Reconomics

As a nation we love to get outdoors. Whereas some of us seek peace and quiet, others want a hit of adrenaline.

Whatever the motivation, all of this activity makes a significant contribution to the UK economy – an impact which is felt in every corner of the country.

The Reconomics report brings together all the existing information, research and evidence relating to the impact of outdoor recreation and provides a compelling case to politicians of the true value of outdoor recreation.

Outdoor recreation:

  • Is the UK’s favourite pastime: three in four adults in England regularly get active outdoors.
  • Drives the visitor economy: people spending their day enjoying outdoor recreation spent £21 billion in 2012/13 - and when you factor in overnight visits this comes to £27 billion.
  • Creates jobs and skills: walking tourism alone supports up to 245,500 full-time equivalent jobs.
  • Promotes a healthy nation: outdoor recreation can make a significant contribution to tackling the £10 billion cost of physical inactivity.

The Reconomics report is presented in three forms – a report, an evidence document and case study stories.

Reconomics is a 20-page document, condensed down to offer all the facts regarding outdoor recreation’s contribution to British life alongside helpful infographics and images.

The fully referenced evidence document allows those with a professional interest in the field to analyse how we came to our conclusions and was produced with the help of Liverpool John Moores University.

The case studies expand on the human side of outdoor recreation. We’ve taken 26 examples from across the sector – from looking at how the Wales Coastal Path has brought new life to rural areas, to what the volunteers at the Canal and River Trust get up to – and with them, brought the vibrant tapestry of outdoor recreation to life.

The full Reconomics report, evidence document and case studies can be downloaded below.

For more information about the report contact the Alliance policy team.

Download the Reconomics Report

This document is intended as a concise synthesis of existing information, research and evidence relating to the economic impact of outdoor recreation.

It aims to stimulate future debate and encourage further investment in the sector and as such it is hoped that it will be a valuable asset to members of the Sport and Recreation Alliance as well as those with a professional interest in outdoor recreation.

Download the Reconomics Evidence document

These case studies expand on the human side of outdoor recreation. We’ve taken 26 examples from across the sector – from looking at how the Wales Costal Path has brought new life to rural areas, to what the volunteers at the Canal and River Trust get up to – and with them, brought the vibrant tapestry of outdoor recreation to life.

Download the Reconomics Case Studies document

The Reconomics report brings together all the existing information, research and evidence relating to the impact of outdoor recreation and provides a compelling case to politicians of the true value of outdoor recreation.

The Sport and Recreation Alliance produced Reconomics in consultation with all of its stakeholders.

We want Reconomics to be the go-to document for those working in the sector, or with an interest in the Great Outdoors, and would encourage you to make use of any or all its three forms – the report, evidence document and case study stories.

Here’s what others in the sector feel about Reconomics.

Bear Grylls, adventurer and Chief Scout, said: “This report lays out the wide range of benefits of getting active outdoors both for the individual and for society. But if we are to maximise these benefits we need politicians to get on board too.

“Let’s have a long-term plan for how we get more people active outside and, if we have a minister for cities, why can’t we have one for the countryside and all the activities that take place there too? That can only be a positive step for our nation.”

Andrew Denton, Chief Executive of the Outdoor Industry Association, said: The OIA endorses and supports this very valuable piece of work. Outdoor recreation is at the heart of the country in so many ways and offers a real solution to the growing issues of physical inactivity, obesity and lethargy that affects modern Britain.

“Whether it’s supporting rural tourism, teaching kids outside the classroom or keeping older people connected and independent, getting active outdoors is a solution no one can afford to ignore.”

Dr Cath Flitcroft, Policy Officer at the British Mountaineering Council (BMC), said: “Climbing, hill walking and mountaineering are popular outdoor activities with proven health benefits which can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities.

“The BMC along with Allliance and other outdoor organisations must continue to press for the benefits of outdoor recreation to be embedded in future Government policy and legislative proposals. Today (11/06/2014) we are bringing together ten leading outdoor organisations to meet with MPs and peers in Westminster to do just that.

“Given the wealth of facts published in the Reconomics report, there is now a clear case to ingrain outdoor recreation throughout policy to benefit the health and wealth of the nation.”

Philip Insall, Sustrans Health Director, said: “The Sport and Recreation Alliance has illustrated the strong case for investing in active recreation. This is also true for other forms of physical activity – indeed, physical activity has been called a ‘miracle drug’.

“Equally valuable is walking and cycling for everyday trips such as to work or school. Investment in active travel offers far better value than old-fashioned road schemes. We urgently need a national plan to promote active living, that includes recreation, travel and sport.“

“This is why Sustrans’ Campaign for Safer Streets is calling for a safer school run, so children have the opportunity to build healthy travel habits for a lifetime.”

Martin Smith, Chair of the English Outdoor Council (EOC), said: “The English Outdoor Council is proud to endorse Reconomics. The document clearly lays out the wide range of benefits of being active in the outdoors, much of which underpins the work of the EOC.

“Working in close partnership with the Sport and Recreation Alliance the EOC supports the idea that the government should maximise these benefits by setting out a long-term strategy for outdoor recreation, with a single Minister taking responsibility for making it happen.”

Benedict Southworth, Chief Executive of the Ramblers, said: “Reconomics really brings home the fact that outdoor recreation is not only good for our health and happiness, but essential to the economy too.

“I’m delighted that Walking for Health, which we run in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support, was showcased as an example of a programme that helps inactive people to walk regularly, improving their health, wellbeing and confidence.

“Inactivity in England is costing the National Health Service (NHS) £10billion alone, but stepping out for regular walks would reduce the number of people who need to use the NHS in this way.”