Settlements

• What are the main threats to the countryside?

  Greenfield development, suburbanisation, counter urbanisation
• How does increased car ownership affect the countryside?

  It allows easier access for living and recreation
• What has caused a decline in income from agriculture?

  Physical factors like diseases and EU quotas
• What was the average farming income in the UK in 2001?

  £8,700 a year
• What was the average farming income in the UK in 2007?

  £20,600 a year
• How did farmers recover from the foot and mouth crisis?

  Through diversification of their income sources
• Why is rural planning important?

  To manage conflicting demands and protect land
• What are the designations used to protect the rural landscape?

  AONB, SSSI, National Parks
• What is the primary objective of conservation in rural planning?

  To protect the countryside for the future
• What does SSSI stand for?

  Site of Special Scientific Interest
• What is the role of SSSIs?

  To protect rare wildlife and flora
• How many SSSIs are there in England?

  Over 4000
• What is the responsibility of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland?

  To manage all aspects of rural planning
• What is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)?

  An area with significant landscape value
• How many AONBs are there in Northern Ireland?

  Eight
• What are the main aims of AONB status?

  Protect natural beauty, promote sustainable tourism
• How do AONBs manage their areas?

  Through planning controls and countryside management
• What is the Causeway Coast AONB known for?

  Spectacular coastal scenery
• What is the highest peak in Northern Ireland?

  Slieve Donard
• What is the main challenge for National Park Authorities?

  Balancing conservation and tourism interests
• How many National Parks are there in the UK?

  16
• What is a major issue for all National Parks?

  Access on privately owned land
• What is the Mourne Mountains' status since 1986?

  Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)
• What are potential benefits of National Park status?

  Increased funding and job creation
• What is a concern for landowners regarding National Park status?

  Stricter planning controls and land value increases
• How could tourism be affected by National Park status?

  It could generate significant local economic benefits
• What is a potential negative impact of increased tourism?

  Congestion and threats to livestock
• What is a social change concern with National Park status?

  Increased demand for second homes and housing prices
• What is the role of the National Park Authority?

  To manage conservation and public understanding
• What is the main purpose of planning in rural areas?

  To protect and manage the countryside
• What is the significance of the Mourne Wall?

  It is a famous man-made feature in the Mournes
• What are the arguments for and against a National Park in Northern Ireland?

  Funding benefits versus local opposition concerns
• What is the impact of AONB status on development?

  It lacks legal power to prevent inappropriate development
• What is the area covered by the Mourne Mountains AONB?

  From Slieve Croob to Newcastle
• What is the significance of the Natura 2000 network?

  It ensures the survival of valuable habitats
• What is the main economic activity in National Parks?

  Tourism, farming, quarrying, and forestry
• What is the role of local councils in AONB management?

  Administer planning controls and countryside management
• How does the management of AONBs differ from National Parks?

  AONBs have less legal power than National Parks
• What is the impact of planning controls in AONBs?

  They help manage the area while allowing enjoyment
• What is the main aim of conservation in rural planning?

  To protect valuable habitats and species