.Fermanagh
BT74 6AA
Tel: 02866 346252
Fax: 02866 346257
Website: www.waterwaysireland.org

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Welsh Local Government Association

The Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) represents the interests of local government and promotes local democracy in Wales. It represents the 22 local authorities in Wales and the 4 police authorities, 3 fire and rescue authorities and 3 national park authorities are associate members. Membership of the WLGA is voluntary.

The WLGA’s primary purposes are to promote better local government and its reputation and to support authorities in the development of policies and priorities which will improve public services and democracy.

Through the Association our members strive, individually and collectively, to secure the most effective local contribution to the well-being of Wales and all its communities and provide the highest quality of public services.

Welsh Local Government Association
Local Government House
Drake Walk
Cardiff CF10 4LG
Tel: 029 2046 8600
Fax: 029 2046 8601
Website: www.wlga.gov.uk

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