The survey was available via an online survey tool and posted to all members. Surveys were also taken out on activities. Support was also offered to members, in person or over the phone, to try and maximise responses.
Impact of being an Open Country member
100% of members agreed they had fun!
98% said they enjoyed visiting the countryside
They felt like part of a team
They spent more time outdoors
They feel respected by Open Country
They had a real sense of belonging at Open Country
94% agreed they enjoyed making new friends
87.5% said they felt less alone
85% said they had learned something about wildlife and nature
79% said they had the chance to learn new skills and had tried something new
77% said they felt more connected with their local community and that their activities helped nature and the countryside.
Health and wellbeing
100% said they felt safe and supported with Open Country
98% said they felt fitter and healthier and better about themselves after a day with Open Country
85% agreed they felt happier and more positive
62.5% said they feel more confident, and self-esteem is improved
62% also said they would struggle to do any exercise without Open Country
Favourite activities included:
Seaside and museum trips proved popular as did weekend residentials.
“Barge at safe anchor – you can sit up front, we have a sing song coming back which is nice.”
“I like planting trees and learning about them.”
“My favourite was the shooting activity.”
“Listening to birds”
Is there anything OC can do to improve your experience with us?
The majority (72%) feel very happy with our service and feel there is no room for improvement
How important is Open Country to you?
79% specifically told us that OC was important or very important to them.
Additional feedback from this question included:
“I don’t think I would have got through some of my life stresses if it weren’t for them.”
“Very important because I can get out and about to see new things and take part in activities I would never usually do and it really helps with my independence.
“Hugely important – every single session makes the day special!”
“100% important”
“Very important to me because I enjoy being outside in the fresh air, even when it’s cold and wet. It makes me feel better and useful. I can tell my mum about the jobs and places I’ve been working.”
Our thanks to all who responded and supported members to take part. We now have some fresh ideas for places to visit and activities requested by members, and some specific feedback which we can take into account this year and in the future
100% of those who responded say they have fun, and feel safe and supported when out with Open Country.
98% feel like part of a team, spend more time outdoors, feel respected by Open Country and have a real sense of belonging.
63% of people have been involved with Open Country for more than 5 years, and across the board, responses are overwhelmingly positive, with our members taking the time to add additional comments praising staff and volunteers, and the impact our activities have on health and wellbeing.