Land Use in England
Planned changes in land use in England in response to changing needs, energy, food, resilience and climate.
New report from DEFRA about the planned changes in land use in response to changing needs, energy, food, resilience and climate. Great summary from Carbon Brief here.
Solar farms are becoming a political issue. We are half the way there in terms of power through renewables (Reuters), and the government is pushing ahead with large solar farms (BBC). But there are strong headwinds (globally) in terms of local communities opposing their countryside being used for solar farms. This is why being transparent about land use and what needs to change and why is so important. Some excellent infographics and comparisons in the Carbon Brief article, like the space needed for solar farms - currently used and planned for - will cover just under 700km2. Sounds like a lot? It represents just over half the equivalent space currently used by golf courses (1,256km2)! Even though the data and strategy is the clarity needed, concerted engagement with local communities is crucial. If not, political winds will swing and we'll loose all progress on this important long-term planning we need to 'remap' England for the changes ahead.
