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Mr. Brown's Green Directions, the Capability Brown Festival’s

Sustainable Travel Toolkit, was created to provide support and guidance to sites

both large and small, private, public and commercial in using sustainable transport to

help market and promote different modes of access as part of the wider public offer.

Sustainable transport, particularly cycling and walking, can help to generate new

visitor audiences as well as creating a positive visitor experience.

The toolkit aims to address transport and access issues and provide common sense

cost effective or cost neutral suggestions for overcoming those barriers, taking into

account that many Capability Brown sites are in areas often less well served by

public transport. It is intended for use by sites of all scales with varying levels of

experience opening to the public.

Thank you to Burton Constable, Hatfield Forest (National Trust), Kirkharle,

Scampston, Sherborne Castle and Wallington (National Trust) for their generous

time and help in preparing this document and for kindly agreeing to be our case

studies.

Legal disclaimer: Everything within this document reflects the legal standing as of June 2016

– please check current legislation if reading at a later date.

Capability Brown Festival Sustainable Travel Toolkit

Sustainable Travel Toolkit2

2

Introduction

The first visitors to see Capability Brown’s handiwork would almost

certainly have arrived by horse and carriage. They would also most likely have been

wealthy and privileged, arriving by invitation to see the private gardens and

landscapes that had benefitted from his hand. In the 300 years since Brown’s birth

much has changed, and now the modern horseless carriage has become the

predominant means by which the public can travel to see his work, in some cases

without any need for prior invitation. However, the car is also one of the greatest

threats to the future of the natural world that Brown so brilliantly sculpted and

managed. It is fitting that the Capability Brown Festival should lead in seeking to

promote more environmentally friendly modes of travel in celebrating the 300 th

anniversary of Brown’s birth. What would Brown have made of this initiative?

While it is customary to assume that most people only wish to drive to sites, there

are many current and potential visitors who may prefer to visit using environmentally

sustainable (green/active) travel modes for some or all of their journey. This toolkit is

an easy to use reference guide for Capability Brown site managers to realise the

potential for green travel to their sites. It will enable them to assess greener travel

options that are available now and the next steps to advertise, exploit and improve

these. In doing so they should be better able to protect the environment, manage

visitor access and, if desired, increase visitor numbers.

Site staff and volunteers may also benefit from easier access to sustainable

transport information.

As people with an interest in historic houses, gardens and landscapes, visitors to

Capability Brown sites are likely to be supportive of conservation issues. While they

may not all be able to take advantage of sustainable modes when they visit, they will

nonetheless be impressed if they can see that sites are taking these issues

seriously.


3

Contents

1. How to use this toolkit 4

2. Websites 7

3. Onsite information and signing to the site 13

4. Cycling 21

5. Walking 29

6. Bus transport 35

7. Rail transport 39

8. Visitors arriving by car 44

9. Partners 49

10. Green travel strategy and staff and volunteer training 52

11. Assessment matrix recording sheet 56

12. The model green transport friendly site and conclusion 58


4

Section 1. How to use the toolkitThis toolkit will provide the following:

• An explanation of where the subject of each section fits within the context of

green transport to give you understanding of the bigger picture.

• A simple way to assess how your site provides for green travelling visitors now.

• An assessment matrix showing what your next steps might be in improving

access for green visitors.

• A road map for longer term strategic planning.

• Examples from real Capability Brown sites of how this toolkit can be applied.

Understanding the bigger picture

It is tempting to assume that the vast majority of visitors to Capability Brown sites come by

car. For more remote sites this is undoubtedly true, however, with more urban sites it may be

surprising how many do not. Even remote sites can be convenient stops for people who are

out walking or cycling in the countryside, and this may be a way to build a relationship with

visitors who will regularly return and recommend the site to friends and family. Many visitors

may prefer to come by means other than cars but are put off by a lack of information about

alternative modes of travel and how they might go about finding the information they need

easily, even where the information might exist. An increasing proportion of the population

finds it difficult to continue driving as they get older, but they may still wish to visit places on

day trips and holidays, or to continue volunteering. Your sustainable transport offer can be a

fantastic marketing opportunity too. We hope this toolkit will enable you to think beyond

accepted norms and ask the right questions to find those alternatives and how to promote

them. Do not be surprised if you have a few “I never realised that” moments.


5

Assessing where you are now

There is no competition prize for the best green travel site. We want you to

do the best you can do with whatever resources you have (or can realistically expect through

new partnerships). Being honest is essential. You are where you are. What is important is

how you move forward.

Our assessment matrix describes the attributes of sites at different stages along the road to

green travel excellence (the steps are ranked 0 to 5). To use the matrix simply find the

descriptions which meet where your site is now. Then look at the descriptions of attributes of

sites that rank higher than yours and decide which of these attributes you could implement

quickly and start planning for those that might take longer. Some of these attributes may be

outside your control, however, as you move forward new opportunities might arise that make

some or all attainable.

When you’ve read through the whole toolkit you should use the table in the penultimate

section to record your own assessment ranking for each section and work out your overall

ranking.

Examples from Capability Brown sites

The toolkit was trialled at a number of Capability Brown sites while it was being put together.

This has given us some good examples to share in the following sections. Feedback

gathered during this process has helped us to edit the toolkit so that it is as user friendly as

possible.

Useful web links

Useful web links and tips on where to search for online information are provided at the end

of each section.


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The model green transport friendly site

The final section describes the model green transport friendly site. It should

be stressed that this description is an ideal and as such it might seem a long way off,

particularly if you skip straight to this section before reading the rest of the toolkit. Because it

is a model it describes a site where everything is possible. No such site actually exists.

However, there will be elements of this site that you can aspire to emulate.


7

Section 2. Websites

Your website is one place where you can make real changes quickly. It will

be the first port of call for many, perhaps even the majority, of your visitors. If the site home

page advertises discounts for green visitors this can give an immediate message to all that

sustainable travellers are not only welcomed but encouraged. Potential visitors viewing your

website will most likely be seeking three basic pieces of information

1. What is there to see?

2. How much will it cost?

3. How do we get there?

Easy to navigate

Good websites will provide this information in a way that is easy to find. A few clicks should

take you intuitively to what you want to know. However, if the green transport information

you find when you get there is minimal, or missing, that is what this section hopes to help

you change.

Example – Kirkharle’s website has simple navigation buttons to all information at the top of

the page


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Detailed and easily understood information on green transport

If your website has general issues with navigation and layout these

should be addressed, preferably before dealing with the specific information

provided. That information should be comprehensive, where available, and user

friendly. Information about green modes should be placed at the top of the page on

travel to the site so that potential visitors have to scroll beyond it to find out about

driving.

Good links to bus and train timetables

Most visitors need more than a postcode to enter in a Satnav (although this may be

fine for a small number of cyclists with cycle GPS devices). They require a bit more

help. Simply saying there is a bus stop two miles away or a station five miles away is

not enough. Potential visitors want to know where buses to that bus stop come from,

how frequently, what they cost and their service numbers. The same applies to

trains. Links to downloadable timetables and the right pages on other websites are a

minimum that can be provided where suitable nearby services exist.


9

CASE STUDIES


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The Hatfield Forest website is a standard National Trust design. Its content is more

detailed than many websites and gives an idea of what is possible with modest effort.

It gives links to local cycle route maps and detailed information on bus stop locations

(but does not mention that the bus service and cycle routes link to the Airport and train

station).


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Travel to the site from bus stops and stations

Bus and train passengers also like to know how to get from the station or bus stop to

the site and here downloadable route plans are a great help, especially where the route

for pedestrians differs from the main entrance for car traffic. Even if you haven’t got a

website wizard on your team, it is quite easy to set up a Facebook page where these

downloads can find a home.

Example map showing walking/cycling route from station to Eden Project in Cornwall.

(Not a Capability Brown site)

Route maps for walkers and cyclists will also be very popular. A quick web search may

locate where somebody else has already plotted these routes and you simply need to

link to their pages.

Reassuring cyclists that they can park their bikes securely

Cyclists like to know that they will be able to park their bikes somewhere

safe and secure at the site, so information about the location and number of cycle parking

spaces, perhaps even a photograph, is a good idea. They may also like information on

routes to the site and in the area around it. Again these might already have been plotted

elsewhere and be available as a link. Cyclists, walkers and those travelling by bus may need

a secure cloakroom (or reception desk) where they can leave bulky bags and pushchairs to

enable them to explore a house, garden or landscape during their visit. The website

information can let them know that this service is available. Similarly knowing that

wheelchairs or mobility scooters are available can help reassure older or less able travellers,

or their carers, that the visit is manageable.

Useful links: The Eden Project website is a good, but not perfect, example of how green

travel modes might be advertised: https://www.edenproject.com/visit/before-you-visit

The Centre for Alternative Technology website is also a good example of the principles set

out above: http://visit.cat.org.uk/how-to-get-to-cat

The Blenheim Palace website is a good example of how further travel information is offered

via links to appropriate websites: http://www.blenheimpalace.com/planyourvisit/getting-

here.html


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http://www.blenheimpalace.com/planyourvisit/getting-here.html

http://www.blenheimpalace.com/planyourvisit/getting-here.html

http://visit.cat.org.uk/how-to-get-to-cat

https://www.edenproject.com/visit/before-you-visit

Website ranking matrix

Ranking Description of attributes

0 • The website has no information on how to get to the site

1 • There is information on how to travel to the site but this may be hard to find• Information on green modes is minimal e.g. may mention where nearest station or

bus stop is but not explain how to get to the site from there• No mention of walking or cycling to site• Implicit (or explicit) message that visitors are expected to drive to this site

2 • There is information on green modes available but this is limited and may be hard to find

• Nearest station mentioned and bus service mentioned but at best there is no more than a link to an external site

• Cycling is mentioned but may simply be a link to the Sustrans website• Travel by car still first option shown and has most information

3 • Information on travel to site will be reasonably easy to find• There is information on how to reach the site using public transport. This will include

bus service numbers and links to external sites. There will be information on nearest station and link to find more information

• It is evident that using sustainable modes is encouraged• Cycling is specifically mentioned and there will be some reference to local routes

although this may not be very specific. There will be links to external information. There may be mention of cycle parking provision

• Driving to site still most prominent option

4 • There is very good information on all modes of travel• Option for public transport will be clearly described with information of frequency of

buses and trains and how to get to site from local public transport hubs• Walking routes to, from and around the site will be shown with maps available for

download• Cycling routes to, from and around the site will be described and downloadable

maps provided. Location of cycle parking will be described.• There may be discounts offered for visitors by green modes and a general feeling of

welcome and promotion• However, car travel will still be very prominent and may still appear as the first option

5 • As previous (4), however, green modes will be given clear precedence. To find information about driving to the site you will have to scroll past the green modes

• There will be good discounts available to green visitors and these will be advertised on the home page

• There will be a clear message that the site not only welcomes green travel modes but would prefer visitors to use them if they can


13

Section 3. Onsite information and signing to the siteVisitors to your site may come by car now, but if they are presented with clear, well

presented information about green travel alternatives during their visit many may choose to

return by those green modes in future. If onsite information boards and printed material sing

out the advantages and opportunities for green travel to and around the site these will give a

very positive message.

Green travel information slip

If you give out information on entry why not include a simple leaflet or slip advertising green

travel options and any associated discounts? Similarly discounts for green visitors should be

advertised clearly at ticket offices and in your café and/or restaurants.

National Trust cycling promotion leaflet and poster

Visible, well used cycle parking

Good, visible and well used cycle parking also advertises the cycle friendliness of a site to


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potential future cycle visitors. Even hardened car users may mention the

cycle friendliness of the site (and its other green travel alternatives) to

friends and acquaintances. Word of mouth advertising can be very powerful, especially for

those who have had a good experience at the site and getting to it.

Cycle parking overlooked by café and next to main entrance, Burton Constable, East

Yorkshire.

Signing and maintenance

The information and experience for visitors at the site are therefore crucial factors. Well

maintained and signed facilities and paths leave a favourable impression. Knowledgeable,

friendly staff and/or volunteers who can explain options will also help.

Signing to the site

Placing of signs on the highway is governed by Traffic Signs Regulations and General

Directions. This was reviewed and republished in 2016, and is abbreviated to TSRGD 2016.

This has revolutionised and effectively deregulated what was previously a very difficult and

restricted process. As a result, negotiating new brown tourism signs should be much easier,

although sites will be expected to pay for the design, manufacture and fitting of new signs.

They will also have to negotiate the placement of new signs with the specific Highway

Authority managing the highway where the signs will be placed. The Highway Authority will


15

also insist that its approved contractors put up any signs. The cost of this

can be reduced if new signs can be attached to existing sign posts or lamp

columns etc. Placing signs on a site’s own land may require planning permission, although

short term advertising, such as banners, is likely to be tolerated without this.

If you are considering new brown tourism signs, it is worth contacting other heritage or

tourism sites nearby and looking at developing a joint programme to split some of the costs.

If you need to raise funds for brown tourism signs, or sustainable transport initiatives, do talk

to your regional Heritage Lottery Fund office as the signs may be considered part of

audience development and increasing access. HLF application forms ask you about

minimising environmental impacts, and looking at improving sustainable transport will help

you fulfil this environmental impact criteria towards a successful grant application.

www.hlf.org.uk/looking-funding/where-we-fund


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http://www.hlf.org.uk/looking-funding/where-we-fund

Case study example


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Interpretation board at Hatfield Forest in Essex (cared for by the National Trust) gives clear information on layout and facilities and illustrates key buildings.

Case study example


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This board at Wallington in Northumberland (cared for by the National Trust) (picture on left) indicates surfaced trails, other paths and places of interest. Information post in Hatfield Forest in Essex (cared for by the National Trust) (picture on right) gives clear pictorial information about destinations along a path and who can use the path.

Case study example


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Information sign in Lake District gives clear information about destinations, distances and who can use the path

Case study example


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Information sign at Wallington in Northumberland (cared for by the National Trust) gives anticipated walk times. This can help reassure visitors and encourage them to take the chance to explore further

Onsite information ranking matrix

Ranking

Description of attributes

0 • There is no printed information available either on information boards or in leaflets/handouts giving information on how to travel to the site

1 • While there may be no printed or displayed information on how to travel to the site there is some on paths around it although this too is limited

2 • There is reasonable information on getting around the site, some of this printed as either information boards or as leaflets/handouts, however, there is still no obvious linkage to travel to and from the site

3 • There is good information on routes around the site and some of these may be cycled

• The cycle parking may be signed• Printed information may show that it is understood that some visitors may return

and advise on options to do so by different modes

4 • The excellent information boards and printed material not only show the options to get around the site but advertise links to outside, including local transport hubs, cycle routes and footpaths

• Cycle parking is well signed as are routes that can be cycled around the site

5 • As previous (4) and• There is prominent advertising of how the site can be visited by sustainable modes

and also the discounts available to such visitors, with clear encouragement to all to choose these on their next visit


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Section 4. CyclingCycling is where the easiest wins can be found in attracting green travellers

to Capability Brown sites, even those that are very remote. The past decade has seen an

explosion in road cycling and cycling club membership has risen dramatically as a result.

The number of new bicycles sold in the UK outstrips new car sales year on year.

Understanding the potential for cycling and how you might cater for the different types of

people cycling is crucial to providing for this group.

A wide range of potential cycling visitors

Cycling visitors can range from families with young children out for a weekend ride of ten or

so miles, to hardened club cyclists who think nothing of covering 100 miles on a Sunday

ride. As all Capability Brown sites are accessible by road, at least some of these cyclists will

be comfortable accessing them. Cycling can also provide the link to public transport and in

particular to rail hubs, even ones you may have considered quite distant. At some rail

stations cycle hire (e.g. Bike and Go or Brompton Hire) is now available and this is an

additional option that can be linked to your site.

Electric assist bikes

You may also be near the Electric Bicycle Network (www.electricbicyclenetwork.com ) which is

based around sites that offer hire of electric assisted bicycles. Electric bicycles broaden the

range of people who have access to cycling, making bicycle journeys feasible for older

and/or less agile riders, and the UK market is growing rapidly. Bicycles will typically have a

range of around 40 miles which can be extended if you can provide charging facilities at your

site. You may even wish to consider becoming a hub for hire of electric or conventional

bikes, particularly if there are ridable paths provided around the site.


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http://www.electricbicyclenetwork.com/

Quiet routes for families

For family groups and less confident cyclists, having routes to the site that

are mostly quiet and/or motor traffic free is a major factor. These routes do not have to be

direct - for many a lot of the fun is the ride to and from the site. If you do not have the

expertise to assess these routes yourself then you can probably get help from local cycling

groups or clubs. They will be riding the roads and tracks near you and so will have good

local knowledge. There may already be cycle route guides to your site that are published

online. Local cycling advocates may be happy to plot routes for you and publish them on the

internet. Some sites such as Hatfield Forest in Essex are also able to provide cycle routes

(and equestrian routes) within the estate as part of the overall attraction.

Hatfield Forest in Essex (cared for by the National Trust) is featured on this map of the cycle

trail that runs across the northern edge of the site.


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Cycle clubs and groups

For more organised cycle clubs, particularly in some areas, weekend and

other group rides are often planned around a café stop. If you have a café then you can be

that stop, particularly if access to it is free for cycling visitors. No matter how remote your

site, you will be within the range of a club ride. Bicycle Belles and other groups (Breeze

network, Ride Social) cater particularly for women and those beginning or returning to

cycling and arrange regular social rides that would be attracted to Capability Brown sites.

The burgeoning number of U3A (University of the Third Age) cycling groups will cycle on

weekdays and they fit more closely with the demographic of typical Capability Brown site

visitors. You should also remember that those who cycle in groups also go out on solo or

family rides. If they have found your site welcoming they are much more likely to visit it

again.

Hosting cycling events

Cycling event organisers (sportives and charity rides) are often looking for an event base

that can accommodate a start/finish area, i.e. with parking, toilets and a café or a stop for

riders en route. Such events can be a good way to attract visitors and increase revenue out

of season. Having visited once, participants may be tempted to return again for a proper look

round.

Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire has hosted a number of cycling events in the past and this

year is promoting a family cycling day where people can come to explore the park

http://www.blenheimpalace.com/attractions-and-events/events/2016/summer/blenheim-

palace-sportive-and-family-cycling-day.html.

Kirkharle in Northumberland has built good relationships with local walking and cycling clubs

who visit the café on a regular basis. As a result, one of the regular patrons who is a cycle

event organiser, is developing a Capability Brown themed cycle ride.

Hosting Cycling for Health rides is another good option. These are regular rides for people

who have been advised to exercise, often following major illness.


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http://www.blenheimpalace.com/attractions-and-events/events/2016/summer/blenheim-palace-sportive-and-family-cycling-day.html

http://www.blenheimpalace.com/attractions-and-events/events/2016/summer/blenheim-palace-sportive-and-family-cycling-day.html

The importance of good cycle parking

Sheffield stands - each provides for two bikes

Making your site welcoming to cyclists will be achieved by providing good parking in the right

place. Cyclists want their bicycles parked where they will not be damaged and where they

are constantly overlooked. Cycle parking should always be sited near the main pedestrian

entrance or ticket kiosk where there is a constant stream of passing visitors, as long as the

visitors are not bumping into the bikes. Hidden at the back of your car park near to the public

road is not the right place. The type of parking is also crucial and there are many

manufacturers offering a wide range of quality. Sheffield stands are the most common and

fine.

Non-bespoke cycle parking

If you don’t have bespoke cycle stands (typically these cost from £25 - £75 each to

accommodate two bikes plus installation cost), there may be metal railings or other

appropriate site furniture that could be made available for parking. If this is clearly signed as

an approved cycle parking area, this will certainly help. Group ride organisers will often book

ahead for cafés and for these a lockable barn or courtyard would be ideal.

Help from your local authority


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Your local council may be able to help with cycle parking, both assessing

what you have now, where you can put new parking and what type to install.

They may even be able to offer some financial assistance. The council should be making

efforts to increase cycling and may have a dedicated cycling officer. Their transport planning

group will be responsible for cycling and should be able help with parking, general advice on

local routes and key local cycling contacts. They should also know of any local cycling

initiatives that your site may be able to tap into or partner with.

Discounts for cycling visitors

Offering discounts to cycling visitors is another good way to attract them. These can cover

café and entry deals. Those using only the café for a group ride are more likely to visit the

main site on their return if there is a discount.

Linking to long distance cycle routes

If your site is near a long distance cycle route, such as the Coast to Coast (C2C), then onsite

accommodation could be very popular. Many businesses on the C2C survive and thrive due

to their cycling customers. If you are on or near such a route then you may be able to attract

some of those using it if you advertise appropriately and offer a warm welcome.


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Case study – Burton Constable, East Yorkshire

Case study – Sherborne Castle, Dorset


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Photo 1 - the covered cycle parking at Burton Constable, in the car park. Photo 2 -

where a U3A cycling group are parked, using the fence by the café, where they could

see their bikes while enjoying an excellent lunch. This was not the group’s first visit.

Unused open shed and courtyard area at Sherborne Castle, Dorset. These are the

types of spaces where good cycle parking could be provided.

Useful links: Most Council websites will have a section which should give

some contact details for officers responsible for cycling matters and also

local cycling events and initiatives. The council should also know where bike hire is available

at local stations although this should also be checked with station operators.

Sustrans are responsible for the National Cycle Network (NCN) which may pass near your

site. Check out their map at www.sustrans.org.uk/ncn/map

British Cycling have numerous affiliate clubs throughout the UK. Check out their club page

at www.britishcycling.org.uk/clubfinder

Cycling UK (new name for the CTC) also have many clubs around the UK. Check these out

at http://www.cyclinguk.org/local-groups

Not all clubs are British Cycling or Cycling UK affiliated so simply try a search asking e.g.

“Cycle clubs near …………………”

Information on the Breeze Network which organise rides specifically for women can be

found at www.goskyride.com/ breeze

Cyclenation is the federation of local cycle campaign groups. They have a journey planner

that can be accessed from their homepage http://www.cyclenation.org.uk/. Or to find your

local campaign groups simply search asking e.g. “MYTOWN cycle campaign group”

You can find out more about the electric bicycle network at www.electricbicyclenetwork.com .

They should also be able to tell you about funding options to help you get involved.

See also Rail Section 8 for sources of information about bike hire from stations.


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http://www.cyclenation.org.uk/

http://www.cyclinguk.org/local-groups

http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/clubfinder

http://www.sustrans.org.uk/ncn/map

http://www.electricbicyclenetwork.com/

http://www.goskyride.com/breeze

Cycling ranking matrix

Ranking


0 • There is no cycle parking provision and no obvious consideration of cycling as an option for visitors to the site

1 • There is some token cycle parking onsite but this is only a few stands which are not overlooked and/or are of poor design so unlikely to be used

• There is no other serious consideration of cycling visitors

2 • There are a few cycle parking stands which are of reasonable quality and may be reasonably well overlooked

• There will be some acknowledgement in online and published publicity that recognises people may cycle to the site

3 • The site has regular cycling visitors and there is good, reasonably secure cycle parking, although not enough at peak times

• There is genuine understanding of the need to encourage more cycling visitors and some strategy to achieve this

• There is understanding that cycling can be a link to railway stations And/or• There are some long distance and/or local cycle routes nearby and work is ongoing

to attract users of these to the site• A green travel strategy which seeks to increase the number of cycling visitors is

being prepared or is at draft stage

4 • The site has regular cycle visitors including large groups (may be on club rides) and there is enough well designed and positioned cycle parking to accommodate them Some of it may be covered

• Site publicity advertises local cycle routes to and around the site and also to local rail stations. Cycle routes in the site are clearly marked and signed. There is a very clear message to all visitors that cycling is welcomed and well catered for

• There may be discounts for cycling visitors to enter the site and also special deals for them in the café/restaurant

• There is a clear green travel strategy which seeks to increase the number of cycling visitors although this will not be fully implemented

5 • As previous (4) and:• The green travel strategy is fully implemented and includes:• Charging or hire point for the electric cycle network or other cycle hire onsite• Excellent relationship with local cycle groups or clubs who visit regularly• Discounts for all cycling visitors both in café and for entry to site. These are clearly

advertised so that all visitors should be aware of them• Site is widely acknowledged as an example of best practice in attracting and

catering for cycling visitors


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Section 5. WalkingWalking to your site will almost always be combined with use of public

transport, either rail or bus. Even urban sites are likely to fit this model. There are some

exceptions, particularly where your site is near a long distance walking route such as the

Pennine Way.

Well signed and maintained routes and paths

Your walking visitors will appreciate well maintained and signed paths. If your maps and

information boards show not only the paths around the site but the links to those outside this

will broaden their appeal. They should also show walking routes to local bus and train stops

where these are close. (See sections 7 and 8 on bus and train transport). The quality of

paths is also very important particularly for visitors with wheelchairs, mobility scooters or

pushchairs. The availability of a network of accessible paths should be a real selling point for

effective marketing.

Hand drawn walking route maps (like the one above available at Kirkharle, Northumberland) have been in vogue for ramblers since Wainwright in 1950s.


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Walking groups and other potential partners

There will undoubtedly be local Ramblers groups that can be invited to visit

your site and who can give invaluable information on local walking routes that you may link

to. They may be willing to plan and document routes for you. This could be as a route card

like the one shown above on sale for 50p at Kirkharle (the route instructions are on the

back). Alternatively routes can be drawn with online mapping like Google maps and link

created and shared on your website so that visitors can print the routes off themselves.

Local charities such as Age Concern or disability charities are often keen to test out routes

as expert volunteers and give you constructive feedback on the accessibility of routes you

have planned and developed before you go public. Local authorities and health trusts also

promote and even prescribe walking specifically for health, which may provide an

opportunity to build a relationship as a venue for a regular walking group. Most local

authority and NHS partnerships have an online portal designed to help people work out their

own wellbeing plans. This can assist GPs in finding non-medical activities to prescribe

alongside medical interventions to help start or improve patients’ access to exercise and

cultural activities. Listing your walking routes with your local portal may help raise your

walking profile, as will dropping off posters and flyers at local GP surgeries, offices of

charities such as Age Concern and volunteer centres

Invite your local councillor with responsibilities for health and wellbeing to visit and give them

the tour. They can influence your Local Authority’s staff to look at including walking exercise

at your site as part of people’s social care support and recovery plans.

Long distance walking routes

Your site may be near a long distance walking path and be a welcome stop for refreshment,

detour or accommodation if this is available. The Long Distance Walkers Association

provides mapping and information on such paths and is worth checking out.


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Discounts for walkers

Discounts for walkers should be similar to those described for cyclists. A

section in your café welcoming those wearing muddy boots will enhance your appeal to

walkers. If you offer accommodation this can be linked to longer walking routes if these are

near.

Special Events

Many sites will be ideal to host charity walks. These can include the paths on and off site.

The walks may be annual or more frequent. Working with partners will open up possibilities.

Another big potential draw is weekly “Park Runs” which have spread in popularity throughout

the whole UK. The free 5km runs are held from 9am each Saturday morning and attract on

average over 150 runners each. Park runners also tend to tour different runs. Why not

become a host? Check it out at http://www.parkrun.org.uk/

Treasure hunts, children’s education/adventure trails and nature walks are other types of

attractions that you may already be using or could develop to attract families with children.


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http://www.parkrun.org.uk/

Case study 1 – Scampston, North Yorkshire


33

The above map taken from the GPS Cycle and Walking Routes website shows where

the Centenary Way (in red) passes close to Scampston Hall in North Yorkshire.

http://www.gps-routes.co.uk/ This is an example of a route drawn on Google Maps as

explained above.

http://www.gps-routes.co.uk/

Useful links: Your local council should be the first port of call. They are

responsible for pedestrian provision not only on the highway but also the

maintenance and mapping of Public Rights of Way

Living Streets (formerly known as the Pedestrians Association) is a national organisation

campaigning for pedestrians which has many local initiatives. You can check this out at

http://www.livingstreets.org.uk/what-we-do/stories

The Ramblers Association can put you in touch with local affiliated groups. Check out

http://www.ramblers.org.uk/

The GPS site link is above. The Long Distance Walking Association is found at:

https://www.ldwa.org.uk/

If you are in or next to a National Park then contact the National Parks Authority who may be

able to give excellent advice and assistance

To find out more about Park Runs visit http://www.parkrun.org.uk/

For information on Walking for Health go to www.walkingforhealth.org.uk


34

http://www.walkingforhealth.org.uk/

http://www.parkrun.org.uk/

https://www.ldwa.org.uk/

http://www.ramblers.org.uk/

http://www.livingstreets.org.uk/what-we-do/stories

Walking ranking matrix

Ranking


0 • “Yes we know people walk around the site”

1 • “Yes we know people walk around the site and we even have a map that shows the paths they can use”

2 • The maps and information boards available at the site show the paths around it clearly and we acknowledge some things that may be within walking distance outside – like a bus stop

3 • Maps and information boards give very good information about paths around the site and this includes route guides

• There is acknowledgement of other local walking routes that link to or are close to the site on information boards or published material available to visitors

4 • Maps and information boards give very good information about paths around the site and this includes route guides. The paths are well maintained and signed and also pedestrian interaction with vehicles is well managed

• There is acknowledgement of other local walking routes that link to or are close to the site on information boards or published material. Where there are local long distance or other path networks close by that are advertised and visitors are encouraged to use them.

• There may be discounts for walking visitors to enter the site and also special deals for them in the café/restaurant

• There is a clear strategy to improve the experience of walkers around and to the site, although this will not be fully implemented

5 • As previous (4) and:• The walking strategy is fully implemented and includes:• Discounts for all walking visitors both in café and for entry to site. These are clearly

advertised so that all visitors should be aware of them• Walkers are made very welcome. There is a special section in the café for walkers

with mucky boots to sit • If there are long distance walks nearby these will be linked to the site and walkers

are encouraged to use accommodation onsite if this is available• Site is widely acknowledged as an example of best practice in attracting and

catering for walking visitors


35

Section 6. Bus transportHow close your site is to the nearest bus stop (and the frequency of service)

will determine how much you can do to encourage visitors, staff and volunteers to use this

mode. Bus transport can be a link to local urban centres and also to local rail stations. It can

also, as explained in Section 6, be linked to your site by good, well signed walking routes.

Good, accurate information on local buses

Where you do have local bus services, just acknowledging these in printed and onsite

information boards is not sufficient. Timetables showing destinations, frequency of services

and where they can be accessed should also be easily to hand or to click on if sought on

your website. Information on fares and how you can pay on the bus will also be helpful

(e.g. exact change required, card payments accepted). There are examples of visitor

attractions with combined ticketing for bus and entry which is cheaper than buying them

individually (e.g. Stonehenge). The PlusBus scheme allows rail passengers to buy a

combined ticket with a bus pass for a small extra cost.

Options when no bus service currently exists

Where your site is not currently near a bus service this does not mean it could not be in

future. Your local council, Integrated Transport Authority (ITA, formerly Passenger Transport

Executive or PTE) and/or local service providers may be persuaded to offer new services

that could provide access to your site, even if this is only in peak season. They may, as is

the case at Chatsworth House, change their routes to drop and pick up passengers from

your site. Other providers serving nearby villages such as the Post Bus or a Community

Transport may operate locally and be happy to service the site to help increase patronage. If

you are in contact with them you will be in the best position to explore opportunities.

Discounts for bus users

Offering discounts for bus users should be the same as for other green modes as described

in previous sections.


36

Shuttle buses

It may be viable to offer a shuttle service from your site to the nearest

regular service bus stops or train station, particularly in peak season. You may be able to

arrange such a service at a fixed rate with a local taxi or private hire firm.

Case study – Scampston, North Yorkshire

Useful links: Your local council Transport Planning section will be able to advise on current

opportunities for bus transport, how and who to contact at your local Integrated Transport


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The Yorkshire Coastliner bus stop near the entrance road to Scampston. This links the

estate to Scarborough, Filey and Bridlington in the east and to Malton, York, Tadcaster

and Leeds in the west. The bus station where it stops in Malton is next to the station

and combined ticketing is on offer.

Authority (ITA) (if there is one) and other local service providers

Six metropolitan areas in the North and Midlands have an ITA which is

responsible for public transport in their area. Some sites will be in these areas and should

speak to their local ITA about public transport options policy and future developments

Traveline is a national resource for planning journeys by bus, train and ferry to which

commercial operators contribute information http://www.traveline.info/

Local private bus service providers – the local council/ Integrated Transport Authority should

be able to give advice about these


38

http://www.traveline.info/

Bus transport ranking matrix

Ranking


0 • Staff and volunteers have not really considered if travel to the site is feasible by bus

1• Bus travel to site has been considered but little done to encourage this by means of

advertising • Lack of or infrequency of local bus service considered to rule out bus travel as a

viable option but no attempt made to contact local bus providers, ITA and/or Highway Authority to discuss

2• Bus travel considered and mentioned in advertising but without any real detail• There may have been some contact with local bus providers, ITA and/or local

Highway Authority regarding local bus services but this has not been consistently followed up or progressed

3

• Bus travel considered and mentioned in advertising with some detail• Making real attempts to explore options for improving services and accessibility by

bus but realise there is some way to go• There is reasonable contact with local bus providers, ITA or local Highway Authority

regarding local bus services which has seen some progress• Lack or infrequency of local bus service is acknowledged and seen as a challenge

but yet to make serious progress on dealing with this

4

• There are a good number of visitors who come to the site by bus and these have been encouraged by good advertising onsite and in the media

• Partnership with local bus providers, and/or local Highway Authority has delivered improved service

• There is a combined bus/entry ticketAnd/or• Concrete discussions with local bus providers, ITA and/or local Highway Authority

have established that there is currently no opportunity to improve or establish effective bus access to the site, however, contact with these bodies is still in place should the situation change or alternatives develop

• There may be discounts offered for visitors by bus

5• As previous (4) and:• The site operates a shuttle service to local bus hub/hubs• The site is widely acknowledged as delivering best practice for bus visitors• There will be discounts offered for visitors by bus


39

Section 7. Rail transportSome sites will be close to rail stations and others may be close enough to

link to these through bus services and/or by cycling. Combined transport options should be

explored as these will facilitate a wider range of potential visitors.

Shuttle bus / taxi shuttle

It may be feasible to provide a shuttle bus service to and from a local rail station, particularly

in peak season or by arrangement. Working with a local taxi or private hire company could

be the way to establish a fixed charge service to and from the site (and get word of mouth

advertising). In all instances working with station operators to advertise options and routes to

your site and corresponding advertising at the site will be invaluable in promoting visits by

rail.

Cycle hire at stations

As mentioned in Section 5, cycle hire is also available at some stations (the Bike and Go

scheme or Brompton Hire are examples). However, in some cases these may be poorly

advertised and need a bit of ingenuity to work out how to access them. Your interest may be

the spark to improve what is offered and make it properly viable.

Web and onsite advertising

Where rail is an option this should be advertised in printed materials, the website and onsite

information boards. The information should include timetables so that visitors can explore

options. As stated in previous sections some car borne visitors may wish to return using a

rail or combined option in future. Good onsite advertising of such options will let them know

that this is possible.

Combined ticketing options

As with bus services, it may be possible to arrange deals with train operators providing all-in

tickets that cover visitors’ travel and entry to the site. Once you start talking to other bodies

you may be surprised at the options that develop. Arrangements with local taxi or private hire

companies could be included or negotiated to link stations with your site.


40

Industrial espionage.

Take a look at the websites of some of your neighboring tourist attractions to

see what offers and connections that they have for visitors. Follow up to see if you can join in

the scheme or offer something similar.

Case Study – Burton Constable, East Yorkshire

Discounts for rail travellers

As with all other green modes, discounts on entry and café deals can be offered to visitors

who have come by rail.


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The nearest station to Burton Constable may be 10 miles away at Hull, but an excellent

cycle route to the site from the station and a cycle hub at the station offering standard

and electric bicycle hire make this a great location for a day’s adventure.

The Cycle Hub at Hull station

Useful links: Your local Integrated Transport Authority (ITA), where there is

one, will be a first port of call as they can advise on other rail contacts and

opportunities

The local council travel planning section should also be able to advise on local rail contacts

and opportunities, particularly in most of the country where there is no local ITA

Local station operators – you will be able to discover who operates your local stations by

searching for the station name on the ‘Plus Bike’ pages of the National Rail website. This will

also provide details on existing facilities at the station, such as cycle hire.

http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations_destinations/118390.aspx

Local train operating companies can be approached to discuss combined travel and visitor

deals. Examples of recently funded cycle-rail projects are listed at the link below, these are

only schemes funded via the train operators, other schemes have been funded by the Local

Sustainable Transport Fund to highway authorities.

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/410904/cycle-

rail-fund-schemes-2015-to-2016.csv/preview


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https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/410904/cycle-rail-fund-schemes-2015-to-2016.csv/preview

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/410904/cycle-rail-fund-schemes-2015-to-2016.csv/preview

http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations_destinations/118390.aspx

Rail transport ranking matrix

Ranking


0 • Team have not really considered if travel to the site is feasible by train

1 • Rail travel to the site has been considered but little done to encourage this by means of advertising

• Distance to nearest station (over two miles), lack of or infrequency of local service considered to rule out rail travel as a viable option but no attempt made to contact local rail providers, Integrated Transport Authority (ITA) and/or Highway Authority to discuss

• No consideration of combined rail and walk, cycle or bus as an option for visitors

2 • Rail travel considered and location of nearest stations mentioned in advertising but without any real detail or with advice to catch a taxi from them

• There may have been some contact with local rail providers, ITA and/or local Highway Authority regarding links to and opportunity for use of local rail services, but this has not been consistently followed up or progressed

3 • Rail travel considered and mentioned in advertising with some detail• Making real attempts to explore options for improving services and accessibility by

rail, but realise there is some way to go• There is understanding of scope for visits by combined modes e.g. rail and walk,

cycle or bus and while this may be mentioned in publicity there is need for much better detail

• There is reasonable contact with local rail providers, ITA or local Highway Authority regarding local rail services and how to link the site to them, which has seen some genuine progress

• Distance to local station (over seven miles) and/or infrequency of local rail service is acknowledged and seen as a challenge but yet to make serious progress on dealing with this

4 • There are a good number of visitors who come to the site via local rail services and these have been encouraged by good advertising onsite and in the media and links via other sustainable travel modes

• Partnership with local bus providers, ITA and/or local Highway Authority, NGOs has delivered good links to local rail services by walking cycling and bus

And/or• Bike and rail initiatives are in placeAnd/or• Concrete discussions with local bus providers, ITA and/or local council established

that there is currently no opportunity to improve or introduce effective bus access to the nearest railway stations, however, contact with these bodies is still in place should the situation change or alternatives develop

• There may be discounts offered for visitors by rail

5 • As previous (4) and• The site operates a shuttle service to local rail hub/hubs• The site is widely acknowledged as delivering best practice for rail visitors


43

• There will be discounts offered for visitors by rail


44

Section 8. Visitors arriving by carContrary to what one might think, car travel can still be reasonably

environmentally friendly if approached in the right way. In promoting green travel we are

trying to encourage people to make the greenest travel choices available to them. For some

visitors and sites there will be no alternative to driving and we do not want to make them feel

embarrassed about this. We just wish to encourage them to think about alternatives where

these are available.

Car share clubs

Having said this, car share clubs, hybrid and electric vehicles are becoming ever more

common and offer a half-way house to greener transport. Car clubs now exist in most UK

cities as well as many smaller towns. These provide the opportunity to club members to hire

a vehicle for as little as one hour. They must return it to a designated parking space which is

usually the one they took it from. A smart card and PIN gives them access to the car with the

keys securely stored inside.

Car and lift share can be an option for special events such as park runs or charity walks,

runs and bike rides.

Often non-car owners will hire a car club car for all or part of a holiday. Distance from the

nearest car club site is not therefore a barrier to your site taking advantage of what car clubs

can offer.

Discount deals and mutual advertising

There is scope to negotiate a deal with car clubs and a consortium of Capability Brown sites.

These could offer mutual advertising. Clubs want their vehicles used. Most private vehicles

spend the vast majority of their time parked, which is very inefficient in terms of use and

space taken. In principle car clubs would reduce the clutter of parked cars if everyone used

them.


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Electric and hybrid vehicles

Electric and hybrid vehicle technology is rapidly improving the options for

these vehicles which are less polluting and generally recognised as more environmentally

friendly. Encouraging their use is something that Capability Brown sites can do with a

minimal investment. Grants are available for some new charging points.

Carbon offsetting

Introducing carbon offsetting can be good for your site’s PR as well as for the planet. You

could offer to plant a tree or trees each year to compensate for your car-borne visitors,

advertise this on your website. You could also encourage your visitors to do their own

carbon offsetting. Info at: http://www.carbonfootprint.com/carbonoffset.html


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http://www.carbonfootprint.com/carbonoffset.html

Case study: example of electric cars


47

Useful links: The CarPlus website will tell you where car clubs operate in

the UK. You will find it at www.carplus.org.uk/

To find out more about existing charging points for electric vehicles visit

www.thechargingpoint.com/knowledge-hub/charging-points.html

For government grants to install new charging points visit

www.gov.uk/government/collections/plug-in-vehicle-chargepoint-grants

For car/lift share there are plenty of options to explore. Simply search the internet for “Car

share” or “Lift share” to find these.

Information about carbon offsetting can be found at



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http://www.gov.uk/government/collections/plug-in-vehicle-chargepoint-grants

http://www.thechargingpoint.com/knowledge-hub/charging-points.html

http://www.carplus.org.uk/


Car transport ranking matrix

Ranking


0 • “Car Club? What’s that?”

1 • We’ve heard about car share clubs but haven’t explored it further than that

2 • We have contacted a local car share club but as yet have not progressed beyond this

3 • Are putting together package with Car Clubs to advertise special deals with our site• Privileged car parking spaces at our car park will soon be available for car club cars

and/or• We are introducing a charging point for electric/hybrid vehicles in the car park

4 • Our car club package is in place • There are now reserved spaces in our car park for car club cars• We will soon have an electric/hybrid vehicle charging point in our car park

5 • As previous except the charging point is in place, well signposted and often in use• Our website and other site publicity advertise our welcome for car clubs and

greener vehicles


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Section 9. PartnersThroughout the previous sections we have mentioned numerous partners.

Most of these will have a real motivation to work with you, offering help and advice as they

have a mutual interest in your success. We would also advise you to work with your parent

or membership bodies (if this is applicable) as some of the partnership suggestions in this

toolkit would work more effectively through a consortium of sites e.g. arrangements with car

clubs. Other Capability Brown sites can also help in sharing their experiences. Our case

study sites may be a good place to start.

Talk to your neighbours

While some sites may be remote, others will neighbour or be close to other attractions

offering opportunities for joint marketing, promotions and ticketing. As partners they will also

increase your bargaining power with other external bodies and agencies. Economies of

scale can offer much more for the same individual budget when two or more become one.

You could consider making joint grant bids to enhance this possibility.

Joining existing networks of partners

The links throughout this toolkit give you a place to start looking for potential partners. Most

of these will already be in networks of formal and informal partnerships which it may be

advantageous for you to join. They may be able to give you access to resources of time and

funding. You won’t know how they might help until you start to look and communicate with

them. You may already be involved in partnerships that don’t cover travel and transport but

at which the issue could be introduced.


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Taxi and private hire firm partners

Taxi and private hire firms have been mentioned above in a number of the

sections. A really good way to attract partners and promote word of mouth advertising is to

invite local taxi / private hire drivers to visit your site with their families free of charge and

show them how great your site is with tea and a tour. Fostering good relations is great way

to negotiate reasonable fixed fare rates from nearby homes and public transport hubs, and

to get recommendations for a visit to your site. Most local authorities will have something

like a Taxi Liaison Group through which taxi regulation is managed. This will be looked after

by a member of council staff and have representatives from taxi companies involved

alongside council staff and councillors. Ask them to help you issue the invite to the taxi

drivers.

How do your staff and volunteers get to the site?

Last but most certainly not least, how do the people who work and volunteer at your site get

there? It is well worth asking staff and volunteers how they get to your site, if they have any

recommendations for any existing sustainable methods of transport in the area or

suggestions for improvement based on their expert local knowledge. This will also help

engage them in thinking differently about transport and access and seeing the site from a

visitor’s perspective, particularly when you start to make any changes. Ask people to test

different routes on their way to and from work and feed back their thoughts and suggestions.


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Partners ranking matrix

Ranking


0 • “Never thought about partners!”

1• Acknowledge the value of working with partners (ITAs, public transport providers,

Local Authority, cycle and walking groups, NGOs) but have not developed any partnerships that deal with travel

2• Have some external partners with whom travel issues have been discussed. There

may be plans to implement sustainable travel initiatives but these have not been implemented yet

3

• Are in discussion with a range of partners and potential partners about how to encourage more visitors to use sustainable transport modes. Some of these initiatives will be in place, although there is considerable scope for more partnership work

• Developing a sustainable (green travel) strategy which includes partnership working, although this is at best only at draft stage

4• Work well with a range of partners to deliver green travel initiatives based on an

existing green travel strategy, however, this is ready review and updating • Always seeking new partners

5

• Very proactive in seeking and working with partners. There is a member or members of staff with specific responsibility for partnership development and liaison. This is as part of the green travel strategy which is regularly reviewed and updated

• Acknowledged as an example of best practice in working with partners on green travel initiatives


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Section 10. Green travel strategy and staff and volunteer training

To make the best of the opportunities you have available to you will require a green travel

strategy. You may already have a travel plan which covers some of the issues included in

this toolkit. Effective travel plans include a strategy for how they should be delivered. This

should be reviewed and updated regularly. If you do have one we suggest you review it

using this toolkit and particularly the matrices in each section.

Starting from scratch

If you are starting from scratch you need to include the following:

1. An introduction setting out the reasons for the strategy

2. Sections for different green modes

3. Analysis of where you are now (use the matrices as a guide) in each section

4. An outline of where you intend to get to, when and how, also in each section

5. A clear plan on how you will collect data on how visitors access the site and

realistic time based targets for increasing green modes. You should start with a

base survey and include the results in your strategy. You will then be able to

measure progress against this

6. A process for staff and volunteer training and regular feedback on green travel

issues. You may wish to nominate a particular an enthusiastic and engaged

member of staff to have responsibility for coordinating the green travel strategy

7. An annual review of the strategy to measure progress and set new targets and

goals


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Where to get help

You should be able to get help from your local council to develop your

strategy. They will have expertise in green travel planning and may have a dedicated travel

plan officer who can provide templates and examples of effective travel plans for you to

follow. Sustrans also has travel plan expertise and may be able to help. The ACT-Travelwise

organisation also has details on its website.

Taking on new staff is expensive but there are alternatives that can provide extra resource

and expertise at little or no cost. Many sites will have volunteers already. We have

suggested in this toolkit where some new volunteers might be found who would be willing

and able to help with green transport. In addition the site could contact universities about

student placements of students studying estate management and other relevant courses to

undertake pieces of work on your behalf as part of their practical coursework.

Young workers, apprentices and volunteers often don’t have access to a car. This can be a

barrier to employment for them and an inconvenience to the employer unable to recruit

promising candidates. Many of the green travel initiatives described in this toolkit can apply

equally to staff and volunteers. Local authorities are sometimes able to offer some

assistance with travel to new employees and trainees, either through access to discounted

public transport tickets or the loan of a scooter or bicycle. Grants are sometimes available to

improve infrastructure to support sustainable travel to work.

Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) Bids

The HLF welcomes bids for audience development funding. These could be the answer to

implementing many of the issues described in this toolkit, from new brown signing to cycle

parking onsite. One key requirement for successful bids is that they explain how

development will be environmentally sustainable. Having a good green travel strategy will

fulfil this condition admirably. The resource needed to prepare bids may be helped through

partners or independent advisors. Contact your regional HLF office for an initial discussion

www.hlf.org.uk/looking-funding/where-we-fund


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Staff and volunteer training

Staff and volunteer training will be an essential part in delivering an effective

green transport strategy. No matter how small your team, it is good practice to have regular

team meetings where you can share information and cascade training lessons. Your green

travel strategy should be an agenda item. If you have a nominated green travel coordinator it

is important that they share knowledge. When visitors ask for help on green travel issues it is

best if all members of staff and volunteers have knowledge to hand rather than always

having to point them to someone else, who may not be available or is too busy with other

work.

Your partners and the travel plan officer should be able to suggest relevant training that

would benefit staff.

Useful links: Both Transport Initiatives and Phil Jones Associates who have prepared this

toolkit can offer more advice on strategy. They can be contacted by email at:

[email protected] or [email protected] (main office)

Your local council transport planning section which should be the home for travel planning

staff and advice

Sustrans can assist with strategy development but they may charge for this service.

There should be a Sustrans office relatively near to you. Check out

www.sustrans.org.uk/our-services/what-we-do/strategy-and-vision-development

ACT Travelwise promotes and facilitates sustainable travel choices, Act TravelWise

members benefit from a range of services designed to support them in their sustainable

transport and mobility projects. http://www.acttravelwise.org/


55

http://www.acttravelwise.org/

http://www.sustrans.org.uk/our-services/what-we-do/strategy-and-vision-development

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

Green travel strategy and staff and volunteers training ranking matrix

Ranking


0 • There are no strategies for anything• There are no regular team meetings for staff and/or volunteers• There is no culture of staff or volunteer training for any issue

1 • You realise there is a need for a travel strategy but haven’t started any work on it• There are occasional team meetings for staff and/or volunteers but no formal

programme of meetings• Staff and volunteer training may happen occasionally, but only at the instigation of

individual members of staff or volunteers

2 • A member of staff or small project group has been given responsibility for developing a green travel strategy, but their work is only just started

• There are regular team meetings for staff and/or volunteers, but these will only feature travel issues reactively

• Staff and volunteer do receive training but this will tend to be on basic matters to comply with health and safety or similar e.g. first aid training

3 • There will be an early draft of the developing green travel strategy available for discussion

• Sustainable travel has been discussed during the regular team meetings. These include specific discussion of the green travel strategy that is being developed

• Training on green transport issues is planned for named staff

4 • The green travel strategy has been introduced and is an agenda item at the regular team meetings

• Named staff and/or volunteers have received training on green travel issues and there is more planned. This will be cascaded in future team meetings

5 • As previous (4) and:• The green travel strategy and its implementation are recognised as an example of

best practice • There is a staff member or volunteer with specific responsibility for coordination and

delivery of the green travel strategy who reports at every team meeting and plans staff and/or volunteer training on relevant issues related to this


56

Section 11. Full site assessment matrix recording sheetAt the end of each section from section 2 onwards above you will have seen a ranking matrix

describing the attributes of sites ranked on a scale of 0 to 5. To help you see where you are

now and plan for the future, you can work out your ranking for each section and then your

overall ranking which is an average of the nine rankings you have given yourself. Please be

honest. This is not a competition, just a way to help you see where you are and what you

can do next. You don’t have to share your finding publicly.

Once you have worked out your ranking for each section you can then look at the attributes

for rankings higher than yours and decide which of these you could achieve quickly, those

you could achieve over a longer timescale and the ones that are just not possible at all. Your

findings can form the basis for a new or revised green travel strategy including an action

plan with short and long term targets, setting out how you plan to achieve these.

A lower ranking now, honestly assessed, will provide more scope to show progress in your

annual green strategy review.


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This page is editable

Toolkit section Your ranking

2 Website

3 Onsite information

4 Cycling

5 Walking

6 Bus transport

7 Rail Transport

8 Car borne visitors

9 Partnerships

10 Green travel strategy and staff and volunteer training

Total (out of 45)

Overall ranking (Total/9)


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Section 12. The model green transport friendly siteIn any journey it is very important that we know where we are trying to get to. In describing

what a model site would look like we hope to raise aspirations. Even if the model destination

seems a long way off, the next steps towards it can always be made. This toolkit will tell you

what those steps are. However, this section describes where we might be going.

It’s a matter of attitude

The staff and volunteers at our model site will never believe they have achieved perfect

green transport provision. They will be proud of what they are doing and happy to share

what they have learnt. They will want to learn from others and be open to new ideas and

ready to change what they are doing if it will make things better. They will try to do the best

they can, admitting mistakes and learning from them. Progress and strategy will be

discussed at regular staff and volunteer team meetings which include green transport as a

fixed agenda item.

Partnerships

The model site will be willing to work with partners e.g. neighbouring sites and attractions,

Local Authorities, bus and train companies, local cycle and/or walking groups, Non-

Government Organisations (NGOs) such as the National Parks Authority. They will have

existing partnerships that provide mutual benefit and they will be open to new partnerships.

Website & social media

The website will clearly advertise that the site welcomes green travellers. The home page

may advertise discounts for green visitors so that the welcome is upfront.

Information on travel to the site will be easy to find. After no more than a couple of easy to

find clicks you will reach the right page. You will have to scroll past the green mode

information before reaching advice for car-borne visitors. Again the discounts, onsite entry

and café/restaurant deals, for green visitors will be prominently displayed. Where there is

onsite accommodation available, links to walking, cycling, bus and train routes and local or

national path networks will be advertised and, where feasible, may be part of a package

deal.


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The information on green modes will be clear and comprehensive. There will

be links to bus and train timetables for the nearest stops/stations where

these are within realistic reach of the site. There will be links to printable route maps for

walking or cycling to and from bus stops/stations. There will also be links to cycle and

walking route maps from local urban centres or which identify nearby long distance routes,

where these exist.

There will be information on cycle parking at the site, telling where it is and what is offered.

All sites will have a social media presence such as Twitter and/or Facebook account with

regular posts about what’s on and how to get there by green transport modes. There will be

stories and photos of visitors who have cycled, walked or used public transport showing that

it is easy and normal. This social media will link to national and international campaigns

using #hashtags e.g. #TravelTuesday to raise the profile of the site.

Onsite and printed information

Information boards and printed leaflets will echo the website message that green visitors are

particularly welcomed and receive discounts. Site guides will show routes around the site

and also where these may link to longer routes (walking and cycling) outside it.

Cycling

There will be ample good quality cycle parking on the site, as near as possible to the main

ticket office or entrance. This will be constantly overlooked and therefore secure. It may be

covered. There will also be scope for overspill parking. There will be discounts for cycling

visitors.

Where feasible there will be well signed cycle routes within the site. There may be cycle hire

available onsite, again where feasible. The site may be a hub for the electric bicycle network

or provide parking and charging points.

Staff and volunteers will understand the opportunity that cycling offers to link to national and

local route networks, bus and train stations. Information on how to access the site may be

displayed at these, delivered through partners. There may be regular visits by local cycle

clubs as a café stop on club rides.

Likely partners: Local cycle clubs, Cycling UK (formerly CTC), Sustrans, local cycle

campaign group, British Cycling, Electric bicycle network, local cycle shops/hire providers,

Local authority transport planning team, Bus and Train operators.

Walking

While it is understood that few visitors will walk from home to the site, the walking routes


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linking to bus stops or railway stations will be well catered for where these

are feasible. There may be information displayed at the nearest bus

stops/stations advising on the best routes to walk to the site. Likewise onsite information will

advise on best routes to bus and train stops. Where long distance or local network paths are

nearby, links to these will also be advertised.

Paths in and around the site will be well illustrated on display boards and printed materials

and the paths will be well maintained and signing will be legible and enable easy navigation.

As far as possible steps and steep gradients will be avoided, making paths accessible for

people with disabilities as well as others who have problems walking. There will be discounts

for walking visitors.

Likely partners: Ramblers Association, Living Streets (formerly Pedestrians Association),

Local authority transport planning team (should include Rights of Way officer), Bus and Train

operators

Bus and Train

Where feasible, there will be well advertised links to local bus and train hubs. These will

show walking and cycling routes to the site. Public transport information will include

reference to bike hire at nearby stations and ability to carry bikes on trains/coaches/rural

buses.

There will be links to local public transport partners and the Local Authority to either support

or improve current bus and/or train access.

There may be a shuttle bus service to the nearest public transport hubs provided by the site

in peak periods.

Likely partners: Local authority transport planning team, Bus and Train operators


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Car share clubs

Where there are relatively local car share clubs (many parts of the UK), the

site will provide discounted parking for car club vehicles. Dedicated parking spaces for car

club cars will advertise that this option exists as well as providing priority parking.

Likely partners: Local car clubs, Local authority transport planning team

Transport strategy and staff and volunteer training

The site will have a clear and effective green transport strategy (Travel Plan) which will

encompass all the aspects described above. This will have defined outcomes, targets for

increasing the proportion of green visitors and systems of regular data collection to measure

how people travel to the site. An action plan will chart how delivery of all elements will be

achieved or implemented and when. Staff and volunteer training will be part of the strategy

and will cover any relevant training needs to help implement it.

Likely partners: Local authority transport planning team (travel plan officer).


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ConclusionThank you for taking the time to read through this toolkit. We hope you have

found lots of good ideas about how you can broaden your site’s appeal while at the same time doing some good for the planet. We’d love to know how you get on with implementing these ideas. We are always learning and sharing in your experiences will help us. So good luck on your green journey.

The team at the Capability Brown Festival 2016.

This toolkit has been prepared for the Capability Brown Festival by:

Transport Initiatives LLP and Phil Jones Associates

www.transport-initiatives.com www.philjonesassociates.co.uk


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http://www.philjonesassociates.co.uk/

http://www.transport-initiatives.com/

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