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
64 Clarendon Road
Watford
WD17 1DA
Tel: 01923 201 120

Website: http://www.britishwaterways.co.uk

CCPR

CCPR is the national alliance of governing and representative bodies of sport and recreation. Almost every organised sport and recreation in the UK has its own governing or representative body – organisations like The FA, British Water Ski and T he Ramblers' Association.

These bodies exist to organise, to regulate and to encourage more people into their sport or activity.

CCPR
Burwood House
14-16 Caxton Street
London
SW1H 0QT

T: TBC
T: 020 7976 3900 (switchboard)
F: 020 7976 3901
www.ccpr.org.uk

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: http://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, management and promotion 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: http://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

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. http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/

Environment Agency Wales

Rivers House
St. Mellons Business Park
Fortran Road
St. Mellons
Cardiff
CF3 OEY

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
Rothe House
Kilkenny

Ireland
Tel: +353 56 70777
Fax: + 353 56 70788

Website: http://www.heritagecouncil.ie

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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

National Parks - Britain's breathing spaces

The Association of National Park Authorities brings together the 14 UK National Parks to undertake joint working. Itis made up of three associations whose work programme is set out by the Chairmen and Convenors of the UK National Park Authorities:

UK ANPA – carries out Member development and training, public engagement activities such as National Parks Week, and the
co-ordination of sharing experience across all 14 UK National Parks.
Contact: Cathryn Marcus, Co-ordinator. C.marcus@anpa.gov.uk

ENPAA – represents the English National Park Authorities in joint policy development, awareness and lobbying initiatives.
Contact: Paul Hamblin, Director. Paul.hamblin@enpaa.org.uk

WANPA – represents the Welsh National Park Authorities in joint policy development, awareness and lobbying initiatives.
Contact: Greg Pycroft, Welsh Policy Officer. G.pycroft@anpa.gov.uk

http://www.nationalparks.gov.uk/

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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.walkireland.ie/homepage.aspx

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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;
People are insppired to value and conserve 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

Northern Ireland Environment Agency

The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) was set up as an agency within the Department of the Environment in 2008. It replaces the former Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) and provides integrated protection of the natural and built heritage, together with environmental protection. The stated aim of the Agency is to protect and conserve the natural and built environment and to promote its appreciation for the benefit of present and future generations.

NIEA 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 NIEA; CAAN undertakes outdoor recreation related projects and research on behalf of NIEA and other Northern Ireland agencies.

Northern Ireland Environment Agency
Department of the Environment
Klondyke Building
Cromac Avenue
Gasworks Business Park
Lower Ormeau Road
Belfast
Northern Ireland
BT7 2JA
E-mail: Niall.McAleenan@doeni.gov.uk

Website: http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk

Northern Ireland Tourist Board

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board is the strategic leader for tourism and works in partnership with stakeholders to drive the development of the Northern Ireland tourism product, improve the visitor experience and market Northern Ireland within the island of Ireland.

It also identifies where the best prospects exist to deliver world class excellence and develops programmes to assist the tourism industry to reach its potential.

Northern Ireland Tourist Board
St Anne's Court
59 North Street
Belfast
BT1 1NB

Tel:                    + 44 (0) 28 9023 1221
Fax:                + 44 (0) 28 9024 0960
Minicom:           + 44 (0) 28 9044 1522
Industry website:            www.nitb.com
Consumer website:        www.discovernorthernireland.com

The Scottish Government 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 Scottish Government was established in 1999, following the first elections to the Scottish Parliament. Since May 2007, it has been a minority Scottish National Party Government. The Government's plans and priorities are set out in a Purpose, 5 Strategic Objectives, and 15 National Outcomes, which were drawn up following the 2007 election.
The Scottish Government’s Rural Directorate is responsible for advising Ministers on policy relating to agriculture, rural development, animal health, food, land reform, outdoor access, National Parks and natural heritage, and for ensuring the implementation of those policies in Scotland.
Scottish 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 Government wants to achieve a clean, healthy and safe environment, and improvements in people's enjoyment of their natural surroundings.

Scottish Government
Landscapes and Habitats Division
Rural Directorate, Mail Point 5, 1-A(North)
Victoria Quay
Edinburgh
EH6 6QQ
Tel: 0131 244 6516
E-mail: Helen.E.Jones@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
Website:http://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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Sport 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 Sport Northern Ireland 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 Sport Northern Ireland'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 682757
E-mail: mikemclure@sportni.net

Website: http://www.sportni.net

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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
Doges
Templeton on the Greeen
62, Templeton Street
G40 1DA Glasgow
Tel: 0141 534 6500
Fax: 0141 534 6501

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

Visit Britain (Enjoy England)

VisitBritain is Britain's national tourism agency, responsible for marketing Britain worldwide. We work in partnership with thousands of organisations from across the UK.

Visit Britain
Thames Tower
Blacks Road
W6 9E London

Tel: 02085633318

Website: http://visitbritain.com

Visit Scotland

Visit Scotland'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: http://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://www.visitwales.com

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Waterways Ireland

Waterways Ireland, was established in 1999, under the North / South Co-Operation (Implementation Bodies) (Northern Ireland) Order 1999, and the British-Irish Agreement Act 1999. It is the largest of the six North / South Implementation Bodies and is responsible for the management, maintenance, development and restoration of the inland navigable waterway system, throughout the island, principally for recreation purposes.
Waterways Ireland has responsibility for approximately 1,000 km of navigable waterway namely :
·        the Barrow Navigation
·        the Erne System
·        the Grand Canal
·        the Lower Bann Navigation
·        the Royal Canal
·        the Shannon-Erne Waterway
·        the Shannon Navigation
The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) in Northern Ireland and the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (DCRGA) in Ireland are the sponsoring Departments with responsibility for the Body.
Waterways Ireland operates under the policy direction of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) and the two Governments, and is accountable to the Northern Ireland Assembly and the Houses of the Oireachtas

Waterways Ireland
2 Sligo Road
Enniskillen
Co.Fermanagh
BT74 7JY
Tel: 02866 346210

Website: http://www.waterwaysireland.org

Contact: Anne Shine- A/Head Strategy and Policy

Email:anne.shine@waterwaysireland.org

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Next Events

Access for All event - in partnership with CFA - 26th May 2010 - Centre in the Park- Norfolk Park- Sheffield- More information to follow shortly

Managing guided walks, trails, events and their impact - 16th June 2010 - Centre in the Park- Norfolk Park- Sheffield- More information to follow shortly

Executive Summary

A Countryside for Health and Wellbeing. Click here for more details

Countryside Recreation is the bi-annual journal of the Countryside Recreation Network.
Click here for more details

Exchanging and sharing information to develop best policy and practice in countryside recreation