CPRE Shropshire
Protecting Shropshire

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The beautiful uplands of South Shropshire are home to farmers and small communities who help maintain a rich environmental and food resource, and tourist attraction. Without the commitment of upland farmers and their role in maintaining the character of upland landscapes, the environment would be poorer and Shropshire's tourist trade will suffer.

We are concerned that upland communities are being eroded. Without urgent action England’s rural areas could soon be dominated by the weekend cottages of the more affluent sections of society and the elderly retired. There is a serious problem in attracting young people into farming and countryside management, and a serious shortage of affordable housing for them. It is vital that affordable housing is built near to where people work, and where their families are, to preserve the viability and vitality of upland communities.

In Shropshire, great care is needed to avoid industrialising the uplands in pursuit of short term economic gain at the expense of social and environmental values. We are particularly concerned that wind farms and the associated power lines industrialise landscapes, reducing their environmental and amenity value.

Shropshire's uplands have built a strong reputation for local food. This is an important exemplar for food networks elsewhere in the country.

Note

The uplands of Shropshire are generally understood to be the area covered by the South Shropshire AONB.

Further Information

• CPRE Shropshire evidence to the Commission on Rural Communities Uplands Inquiry