Study title

‘Tranquillity' is commonly experienced in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty where it is a key motive for visitors. This popularity means that managing organisations must ensure that development is sensitive to ecological, social and economic interests whilst also fulfilling their duty for providing quiet enjoyment of the countryside. Defining tranquillity is key to addressing these objectives, yet is complex not least due to its subjective qualities. Statutes emphasise breadth of stakeholder engagement in planning decisions and with best practice, community engagement is considered critical. Yet, challenges for practice and research remain evident, particularly in capturing and then utilising the breadth of local views on the subject. The aim of this research is to develop and test an approach to tranquillity modelling that encompasses the breadth of stakeholder views inclusive of institutions, visitors and of the so-called hard-to-reach members of the local community. A mixed methods approach is initiated through a series of participatory action frameworks, from which views on the objective and subjective nature of tranquillity will be captured. These views determine the final outputs of this research: a high resolution GIS planning tool that can be practically implemented in protected area management and that is transferable to alternative locations.