Case Study: River 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 river 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

River Tees

• The River Tees is located in North-East England

• Its drainage basin is approximately 1830km²

• The river has its source on Cross Fell, in the North Pennines, 754m above sea level

• It flows 137km to the mouth at the Tees Estuary, North Sea

• River features include V-shaped valleys, waterfalls, meanders, ox bow lakes and levées

• The river and surrounding area are managed by several organisations, including:

  • Canal & River Trust

  • Environment Agency

  • Tees River Trust

  • Local authorities

  • Natural England

Landuse in the coastal landscape

Tourists

• There are many visitors to landforms, such as High Force, on the river, as well as to the surrounding area

• The area has lots of towns and villages, which have places to stay

• People visit for the:

  • Walking

  • Mountain biking

  • Camping

  • Sightseeing

  • Historic buildings such as Barnard Castle

Conservation

• The river passes through the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (ANOB) and several Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs)

• The area is also a UNESCO Global Geopark

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

  • Tees Valley Wildlife Trust

  • Tees River Trust

  • RSPB Saltholme

  • Tees Environmental Trust

Farming

• Farming types along the River Tees include:

  • Sheep farming around the upper reaches of the river

  • Arable and cattle farming in the lower reaches of the river

Renewable energy

• There are several wind farms in the River Tees area, including:

  • Wetherfell Wind Farm

  • Glass Moor Wind Farm

• Many solar farms are also planned for the region, including:

  • Byers Gill Solar Farm

Quarrying

• Historical there were lots of quarries in the area

• Currently, there is small-scale quarrying of whinstone

Water storage and supply

• Reservoirs along the River Tees have been built to store water to supply homes and industries in the lower course

• Cow Green is the largest reservoir at two miles long

Conflicts in the river 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 tourists using the river 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 the 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. High Force, Barnard Castle

  • Farm vehicles may slow tourist traffic

Tourists v military

• Many tourists visit the North Pennines to enjoy peace and quiet in nature

  • Gunfire from a military shooting range disrupts the peace and quiet

  • Military training restricts access to certain areas, e.g. near Warcop Fell

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

  • This impacts 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

Solutions to the conflicts

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

• Local authorities fine people for dropping litter

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

• Organisations such as the Tees Valley Wildlife Trust educate people about the wildlife and habitats in the area

• Signposts to ask people to keep their dogs on leads