Through its demonstration schemes the Countryside Agency has grant aided a wide range of rural transport projects, many of which are dependent on local volunteers to succeed. The goal has been to learn lessons for others to adopt.
This study looked at the experiences of both the volunteers and the project operators, in order to identify best practice in working with volunteers on rural transport projects. There were differences in perception between the two groups; for example, project operators felt that the key to retaining volunteers was regular rewards and recognition of volunteer time, whilst volunteers rated the organisation of the project more highly.