Debate: The Battle for the Countryside, with George Monbiot and Rory Stewart
Sep 16, 2023
01:04:11
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George Monbiot, writer and environmentalist, joins the debate on rewilding the British uplands. Topics include the man-made nature of these uplands, the economic impact of rewilding on tourism, the importance of preserving traditional ways of life, the contrasting tree cover between Britain and Europe, the potential benefits of rewilding, the expertise of upland farmers, and the impact of predation on butterfly and songbird populations.
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Quick takeaways
Rewilding the uplands can boost local economies through increased tourism and job opportunities without relying on farm subsidies.
Predation is recognized as an important factor affecting biodiversity, with proponents arguing for restoration of natural predation dynamics and opponents emphasizing the negative effects on vulnerable species.
There is a need to find a balance between farming and rewilding, with changes to agricultural subsidies and support for nature-based economies while acknowledging the cultural significance of farming landscapes.
Deep dives
The economic benefits of rewilding the uplands
Rewilding the uplands can have economic benefits, such as increased tourism revenue and job opportunities. George Mombio argues that rewilded uplands can attract visitors and generate income without relying on farm subsidies. Mark Kocker highlights the potential for nature-based economy, citing examples of successful wildlife guiding, bed and breakfasts, and other associated activities. The cost-effectiveness of rewilding is demonstrated by the lower subsidy per visitor compared to other cultural institutions like museums.
The role of predation in conservation
Predation is recognized as an important factor affecting biodiversity. Both sides of the debate acknowledge the impact of predation on wildlife populations. However, they differ in their emphasis, with proponents of rewilding arguing that natural predation dynamics should be restored, while opponents highlight the negative effects of predators on vulnerable species. Rory Stewart emphasizes the role of predators, like foxes and badgers, in controlling populations, while Mark Kocker emphasizes the need for careful management and conservation practices to mitigate the impacts of predation.
The tension between farming and rewilding
There is tension between the goals of farming and rewilding. Minette Batter and Rory Stewart both acknowledge the economic challenges facing upland farmers. Minnete argues that changes to agricultural subsidies and support for nature-based economies are needed for farmers to make a decent living. Rory emphasizes the intrinsic value and cultural significance of farming landscapes, arguing against displacing farmers from the uplands. Both sides agree that farmers can play a role in conservation, with Minette suggesting that learning from farmers' expertise and collaboration between conservation organizations and farmers is crucial.
The need for rewilding and preserving biodiversity
Both sides of the debate acknowledge the need to address biodiversity loss and protect species for reasons beyond human use. Mark Kocker highlights the devastating loss of species and habitats in Britain, emphasizing the importance of restoring nature for its intrinsic value, cultural significance, and benefits to mental well-being. George Mombio argues for rewilding to preserve biodiversity and restore habitats that have been depleted in the uplands. The panel agrees that a balance must be struck between agriculture and conservation to protect biodiversity and maintain ecosystem services.
Challenges and opportunities in rewilding
The debate raises important issues and challenges related to rewilding. These include resistance from farmers, the impact of predation on vulnerable species, and the economic viability of rewilding projects. While opponents raise concerns about the economic viability of the uplands and implications for farming communities, proponents highlight the potential for nature-based economies and the need for careful management practices. Both sides agree that rewilding can be a valuable tool for biodiversity conservation, but that it must be approached in a way that takes into account economic, social, and ecological factors.
We tend to think of these uplands as ‘wild’ and ‘natural’. But in fact, as the rewilders point out, they are entirely man-made, the result of clearances by man to make way for millions of sheep whose grazing over the last 200 years has rendered the land bare. Sheep farming, once a major source of Britain’s wealth, is now largely uneconomic and depends on billions of pounds of subsidies. But where rewilding is taking place, in Britain and in Europe, a boom in tourism is providing a more sustainable local economy. We must make space for wild nature in places where farming does not make sense. That’s romantic tosh, say the opponents of rewilding. People matter too, and the idea that we should do away with traditional ways of life for the sake of wild bilberries and wolves is getting things out of proportion. In 2018, Intelligence Squared brought together four speakers who care passionately about the countryside but disagree profoundly on how we should manage it. Speaking for the motion were Mark Cocker, author and naturalist and George Monbiot, Guardian columnist, environmental campaigner and author of Regenesis: Feeding the World without Devouring the Planet. Speaking against the motion were Minette Batters, President of the National Farmers' Union and Rory Stewart Former Conservative government minister, whose new book is Politics On the Edge. Our chair for the event was Jonathan Dimbleby, broadcaster, documentary maker and author.
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