Public access to the countryside: An exploration of the costs and benefits of farmland walking trails
Despite the potential benefits accruing from use of the rural landscape access to farmland is a contentious issue with many landowners restricting public access. Within this context, this paper first explores general public preferences and willingness to pay for farmland walking trails in the Irish countryside. Second this paper examines farmers’ willingness to participate in a hypothetical walking scheme whereby the general public will be allowed access to specific trails. Results suggest that individuals are not a homogeneous group with regard to their preferences for farmland walking trails as there are significant differences between likely users and non-users. From a supply perspective results suggest that a significant number of landowners are willing to allow public access provided there is no personal cost to them. In addition, this paper identified significant regional variations in farmers’ attitudes relating to public access. More generally, the analysis presented here would suggest that there is significant scope for policy intervention to improve public access to the countryside.
Year of publication: |
2010
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Authors: | Howley, Peter ; Doherty, Edel ; Buckley, Cathal ; Hynes, Stephen ; van Rensburg, Tom ; Green, Stuart |
Institutions: | Rural Economy Research Centre (RERC), Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority (Teagasc) |
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