Settlement site , situation rural settlements

Site Settlement Rural settlement Situation

First for some definitions Settlement These are places where People live. The physical land on which the settlement was built on Site The settlement in relation to its surroundings Situation

What factors made people decide on a site to locate their settlement?

Aspect and shelter Settlements were built in sheltered areas such as valleys or in bays on coastal locations. Aspect (the direction in which a settlement faces) was also an important consideration. Settlements would be more ideally located on south-facing slopes in the Northern Hemisphere and on north-facing slopes in the Southern Hemisphere. For example, in Britain, it was an advantage to be sheltered from cold winds blowing from the north, and to be facing south which meant more sunlight. settlements on south-facing slopes receive more heat and sunlight N S sun is in the south Northern Hemisphere

Settlement sites Some settlement sites had specific advantages Bridging Point Dry-Point Route Focus Where a river was shallow enough to be crossed (a ford) or narrow enough to easily build a bridge (e.g. Oxford). In especially wet areas, settlements were built on slightly raised land to avoid flooding or the unhealthy marshland (e.g. Ely in Cambridgeshire). Where natural routes meet, such as several valleys (e.g. York) or at the confluence of two rivers (e.g. St Louis on the Mississippi).

Settlement sites Some settlement sites had specific advantages. defensive wet-point In order to protect themselves from attack, settlements were built within a river meander, with the river giving protection on three sides, e.g. Shrewsbury, or on a hill with good views, or in a gap on a ridge e.g. Corfe Castle. These settlements were built at a source of water in an otherwise dry area. For example, in lowland Britain, many settlements were built at springs at the foot of chalk escarpments, e.g. Kemsingat near the North Downs.

Resources Fertile Soil : needed for growing crops to support the settlements population. There is a higher density of rural settlements where there are fertile soils Early settlements relied upon timbre for fuel and building materials so nearby woodland was an advantage.

Resources Clay soils would have been used to make clay pots for cooking with Coal seams or oil fields would also be an advantage as they could also be mined as a source of fuel.

Resources Iron Ore or Tin for making tools Supply of easily quarried stone to build houses

What is “site”? A site is the physical piece of land a settlement is located on

What is “situation”? Situation is where a settlement is located in relation to other settlements or features

What is a settlement hierarchy? It’s a way of putting settlements in order. There are 3 ways to do it: Population size, Number of services Size of sphere of influence http://www.geointeractive.co.uk/contribution/otherfiles/Settlement%20Hierarchies.swf

Sphere of influence The sphere of influence of a service is how far people will travel to make use of that service. People are willing to travel a long distance to buy comparison goods (e.g. Harrods shop in London) and therefore has a very large sphere of influence.

Goods Convenience goods: (low order) Newspapers, Groceries Bought more often for less money Comparison Goods: (high order) Carpets, electrical items, Bought less often for more money

What are the different functions of settlements? Remember: a function is the work that is done in the settlement

Spot the difference:

Case study function change: North Curry Key areas that have changed: Population Number of retired people Farm workers Commuters How has the function of North Curry changed over time? It was originally a farming community, but now most people are either retired or commute to work

Changes in rural areas The rural population is increasing in areas closer to urban areas In remote areas the population is decreasing (rural depopulation) These population changes affect the size, morphology and functions of villages

Counter-urbanisation

Counter-urbanisation. The movement of people from large urban areas into rural areas, thereby leapfrogging the rural-urban fringe. It might mean daily commuting, but could also require lifestyle changes and the increased use of ICT (home working or teleworking)

Counter – urbanisation results from: Migration of people from major urban areas to smaller urban settlements and rural areas. Clear break between the areas of new growth and the urban area. Counter-urbanisation does not lead to suburban growth, but growth in rural areas beyond the city. Difference between rural and urban areas is diminished as a consequence of this movement.

Factors for growth in counter-urbanisation Negative reaction to city life Escape from air pollution, dirt and crime of the urban environment. Aspire to what is seen as pleasant, quiet and clean environment of countryside, where land and house prices are cheaper. Car ownership and greater affluence allow people to commute. Sources of employment moving away from cities. 1981-96 1 million more jobs in rural areas. Improvement in technology (internet) allows freedom of location. Rising demand for second homes and earlier retirement. Link to affluence. Rural areas need to attract income. Agriculture in decline. Farmers sell off land.

Counter-urbanisation affects the layout of rural settlements Modern housing estates locate at the edge of small settlements. Industrial units are sited on main roads leading into the settlement. Former open areas are built on, old properties converted and agricultural building redeveloped as housing. As with gentrification in inner city areas there is tension between the newcomers and locals.

Services Despite the influx of new people, local services often close down. Bus services to rural communities have disappeared. Schools have closed Post Offices have closed. Churches have closed and parishes amalgamated together. WHY? This is all because newcomers have the wealth and mobility to continue to use the urban services some distance away.

Evidence Increase in the use of a commuter railway station in an area, including car parking for commuters. Increased value of houses in the area. The construction of more executive housing in an area, often newly designated building land, following the demolition of old properties. More conversions of former farm buildings to exclusive residences.