The aims of the Access to the Countryside for Recreation and Sport, 1983-1985 studies were: to assess the nature and scale of the demands for access to the countyside for recreation and sport; to develop a better understanding of the complex processes by which access is achieved, sustained or modified over time; to develop an understanding of the attitudes taken by individuals, bodies and organisations involved in, or affected by access; and to develop an understanding of a broad range of current specific access issues.