Actors' Perceptions of the Newly Designated South Downs National Park: Social Exchange Theory and Framework Analysis Approach

British national parks differ from those in other countries: commercial and business activities as well as residents are a general characteristic. When a 1,625-km2 swathe of south-east England (with a population of 108,000) was, after a 60-year delay, finally declared a national park attitudes within the area differed. Unusually, one village, Ditchling, fought to be included in the new park. Social exchange theory underpinned the present study into perceptions of influential stakeholders and their attitudes towards tourism. Data was subject to frame analysis identifying the need for park authorities to work hard in understanding how residents define the park in relation to their everyday lives.