Abstract
Research based on the use of evaluation instruments at the Forestry Commission's visitor centres and sites is discussed. In-depth interviews were held with forest managers and rangers focusing on issues such as 'who contributes to interpretative provision?', 'who is the visitor?' and 'who makes up the target audience?'. The attitude of interpreters to evaluation is examined in the context of both the ill-formulated criteria of success currently adopted and the need for continuous monitoring of interpretive provision. The concept of the interpreter as a broker is discussed. The paper concludes with a consideration of a 'self-help' package of evaluation and assessment instruments which has been developed to aid interpreters and countryside recreation site managers.