About Outscape

We make it easier for people to responsibly enjoy the outdoors in Ireland by;

Advocating for the integration of outdoor recreation into key government policies and strategies in Northern Ireland by evidencing the benefits.
Developing frameworks, strategies, and action plans at landscape, regional and national levels.
Planning and creating high-quality trails and green spaces for a wide range of stakeholders.
Offering sector training, increasing awareness of outdoor opportunities, and implementing participation programmes.

Since our establishment in 1999 we’ve been passionate about shaping the outdoors to improve physical and mental health, connect communities and generate economic gain.

Our Vision

A more active and healthy society appreciating the outdoors.

Our Priorities

To achieve success, Outscape will focus on delivering five strategic priorities.

Download Outscape’s Full Strategy and Summary Strategy.

To achieve success, Outscape will focus on delivering five strategic priorities.

Download Outscape’s Full Strategy and Summary Strategy.

Championing the Outdoors

Aim: There is increased awareness of the benefits that outdoor recreation brings to individuals, communities and Northern Ireland as a whole and an increased focus on the importance of outdoor recreation within policy and practice at both national and local levels.

Delivering Training and Sharing Best Practice

Aim: The outdoor recreation sector is better equipped to plan, deliver, manage and promote outdoor recreation initiatives to a high standard. There is an increasing focus on innovative, sustainable and participant-led approaches to outdoor recreation.

Planning and Developing Quality Experiences

Aim: A wide range of high quality, sustainable and participant focused outdoor recreation experiences allowing people to connect and engage with nature are in place across Northern Ireland.

Increasing Awareness

Aim: A consistently high level of accurate information on outdoor recreation is widely available, leading to an increased awareness of outdoor recreation opportunities by both the local population and visitors to Northern Ireland.

Widening, Increasing and Sustaining Participation

Aim: The number of people participating in outdoor recreation in Northern Ireland continues to rise.

Our Partners & Clients

Outscape was established in 1999 by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and Sport Northern Ireland in response to Northern Ireland’s first Countryside Recreation Strategy in 1998. We have transformed from an entirely core funded position to now deliver our strategic not-for-profit role under a number of new arrangements including delivering for Strategic Partnerships, Consortia, Service Level Agreements and on a project by project basis throughout Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Strategic Partners

NIEA and Sport Northern Ireland, continue to support our work as key strategic partners, enabling us to deliver shared objectives through targeted initiatives.

Outscape receives funding through NIEA’s competitive Natural Environment Fund grant programme. Key areas of focus include:

improved recognition of how outdoor recreation can deliver on the PfG outcomes and government strategies
outdoor recreation mapping and assessment of demand and value
visitor monitoring/data collection and reporting
coordination and dissemination of information among the outdoor recreation sector in Northern Ireland
providing clear information of what people can do near to where they live
volunteering programme
identify, plan and develop community trail to provide ‘doorstep walking’ opportunities in a rural community
promotion of environmental responsibility and good practice

https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/

Sport NI recognises Outscape as a strategic partner to deliver on key objectives of ‘Our Great Outdoors: The Outdoor Recreation Action Plan for Northern Ireland’. Key areas of focus are:

developing a strong and effective partnership approach within the outdoor recreation sector
delivering training programmes and sharing best practice
developing connected and accessible green and blue spaces for local communities
increasing opportunities to volunteer
employing innovative approaches to provide information on outdoor recreation opportunities, particularly to disadvantaged groups

https://www.sportni.net/