WIREDGOV

A report written to inform our inquiry into the future for England’s upland communities says, “the greatest threat to the future of upland communities is the ambiguity regarding the significance, value and role of upland communities themselves.” 

The report goes on to say that there is a risk that upland communities will continue to be characterised by disadvantage unless we see a shift in people’s perceptions of the uplands, including those who live and work there, from “less favoured” to “highly favoured” places.

The report draws on international experience to conclude that England is not alone in seeking to address questions of the future development of the uplands and in having to accommodate demands from an increasingly diverse range of interests.  It highlights the relevance of the uplands to us all, both nationally and internationally.

The ‘Developing the English Uplands’ report explains why there is the need for upland communities to be much more closely involved in the policy decisions that affect them and considers how this might be achieved.

The full report can be read here

The final report of the inquiry is scheduled for completion in February 2010.