Land Based: Use of Land

Exploring the use of land
In this topic, we are going to look at the different uses of land and which different industries use it. We will also look at how the use of land has changed over time.

Geographical use of land:
If we look at the land of the UK on a map, we need to be able to split it up into the different things that it is all used for. It can be mainly split up into:
• Farming (different types);
• Forests and forestry production;
• Energy production (renewable & non-renewable);
• Leisure;
• Housing and industry (non-land based);
• Infrastructure (roads, lakes, hospitals, schools).

Laws of the Land
There are many laws linked to land use. These are predominantly there to ensure that the land is used responsibly and to protect the environment. Sustainable development (GCSE chemistry) is driven by laws.
If an area of you land has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), you are not only restricted on the development and use of that particular piece of land, you are also restricted in the use of the land nearby in case it your activity affects it. For example, if there is a pond/lake that has a SSSI designation, you cannot add chemical fertilisers nearby in case they wash into the water and affect the organisms within. You need to ensure that you do not affect the view so trees and hedges may need to separate your working land from the SSSI. A strip of un-farmed land around the site, no floodlights, quiet machinery are just some measures that can be put in place.

Factors the determine the success or failure of land use
Not every piece of land is suitable for every possible use of land and we need to take these into account when planning the use of land. Some of these factors are below:
UK Geography;
  • Is it made of rocky mountains?
  • Is it on hilly land?
  • Is it in lowland?
Weather;
  • How will it affect the soil/preparation?
  • Will it affect animal management?
Topography;
  • Is it on a steep slope? (drainage)
  • Is it easy to get to?
  • Is it restricting what you can do?
  • Do you need special equipment/vehicles?
Climate;
  • Will the average rainfall stop certain plans?
  • Will temperature range stop certain plans?
Geology;
  • Is the soil type suitable?
  • Will rocks/soil affect livestock?
  • Can it be used for leisure activities?
Socio-economic;
  • How many people live nearby?
  • Can enough people get here for leisure?
Technology;
  • Can the land be used for energy production (wind turbines etc.)?
It is important to consider where the land in question is before planning its use. For example, if you are farming in Devon and in Northumbria, you need to take into account that it is likely to be warmer and dryer in Devon (arable) and much cooler and wetter in Northumbria (livestock). Also, terrain, because of how hilly it is in Northumbria (as in Wales), sheep will cope better with that terrain than dairy cattle. The opportunities to diversify are also different, although both with succeed as windfarms, Devon will have more hours of sunlight needed for solar energy generation.

Diversity of land use and the importance of managing the relationships between the different industries.
We are given three main areas on which to focus but each has huge variation within.

Changes over time
Once we have been through all of the above, we need to appreciate how land use has changed over time. There are many factors to take into account including: population changes, human migration, energy and raw material demands and changes in demand of different produce.
Ensure that you have an understanding of the things that have shaped the use of land in the UK:
• 1600 - Enclosure of land creating hedges and boundaries.
• 1850 - The Industrial Revolution.
• 1914 - 1945 Both World Wars and the increase in land used to grow food.
• 1947 - Agriculture act - Increase farmed productivity
• 1949 - The formation of national parks and protecteddesignations to preserve the countryside.
• 1973 - UK joins the common market and common agricultural policy (CAP): more food stability, improved competitiveness, increased sustainability and better efficiency.
• 2000 - Countryside Roghts of Way act: Allowing an increase in public access for recreations and leisure.

Issues affecting the land when used:
If the land is not left to nature and we humans get involved, there will always be "side effects" that need to be identified, monitored and, if possible, stopped. We must be aware of all of them:
Food production:
  • Intensive farming
  • Genetic Modification (GM)
  • Economies of scale
  • Local and global markets
  • Decrease in subsidies
  • Use of technology
  • Biosecurity
  • Eutrophication
  • Increase in population
Leisure:
  • Erosion
  • Noise pollution
  • Light pollution
  • Impact on local communities
  • Biodiversity
  • Biosecurity
  • Traffic
  • Increase in population
Conservation:
  • Fracking
  • Impact of leisure activities
  • Increase in population

There are both positive and negative influences from government and non-government organisations as well as from associated industries.
When there are changes, there will be associated impacts. For example, if a farmer sold off land to be used in the leisure industry (diversification to generate income), then there would be an increase in road traffic, more pedestrian traffic (erosion of the soil), the noise pollution will affect residents and livestock, more visitors to the area may benefit some businesses but negatively affect residents. If there is floodlighting then the light pollution can affect livestock and the wildlife, particularly nocturnal animals like owls and hedgehogs. Finally, there is a potential impact on biodiversity - bringing dogs to the area may scare off some wildlife but people bringing in disease and spreading it from one area to another is a very serious risk.

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