Case Study: Coastal Landscapes (SQA National 5 Geography): Revision Note

Specification checklist

This page covers what you need to know from the SQA National 5 geography specification to answer questions on:

• Land uses appropriate to the two landscape types studied should be chosen from:

  • Farming

  • Forestry

  • Industry

  • Recreation and tourism

  • Water storage and supply

  • Renewable energy

• In the context of one landscape type studied:

  • The conflicts which can arise between land uses within this landscape

  • The solutions adopted to deal with the identified land use conflicts

Landuse in a coastal landscape

• There are many different land uses in coastal landscapes, including:

  • Recreation and Tourism

  • Residential

  • Industry - Quarrying

  • Forestry

  • Renewable Energy

  • Farming (dairy)

• There are many conflicts between the different land uses

Dorset coast

• Located in the south-west of England

• The coast in Dorset forms part of the 95-mile Jurassic Coast

• The coastline is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

  • The area has globally important geology

• Coastal features include arches, stacks and cliffs

• The coastline is managed by:

  • Dorset Council

  • Devon County Council

  • National Trust

  • Dorset Wildlife Trust

Landuse in the coastal landscape

Tourists

• Approximately 22 million people visit the Dorset coast each year

• There are many towns and villages which have places to stay

• People visit for the:

  • Beaches

  • Watersports

  • Historic buildings such as Corfe Castle

  • Fossil hunting

  • Walking

Conservation

• As a World Heritage Site the Dorset coast is protected by conservation laws

• Many conservation groups are involved in preserving the natural landscape, including:

  • National Trust

  • Dorset Wildlife Trust

  • South West Coast Path Association

  • Natural England

Farming

• Farming types along the Dorset coast include:

  • Dairy

  • Beef

  • Arable crops

  • Sheep

Renewable energy

• There are wind farms including:

  • Alaska Wind farm near Wareham

• There are restrictions about onshore wind farms particularly in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)

Conflicts between land users in a coastal landscape

Tourists v Farmers

• There are many ways in which tourist activities conflict with farmers, these include:

• Runoff from farm fertilisers can poison fish and pollute water 

  • This impacts on tourists using the coast for recreational fishing so they choose to go elsewhere 

• Tourists' dogs off the lead

  • The dogs may chase sheep and injure or kill them

  • This is stressful and traumatic for the farmer

  • May lead to lost profits

• Walkers may leave gates open

  • This allows livestock (sheep/cattle) to escape from fields

  • This is time-consuming for the farmer

  • It may be costly if livestock become trapped/injured (vet bills)

• Footpath erosion

  • Walkers may walk around muddy sections of path, widening it over time

  • Erosion of grazing land means farmers have to reseed the grass

• Tourists usually travel by car

  • Parking of vehicles may block access to farmers' fields or driveways

  • This can cause frustration and reduce productivity

  • Traffic congestion may increase local residents' journey times especially around 'honeypot' areas e.g. Corfe Castle, Durdle Door

  • Farm vehicles may slow tourist traffic

Tourists v military

• Many tourists visit the Dorset Coast to enjoy peace and quiet in nature

  • Gun fire from a military shooting range disrupts the peace and quiet

  • Military training restricts access to certain areas e.g. near Lulworth

Tourists v water supply

• Fuel, litter, sunscreen and human waste can contaminate the water when they are being used for watersports

  • This means additional water treatment is needed

Tourists v renewable energy

• Wind turbines are at least 30m high

• Some people may find this visually unappealing

• Accommodation close to the turbines may be impacted by noise pollution

Tourists v conservation

• Footpath erosion and erosion of sand dunes

  • This impacts on habitats and wildlife

• Tourists may drop litter

  • This may be visually unappealing to other visitors

  • Litter can be a choking hazard for livestock and wildlife

  • The litter may contaminate the soil when it breaks down

Tourists v locals

• Second homes are popular in areas such as Sandbanks

  • This increases home prices

  • Local people cannot afford the prices

  • They have to live elsewhere

Solutions to conflicts

• Farmers install swing-hinge or self-closing gates so they close automatically ensuring animals do not escape

• Train lines, buses, cycle routes and boat trips as alternative forms of transport

  • Reduces traffic congestion

• The National Trust helps manage land, for example, repairing footpaths, and by tasking wardens with issuing parking fines to those parked illegally

• Local authorities fine people for dropping litter

• Areas of severe footpath erosion are cordoned off to allow the ground to repair

• An Aquatic Management Plan encourages quiet areas for swimmers reducing motor boat activity

• Beaches are part of the Blue Flag Scheme this ensures high levels of:

  • Water quality

  • Environmental management

• Signs are placed on some beaches forbidding dogs from going there which reduces dog waste

• Beaches are in zones to keep activities separate

  • Speed limits in Poole Harbour

• Sand dune management in areas including:

  • Sandbanks

  • Studland Bay

• Dorset council now charge 100% council tax on second homes