RSK ERA Limited

Audit of the existing tourism character of a region, and analysis of potential to extend into more extreme tourism. Research, interviewing, location research, international best practice comparisons, local cost-benefit analysis, sustainability assessments for several different classes of location, ending with an action plan for development.

Research into sites suitable for sustainable development of nature tourism: walks, bird watching, wildlife, views. Research and data on carpparks, contacts, ecology etc for spreadsheet and GIS maps. Detailed recommendations for best 5 places in 5 local authority areas - how to cluster the sites, involve local accommodation providers, branding and marketing, and developing the resource.

Research to evaluate the likely contribution of a £1m environmental project to the socio- economics of the Eden valley, Cumbria. The work involved evaluation of the present socio-economy, and evaluation of the changes expected due to the proposal, including the value of eco-system services to be provided by tree planting, mire conservation and river bank protection, and the socio-economic value of environmental education, angling and tourism.

Researched progress in green-labelling in the UK and abroad, such as labels developed by National Parks and organic farming associations, and advised on the suitability of developing a new scheme in the Southern Uplands.

Researched and wrote for the Scottish Office a guidance booklet as part of the New Ideas in Rural Development series. The work involved travel to various locations in Scotland, England and Wales to visit and interview people who have set up wildlife tourism initiatives. Their experiences were then used to produce a step-by-step guide to initiating wildlife tourism projects in rural areas.

Researched and wrote for the Scottish Office a guide book for rural communities on innovative ways of tackling rural crime. Interviewed community leaders and police officers throughout Scotland to identify novel solutions to crime problems. Solutions ranged from special constables and shinty coaching on the remote islands to motorbike training, community drama , woodland planting and conservation training in the uplands.

Research and applications for funding for planting and regenerating native woodlands as part of the Millennium Forests for Scotland initiative. A variety of possible woodland projects were proposed, from which several were selected for submission to the Trust, and received funding.

Mid term review of Objective 3 European Funding in Scotland, and the extent to which Sustainable Development has been mainstreamed into this multi-million pound programme. The Fund develops employment by promoting employability, the business spirit, and equal opportunities. It does so by investing in human resources and providing training in a sustainable manner. Desk top research and interviews with key personnel, working closely with a team of experts to evaluate projects, the programme management, and national/ international contexts.

Mid term review of Leader+ European Funding in rural Scotland: how well has Leader+ mainstreamed sustainable development? The Fund promotes new ideas and new enterprises in rural communities by means of a broad range of small grants. The review involved desk top research and interviews to evaluate projects, the programme management, and national/ international contexts and trends.

Review and analysis of biodiversity policies in Scotland, for a senior policy audience, for the tenth anniversary of the Rio Earth Summit. The research involved consultation with experts within and beyond the Scottish Biodiversity Group. It assessed the work of the Scottish Biodiversity Group, reviewed UK Biodiversity Species and Habitat Action Plans relevant to Scotland, and analysed the development and implementation of the Scottish Local Biodiversity Action Plans.

Pioneering research into natural heritage job quality, and analysis of the links between this and rural development. Assessment of how wages, seasonality, skills, age and gender of workers can affect regional rural development and sustainability. The work involved methodological design, followed by a postal questionnaire survey of a representative sample of people throughout Scotland, and detailed interviews of people in two areas. The work aimed to inform policy on funding for rural environmental projects and employment, and could be useful in both Scotland and Europe.

Research to prepare for a new survey of people's Awareness of and Attitudes to the Environment in Scotland. Interviewed 40 senior professionals within the Scottish Executive and other government and non-government organisations to elicit their need for knowledge of public environmental opinion. Researched recent surveys in Europe and abroad to identify patterns of environmental awareness. Using a national Expert Panel, identified trends in environmental awareness, and suggested priority issues for research. The work aimed to inform policy development and communications strategy within and beyond the Scottish Executive.

A review of European rural planning strategy and the need for new housing for rural home workers in Scotland. Traditionally, new rural houses were built predominantly for those working in agriculture. Changes in rural economies, improved IT, and a need for rural diversification means a review of these priorities. This review considered the design and siting of new rural houses for those who work from home, and the limitations and opportunities for development. Home offices, craft studios and small home-based enterprises were researched, and their needs reviewed. The team included rural architects and sustainability specialists.

Provided information and a brief report on the impact of European Structural Funding on Galloway's rural environment. Outlined the main positive and negative impacts, and provided examples of characteristic and unusual projects. Provided a brief outline of the environmental issues affecting the region, and catalogued how these were being impacted by projects delivered via European funding.

Carried out literature reviews and questionnaire research into Scottish and English ESA systems to identify how to improve the delivery and cost-effectiveness of English ESAs. This report was used by English Nature as part of their input to MAFF's 1996-99 review of ESAs. The report contrasted the two systems and identified the environmental impacts of these contrasts. The report concluded with a matrix and model showing the impacts of proposed amendments to the English ESA system.

Review of the operation, values, structure and remit of the Scottish Coastal Forum. Interviews and workshops with key people in the Forum and the Scottish Executive. Recommendations for future strategic development of this national forum to fit with rapid development of Scottish coastal and marine policy.

Review of the Solway Firth Partnership at a critical time in its history, during the departure of the Partnership Officer and before agreement on the future shape of the Partnership. 'Interviews, meetings and discussion on future scenarios, review of track record, and achievement of consensus for the way forward.

Interviewed 30 people from agencies, departments and organisations throughout Southern Scotland to assess the vision for a proposed ground-breaking rural land use initiative for the Southern Uplands. The new Partnership involves several Local Authority regions, and helps secure an integrated approach to land use strategy across rural Southern Scotland. Attended meetings to help crystallise these ideas, and wrote the project plan and consultative paper.