A more concerted effort is needed to tackle the threats of climate change facing the uplands according to the Environment Agency.

Speaking at the ‘Shaping a Vision for the Uplands’ conference in Sheffield, Tricia Henton – Director of Environment Protection at the Environment Agency, said:

“The uplands are the underdog of our countryside. We rarely talk about them and with the current debate on the future of farming and food shortages, we risk moving the attention away from them once again.

“Covering about 40% of our landscape, uplands provide many benefits to us and are some of our best national assets. They produce clean water and store huge amounts of carbon. They provide a home to some of our best wildlife and protect lowland from flooding by having the capacity to store water.

“They also give us great places to walk, rejuvenate and reconnect with nature. However uplands are already under increasing pressures and are not adequately protected against the potential threat of climate change.”

• 70% of the UK’s water supply comes from the uplands
• Heather moorland has decreased by about 23% since the 1940s
• Winter rain fall has shown large changes – in parts of western Scotland totals have increased by as much as 60-100% since 1960
• Topsoil erosion caused by various land uses that remove vegetation and leave areas vulnerable is likely to get worse – in parts of the English Lake District it has doubled from 4% in the 1970/80s to 8% in 2000  

Tricia Henton continued: “There is a real need for policy and practices to address the increase gap between lowlands and uplands.

“Although the economic benefits of farming in the uplands have been declining over the years, uplands continue to provide a number of environmental services that are key to a thriving society. Partnership between the government, private investors and the rural community is key to create the foundations for a sustainable future for our uplands.”