Changes in rural settlements in the UK

Case study: Isle of PurbeckCase study taken from

AQA AS Geography (Philip Allen)

Population characteristics

• Remote rural villages in the UK are declining whereas accessible rural-urban fringe areas are expanding. Consequences?

Consequences of decline

• Many people left – elderly with limited means.

• Houses brought as second homes – ghost town effect for most of the year.

• Deprivation sets in, as many cannot afford to move away.

• Sense of isolation

• Effects on services – many close.

Consequences of expansion

• Creation of several small, new housing estates, often with houses that local people cannot afford.

• Increased congestion as many families have 2 or more cars.

• Dormitory villages, little life during the day.

• Conflicts between established villagers and new comers.

Changes to ServicesSERVICE CHANGES FOR THE WORSE CHANGES FOR THE

BETTER

Food shops Many stores have closed. Supermarkets in nearby towns open longer, cheaper & free bus.

New types created, such as farm shops & garage shops.

Post Offices Many down graded to hole in the wall of part time facilities.

Cooperation between PO and banks to provide combined services.

Public Transport Passenger numbers fall -people move out / new comers have cars. Closure of uneconomic routes.

Grants available for community buses, such as postal bus service – combines letter delivery.

Village schools Ageing pop – falling school number – closure. Wealthy educate privately.

More nurseries, grants to support small schools, shared headships.

Libraries Service cut. Mobile libraries increase.

Primary health care

Decline in dental facilities, many GP surgeries close.

Grants available & mini health centres set up.

Village halls General decline. Grants

The Isle of Purbeck

Isle of Purbeck

• SE part of the Purbeck district in Dorset.• 200km² bounded by sea from the S and E, by the River

Frome & Poole Harbour to the N.• Remote rural district. One town Swanage – seaside

resort.• A351 – provide direct link to Poole- Bournemouth

conurbation (500,000 people).• Important dormitory function – commuter traffic at peak

periods.• Population has increased over last 40yrs – 44, 000 in

2001. Popular area for retirement, so pop is considerably older than UK average. Out migration of younger adults searching for jobs & lower cost housing.

• Natural decrease exists due to high DR and low BR.

Problems

• House prices high due to – commuters, retirees, 2nd homeowners, in-migrants.

• Local employment opportunities ltd & wages low.• Decline in services – few general stores, 3 out of

4 villages no general store, 38 rural PO have closed since 91, 35 petrol stations have closed since 91 & 8 villages have lost their only pub.

• Public transport in limited.

Positive aspects

• 6 village surgeries have opened.

• Parishes have grouped together and priest work on rota basis.

• Tourism function will have positive impact on services available.

• Extra mini bus coverage – through volunteer schemes, limited extent.