Expert gives hint of uplands study's findings

Mar 3 2010 by Tony Henderson, The Journal

THE lid was lifted yesterday by a North East expert on the findings due soon of a two-year inquiry into the state of the region’s uplands.

Mark Shucksmith, Professor of Planning at Newcastle University, revealed a taste of what will emerge from the inquiry, whose results will be published in June.

“The uplands are a big part of the North. Much of what is important about the North derives from the uplands,” said Prof Shucksmith, who was speaking at a seminar in Mickleton in County Durham on the future of the uplands.

“There could be huge benefits if the uplands with all their assets were able to contribute to their potential.”

The event was organised by the Northern Rural Network which has more than 1,200 members, including country businesses, local authorities, public agencies and the voluntary sector, as well as academic researchers.

Prof Shucksmith is a board member of the Commission for Rural Communities, and has been part of the body’s inquiry into the threats to and opportunities for the country’s uplands.

The inquiry was commissioned by Prime Minister Gordon Brown after a report on the uplands presented to him by the Government’s Rural Advocate Dr Stuart Burgess. Prof Shucksmith said that the inquiry had talked not only to landowners, managers and farmers but had also examined the importance of social, heritage and cultural traditions – such as Northumbrian pipe music.