32
J.S.Smith
of reports and plans exist for the conservation and utilisation of parts of the coastline.
At the other extreme, there are several stretches of beaches and dunes that are as empty
and unaltered as any to be found elsewhere in Scotland, including the Outer Islands.
This is particularly true of parts of the more extensive beach and bay systems. This can
be explained by the fundamental control that is exerted by access. Normally, where the
beach and dune zones are 'insulated' from public roads by a belt of fenced agricultural
land or, along the Moray Firth, by forest, public access is effectively denied. In
contrast, where access is easy there are nodes of pressure where tracks and roads lead
directly to the dune zones and the pressures that are generated may be related directly
to the area of car parking space available. Town beaches are obviously a special form
of this general rule relting utilisation to access conditions. In contrast, coastal sections
between these nodes of activity are zones which are visited only by a very few people -
specifically field scientists, walkers, naturalists, salmon fishermen and local
inhabitants.
Another aspect of the developed nature of the coastal hinterland is the
response time in the utilisation of the more accessible beach and dune areas, especially
near the large towns. Within a few hours, in all seasons, these areas can become
relatively busy with day visitors, particularly at weekends. Obviously peak usage is in
July and August but it is important to stress that in mid-winter many of these beaches
are used and provide valuable recreational and amenity areas for a considerable
number of people.
Conclusion
Within this developed region, the coastline has for the most part, remained relatively
unaffected by intensive use. Shallow offshore gradients, potentially mobile surfaces,
low quality soils and a tendency to poor drainage has preserved the dune and links
areas from urban and industrial use. Essentially conservational use or, effectively,
minimal use in the form of light grazing or low density recreational activity, has
protected the majority of dune and links areas. Outwith the coastal towns there are few
signs of direct alteration to the coastline in the form of groynes, sea-walls, piers and
harbours. There is little pollution or effluent discharge. Moreover, there is little
indication that this condition will alter; if anything the forces and mechanisms for
coastal management and conservation embodied in planning strategies is becoming
stronger. Thus, bearing in mind that this is part of Lowland Britain with a developed
economy and a moderate population density (much of which is located along the
coast), it is fortunate that such a high proportion of the coastal resource base remains
remarkably intact and conserved. The broad planning strategy for future management
might, therefore, appear to be that of preserving or maintaining the status quo whilst
allowing local, well-managed developments to proceed, as long as they conform to a
general regional plan for balanced coastal zone development.
J.S.Smith
of reports and plans exist for the conservation and utilisation of parts of the coastline.
At the other extreme, there are several stretches of beaches and dunes that are as empty
and unaltered as any to be found elsewhere in Scotland, including the Outer Islands.
This is particularly true of parts of the more extensive beach and bay systems. This can
be explained by the fundamental control that is exerted by access. Normally, where the
beach and dune zones are 'insulated' from public roads by a belt of fenced agricultural
land or, along the Moray Firth, by forest, public access is effectively denied. In
contrast, where access is easy there are nodes of pressure where tracks and roads lead
directly to the dune zones and the pressures that are generated may be related directly
to the area of car parking space available. Town beaches are obviously a special form
of this general rule relting utilisation to access conditions. In contrast, coastal sections
between these nodes of activity are zones which are visited only by a very few people -
specifically field scientists, walkers, naturalists, salmon fishermen and local
inhabitants.
Another aspect of the developed nature of the coastal hinterland is the
response time in the utilisation of the more accessible beach and dune areas, especially
near the large towns. Within a few hours, in all seasons, these areas can become
relatively busy with day visitors, particularly at weekends. Obviously peak usage is in
July and August but it is important to stress that in mid-winter many of these beaches
are used and provide valuable recreational and amenity areas for a considerable
number of people.
Conclusion
Within this developed region, the coastline has for the most part, remained relatively
unaffected by intensive use. Shallow offshore gradients, potentially mobile surfaces,
low quality soils and a tendency to poor drainage has preserved the dune and links
areas from urban and industrial use. Essentially conservational use or, effectively,
minimal use in the form of light grazing or low density recreational activity, has
protected the majority of dune and links areas. Outwith the coastal towns there are few
signs of direct alteration to the coastline in the form of groynes, sea-walls, piers and
harbours. There is little pollution or effluent discharge. Moreover, there is little
indication that this condition will alter; if anything the forces and mechanisms for
coastal management and conservation embodied in planning strategies is becoming
stronger. Thus, bearing in mind that this is part of Lowland Britain with a developed
economy and a moderate population density (much of which is located along the
coast), it is fortunate that such a high proportion of the coastal resource base remains
remarkably intact and conserved. The broad planning strategy for future management
might, therefore, appear to be that of preserving or maintaining the status quo whilst
allowing local, well-managed developments to proceed, as long as they conform to a
general regional plan for balanced coastal zone development.