Case study - the Lake District
Land uses
Farming
Low temperatures mean that the The length of time it takes for plants to fully mature. is too short to grow crops. A lack of sunshine means crops will not ripen. The slopes are too steep for modern farming machinery to be used.
The high rainfall washes Chemical elements that are essential for plant nutrition. from the soil, leaving it thin, acidic and When there are no longer any nutrients in the soil..
Flatter areas in valleys are often marshy making it impossible to grow crops there. Sheep are hardy and can survive in these cold, harsh environments- on the upper slopes of U-shaped valleys. Hill sheep farming is the most common type of farming. On the valley floors, cattle can graze where the land is flatter and the grass is of better quality.
Grass that has been cut, dried and baled. is grown to feed animals in winter. When farmers undertake non-farming activities to generate more income. (non-farming activities) also enables farmers to earn extra income, eg from providing B&B’s accommodation for tourists.
Forestry
Trees which are grown for sale. can take place on the lower, gentler slopes of U-shaped valleys where conditions are less harsh and soils are better quality.
Industry
The main The type of work that people do. in the area is The removal of rocks from the land. for stone. Local slate is used in roofing and to repair stone walls. Granite is used in making roads and limestone is used in steelmaking.
Recreation and tourism
Tourists visits the Lake District for its natural picturesque scenery and variety of activities. The Lake District is also close to many urban areas, eg Carlisle, and has excellent motorways access. Ribbon lakes such as Lake Windermere provide excellent opportunities for water based activities such as water skiing, fishing and boat trips.
Arêtes provide great opportunities for hill walking, while pyramidal peaks are good for rock climbing. Corries also provide excellent opportunities for winter sports such as skiing. Historical and cultural attractions such as the Beatrix Potter exhibition also attract people to the region.
Water storage and supply
The high rainfall ensures that lakes in this region, can be used to supply fresh drinking water to nearby towns and cities. The hard rocks provide excellent geological conditions for water storage in A man-made pool of water used to store drinking water..
Renewable energy
Energy generated from fast-flowing water. hanging valleys are dammed to generate electricity using the force of the water from rivers.
