INTERPRETATIONS ON TRANQUIL SPACE

‘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 they also fulfil their statutory 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, citizen engagement is considered critical. 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 ESRC funded 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. Results will determine the final output of this research: a high resolution GIS planning tool that can be implemented in protected area management. This is a multifaceted, interdisciplinary study which includes examining relations amongst the state, society and citizens through a framework comprised of social capital and governance. Thus a political sociological discourse is apparent. Yet, additional discussions are emerging from the findings. These include distinctive views on ‘tranquillity’ between residents and visitors, especially where the visitors’ origin is identified as urban. A comparative analysis of these views is progressed, drawing upon the theme of ‘space’ and particularly concepts associated with the sociology of tourism.