2   Survey Design

The aim of the study, conceived as the first phase in a longer investigation, was to explore the context in which planning authorities and their conservation staff operate; to look at the process of review and the outcome of conservation area reviews; to examine the nature and form of the policies developed to promote conservation; and to ask questions about the way authorities implement their policies, the tools they deploy, and the funding that is sought and allocated. It would look, too, at how far there were perceived linkages between policy and sustainability as a fundamental criterion in the evaluation process. The work was based on a questionnaire survey mailed in July 1999 to all 25 of the authorities with responsibility for conservation areas in Wales (the unitary authorities plus the three National Parks). Only two authorities failed to respond.¹
    The majority of respondents offered detailed information quickly (by and large) and often under pressure from other demands on their time. The questionnaire sought information under the following heads: o Context: human resources, specialisms, liaison, numbers of conservation areas managed, patterns of designation.

• Review: process and frequency of review, content of review, outcomes
• Policies: content of conservation policies, documentation
• Implementation: tools, financial resources, relationship to sustainability objectives.

2.1 Quantitative and qualitative data

This mainly quantitative data was to be supplemented by the comments sought relating to qualitative questions. This aspect of the study was focused on perceptions of the effectiveness of government legislation and guidance; specific issues confronted in designating and managing conservation areas at the local level; and attitudes to funding, design and community engagement. Many authorities went out of their way to be helpful and thorough in supplying quantitative information; and helpful and sometimes robust responses were received from a significant number of respondents to the qualitative survey. Data analysis related to different aspects of the study, from establishing factual information about conservation areas and LPAs, such as numbers of staff, or the number, size and nature of the conservation areas within an authority, to eliciting information and views that relate to policy formulation.

¹ Carmarthenshire County Council and Brecon Beacons National Park