How can rural areas prevent decline?

Job Losses

Several factors have led to a decline in in employment in rural areas. The mechanisaion of agriculture means less people are needed to work on the land. Raw materials which may have been mined are becoming exhausted, so mines are closing. Imported foods and raw materials also decreases the demand from the countryside.

House price increases

Restrictions on new developments in National Parks means housing stock is restricted. Attractive areas found in National Parks create demand from second home owners pushing local people out of the price braket.

New homes

The uk has a shortage of suitbale homes. Greenfield states are cheaper to build on then brownfield states. Related problems such as traffic congestion and increased car journeys are created.

Competition from abroad

There is now more competion from abroad- for example lamb can be imported at a competitive price from New Zealand. As agricultural income falls, farms diversify- into provideing tourist accomondation, for instance. This si successful in some areas which attract tourist, but is limited in many areas Tourism is also very seasonal in the UK.

Rural depopulation

The less accessible (remote) rural areas have a decreasing population. In these less accessible areas many of the younger people move out. Push factors for the young people are the shortage of jobs and the lack of social life. However the rural areas which are accessible to urban areas have increasing rural population. One reason is counter urbanisation.

 Decline in services

The depopualtion in rural areas means the local services decline. Independant stores and post offices become less profitable because of the decline in residents. Bus services may decline which cuts off elderly people