In this document we have drawn together forty-one studies concerned in different ways with the dynamics of change in the uplands
‘With impending de-commonisation, there is particular
interest in the likely consequences for wildlife and increased
recreational use. In Scotland, ski developments
continue to dominate the recreation scene … Afforestation is
arguably the most controversial form of land use in
Britain in the 1980s …. In relating ecological
research to management the important factors to determine are the
management objectives. Definitions of these are difficult,
especially as there is neither guidance nor agreement on whether
the objectives should be formulated ‘on high’ (i.e. within the EEC
or by national governments) or whether they should be discussed and
agreed at a more regional or local level’.
Preface to Ecological change in the uplands (1988),
edited by M. B. Usher and
D. B. A. Thompson. Blackwell Scientific
Publications, Oxford.
It is fascinating to reflect how some issues change and others
stay the same in the uplands. The above excerpts from the Preface
to a landmark volume on research and management issues in the
uplands, capture the essence of issues germane thirteen years ago.
Whilst the uplands of Britain, covering around one-third of its
land surface, continue to change and evolve dynamically, the
profile of different land uses dip and rise over various
timescales.
The recreation debate has broadened considerably from concerns
about ski-ing developments in Scotland to a wider debate on the
promotion of increased access to the uplands of England and Wales
(supported by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act, 2000)
and impending legislation on land reform in Scotland. The
afforestation debate has moved on considerably; large-scale blanket
afforestation with conifers in the uplands has all but ceased, and
instead there is a move towards mixed, broadleaf/conifer woodlands
supported by Woodland Grant Schemes (though there are still
concerns about some forestry proposals in the uplands). The
Habitats Directive, currently being implemented by the UK
Government, is particularly manifest in the designation of Special
Areas of Conservation (SACs) for habitats and species listed under
the Directive. One challenge for the countryside conservation
agencies, in particular, is now to set clear conservation and
management objectives for these sites and to determine whether or
not these objectives are being met. In this regard, it is perhaps
telling that there is still a debate about the production of
monitoring guidance, at the EU, national, and local levels, for
conservation sites.
In this document we have drawn together forty-one studies
concerned in different ways with the dynamics of change in the
uplands. We have drawn on the experience and knowledge of some who
have worked in the uplands for many decades, and others who are
just beginning to tackle research, conservation or management
issues. We have sought to integrate different approaches;
several of the studies transcend geomorphological, ecological,
landscape, planning and policy perspectives. We have divided the
report into five parts:
- Facets of the uplands: perceptions and research
- Importance, sensitivity and land-use issues
- Policy issues: integrated approaches to conservation,
management and use
- Modelling, processes and monitoring change in the uplands;
and
- Land management issues.
In developing these five themes, we have tried to build on the
approach engendered within Ecological change in the
uplands - trying to merge work reflecting the evaluation and
importance of different facets of the uplands with studies of
processes and practices to help understand changes in order to
manage these for the benefit of the uplands as a whole.
This report is based partly on a conference held at Hatfield
College, University of Durham, in spring 1999. However, we have
updated papers, and drawn on a workshop held in Edinburgh on 26
April 2002. This workshop, held by Department of Environment, Food
and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and JNCC explored linkages between
land-use policy, research and advice in the uplands; and provided
an opportunity to bring parts of the report markedly up-to-date.
All of the papers reflect some of the more recent changes befalling
the uplands.
As we go to press, we should highlight the impact of Foot and
Mouth Disease. The onset of this in February 2001 triggered major
policy changes regarding the future of both hill farming in the
uplands and the promotion of open-air access and, indeed, tourism
in rural areas. In many ways, the Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak
has demonstrated in the most dramatic way possible just how
intricately different land uses are linked in the uplands. No two
land uses can be considered separately; rather they interact and
influence the patterns of nature and land use in different parts of
the country.
There are huge opportunities and challenges ahead for people who
want to work in the British uplands. People need to combine the
strengths of different disciplines, and to be mindful of the
dynamic nature of changes in the past, and ahead. We hope this
volume makes a contribution to developing our understanding of the
uplands. In particular, we hope that it reflects the integrated
approach that researchers and practitioners are increasingly
adopting.
Finally, we should like to thank the following people for their
help in organising the conference, and editing the
proceedings: R. J. Allison,
R. Baxter, D. L. Higgitt, B. Huntley, J Munneke and
S. Johnson. We are especially grateful to Charles Gimingham
for penning a Foreword to the volume, based on a visionary
presentation he gave to the DEFRA/JNCC workshop in April
2002. It is refreshing to begin this volume with a spirited
vision for the uplands.
Tim Burt, D. B. A. Thompson and Jeff Warburton
, Durham, May 2002