Outdoor visits at a record high

Scotland’s People and Nature Survey (SPANS) commissioned by Scottish Natural Heritage is a national-level population survey which monitors trends in how people in Scotland use, value and enjoy the natural environment. 
Over the last few years there’s been a significant increase in participation in outdoor recreation. A steady growth in the numbers of people participating in recreational walking is likely to be one of the main factors behind this increase. Over the longer-term, there’s also been an increase in the proportion of visits being taken close to home, suggesting that people are finding more opportunities to enjoy the nature on their doorstep.  
Read more about the data here