Chapter 7. Agriculture
7.1 The South Downs in 1935 and 1995. The area has been preserved by agricultural and planning policies. Without them, the hills would have become woodland and the fields would have become housing estates. Scenic policy should have protected the skyline from electricity pylons.
7.2 Farmers receive large sums of money for uneconomic food production, but not for repairing the beautiful old farm walls.
7.3 Food production can take place in co-operation with other land uses [Venag2]
7.4 The golf course, in the foreground, could revert to agriculture. The town of Bad Ragaz could not. (Courtesy of Swiss Tourist Office).
7.5 Agricultural land can assist in water management, by flood detention and infiltration. [file Agdrain1]
7.6 We dream of a countryside rich in wildflowers and animals.
7.7 This sycamore marks the site of an ancient farmstead. But there are no records and I may be the only person who is aware of the fact. When the tree goes it is unlikely to be replaced. This photograph should be placed in a library and referenced in a Geographical Information System.
7.8 The sheepfold is maintained because it is still used. If it fell into disuse, it should be preserved as a historic feature.
7.9 The car parking levy rewards the farmer for owning a public good. Visitors also pay, through agricultural subsidies and conservation payments, to maintain the landscape.
7.10 This is agricultural land but it is not beautiful .
7.11 Relative scarcity enhances the scenic importance of a small wood.
7.12 Ancient footpaths served the needs of farming people.
7.13 New footpaths should be planned, to serve the needs or our own time. [Paths1]
7.14 In choosing which land to fallow, or set-aside, there are a number of policy alternatives. [setasd]
7.15 Searching for edible fungi is an enjoyable pastime.
7.16 Different types of countryside can supply different types of public good. [Public1]
7.17 Land can be categorised at the farm scale [Agcat1]
7.18 Ancient Countryside is characterised by small fields, walls, hedges, sunken roads and scattered hamlets.
7.19 Land can be categorised at the European scale [Euro1].
7.20 The countryside can be mapped in different ways. [Agmap1]
7.21 An ancient wall in the English Lake District (above) and a nearby modern wall (below) built for greater strength.
