The Natural Area Activities

XSIQ
*

Outdoor Education - The Natural Area Activities

The Natural Area Activities

REMOTE AREA

Activities
Walking, dispersed camping, nature study canoeing (and other
non-motorised water activities) and cross country skiing.

Settings
Areas are characterised by essentially unmodified environments of fairly
large size. Interaction between users is very low and evidence of other
users is minimal. Evidence of human-induced restrictions and controls
absent.

Experiences
High probabilities of experiencing isolation from the sights and sounds
of humans, independence, closeness to nature, tranquility and
self-reliance. High degree of challenge and risk opportunities.

Impacts
Most activities in this area have a low impact on the environment if
minimal impact strategies are employed. However, it is very important that
minimal impact practices are used as the remote environments are very
fragile.

SEMI-REMOTE AREA

Activities
Walking, nature study, 4-wheel driving, horse riding, disperse camping,
boating (low powered), cross country skiing.

Settings
Areas are characterised by predominantly natural or naturally-appearing
environments of moderate to large size. Interaction between users is low,
but there may be evidence of other users. Minimum on-site controls and
restrictions may be present but subtle. Motorised use permitted but not
overly encouraged.

Experiences

Impacts

ROADED - NATURAL

Activities
Motorised sight-seeing, walking, horse riding, camping, picnics, water
skiing, snow play, downhill skiing.

Settings
Natural appearing environments with some interference of a human nature.
The area has some sign of human manipulation, but this is in fitting with
the environment. Conventional motorised use provided for.

Experiences
High interaction with the natural environment, with ease of access. Less
need for the opportunity of challenging activities and scope for motorised
and non-motorised forms of recreation.

Impacts
Minor changes to the natural environment. Scope for pollution and
erosion due to easier access. Rubbish pollution more prevalent due to ease
of carrying in of waste material. Numbers of people can affect the balance
of area.

SEMI-DEVELOPED AREA

Activities
Special trail bike areas, camping including caravan parks, bicycling,
major accommodation, sports, commercial boating, snow play and skiing.

Settings
Substantially modified environment. Environment manipulated to suit
specific recreational activities, human existence very evident. Includes
facilities designed for use by large groups. Parking and ease of access.

Experiences
The recreation activity is the focus, more so than the natural
environment. (Ski resort) Opportunities for challenge, risk-taking and
outdoor skill testing are less important unless artificial such as in
downhill skiing or mountain bike track. Greater access, more people, more
noise.

Impacts
Large impact on the natural envrionment. Area manipulated, pollution
evident and waste management very important. Buildings and facilities mean
land clearing and the disappearance of flora and fauna.

DEVELOPED AREA

Activities
Caravan parks, resorts, marinas, competitive activity areas such as bike
racing areas or ski trails.

Settings
Substantially urbanised environment although the background may have
natural elements. Area heavily manipulated and changed. Large numbers of
users. Parking and road systems.

Experiences
Opportunity for social gathering in a nice environment. Recreational
activities and sporting areas. Need for the natural environment is
secondary to the activities participated in.

Impacts
Huge impact on the environment. Area completely changed. Flora and fauna
displaced and the natural water courses changed. Pollution and managemnt
problems and challenges. Sometimes not sustainable.

Previous | Next