Geography - Lake District Conflicts

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  • Created by: Dan S.
  • Created on: 25-05-13 13:46

Footpath Erosion

  • Caused by tourists flocking to the honeypot sites in the region.
  • Footpaths erode through over use.
  • Grass roots are worn down and eventually no grass remains, leeching occurs and as the Lake District is prone to relief rainfall, then this is a big problem.

Social Problems - Short term the soil becomes infertile to farmers and it cannot be used.             - Access is now limited to elderly and young people.

Economic Problems - Less people are able to visit so less profit is gained.

Environmental Problems - Lake District scenery scarred.

Solutions - National Trust set-up more footpaths so a widerspread use of paths would occur.         - Rotating footpaths so they are less worn. This would solve conflicts as everybody could still visit, but footpaths are worn less.

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Traffic

  • 15.8 million people visit the Lake District each year.
  • 90% travel by car.

Social Problems - Their towns can be bought to a standstill by traffic. - Parked cars can block driveways.

Economic Problems - Cattle can get spooked and produce less produce which means less profit for farmers.

Environmental Problems - Causes air pollution and noise pollution. - Lowers quality of life.          - Previous way of escaping high pollution zones, could disappear.

Solutions - Upgrade infrastructure including buses, trains and roads. The buses would encourage locals to stop using cars, and opt for a more efficient way of travelling. The trains would attract more people to the area due to higher accessiblilty. Better roads would reduce traffic problems, and in the long term less air pollution would occur as cars were not stopping and starting as often. 

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Second Homes

  • 20% of national park dwellings are second homes.

Social Problems - Vacant homes lead to an increased chance of crime in the area. - Long term beautiful neighbourhoods could be turned into run-down and crime-ridden areas. - First time-buyers are out-priced by wealthy people from other areas buying second homes. - Long term more people leave the Lake District leading to more and more people buying second home turning some places into 'ghost' towns.

Economic Problems - Local businesses do not gain profit from second homeowners, who often bring all their food with them. - Long term shops could be forced to close. - More second homes mean less people pay taxes, which forces local people to pay more.

Solutions - Higher taxes for people buying second homes. People may be put off buying second homes if taxes were high, meaning more locals would own houses so the community benefits socially and economically.

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