More than a feeling!GIS modelling of public perception of tranquillity.

Definitions of 'Tranquillity' are complex and often resort to synonyms such as 'peace', 'calm', and 'serenity'. Tranquillity is therefore highly personal, making difficult generalisations on what constitutes a tranquil place. Nevertheless in surveys carried out of people choosing to live in or visit a particular area, tranquillity is commonly considered a key attraction.\ud Despite definitional challenges protected areas (AONBs/ National Parks) are partly defined on the basis of their tranquillity, meaning that maintenance of tranquillity is a duty of managing organisations. As a consequence it is vital that such authorities understand variations in tranquillity across their area.\ud In our Broadly engaging with tranquillity project we (University of Winchester, Dorset AONB, Dorset County Council) collected public views on tranquillity and then used these to produce GIS models representing geographic variation in tranquillity across the Purbeck Hills as perceived by local residents, institutions and visitors.\ud There are considerable differences of opinion amongst tourists and locals, the former rating the whole area as more tranquil than the latter, while residents categorised as 'disengaged' hold different views to those classed as 'engaged'. Furthermore, when individual factors contributing to tranquillity are combined as one model and then compared to models generated on the basis of areas considered by survey respondents to be tranquil/untranquil, there are notable differences.\ud The results demonstrate an alternative approach to rethinking notions of ‘place’ and reflect the challenges of breaking down, compartmentalising and quantifying ‘feelings’. Furthermore the mixed methods and participatory approach used demonstrates a potential to enhance protected area management