Managing visitor pressure in the countryside: A growing challenge for rural landscapes

Ten Tors crowd on Dartmoor

In recent years, the number of people visiting the UK countryside has risen dramatically. With more people choosing to holiday closer to home—whether due to rising travel costs, sustainability concerns, or the appeal of nature—our landscapes are experiencing growing recreational pressure.

From beauty spots to remote trails, the surge in footfall is exposing gaps in infrastructure, management capacity, and public understanding of how to enjoy nature responsibly. While countryside access has never been more important for wellbeing and mental health, this increase in usage is also having unintended consequences for wildlife, landowners, and local authorities.

The impact on rural landscapes

Popular footpaths and remote beauty spots are now frequently congested, with car parks overflowing and visitors spreading into ecologically sensitive areas. The rise in so-called "fly-camping," littering, and the irresponsible use of disposable barbecues has placed increased strain on already under-resourced land management teams.

A shrew falls victim to littering

Land & Heritage staff have seen this first-hand while surveying ecology at Burrator Reservoir on Dartmoor for the South West Lakes Trust. Unless we arrive first thing, car parks are full and vehicles are lined up along the roadside. Tents and campers appear in isolated areas, and groups of walkers—often unfamiliar with countryside code—can be found across the 5,000-acre estate.

One of the biggest challenges is the lack of infrastructure. Many public toilets in remote areas remain closed or under-maintained. Years of austerity have left the countryside with broken stiles, faded signs, and a shortage of rangers or wardens. The result? Beautiful sites become unsanitary or difficult to access for older or disabled visitors, while local landowners bear the brunt of visitor impact.

Lack of maintenance and funding cuts have been an issue

What needs to change

If domestic tourism and nature-based recreation continue to grow—as current trends suggest—then action must be taken to preserve the countryside and improve visitor experiences. Here are our top recommendations:

• Public Toilets: Invest in clean, accessible toilet facilities at key rural sites. Consider small charges to fund ongoing maintenance.

• Waste Management: Increase frequency of rubbish collection at popular spots. Provide support to private landowners dealing with littering and fly-tipping.

• Path Infrastructure: Repair broken signage, maintain footpaths, and ensure access routes are safe and welcoming.

• Visitor Education: Roll out national campaigns to help visitors understand public rights of way, dog responsibilities, and how to minimise their environmental footprint.

• Seasonal Wardens: Introduce a summer warden scheme—ideal for students or volunteers—to direct, educate and support countryside visitors.

• Sensitive Area Protection: Use signage and creative barriers to guide visitors away from nesting sites, rare habitats, and ecologically vulnerable zones.

A better future for people and nature

We believe that increased countryside use can be a force for good—supporting physical health, mental wellbeing, and a stronger connection with nature. But it must be balanced with proper funding, infrastructure, and public understanding.

With coordinated action between Natural England, local authorities, and land managers, we can ensure that rising visitor numbers enrich—rather than endanger—our rural landscapes.

Everything is interconnected: access, infrastructure, biodiversity, and community health. Let’s protect what we value most, while sharing it responsibly with others.