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.

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.)?

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
  • Limpact on local communities
  • Biodiversity
  • Biosecurity
  • Traffic
  • Increase in population
Conservation:
  • Fracking
  • Impact of leuisure activities
  • Increase in population

There are both positive and negative influences from government and non-government organisiations as well as from associated industries.

Useful links:
Coming soon...