The economic contribution of historic parks, gardens and designed landscapes: A review of existing data and research and recommendations for future research

Abstract

Despite an increased awareness over the last few years of the unique historic, cultural and artistic value of historic designed landscapes, parks and gardens, few hard facts and figures appeared to be available relating to their undoubted economic contribution. With this in mind, the Garden History Society announced its intention to host a conference in late 2001 on the economic contribution of historic parks and gardens and, with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, commissioned the following study. The study's objective was to review and analyse existing research and data on the economic contribution of historic parks and gardens, and to make recommendations for a range of research projects to fill any gaps identified. The report first sets historic parks and gardens within the wider context of the ‘gardens and gardening’ market generally; it then deals with the economic impact of tourism, recreation and leisure at historic parks and gardens and then with the economic contribution of public parks with particular regard to the latter's role in promoting regeneration of the local area. The applicability of various non‐market valuation techniques is considered in relation to free‐entry parks and gardens. Finally, specific research recommendations are set out to cover stocktaking, the visitor attraction sector, local area regeneration and the valuation of non‐market sites.