The Terry Lavender Churchill Fellowship to explore opportunities for trail destinations to attract and grow world class 'shared-use' interests

Ben’s report demonstrates that our trail communities are made up of a diversity of people, with varying backgrounds, abilities, experiences and understandings. Having travelled through New Zealand, Canada, USA, England, Wales, Scotland and Switzerland, meeting with over 70 different organisations, the report affirms that no matter the differences, we all have a place on outdoor trails. Maximising the value of shared-use trails is outdoor recreation’s greatest challenge - how do we get multiple users to share trails, activate the spaces the trails surrounding and engage those users in a meaningful and enjoyable way. Shared-use is much more than just a practical use. It’s about sharing in community, responsibility, history, mutual respect, ownership, knowledge, skills and most importantly, experience. The outdoors matters because it brings people together, in community. A place for people to belong, a space for people to feel equal. The outdoors allows us all a chance to undertake our own experiences that can challenge, grow, inspire and connect us.