Access to the countryside is important to society for multiple purposes and takes many forms. The uplands are especially popular for recreational use, with many areas also receiving protection under domestic legislation.
There can be tension between using upland areas for recreational purposes whilst still protecting the special nature of these places. The approach taken asked six questions relating to recreational use of upland ecosystems and examined the evidence in relation to each. The finding will be of importance to those charged with protecting upland ecosystems as well as those looking to use uplands for recreational activity. Gaps in evidence are identified and recommendations for future work are also made.