ORVal (Outdoor Recreation Valuation tool)
Visit Tool
Tool Description
ORVal is a freely accessible web-based tool that predicts the number of visits to existing and new green spaces in England and estimates the welfare value of those visits in monetary terms. It is based on an econometric model of recreational demand derived from MENE data. Users can examine the recreational value of existing green space and test how the number of visits and the value of these visits might vary if the land cover is changed, or if new green spaces are created. Results can be grouped by local authority area or catchment and can be split by socio-economic group.
Running the Tool
Tool Inputs
All input data is provided internally by the tool – the user just must choose an existing green space by clicking on the map or specify the land cover of altered or newly created green space
Resource Requirements
Access to the internet
time Requirements
Low – After defining the area to be assessed by clicking on the map or drawing a polygon, web reports are generated in just a few seconds
skill Requirements
General computer literacy
Key data sources:
User guide
Data report
Technical report
Three short case studies
Spatial datasets for beaches, parks, paths and access points (DWG files)
How does it work?
The user can zoom into a map of England and Wales showing existing publicly accessible green spaces (parks, countryside paths, woods, beaches, allotments, cemeteries, nature areas etc.). The maps also show information on the habitat types (woodland, agriculture, natural grass, managed grass etc.), designations (SSSI, nature reserve, etc.) and points of interest (historic site, archaeology, scenic feature, viewpoint, playground) at those sites. Estimates of visits to each site and the value generated from those visits are estimated via an econometric model of recreation trip choice (specifically a random utility travel cost model) based on seven years of data from the weekly MENE (monitor of engagement with the natural environment) survey (2009 to 2016). Trip and value estimates of control for the socio-economic characteristics of local populations as well as the location, size, land covers and features of a site and, importantly, of substitute sites.
Using Tool Outputs
Tool Outputs
Maps; Quantitative data on ecosystem services; Tables / statistics / reports; Economic assessment; Cost-benefit assessment
How can the tool be used to inform decisions?
The tool is aimed at local governments and planners to inform decisions around creating, maintaining, and developing public recreation resources.
Limitations of Use
The tool is limited to England and does not include all non-market values or qualitative aspects of recreation.
Case Studies
The ORVal tool was utilised in research, examining recreation use value for two locations: the Fens and Salisbury Plain.
ORVal was also employed to evaluate economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on the economic value of outdoor spaces for England.
Developer Organisation
The University of Exeter developed the tool with funding from Defra.
