Land Resources

Why good management is important Food Water Leisure Reduce impact of high population (eg pollution, global climate change)

Landscape protection Maintenance of natural features or features produced by human activities that give the countryside its character woodlands Hedgerows Stone walls In-field trees Ponds etc

Management Some feature are protected by preventing damage Some need managing eg Some require active management to counteract natural processes

Types of Management Landscape enhancement Restoration eg planting, Visitor management Designing features that fit with surroundings Reducing numbers Car parks Paths Honeypot sites

Governmental Organisations Natural England Countryside Council for Wales These designate areas for landscape conservation National Parks were established (10 in 1950) National Parks and Access to Countryside Act (1949)

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Aims of the National Parks To conserve and enhance their natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage To promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of their special qualities To maintain the rural economy

Who owns them and how are they managed The land is not wholly owned by the National Parks but also by the National Trust, The Forestry Commission, The Ministry of Defence, Water companies and private owners They are managed by the National Park Authorities who control the activities of landowners through planning and development restrictions and agreements

Some controversial developments are justified as being for the greater national good Reservoirs Quarrying Military training Conifer plantations Tourism Energy supplier instalations

Conflicts of interest in National Parks Erosion Congestion Disturbance of wildlife Litter Displacement of the local community Conflicts between recreational users

AONBs designated by Natural England (managed by county councils) Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty are designated for their landscape qualities to conserve and enhance their natural beauty this can include: Landform and geology Plants and animals Landscape Historical features

AONBs Are generally in less remote areas Usually in areas that are more intensively used than National Parks Often economic activities are more important in AONBs than in National Parks Generally fewer opportunities for outdoor recreation and right of access may be restricted

Examples of AONBs North Pennines Cannock Chase Forest of Bowland Cotswolds Scilly Isles

AONBs

Heritage Coasts Designated by Natural England as the finest undeveloped coastline that need to be protected from development Why? For their scenic amenity value Also (where appropriate) public access may be increased Many heritage coast sites have maintained footpaths

Long Distance Footpaths Many are also National Trails Long Distance Footpaths have been created by linking together footpaths, bridleways and roads Their purpose is to provide public right of way through landscape of great scenic value

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The role of DEFRA in managing land resources Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Agri-environmental schemes (eg the Environmental Stewardship Scheme) can have a big impact on the aesthetic appeal

The role of local authorities Establish green areas for recreation close to urban centres Country parks Urban parks

NGOs The National Trust protects coastline, countryside and buildings from uncontrolled development for public enjoyment Protects over 1,130km of coastline About 250,000sq km of countryside Many historically important buildings Other NGOs include RSPB and the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust

The Neptune Coastline Campaign This is a National Trust campaign to buy and protect important coastline landscapes

Land-use conflicts Urban expansion Road schemes Airports Ports Mining and quarrying Wind farms Hydro-electric power stations Tidal barrages Recreation and tourism Waste disposal

Methods of resolving land-use conflicts Planning controls.. Permission needed for development. Public inquiry if controversial. Independent inspector compiles report for Secretary of State (eg Hilary Benn MP, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) Strict planning controls exist within National Parks and Green Belts (Green Belts are administered by DEFRA and local planning authorities)