On 17th March and 20th April 2023 two groups of participants undertook a combination of walk, cycle, bus and train journeys between Lancaster and Morecambe Bay to document the experience of active and public transport between the two locations. We have deployed ethnographic research through immersion in the place focusing on the overall sense of place including not only what we see, but also what we hear, smell, feel and how safe we feel during the journeys. Themes arising so far have been:

Neglect: lack of upkeep highlighted existing social issues:
All researchers reported a sense of neglect and general lack of upkeep along the path. Along the path there was litter (including alcohol containers and used contraceptive equipment), dog poo and even a knife bin. Graffiti was a particular concern for some with many signs were rusted or obscured by spray paint. Many commented on the parallels between the neglect of the path and its reflection of the area and its social issues. Researchers commented on a lack of sense of agency and community along the footpath, with a general sense that there was a lack of care given to the path.

Inclusivity: this is a footpath for some, not all:
Researchers all noted that this footpath lacked the necessary infrastructure for all to use this path. The lack of useable benches or weather shelters was a particular barrier; walking 90 minutes without suitable options to sit made the walk inaccessible to the elderly, children, or anyone less mobile. The narrow paths for pedestrians could also pose challenges for those in a wheelchair, with a pushchair, or who are less mobile and may be travelling at a slower pace relative to other footpath users. In addition, there was very limited opportunities for visitors to take a comfort break, with no signposted cafes or restrooms along the walk. It was noted that emergency vehicles would also have challenges reaching most parts of the footpath which would pose particular concerns for those with health difficulties. A lack of clear signposting also made the path less accessible; researchers noted that it was difficult to know how far along the walk they were, or to identify any potential ‘exit options’ on the path.

Holistic Visitor Experience: it’s about the journey and the destination:
Researchers all reported a sense of disappointment upon arrival in Morecambe, being met with run-down markets, graffiti, and litter. This highlights the need for development of this site to be holistic, encompassing the entire visitor experience from end-to-end, including any travels undertaken before departing on the walk. Any efforts to improve the journey to Eden North needs to be user-centred, considering the renovation of both the footpath itself and the site its users are presented with upon arrival.

Practicality over pleasure: who would use this path, and why?
All researchers agreed that this walk was one of practicality and not pleasure. Given the length of the walk, and the fact that it lacked significant scenery or leisure opportunities, it was agreed that public transportation may be a better option for visitors to Eden North. It was agreed, however, that the path worked well for cyclists, being relatively flat and with a dedicated cycle lane.
Whilst effective for cyclists, the cycle lane made the pedestrian path quite narrow. Alongside challenges for accessibility, this restricted opportunities for socialisation with researchers reporting that they felt they had to walk quickly to avoid holding up those behind. At time, the lanes were too narrow for two people to comfortably walk side by side, limiting opportunities for conversation.

Nature: Opportunities to reconnect with our natural world and local community:
The Eden Project is all about reconnecting and learning about the natural world, and it is reasonable to assume that visitors will have an interest in nature. Nature was a recurring theme within researcher reflections with all researchers discussing the need for more natural scenery along the path.
Here, some researchers also discussed the importance of community, both from the community helping to create natural features along the walk and through being brought together by reconnecting with the natural environment. There was a general consensus that the local community must be involved in any changes to the footpath in order to create a sense of agency and ensure that the path is cared for by its users over coming years.