The original task presented and handed out to all students was to find and analyse set pieces of data to be eventually extracted from Epping Forest. The data will cover two different pieces of land, located inside of Epping Forest; the placements of land are named very unusually, and in a way, so as not to confuse them with other places, they are as follows, “Pillow Mounds” and “Robin Hood Green”
The Original aim handed out to my Green Route class was to, once we reached our field trip, destination of “Epping Forest” to listen to our instructions and to measure figures stemming from our set of factors and co-ordinates handed to each individual group.
Plan
My plan for this coursework is to complete all tasks and get an achievable grade. To achieve what I want on this piece of coursework, I will carry out a significant amount of different tests to see which factor, in my opinion acts as a deterrent to visitors/customers, and which works in a way that attracts customers.
Before I begin the initial piece of coursework I will research about the subject in hand, to gain a greater understanding of what I producing a piece of coursework based upon. From researching, I will then proceed to evaluate the information, and then obviously start the assignment.
Method
For this assignment to be carried out effectively and accurately, I , along with the rest of my Green route Geography class will first go on to the internet to gain a basic understanding of Epping Forest; fro there I will involve myself in the trip to Epping Forest, where I can gain a greater understanding of the subject in hand at a first glance, this will allow me to place a greater degree of depth in my coursework, which in turn will consequently entitle me to more marks.
Upon my arrival from Epping Forest, I will get to work on writing my report based on tourism and recreation on two different spots in Epping Forest; Pillow mounds and Robin Hood Green.
Prediction
After carefully analysing pieces of information, located on the internet, I have now come to decision which includes the fact that I personally believe that when I along with my peers, eventually takes a trip to Epping Forest, I will find that Tourism is having a major impact on the open space.
I reached the decision located above by looking at the types of activities made available at Epping Forest, as well as looking at statistics taken from the previous year relating to the amount of victors going to the Forest.
Equipment
- Penetrometer
- Quadrat
- Meter rule
All of the pieces of equipment located above this piece of text are relatively easy to use and as a result of this ,finding and recording data should be carried out with a significant amount of ease.
Key Terms
Tourism - The business of providing tours and services for tourists
In my opinion, I think that the term tourism is used to indicate the art of producing holidays and trips for people looking to explore further regions of the world in exchange for money.
The tourism industry is an industry, which every year is improving, and currently carries the title of being a billion dollar industry. Statistics compared to those taken from the 60’s through to today vary significantly, due to the fact that nowadays transport is more widely appreciated and embraced. Travelling to another country back in the 60’s and 70’s was something that only very rich people could afford because air-flight was a very unknown phenomenon, that cost a lot of money to run. However, in today’s current infrastructure, money has been made more available, and because of this people therefore have more money to spend; as a consequence of this prices of travel have dropped
The growth of the tourist industry is also linked to the growth and introduction of the internet. People are able to book flights online without even having to get out of their seats; and with the recent inclusion of websites like expedia.co.uk and lastminute.com, people are able to catch unbelievably cheap flights on short notice.
Recreation - Refreshment of one's mind or body after work through activity that amuses or stimulates
Personally, I think that the term recreation is used for a quick alternative to the overall definition; which would appear to be the art of stimulating the mind through relaxation.
To actually obtain a perfect tranquil atmosphere and good source of recreation, the best sort of activities, would have to be things such as:
Going on cruise ships, which unless you get seasick can be incredibly relaxing due to the fact that you can take obtain perfect tranquillity.
Tourism and Recreation
Tourism and Recreation are two very different factors, but in this particular instance fit together in harmony due to the simple fact that they are both currently taking place at Epping Forest. Recreation; as described earlier in this assignment is the refreshment of a persons mind and thoughts, placing them into a tranquil state of mind; Tourism is the business of providing tours and services for visitors. The two come together as one because foreigners or returning residents come to Epping Forest for a relaxing break where they made endure recreational activities.
Facilities at Epping Forrest accommodate a large audience and; as previously described, include many different, diverse activities; not to mention some of the best scenic views in its field in the vicinity.
A prime example of tourism and recreation working together in harmony would be; perhaps a family would make a move down to Epping during the summer holidays to take a summer break, they would book themselves into a bed and breakfast and go exploring. To officially become a tourist, you must first stay overnight in accommodation. Moving on, they would go to Epping Forest during the day time and set up a picnic, in this instance recreation is taking place because the family is relaxed.
Enviromenatl ManagementMethodology
Primary Data
Land Use Map
Data
A Land use map is a A3 sized piece of paper that contains a map that contains information relevant to the assignment. In this instance information shown, includes references showing how land in any particular area is used.
At Epping Forest, the group that I worked with was asked to draw up 2 land use maps, one for Pillow mounds and one for Robin Hood Green; in doing this we where able to see how the land was being used as well being able to use a pencil to draw.
Justification
I have drawn up al Land use map, and I am now commenting upon it for two reasons. First it is compulsory to do this activity as it gives me the opportunity to gain an understanding into the way that the forest is managed. The second reason is that it is a good piece of evidence to have, for the reason that as the assignment goes on, I can constantly relate to his piece of evidence
Strengths
Land use maps give me the opportunity to see very large areas of space and there content very easily as well as being a very reliable source of information.
Weakness
Overall, I believe that where not that many weaknesses for “Land use maps”, but as a whole, there no comparisons because we went to forest on a quite day, when most factors in my assignment have time to recuperate, therefore covering up any substantial damage.
Vegetation Cover
Data
On the day before the pre-arranged trip to Epping Forest, the class selected a number of random figure, which we where, to then use for measurements, upon our arrival, at the destination.
When we arrived at “Epping Forest”, we moved on towards the education centre, where we received a lecture regarding our trip. Subsequent to this occurrence, the class then collected the appropriate equipment from the collection point, from here we moved on to one of the specified sites of interest, and laid out two tape measures, in a way that can be related to a graph. The area was around about 30m x 30m, and was used as an oversized graph for the group to take our co-ordinates from.
The above method was carried out at both locations of significance, so that a comparison could be made between the two spots, once the trip had elapsed
The method was carried out, in a way similar to that of a graphical equation, once the equation has been solved, you proceed to link up the points, coming in from both, the “x” and “y” axes. Once the location was discovered a Quadrat was put onto the spot, and numerous analytic references where made, in relation with our aim.
Justification
As a consequence of the overhead proceedings, I am now able to justify my written actions, which relate to the fact that tourists have an impact on vegetation. Speaking from experience, tourist generally don’t concern themselves with environmental restraints and just want a good time; as a result of this I have reached the conclusion that displays the fact that more tourists in a specific place means that more vegetation will be trampled upon, thus leaving less vegetation cover.
The use of the 30m2 transect was required for the reason that the results could quite easily have altered; and carrying out this precaution meant that an idea regarding data, taken from the honey pot sites, would be almost 100% legitimate.
Strengths
The equipment did not really require any preparation, and was relatively easy to use, with or without guidance
Although, considered ridiculous at the time, the above process was very easy to use and as a result of this, obtaining and recording data was made to be very easy, because the Quadrat was 10 x 10.
10 x 10 equates to 100, and as a result of this we decided to record in percentages, with each individual square equalling one percent.
Weakness
The method, although very easy to use , currently held some negative points which included the fact that half squares had to be taken into account, and that common species, where the only species to be counted, this excluded parasites and smaller plants from the investigation.Tallest Plant
Data
To carry out this particular, piece of the assignment, we had to first find out the coordinates of an area, and then meet up in the centre of the points. Once this action had taken place, the overall process of analysing the plot of area that the quadrat was covering began. This analysis included finding out the tallest plant; my group and I found out the tallest plant in both spots by looking through the holes making up the quadrat, and measuring the tallest plant, sticking out, through the gaps.
Results; when obtained, where recorded on a sheet of paper, to avoid the experiment, being a waste of time.
Justification
The factor entitled “Tallest plant ” was include in the investigation, for the reason that, I, along with my classmates, could see whether or not data was showing an negative impact, coming from tourism. The taller the plant the less of an impact, tourism is showing, however, the smaller, the plant, currently means the opposite.
Strengths
This particular process, like many of the others, was very easy to complete, and was pretty accurate overall(accuracy depends on the level of concentration shown by the administrator )
Weakness
Natural deterrents such as stinging nettles, bramble (and in my case, spiders) partially disrupted the overall flow of the group because we where unable to reach certain spots.
Trampling Scale
Data
Generally speaking, the process of finding out how badly plants had been trampled upon was very easy because my group and I only needed, to once again use our visual talents.
Once we had found out the coordinates of our plot of land, we had to look at the condition of all of the specimens located directly beneath the quadrats large surface area.
Justification
The area we discovered gave me the chance to gain an insight into the condition of the ground, and also allowed me to see the significance of tourism in a specific area; I was able to see the damage incurred in two contrasting spots, which in turn displayed opposite results. The better the condition of a piece of land, the less overall exposure, is incurred by mammals on a daily basis.
A system was imposed giving us, the experimentalists the opportunity to give a rough estimate of the condition, that a particular place was in; the system revolved around the numbers, on to six.
One ,represented, no visible impacts whereas six, meant that a significant amount of damage had taken place, as already stated, the two stops displayed contrasting results.
Strengths
Although, the following statement is becoming a common, the results of each factor, seem to indicate, that this is the right message to be put across
The method, in my opinion was seen to be easy to assemble, and easy to use.
Weakness
Unfortunately, this particular factor only allowed dominant species an easy route, and issued an ultimatum to other less established plants; however because of the nature of the factor, numerous estimations where made, increasing stats overall.Soil Compaction
Data
Soil Compaction was a relatively simple, but unusually confusing subject for the reason that no real effort was required, and as a consequence of this, I, along with my group felt, like our intelligence was being insulted, in a figure of speech.
To measure the Soil Compaction/ current state of the soil, I had to first obtain a Penetrometer, from the lecturer, fro here I then proceeded to measure my spot using the coordinates, Once complete, I then moved on to forcefully pushing the Penetrometer in to the ground, until the nib located at the end of the instrument was fully submerged.
As soon as this process, was complete, I had to proceed to record the data located on the back of the device.
Justification
The data spoken about prior to this paragraph allows me to gain a rough initiative thought regarding the soil density of the ground, located in a certain vicinity.
Strengths
This method, generally was very easy to complete and required only one extra tool, when compared to the majority of other factors.
Weakness
This particular task only included two negative points, that couldn’t really be avoided; they where as follows:
- Tools where old and badly modified
- We only completed the task once on each site
Graphs and Analysis
Analysis
Key Question 1
The question in this particular instance is “What are the impacts of tourism at Pillow Mounds and Robin Hood Green”; in the following piece of text I will analyse data recorded as well as giving a number of statements relevant to the topic.
The graphs and pieces of data located above, are relevant to my investigation and, will help me to include a significant amount of evidence as well giving me the opportunity to compare my data to analysis, to see whether or not the text imput is accurate..
In the following piece of work, I am going to answer the question “What are the impacts of tourism at Pillow Mounds and Robin Hood Green”. I will take into account numerous factors, as well as evidence to be obtained from the graphs located above.
A number of factors, will be used to help me complete the following piece of work, they include:
Vegetation Cover
Vegetation cover in literal terms is an activity that requires the eyes, for the reason that includes the fact that the amount of space taken up by different species of plant in an area governed by the quadrat, relates to the fact that a specific amount of people have trampled on the individual are and as a result of this, plants that usually sit on top of the soil are destroyed and over time temporarily and some cases permanently excluded.
As stated above, Vegetation cover is an activity that aims to show investigators, the impact that tourism has had in a particular area. It was identified by placing a quadrat over it and assessing the data located beneath, the next step was to do the same thing at the other location (Robin Hood Green, the less accessible area), to see whether or not a visible impact is present.
At the site Pillow mounds, there is significant damage shown to the ground her when compared to that of Robin Hood. The ground at Pillow mounds is cracking throughout, carries little or no living vegetation on top of it and in some cases is covered with a pile of litter. Tourism is said to be “visible” in this are because there are too many patches where the soil compaction is to weak and as a result of this any plant-life that is bale to live through trampling being caused by humans, is then going to get ripped out of the ground by strong winds.
In contrast, the site Robin Hood green also carries positive and negative views and as a consequence of this they will be recorded below. Although there is only a limited amount of damage; the damage is caused by insects, I say this because as the class walked around the site, many people found themselves walking on an ant hill which meant vegetation was having a hard tie growing because of the positioning of the hill. Tourism was not an impact in this situation that can/will affect the area maintenance because there where no problems with litter and trampling in this area because less people come here to relax.
Looking at my graphs relevant to vegetation and “Pillow mounds”, I have now come to the decision that includes the fact that there are only 7 species of plant present, I believe that this is the case because the area attracts a number of tourists every year and they in turn walk all over it, killing plants in the process.
Robin Hood green however, currently has around about 12 species of plant, which relates to the fact that, less amounts of people visit the area because there are no activities, and overall not much to do here.
Tourism, is a major impact in one of the two places of interest, in this individual sector, and as a result of this, I would have to say that tourism is a helping to produce a major impact at Pillow mounds, but is not showing many signs of being present at Robin Hood Green.
Land use maps
The Land use map located earlier in the assignment is displaying all of the positive and negative attributes in an area, including the number of bins and facilities made available. Pillow mounds, unlike Robin hood green receives a significant amount of visitors per year and as a result of this, more facilities have to be made available to the public.
Pillow mounds, has numerous activities located in the immediate area, which include:
- A pub
- Children’s play area
- Horse-riding
- Tea-hut
- Toilets
At the site “Robin hood green” there are no facilities/activities made available to the public, for the reason that includes the fact that the ownership of the recreational area, personally do not believe that a large number of visitors visit the area every year, and that they would be wasting assets and making a significant loss over the years..
Tourism has affected Robin Hood Green, in this instance because, the ownership has put in place numerous facilities to attract consumers, and as a result of this significant damage is occurring.
Tallest Plant
This factor, entitled “Tallest plant” is section of this assignment which once again relates to tourism, similarly to “Vegetation cover”, the “Tallest plant” is a factor, which bases its intelligence on visual aspects such as the height of plants contained in the area of a quadrat. I obtained my evidence by placing a quadrat over a particular area, and assessing the growth beneath it. I was able to obtain results for this factor by getting a meter-rule and placing it next to the tallest plant.
At Pillow mounds, there seemed to be a lack of tall plants, which once again relates back to the question “What are the impacts of tourism at Pillow Mounds and Robin Hood Green”; because the tallest plant that I could see beneath my quadrat measures around about_, this in literal terms means that a large number of people have been to this area and trampled on the plants; and as a consequence of this plants that may even have grown to be pretty tall, have been stopped on their quest to gain the most sunlight. The tallest plant visible, was only about a 1 centimetre more than the average height and, the only reason that the plant had managed to grow a little bit more than the surrounding plants was because it was buried under other plants.
At Robin Green the “Tallest plant” visible was well over one metre and measured at_ which means that tourism is not in effect in this particular position. The plant height/ vegetation height is considerably taller than that at Pillow mounds because contrasting amounts of people have taken the journey to different areas of the forest.
The impact of tourism shown in this particular area, relates to the fact that Pillow mounds has received a ;larger audience and overall amount of visitors in contrast to Robin hood green; as already stated above this has had a monumental ; effect on the area’.
Trampling Scale
The “Trampling scale” is a factor in this assignment which is interlinked with the factor entitled “Vegetation Cover” because it helps to determine how much vegetation is present on the ground as well giving me the opportunity to see whether or not tourism is in effect in a particular position. I can obtain evidence related to the individual sector by looking at the state/condition of all of the plants located beneath the quadrat.
At Pillow mounds, as expected there was a fairly high trampling scale, and as a result of this I gave the location an overall score of _. The score I delivered is acceptable because numerous plants where shown to be crushed and in some cases dead.
Looking at all of the graphs relating to this factor; I have now come to the decision which has led to me to the conclusion which states that the current average score for the “Trampling scale” at pillow mounds currently stands at_.
Whilst evaluating data, I came across the piece of information which has led me to believe that the overall score, given out for the area named “Robin hood green” currently stands at _. A score of _ is acceptable because there where limited problems that do not really causes many problems.
The current average for “Robin Hood green” stands at _, I obtained this figure by adding all of the figures taken from the graphs together, and dividing the end product by the amount of figures imputed into the equation.
Soil Compaction
Soil compaction is a factor that relies purely on success in its field depending on the compaction of the soil. I measured the “Soil Compaction/ current state of the soil”, I had to first obtain a Penetrometer, from the lecturer, from here I then proceeded to measure my spot using the coordinates, Once complete, I then moved on to forcefully pushing the Penetrometer in to the ground, until the nib located at the end of the instrument was fully submerged.
The soil compaction at Pillow mounds, varied significantly, throughout, and came about against the statistics shown. I originally thought that the level of compaction, contained in the soil would either rise slowly or stay moreorless the same. The highest value discovered in my results currently stands at 5, whereas the lowest score obtained in this particular area was 2. A scale was put into effect as soon as the assortment of students arrived at the forest, and ranged from 0-5; with 1 meaning that the soil is very soft and easy to penetrate, and 6 meaning that the soil is hard and very hard to penetrate.
Tourism is an effect that is made to be visible in this area, with the use of a Penetrometer, for the reason that includes the fact that the either soil crumbles when it is punctured by the Penetrometer or it just leaves a dent where the Penetrometer was placed.
Robin Hood Green is a contrasting area , when compared to Pillow mounds because the soil compaction did not vary consistently throughout for the reason that the scores delivered here generally stayed in between the scores 0 and 3. This means that the soil her at Robin Hood Green is much softer than that of the soil at Pillow mounds for reasons which, included the fact that less people come to Robin Hood Green and that the environment is left to itself.
Tourism is not active in this area, and the quality of the soil has expanded on this point because the compaction levels are located very low down the chart.
Key Question 2
Are the impacts of tourism and recreation being affectively managed ?
Key question 2, in my opinion is a question that can easily be summarised but requires a lot of evidence to back up points.
In the following piece of text I will make numerous comments related to the question “Are the impacts of tourism and recreation being effectively managed?”, however I will also make references back to my graphs and diagrams which in turn give me a reason for every point that I will make.
A number of factors and pieces of evidence, will be used to help me complete the following piece of work, they include:
- Traffic count diagram
- Public Pressure graph
- Land use map
- Kite Diagram
Traffic count diagram
A traffic count diagram is a map of an area that includes pieces of data related to the topic named “traffic”, data is converted in millimetre arrow diagrams, which are then shaded in and placed on their respected positions on the map.
Pillow mounds
Pillow mounds is an area which is constantly be used and abused in some circumstances, and as a result of this, it was expected that cars and other means of transport would park off in this particular area. My data suggests that there where:
- _ Bikes
- _Motorcycles
- _Cars
- _Lorries
The data shown above in the bulleted list suggest that the day on which the group went out seemed to be a quiet one and as a result of this results where very low. This particular activity could have been improved if we had come on a busier day, to make a comparison of results.
Pillow Mounds had a significant amount of vehicles in its vicinity because it is a very popular location, one that helps many people to make Epping Forest their destination.
Robin Hood Green
Robin Hood Green; unlike Pillow mounds, Robin Hood Green did have a great assortment of cars, and this relates to the fact that the tourism is having a major impact on this particular area. Working in accordance with my data, I have now come up with the facts that include that there where:
- _Bikes
- _Motorcycles
- _Cars
- _Lorries
I believe that this are has only had more cars in the vicinity because of the location, overall the location is fine, but it carries one negative which comes in the form of a roundabout.
In this particular instance, the impacts of tourism and recreation are not minimised or maximised in particular sense; looking at the traffic amounts only gives an insight into the amount of people that come to Epping Forest per year, and where they generally enter the Forest.
Public pressure graphs/diagrams
A public pressure graph is a diagram that_.
Pillow mounds
Data taken from the graphs drawn up prior to this investigational based report, indicate that there are numerous positive and negative aspects directly related to this particular plot of land entitled “Pillow mounds” Piece of data suggest that there is significant damage shown to be present, this is shown in a variety of ways which include the fact that there is a lot of litter in the surrounding area, as well as the fact that there is a significant amount of soil erosion and overall exposure, with limited amounts of vegetation.
Results from this particular area included:
A pattern is shown to be active in this instance, where the majority of results extracted tend to be more_ rather than_.
Robin Hood Green
Robin Hood Green when compare to Pillow mounds, displays, a set of contrasting, yet predictable results, which have lead me to the belief that, tourism is a major impact in this particular are named “Robin Hood Green” Damage and positive attributes in the area include:
Results from this particular area include the following:
A pattern is shown to be active in this instance, where the majority of results extracted tend to be more_ rather than_.
A Public pressure Graph, is not entirely relevant to Key Question Two, because it only measures….and as a result of this….
Land use maps
A Land use map is a A3 sized piece of paper that contains a map that contains information relevant to the assignment. In this instance information shown, includes references showing how land in any particular area is used.
Pillow mounds
Land use maps show how land is used in different parts of the forest by giving small images instead of labels and including a key, to say what each symbol represents. Te management at Pillow mounds has put in place various deterrents to the public which include:
- Putting up a number of informative banners which act as maps detailing where everything is
- Having numerous bins placed around the immediate area to make sure that any rubbish is put in a bin and not dropped on the grass to add to an ever growing litter problem
- Setting up Car parks (obviously for the cars to park) and making sure that vehicles could not park elsewhere by imposing a natural safe guard which comes in the form of a camouflaged ditch.
Robin Hood Green
In contrast land use maps are less affective at Pillow mounds, because there are less activities on offer in the immediate area as well as larger amount of untouched greenery, that is currently inhabited by black ants.
Deterrents put in place to stop effects of tourism in this area are fairly scarce and the only example in my opinion that could be considered would be the fact tat further in to area, is surrounded by a tall fence, which is designed to keep animals and humans out of the restricted areas.
Kite diagrams
A kite diagram is a graphical denomination of a Line graph, which only has a few differences which include the fact that it is designed in a shape that could be considered as a kite or diamond, and that it has numerous axes spread out.
Pillow mounds
My final factor included in this assignment related to Key question 2 will revolve around the title “ Kite diagrams”. Kite diagrams in Pillow Mounds show my views on different sections of particular area; considerations related to the constraints and factors related to the quality of the information produced below. The kite diagram analysed below on behalf of Pillow mounds will detail scores relevant to factors studied in the assignment.
Factors studied include the following:
- Footpath erosion
- Litter
- Vehicles
Robin Hood Green
My final factor included in this assignment related to Key question 2 will revolve around the title “ Kite diagrams”. Kite diagrams in Robin Hood Green show my views on different sections of particular area; considerations related to the constraints and factors related to the quality of the information produced below. The kite diagram analysed below on behalf of Robin Hood Green will detail scores relevant to factors studied in the assignment.
Factors studied include the following:
- Footpath erosion
- Litter
- Vehicles