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Conserving and enhancing the special qualities of our protected landscape areas
South West England is renowned for the
richness, distinctiveness and diversity of the landscape. Striking
sequences of landscape quality can be found in close proximity in our
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and National Parks. the special
qualities of these protected areas include:
- Dramatic and impressive stretches of rugged coastline and wooded estuaries
- Large areas of open moorland
- Expanses of heathland, chalk downland and limestone grassland
- Historic enclosure landscapes
- Pastoral landscapes that have retained pattern of small fields, hedges, hedgebanks and dry stone walls
- Distinctive settlement patterns
- Architecturally rich hamlets, villages and market towns bulilt
in a variety of local materials, including: Killas, Granite,
sandstone, cob and thatch
- Rich biodiversity assets
- Large estates, parklands, commons – a continuity of landscape management
- Remote spaces mostly free of intrusive development,
uninterrupted panoramic views , areas of tranquility and dark
skies
- A complex and rich historic landscape shaped by centuries of
maritime and arming activity, architectural appeal and interest
- Cultural distinctive communities, traditions and a rich legacy of artistic, cultural and industrial associations
- A resource that inspires and provides economic and social benefits
The Forces for Change faced by our protected areas
Landscape is constantly changing - the result of natural and human
actions and activities. The forces driving changing landscapes have been
identified by the AONB and National Park Management Plans, these
include:
Force for Change |
Impact on AONBs/NPs |
Climate Change/ Breakdown |
A primary area of concern for
landscape managers - both in terms of impact on natural processes and
in how communities choose to respond to climate breakdown.
Adaptation measures (e.g. flood alleviation schemes, managed
coastal retreat) and mitigation measures (e.g. increased woodland
planting, renewable energy schemes) all have consequences for
landscape. The actions implemented to mitigate against and
adapt to climate change, as well as the impacts themselves, will
greatly influence other future forces for change.
The challenge is to build resilience into our landscapes. |
Globalised - Market-Driven Forces |
Land management is increasingly
subject to the whims of the global marketplace. Complex and shifting
forces; world wheat prices, demand for biofuels, the price of finite
resources, play out in our rural landscape.
The evolution of the global economy can unfold in many ways;
from increased global commodity trading to market failure and
increasing need for self reliance. What we know is that our local,
regional and national economies are largely dependent on factors
determined globally. |
Increasing Demands - Population & Development |
There is widespread agreement that
demands on land are greater than ever – demands to provide a wide
range of goods and services are growing from energy to food to flood
alleviation to recreation.
Development pressure is a key force for change in the
region. The targets for population growth in the Regional Spatial
Strategy challenge the protected landscapes to conserve and enhance
landscapes whilst providing the housing and infrastructure that a
growing population needs. |
Policy Shifts |
Further reform of the European Union
Common Agricultural Policy, new EU Directives and the end of
‘classic’ agri-environment schemes will all impact on the viability of
traditional land management practices.
Defra-driven policies and approaches will strengthen a
drive for multi-purpose landscapes delivering a range of ‘goods and
services’. Farmers may in future be paid for the full range of
services that their land management practices deliver (e.g flood
alleviation, recreation). |
Social Changes |
An increasingly ageing population of
farmers brings further uncertainty to the land-based industries.
Increased mechanisation hastens the loss of the traditional practical
skills base that in turn results in the loss of boundary features
through time/skills deficit. |
Recreation & Tourism |
The region already attracts some 26
million visitors a year, attracted by the landscape’s scenic beauty
and cultural assets. The trend to more active modes of outdoor
enjoyment can pose conflicts with those seeking 'quiet' enjoyment. |
A political shift toward greater local involvement in decision making and delivery |
Government rhetoric promotes greater
participation in decision-making and shifts to local empowerment as
witnessed in Local Strategic Partnerships.
AONB Partnerships and National Park Authorities are well
placed to build on this shift and increase their contribution as local
delivey agents. |
Continued loss of wildlife sites/assets |
The South West has the largest area of
semi-natural habitat of any English region. Less than half of this
habitat is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest
(SSSI). A disproportionate number of bird species are dependent on a
small number of well managed sites. We need to “stop the rot, conserve
the best and enhance the rest". |
Continued neglect of historic assets |
The region has 7,000, or one third, of
England’s scheduled monuments. English Heritage surveys show that
some 57% (3988 monuments) are at risk from damage, decay or loss.
Arable farming and erosion by livestock are the two most significant
threats to heritage assets, see: SW heritage at risk. |
Cumulative impacts of small scale changes and the suburbanisation of rural development |
The cumulative impacts of the small,
seemingly innocuous developments that, when taken together, can
slowly erode the special and distinctive qualities of protected
landscapes. |
For more information on forces for change see:
The SW Regional Landscapes Partnership - Future Landscapes
a technical report by Land Use Consultants for Natural England. The
report looks at forces for landscape change in the South West and
identifies 10 possible project responses, many of which are contained
within the AONB/NP Management Plans.
Defra Foresight – land use futures
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