Government urged to protect UK uplands

June 15th 2010

A new report has called on the government to fund protection of the UK's uplands.

The Commission for Rural Communities has claimed that farmers and landowners in the region should be financially supported for maintaining the landscape and storing carbon.

According to the report, green businesses in the often-deprived areas should be given incentive as part of a low-carbon economy.

The group states that the uplands – which account for around 17 per cent of the country – could be integral to tackling green and low-carbon issues.

Recommendations proposed by the report include the provision of specialist advice for new green businesses, and audits to identify renewable energy potential.

The report said the uplands should be looked upon as an area which offers "great public benefit and environmental value".

"The uplands could provide green and low carbon solutions to environmental issues, and lead the way on developing the green economy, demonstrating and promoting the benefits of working with and making the most of the natural and cultural land assets," the report said.

Ian Woodhurst, Senior Rural Policy Officer for the Campaign to Protect Rural England, said the uplands ought to play a "vital role" in addressing the UK's environmental challenges.