Land use policy – some options (4)

Previous blogs have outlined the objectives for land policy and the plethora of designations that exist  - based on landscape, habitat and agricultural designation. The various funding schemes available for farmers and landowners have been set out. 

 

It could be argued that the current system is too complex and reform is needed. So what are the options?

 

A basis

If we start with what land is actually used for the Landscape Character Types (LCTs) form a good basis for describing the landscape. Perhaps this could be modified to include aspects of the categories included in the Living England Habitat on the Magic website.  Another refinement would be to include the Historic Landscape Characterisation within the Landscape Character Types.  So we could have a revised Landscape Character Types system, which would provide a detailed and comprehensive profile of the landscape.

 

Turning to the various landscape designations – National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Areas of Great Landscape Value for example – there is a question as to the need for these.  All rural landscapes have an importance in terms for food production, environmental services, landscape and community well-being. They all have an intrinsic value.

 

A mosaic of landscapes

An appropriate solution could be to adopt the Landscape Character Areas, within which the Landscape Character Types fit. Policies would be established for each area with more detailed objectives for the LCTs themselves. Designations such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), and Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) could be incorporated into these areas, as would nature reserves. 

 

Funding

Environmental Land Management schemes (ELMs) are invariably complex.  Is it possible to simplify them? Would one option be to evaluate each area of land as it is currently used and create a grading system?  Some areas, which are already being farmed in an environmentally sustainable way, could automatically be eligible for funding whereas other areas could apply for the appropriate ELMs funding.  A similar process could apply to the various funding streams for woodlands.

 

Conclusion

Land use policy is an essential component of sustainability. We need to record current land use and create appropriate policies to ensure that land is managed in the best way. The fundamental concept underlying policy must be that all land is important and needs to be nurtured accordingly.