GEOG055 Rural Matrix

CORE COURSE GEOG055 - RURAL MATRIX

(15 credits; Term 1)

Staff:
Peter Jones and Richard Munton

Aims:
This module introduces students to rural agri-environment and nature conservation policies in which many biodiversity conservation issues in the UK are framed, with a particular focus on uplands.

Content:

• Social, economic and political drivers for change in rural areas
• Recent changes to rural policy and associated legislation, especially agricultural policy, and to place these in their historical context
• Introduction to the environmental implications of modern agriculture, especially for conservation;
• Outline of priorities and challenges of upland conservation;
• Consideration of the different uses in an upland National Park and the issues in reconciling different priorities.

Assessment:

Essay (maximum 2000 words) on the prospects for nature conservation in the UK’s uplands, with a particular focus on Snowdonia National Park.

Format:

This course is revolves around a six day residential field study in Snowdonia National Park, North Wales, involving input from various Snowdonia National Park Authority Officers. This is preceded by introductory lectures on agri-environment and upland conservation issues.

Learning outcomes:

• Understand the key role of agriculture in nature conservation;
• Appreciate the recent revisions to European and UK agri-environment policies;
• Understand the challenges and opportunities of upland conservation;
• Understand the many priorities for the use of an upland national park and the challenges of reconciling them.