Urban Rural Interdependence IB SL

Counterurbanisation The process by which people and businesses are leaving the urban areas to relocate in smaller towns or rural villages. It was first noted in the USA. Similar patterns were detected in London, initially as a result of slum clearance and relocation to new towns, but then as a 'voluntary' movement. This pattern has since been identified in nearly all UK cities.

Reasons Environmental and social problems with inner cities pushed people away from urban areas. At the same time, more rural areas were seen as peaceful, unpolluted, offering greater space and the community spirit that was lacking in inner city areas. The growing popularity of the 'out-of-town' industrial and businesses parks as industry also became unsatisfied with inner city areas. Improvements in rural transport infrastructures and increased car ownership allowed a greater freedom of choice when choosing where to live.

Reasons The growth in Information Communication Technology (E-mail, Fax, Video-conferencing) has allowed further freedom as people can work from home and are not so tied to urban areas. For social reasons, as people re-acquaint with family or friends, retire to a quiet place, believe the countryside to be more suitable for families or decide the climate/environment is better for their health.

Impacts: Rural Villages And Communities House prices can be pushed up as migrants sell expensive city properties and earn higher city wages. This can force young people to leave the village because they cannot afford a house. Public transport goes into decline because the new residents are car owners. This can be a major problem for village residents without their own transport, particularly the elderly.

Impacts: Rural Villages And Communities Traditional rural services start to close as the new population will be reliant on the services of the urban environment such as the supermarket. The closures of village stores and post offices have caused major problems in many rural areas. Those shops and services that survive often find that they have to change to meet the needs of the new population. So the pub becomes a restaurant, the blacksmith now makes garden furniture and the butcher a delicatessen. As a large percentage of the migrants will be commuting to work traffic congestion increases. The problem is accentuated by the fact that they will be driving on narrow country roads.

Urbanisation On Surrounding Areas Ancient meadows destroyed for new housing developments. Areas of countryside flooded for reservoirs. Growth of 'out-of-town' shopping complexes. Expansion of Airports. Farms become golf courses to meet needs of urban population. Huge increase in house prices in rural villages pushing prices up so locals cannot afford them.

Activity Using Essential AS Geography P160-161, answer the following… What is meant by the term Counterurbanisation? What is the difference between job-led and people-led counterurbanisation? What are the reasons behind British people moving to rural areas? What are the positive and negative impacts of counterurbanisation?