This thesis considers two themes of contemporary relevance within recreational geography - heritage and interpretation. The discussion reviews the origins of the 'heritage industry', and also the development of heritage interpretation in Britain with an emphasis on its new role within the heritage industry. These themes are examined with particular reference to guardianship monuments. An empirical study was designed with the aim of investigating a number of issues regarding the characteristics of visitors at heritage sites, and their reactions to interpretive facilities. Responses were obtained from 1812 visitors at seven historic buildings and monuments in south Wales. The analysis confirms that visitors to monuments are un-representative of the general population in terms of their social class and education. Furthermore, these people tend to consider their visit in positive and favourable terms, but are also suspicious of innovative developments which would alter the nature of the product. The profile of visitors differs among sites reflecting the unique appeal of each monument. Regional location is also important and distinct regional markets for tourism were identified. There is some evidence that visitor profiles at monuments are changing over time. With regard to interpretation the analysis noted that of the principal media, audio interpretation (a stereo-audio tour) is more effective than written interpretation. Of the written media, outdoor panels are more effective than exhibitions. Other media such as guidebooks are of subsidiary importance. The interest and attention paid to interpretation is related to visitors' behavioural and, to a lesser extent, socio-demographic characteristics. The analysis also examines visitors' learning from interpretation. The extent of learning is dependent upon the characteristics of both the visitor (particularly the attention given to interpretation), and also the interpretive medium itself (readability and subject matter). The policy implications raised by these findings are considered.

Migration impacts on people and provides opportunity for improving their life, and for personal growth and change. The subjects of this study are Italian economic migrants who chose to come to work in Britain after the end of the Second World War. The study was carried out within geography because it investigates what motivated people to migrate from Italy to Britain, how they organised certain aspects of their life in Britain, how they took advantage of opportunities, and how they achieved social mobility in particular geographical locations. The study also tries to assess and evaluate the impact and meaning that achievement and change had for individuals and their family. The study takes a multidisciplinary perspective and uses mixed methodology, although it is mainly qualitative in nature. The major focus of the investigation is the role and influence that specific cognitions and behaviours had on individuals' motivation, performance, progress and achievements made over many years. In particular, the study aims to investigate and explain the use of cognitions that relate to individuals' self-confidence, belief in own ability, expectations and goal setting. The findings from this study show that post Second World War Italians who settled in South Wales view their migration as a successful story of adaptation and progress.

This submission is a distillation of research by the author over nearly five decades from 1955. In Chapter One I spell out some of the basic pre-suppositions which have underlain all of my research. I have been much more interested in the solving of particular problems rather than with the development of theory and that I have been particularly interested in the reaction of people to the own geographic situations. This has led me to believe that top/down approaches to development are much less likely to be successful than grassroots ones which take into consideration socio-cultural situations. Much of the research herein referred to is concerned with the Sudan, but reference is also made to East Africa, Jordan, South Africa and Australia. All the references in this paper refer to publications which have undergone a proper peer review. The scope of my research is wide ranging but for convenience is presented under four main heads: the physical/Human interface; Rural Development; Population Studies; and Urban Studies, and these provide the headings for the four main chapters. Chapter Six brings together the arguments presented in defence of my research. Refereed publications referred to in the text together with other relevant referred publications are listed in the appendix at the end.

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Using a qualitative biographic approach, data about migrant nurses was collected by survey and semi-structured interviews. The UK Nursing and Midwifery Council database was accessed to identify Jordanian migrant nurses, with the population broadened by snowball sampling. In total 52 nurses responded to demographic survey. A subsample of 13 nurses was interviewed in person and 12 were interviewed by telephone. Three key themes were identified. First, Jordanian nurses have challenged the 'status quo' and taken a decision to move to the UK, in response to the push or pull of work conditions, educational opportunities, career development, wages, travel and adventure. Second, 'source to host country: disconnecting and connecting' shows that Jordanian nurses disconnected many relations in Jordan or the Gulf States when they moved and established additional work and social relations in the UK. Third 'away from home: professional transformation and routes' diversion' reported on the shifting in Jordanian nurses' professional and personal life in the UK. This thesis argues that while migration theories focus on economics, using a case study of nursing and incorporating the professional and personal helps identify future migration movement.