Simon Wilson
New member
I have started a new thread in 'cave conservation' because this is an issue which is of interest to cavers.
The term 'desert' is often applied to the Pennine uplands and whilst not strictly terminologically correct it is not wholly inappropriate. The Pennine uplands are dominated by species poor grassland and the most important of several reasons why they are in that state is overgrazing. One of the effects of the denudation of the Pennine uplands is rapid runoff which has an effect on caves.
For several decades efforts have been underway to improve upland vegetation and this issue has been given greater prominence this year because of the serious flooding in areas around the Pennines. One of the barriers in the way of reducing grazing has been farming subsidies which have encouraged overgrazing. Leaving the EU might be an opportunity for the UK to reduce subsidies for upland sheep grazing and improve funding for measure to improve the uplands. We can hope this happens and better than that we can get involved and campaign for it to happen.
andrewmcleod said:... the high(est) mountains will still be bare, and better to avoid the current ecological desert of grass, grass and more grass.
The term 'desert' is often applied to the Pennine uplands and whilst not strictly terminologically correct it is not wholly inappropriate. The Pennine uplands are dominated by species poor grassland and the most important of several reasons why they are in that state is overgrazing. One of the effects of the denudation of the Pennine uplands is rapid runoff which has an effect on caves.
For several decades efforts have been underway to improve upland vegetation and this issue has been given greater prominence this year because of the serious flooding in areas around the Pennines. One of the barriers in the way of reducing grazing has been farming subsidies which have encouraged overgrazing. Leaving the EU might be an opportunity for the UK to reduce subsidies for upland sheep grazing and improve funding for measure to improve the uplands. We can hope this happens and better than that we can get involved and campaign for it to happen.