1.      Periodic visitor surveys have been carried out to determine visitor origins, mode of transport, length of visit, reason for visit etc.  It transpires that the majority of visitors come to Gibraltar Point for quiet enjoyment and country walking.  The tranquil atmosphere, giving an important contrast to Skegness town.  Public transport initiatives to Gibraltar Point have been erratic and presently non- existent.  The majority of visitors arrive by car (averaging 2.9 people per car) spending between two- three hours on site.  Small numbers arrive on foot down Gibraltar Road or less so down the beach, where access may be impeded by Greenshank Creek during high tides.  A growing number of visitors arrive by bike.  During peak season, numbers are generally regulated by the capacity of the two car parks.  Outside of the main season however, a possible visitor increase may occur through an initiative by ELDC to extend the tourism season, concentrating on March and October.  Whilst daily capacity will remain unchanged, this may increase overall visitor numbers to the site.  The extension to the reserve, including the access initiatives at Jackson’s Marsh and Tennyson’s Sands, will assist with better absorbing of present numbers and dispersal through a wider area.  Recent initiatives by the Trust have aimed at increasing the value of the visitor experience, their appreciation and safety, rather than to increase visitor numbers.  Visitor numbers will continue to be recorded to determine any changes in patterns of occurrence.  Figures are recorded via traffic meter and visitor centre meter.  Visitor surveys are also undertaken to determine changes in trends, activities etc and to assist with marketing issues.

The reserve is open every day of the year and 24 hours a day, although car parks may be closed overnight to curb misuse.  All bylaw infringements or undesirable events attributable to the public are recorded in an incident log.

2.  Whilst dog-walkers are a minority group, they do constitute significant numbers.  The Trust does not exclude against this user group at Gibraltar Point, but free- roaming dogs are deemed incompatible with the reserve, its wildlife or the expectations of the majority of visitors.  Dogs are therefore permitted under restriction.  Dog fouling, annoyance to visitors and disturbance to wildlife are the chief concerns.

3.  There has been a noticeable increase in the numbers of visitors arriving on bikes and efforts are being progressed to segregate pedestrians and cyclists from highway traffic.  A new cycle route is being constructed parallel to the Gibraltar Road.  Secure cycle parking facilities are provided at several locations.  Cycling restrictions remain unchanged on the NNR.

4.  The wide range of visitor facilities must be inspected on a regular, systematic basis and any potential hazards to visitors are dealt with as a matter of priority.  These include the visitor centre and gift shop, car parks, toilets, picnic sites, footpaths and hides.  The maintenance of the estate fabric therefore demands a high level of resource input.

5.  Significant revenue is derived from car parking.  All other facilities and entry onto the reserve is free.