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A new approach to land use
26/09/2008
The most fundamental review of how Scotland uses its land was signaled today.
The first steps were taken today when 70 specialists were brought together in Aberdeen to devise a programme of research, the most comprehensive study of its kind, which will culminate in Scotland's first ever land use summit next year. The meeting was opened by Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment Richard Lochheadand closed by Minister for Environment, Michael Russell.
Mr Lochhead said:
"It is time for Scotland to take stock and consider how to make best use of our rural land - our greatest natural asset.
"The pressures on land are changing. Climate change threatens to alter the very fabric of rural Scotland. Warmer, wetter summers will change what plants we can grow, what animals will thrive and where people can live.
"These changes will be compounded by global pressures on food production, demand for land for house building, leisure and energy production."
Michael Russell said:
"We need a debate on the importance of land as a resource for communities, land managers, land owners and for the country as a whole.
"To achieve that we need a better understanding of what types of uses Scotland's rural land can support and how we can make best use of it. We need to take an over-arching approach and explore the links between the different types of land use.
"This research will move us away from looking at land management in isolation to exploring the links between the different types of land use and the best way to cope with competing demands.
"Decisions must be evidence based to allow us to make the decisions which will ensure we pass on our inheritance in the best possible condition."
The Rural Land Use Study will examine a number of key issues including:
- How Scotland's rural land can best contribute to sustainable economic growth
- The role Scotland's rural land can play in tackling climate change
- How land use can best facilitate sustainable rural community development
- How Government can facilitate the effective use of Scotland's rural land
Approximately 98 per cent of Scotland is classified as rural, with almost 80 per cent as agricultural (6.12 million hectares) and 17 per cent as forerst and woodland. The majority of agricultural land is rough grazing with only 10 per cent of agricultural land used for crops, fallow and set-aside.
The Scottish Government published, in June 2008, 'Monitoring and Evaluating the Effects of Land Reform on Rural Scotland'. The study, undertaken by a team led by researchers at the Macaulay Institute, assesses the social and economic impacts of the diverse land reform measures which have been introduced since 1997, including commmunity and crofting community right-to-buy legislation, changes in farm tenancy arrangements and reform of public access to the countryside.
Delegates at today's event were drawn from planning, forestery, farming, environmental organisations and academics to shape the research projects.