Bangor University MASTERS BY RESEARCH The current state of outdoor activity provision in Wales Muskett, Calum Award date: 2020 Awarding institution: Bangor University Link to publication General rights Copyright and moral rights for the publications made accessible in the public portal are retained by the authors and/or other copyright owners and it is a condition of accessing publications that users recognise and abide by the legal requirements associated with these rights. • Users may download and print one copy of any publication from the public portal for the purpose of private study or research. • You may not further distribute the material or use it for any profit-making activity or commercial gain • You may freely distribute the URL identifying the publication in the public portal ? Take down policy If you believe that this document breaches copyright please contact us providing details, and we will remove access to the work immediately and investigate your claim. Download date: 28. Sep. 2021 THE CURRENT STATE OF OUTDOOR ACTIVITY PROVISION IN WALES By Calum Muskett Thesis submitted to Bangor University in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Masters by Research at the School of Sport, Health, and Exercise Sciences, Bangor University. July 2019 6 CONTENTS Acknowledgements ............................................................................................................................. 11 THESIS ABSTRACT ......................................................................................................................... 13 CHAPTER 1: GENERAL INTRODUCTION ................................................................................. 14 Physical health within Wales ......................................................................................................... 15 Mental health within Wales ........................................................................................................... 16 Access to Natural Resources .......................................................................................................... 17 Participation .................................................................................................................................... 19 Provision .......................................................................................................................................... 21 Policy ................................................................................................................................................ 22 Summary .......................................................................................................................................... 24 CHAPTER 2: ....................................................................................................................................... 27 STUDY 1: AN EXAMINAION OF THE STATUS OF OUTDOOR ACTIVITY PROVIDERS IN WALES ........................................................................................................................................... 27 Abstract ............................................................................................................................................ 27 An examination of the status of outdoor activity providers in Wales ........................................ 28 Method ............................................................................................................................................. 32 Results .............................................................................................................................................. 34 Discussion ........................................................................................................................................ 44 CHAPTER 3: ....................................................................................................................................... 52 STUDY 2: AN INVESTIGATION OF THE UPTAKE OF HIGHER-LEVEL MOUNTAINEERING QUALIFICATIONS IN WALES ............................................................... 52 Abstract ............................................................................................................................................ 52 An investigation of the uptake of higher-level mountaineering qualifications in Wales .......... 53 Method ............................................................................................................................................. 54 7 Results .............................................................................................................................................. 55 Discussion ........................................................................................................................................ 57 CHAPTER 4: ....................................................................................................................................... 60 STUDY 3: AN EXAMINATION OF OUTDOOR ACTIVITY PROVISION IN SECONDARY COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOLS IN WALES .................................................................................. 60 Abstract ............................................................................................................................................ 60 An examination of outdoor activity provision in secondary comprehensive schools in Wales 61 Method ............................................................................................................................................. 64 Results .............................................................................................................................................. 66 Discussion ........................................................................................................................................ 70 CHAPTER 5: ....................................................................................................................................... 79 STUDY 4: CHANGES IN LOCAL EDUCATION AUTHORITY OUTDOOR CENTRES 1978 – 2018 ...................................................................................................................................................... 79 Abstract ............................................................................................................................................ 79 Changes in Local Education Authority Outdoor Centres 1978-2018 ........................................ 80 Method ............................................................................................................................................. 82 Results .............................................................................................................................................. 83 Discussion ........................................................................................................................................ 85 CHAPTER 6: ....................................................................................................................................... 90 STUDY 5: AN INVESTIGATION INTO OUTDOOR ACTIVITY CLUB PROVISION AND PARTICIPATION IN WALES ......................................................................................................... 90 Abstract ............................................................................................................................................ 90 An investigation into outdoor activity club provision and participation in Wales ................... 91 Method ............................................................................................................................................. 92 Results .............................................................................................................................................. 94 Discussion ...................................................................................................................................... 102 8 CHAPTER 7: GENERAL DISCUSSION ....................................................................................... 108 Summary of research findings ..................................................................................................... 108 Theoretical implications ............................................................................................................... 111 Applied implications ..................................................................................................................... 112 Implications for practise ............................................................................................................... 115 Strengths of the research .............................................................................................................. 121 Weaknesses of the research .......................................................................................................... 123 Suggestions for future research directions ................................................................................. 125 Conclusions .................................................................................................................................... 126 REFERENCES .................................................................................................................................. 128 APPENDICES ................................................................................................................................... 135 APPENDIX A ...............................................................................................................................