Place: Forces for Change

Forces for Change

Pressures

  • Increased uncertainty of government policy and viability of hill farming may affect community make up and knowledge about the importance of connection to the land
  • Impacts of climate change on heritage features include storm and flood damage; drought leading to loss of vegetation and soils protecting features; exposure of fragile heritage
  • Impacts of climate change on communities through increased flooding, storms and power outages leaving residents isolated and cut off; impacts of drought and extreme heat on residents and farm livestock; high cost of rural domestic fuel supplies, e.g. coal, oil and LPG
  • Increased housing costs and 'gentrification' of homes leading to loss of affordable homes for people working locally, especially young people and older persons leaving farm tenancies
  • Poor provision of rural services (public transport, broadband, shops, pubs and schools) affecting both residents and visitors, especially those on low incomes; limited access to full and part time work locally
  • An ageing population leading to fewer young families living in the villages, affecting schools and other service provision and a loss of skills, knowledge and engagement with the landscape

Opportunities

  • Increased interest nationally and internationally in nature, outdoor activity and short breaks in areas of high scenic value
  • Resilience and entrepreneurial attitudes of local community leading to new businesses, and support for new bus services, community owned pubs, and high-speed broadband
  • Opportunity for installation of small-scale renewables, often by community led action; also, local fuel buying co-ops
  • Diversification of farms leading to increased provision of visitor accommodation and economically viable woodland management.
  • Increased supply of locally produced food, arts and crafts and experiential tourism to attract visitors
  • Existing network of parish and town councils facilitating delivery of initiatives which conserve and enhance the National Landscape