The Accessing the Countryside project works to improve access to the countryside for local communities, tourists and nontraditional users, but also to preserve and enhance biodiversity in these areas, including in fragile coastal zones.East Sussex and Flanders are coastal regions that face similar problems, such as management of rights of way. The project gives them the opportunity to share their expertise in countryside management and conservation and develop different approaches to tackling these problems.Countryside sites and path networks will be developed in close collaboration with user groups such as rural communities, tourists and new users. Partners will analyse and develop sustainable management systems but also empower people to get actively involved in their local environment, through activities such as public meetings and action plans, or volunteering to undertake wildlife conservation work. To make sure these alternative routes are safe for both users and the environment, partners will also implement physical improvements such as changing stiles, enhancing surfaces, and using signage. Expected Results: What are the key results of the project?-1 database developed- 2 sessions on cross border biodiversity- 1 coastal management and 2 volunteer exchange visits- 1 Countryside Management training programme- 2 seminars delivered on methods of path and countryside site maintenance, nature and environmental education- 1 Sand Dunes study- Purchase of countryside management IT systems, training in its use- 28 staff/volunteers trained in easy access audits- 6 staff completed recognised training courses for specific site surveys- 45 Easy Access Audits on countryside sites and routes, 5 biodiversity site surveys- Assessment of slow roads network across 10 municipalities in Belgium- 6 volunteer groups created, 24 volunteers trained in countryside management- Volunteers carry out physical/access enhancement at 6 sites per year- 150 children per year take part in environmental events- 10 stakeholder groups created- 10 Action plan agreements made for the realisation and management of the recreational network.- 30 existing public access routes and slow roads enhanced- 5 countryside sites for visitors and wildlife improved- Shingle management plan implementedAre all partners and territories benefitting from the results?The project will target a variety of user groups including local communities to encourage residents to become actively involved in conservation and enjoy the natural landscape of their region, leading to a healthier lifestyle and awareness of the need for environmental protection. The cross border visits, linked with maintenance of path networks and countryside sites, will allow staff on both sides to share expertise and learn new ways of increasing enjoyment of the countryside. The project will also target tourists, promoting the crossborder region as a destination for green tourism. Special consideration will be taken to offer easy access for elderly and non-traditional users to our countryside sites and path networks, ensuring easy access to disabled persons and families with young children.What are the effects / outcomes for the territories involved?Making the countryside accessible to all users is very important to have a strong basis for investing in biodiversity. “Feeling” nature will make people more aware of the value of the natural environment and volunteers take this effect a step further as people are not just visiting the countryside but taking up their responsibility for it. This empowerment enables governments to be more effective in managing their sites and paths at a lower cost and volunteers become ambassadors. This project will strengthen the popular support for biodiversity and the management of the countryside in local communities.Partners will have new methods and tools with software in place so that they execute their tasks in a more efficient and modern way. There have also been several plans, studies and analyses which help to identify new priorities, so that the work during the project is not ad-hoc. The activities and actions in the project are part of a long term process which results in opening up the countryside in a sustainable way so that level of biodiversity is maintained and enhanced.