Landscape scale conservation
- Landscape scale conservation
Landscape scale conservation is a concept that has arisen, primarily in the UK since the mid-1990s in response to both the challenges of climate change and a perceived excessive focus on site based conservation. It aims to take an holistic approach, looking not just at biodiversity issues, but also issues such as local economies and agriculture, eco-tourism, geodiversity and the health and social benefits of the environment.From an ecological perspective the principles of the approach owe much to the application of island biogeography. Key reservoirs of biodiversity in the landscape are identified (including designated sites). Opportunities to link, complement or expand these sites are sought with the emphasis on the role of natural processes in their management.A key inspiration for this approach was the Oostvaarderplassen near Amsterdam, a huge wetland landscape that is managed largely through natural processes. These principles have been applied in the UK, such as on the Essex Coast at Abbot's Hall where managed retreat has been used to create new saltmarshes and coastal wetland.
In recent years studies have been carried out across the UK looking at much wider range of habitats. In Wales the Pumlumon Large Area Conservation Project focusses on upland conservation in areas of marginal agriculture and forestry [http://www.montwt.co.uk/pumlumon.html] . The North Somerset Levels and Moors Project addresses wetlands [http://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/level1/level2/project_nslm.htm] . There are several woodland based initiaives, often focusing on increasing linkages between existing woodland. An unusual approach is being taken in the Black Country where Black Country Living Landscape is applying these principals to an urban area. [http://countdown2010.net/news/update/newsletter0604.html#focus]
Landscape scale conservation is seen by some as an essential tool for adaptation to climate change, particularly in ensuring diverse and viable biodiversity in a changing landscape. To others in the UK it is more visionary, an opportunity to plan for a landscape which answers the needs of both people and wildlife in a crowded island. [http://www.english-nature.org.uk/pubs/publication/PDF/urbio7.pdf]
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