Found at: http://www.nave.no/article/articleview/215/

North Sea Trail - 14 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Publishing date: 16.09.2005 14:41

At the NAVE Nortrail partner meeting in Molde June 2005, a list of 14 Frequently Asked Questions were raised. Please find this first drafted set of answers for partners to use and invite other Questions.

Why are the partners involved?

Some 26 partners around the North Sea Region share a vision of a walking trail being created with enhanced understanding of the natural and cultural heritage and especially our common history and experience. The establishment of new walking trails will give people better opportunities for outdoor recreation.

The North Sea Trail will benefit both local communities and visitors through access to better information about our heritage and the provision of our local services relevant to walkers. Each partner is working with local communities and other organisations such as tourist boards. There are over 120 sub-partners helping to deliver this project.

Why are there gaps in the trail?

Despite a two years lead in and invitations to attend briefings to help to work up proposals, some Council decided not to join the project for their own reasons. Since the start of the project, the number of partners was increased from 20 to 26 from January 1st 2004. Even more Councils have indicated that they wished to join now. All the partners have signed a letter of support to deliver their part of the trail and participate in the project.

How does one get information on the different paths?

From the NAVE Nortrail websites www.nave.no and www.northseatrail.org and your local Council.

What do partners get from the project

The partners get two groups of benefits: first the EU will reimburse the partners 50% of eligible costs (less the costs of managing the project) and secondly, the partners share their experience with 25 other partners. The transfer of their knowledge is an important part of the project.

What is the total budget in Euros ?

The budget over 4 years is Euro 7.3 million

How much is Europe paying towards the project ?

The European Union offered to make available up to 50% of eligible costs within an approved budget.

Who is in charge?

Aberdeenshire Council is the Lead Partner. It provides the management for running the project guiding the partners whose representatives meet every six months to exchange experience and plan ahead.

Are there plans for other joint project/promotions between North Sea Trail Partner areas ?

The North Sea Trail partners are encouraged to co-operate with other related initiatives in their regions. For example, the NAVE Nortrail project is co-operating with the North Sea Cycle Route project in the development of a shared web-site displaying relevant heritage and other information for walkers and cyclists.

Project start and finishing date?

The project started in January 2003 with some 20 partners. The European Union asked that the representation around the North Sea Region be enlarged. This was agreed in December 2003 and a further 6 partners joined the project from January 1st 2004.. The current European Union support ends in March 2007.

How long is the trail/how many km is it?

The ‘N’ logo of the North Sea Trail is waymarked for 2000km as at June 2005 . The total length of the planned trail will be more than 4900 km.

Can I have a map showing the partners involved?

Maps and a website with information about our heritage and useful information on services for walkers will be available shortly. From the website you can download planning maps showing the trail and cultural and natural sites along the trail in the area you select

What does NAVE mean?

NAVE stands for the North Atlantic Heritage Network. This name was used in the initial phase of the project to distinguish it from a transportation company in Norway with the same name of the project – Nortrail. At that initial phase there was also the possibility of a similar project in the Northern Periphery linking Norway with Iceland and the Highlands and islands of Scotland. This project did not proceed.

Who will promote the trail once the project is finished

A wide range of existing bodies are being asked to promote the Trail – now and in the future -, the partners themselves tourist boards, rambler associations. This legacy for walkers in the future is being actively considered now by the partners.

What is in it for the local community ?

The trail is promoted under the common brand The North Sea Trail and will link the local communities together giving them a new attraction to be used both by local people and visitors. The trail may attract more visitors to the area and be an instrument to develop local tourist industries.

For further information, contact your local partner, or a representative of the Lead Partner
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Allan G Garvie

Project Director

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