What is Rural & Urban?

Traditionally, ‘rural’ and ‘urban’ have been seen as opposites. Defining the terms is difficult: over 30 definitions of ‘rural’ are currently being used by different government departments in the UK. Perceptions of rural & urban…

PERCEPTION

Traditional Stereotypical Differences between Urban and Rural Populations

Between 2001 & 2005 over 350,000 more people moved into rural areas (accessible areas) than have left them (net migration). This is a reversal of a trend which still blights many of the more remote rural areas of the country. Life expectancy is 1.4 years longer for children who live in rural areas. Contact with farm animals apparently reduces the risk of them developing asthma. They are also less likely to have used class-A drugs.

There are some drugs 'hotspots' in rural areas, however: Spalding and Boston had high levels of drug-related deaths in 2004 Fertility rates for women aged who live in rural areas are higher (than urban) Access to a GP can be difficult in some rural areas & there are difficulties with recruitment to rural surgeries. Employment difficulties exist and income is in any case often lower than the national average. There’s been a dramatic rise in the level of homelessness in rural areas.

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Summary Defining rural & urban can be difficult Perceptions of rural & urban can be stereotypical The benefits of life in rural areas do exist but… Problems exist in rural areas that are not often known about in urban areas

1 suggestion that new housing demand could be met by building in cities, with no need for out of town developments. However… There are more households to be accommodated, but this total increases all the time There are 1.6 million households on affordable housing waiting lists There is insufficient land in cities

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Accessible (pressured) rural areas Access initially via railways/underground Later via improved road transport Become suburbanised Hobby farming or horsiculture Socio-economic changes – Long Established Residents & Newcomers See table.

Rural settlement issues: Monmouthshire

The road sign indicates 5 miles down valley to Abergavenny and 5 miles up valley to the Grwyne Fawr Reservoir. It is relatively near to Abergavenny but also relatively inaccessible, with only narrow country lanes and no major road access. Roads can be closed for months even years as river erosion undercuts bridges or causes landslips. This is the Black Mountains section of the Brecon Beacons National Park. It is an area of great scenic beauty

Many of these are bunkhouse accommodation for walking groups or holiday cottages for rent by families. The main village in the Vale of Gwryne is Llanbedr and this has had limited new housing building in the last 30 years. Planning Permission for new building developments is very hard to obtain due to the scenic beauty (BBNP) and the limited road access. Properties are mainly farms or farm conversions

There are several large mansion type properties in the valley (as here at Craig-y-Bwla the country estate of a computer millionaire). The quality of the scenery and the quiet unspoilt nature of the area exudes 'class' and indicates the perception of an 'idyllic extreme rural lifestyle'. Abergavenny is about 20 minutes drive away down narrow country lanes. This journey is the 'barrier' because from Abergavenny quiet dual carriageways can be accessed.

House prices are very high as so few are available and are sought after by incomers. This barn with planning permission would sell for a very high price - probably to someone with a professional job from outside the locality. An issue is the provision of affordable homes for local people. There are limited employment opportunities in the immediate locality except for tourism and farming. Population figures for the Vale of Grwyne: ; The area has experienced rural depopulation especially of the young.

The inn offers drinks, meals, accommodation (including camping and caravans) and pony trekking. The diversification has to be offered to gain a worthwhile income. Other local economic activities include outdoor pursuit centres and pottery/art /craft galleries. The artists work and live here both for the quality of life as well as for the tourist trade. The Queens Head Inn in the adjacent Llanthony Valley.

The photo shows the gatehouse entrance to the Llangenny Outdoor Education Centre owned by Haringey Council from London. This is a former large house (mansion) bought by the council for its schools to use to promote outdoor pursuits and education in environmental subjects like geography and science. There are many such outdoor education centres in the Brecon Beacons area.

Everyone knows each other and outsiders might be viewed with suspicion. The residents will include: 'native families' who want to make a living from the area and 'professional' outsiders who are very keen to conserve the environment they moved here to enjoy. These migrants are likely to oppose strongly any move to develop the area in any way. Under Cloke's model this area would be classed as EXTREME RURAL. There are issues and divisions hidden here. The rural idyll seen in the beautiful unspoilt scenery with quiet country roads.

More remote rural areas North, west & Mid-Wales North Yorkshire Moors North West Parts of Devon & Cornwall Highlands & Islands of Scotland Borders

Characteristics Housing Population structure Employment Transport Services Community/Social Environment

See also “Bypassed Borders” Geo- factsheet.