This report presents an evaluation of the Strategic Access Management and Monitoring (SAMM) project within the Thames Basin Heaths (TBH) Special Protection Area (SPA), undertaken to inform the first formal review of the Delivery Framework since its inception in 2011. The evaluation assessed whether the SAMM project is delivering its intended objectives, the effectiveness of its roles and services, and how monitoring could be improved to evidence future effectiveness. The evaluation was commissioned by the Joint Strategic Partnership Board.
A mixed‑methods, theory‑based approach was adopted, combining analysis of existing monitoring data (including visitor surveys, wardening data and bird counts) with semi‑structured interviews and a workshop with Local Planning Authority officers and Natural England staff and a recommendations workshop. Quantitative and qualitative evidence was triangulated to assess performance against the objectives set out in Schedule 3 of the Delivery Framework.
The evaluation finds that the SAMM project is largely meeting its objectives, fully delivering eight of the eleven Schedule 3 objectives and partially delivering the remaining three. Despite increased housing development and visitor numbers, protected bird populations have remained stable or increased, suggesting that SAMM activities are contributing to mitigating recreational pressure. Wardening, education and facilitation were identified as the most effective services, while monitoring and digital communications require further development to better evidence behaviour change and impact.
The report concludes that the SAMM project is fulfilling its overarching purpose but will require targeted refinement, particularly in monitoring, resourcing and stakeholder engagement, to sustain effectiveness and respond to future development pressures.