Thank you, Tim, for the warm introduction, and thanks to the Royal Geographical Society for hosting us today.
I want to take a moment to honor Sir Dudley Stamp, who served as the President of the Royal Geographical Society from 1963 to 1966. In the 1930s, he led the Land Utilisation Survey of Great Britain. This was the first nation-wide study examining how land was used across our country.
Sir Dudley enlisted the help of thousands of schoolchildren and their teachers. They traveled around Britain, mapping everything from mountains to back gardens. Many of those maps are displayed here today. Some were sketched quickly, while others were meticulously detailed.
Regardless of their execution, these maps are treasures, offering a vivid look into land use in England, Wales, and Scotland. When World War II broke out, they became vital tools for local War Agricultural Committees, who used the information to optimize food production.
But our connection to the land goes much deeper. Our landscape tells the story of our culture, our joys, and our sorrow. Over time, it has transformed with our growing and shrinking population, wars, epidemics, and changes in industry. Traces of our ancestors are embedded in our fields and forests.
Take the New Forest, where trees were protected in 1697 for the Royal Navy’s timber needs. Or look at the ridges and furrows in our fields, evidence of farming practices that span thousands of years. The beautiful landscapes designed by ‘Capability’ Brown still attract visitors today, showcasing our rich heritage.
As we walk through the industrial towns, we see the remnants of the textile revolution. Canals and railways, born in the 19th century, mark our transport evolution, while the first motorway opened in 1958. These developments reflect our innovative spirit as a nation.
Our land has also shaped housing needs, as seen in the New Towns Act of 1946, which addressed the housing crisis after the war. The opening of National Parks during this time shows our desire to connect with nature.
Farmers have continuously adapted their practices to feed us, embracing new technology and nature-friendly methods. This evolution is part of a broader story that shapes England. Any corner of this country has a rich tapestry of history just waiting to be explored.
For instance, a short drive could take you to Stonehenge, the Norfolk Broads, or the dramatic cliffs of Dover. England’s small size makes its diversity both a joy and a challenge. While our population is similar to France’s, our land is significantly smaller, leading to increased demands on it.
To achieve economic growth and make the most of our land, we need better data and tools. We must produce enough food, build new homes, create clean energy infrastructure, and protect our natural resources. The landscape we see today is not just a backdrop; it’s a vital part of our future.
Since Sir Dudley’s time, advancements in data science and satellite imagery have improved our understanding of land use. Tools like Land App help us plan better. Yet, we lack a clear framework guiding how we should use our land effectively.
I’m here to ask for your help in shaping the first comprehensive Land Use Framework for England. This framework will provide the data and tools needed to safeguard our agricultural land while navigating climate change. It will support farmers in making sustainable choices for their businesses.
We face significant challenges, such as flooding, droughts, and declining biodiversity. Our rivers and lakes are under threat from pollution. But there is hope. Farmers are already innovating to boost food production, restore habitats, and revive endangered species.
By supporting farmers with better information, we can balance food production with nature’s restoration. This isn’t just a government plan; it’s a collaborative effort. Farmers hold invaluable knowledge about their land, and their insights will shape this framework.
We aim to create a system that helps all who use the land—farmers, developers, planners—make informed decisions. This approach focuses on creating harmony between economic growth and environmental health.
The Land Use Framework will also align with our housing and energy goals, ensuring we build responsibly and sustainably. We want to develop policies that work harmoniously, rather than at odds with each other.
We are drawing from various voices, including recommendations from food strategy reports and consultations. The goal is a national conversation about how we can maximize the potential of our land.
This framework isn’t about imposing rules; it’s about providing better data to make fair decisions for all stakeholders. Our farming roadmap and food strategy will inform and enrich this process.
Just as Sir Dudley sought contributions from schoolchildren decades ago, I now ask for your expertise. We need your input on what the Land Use Framework should look like and how to achieve it. Over the next 12 weeks, we’ll conduct consultations, workshops, and roundtables to gather diverse perspectives.
If we succeed, we can have a landscape that fosters economic growth while ensuring food security amidst climate change. We can enjoy vibrant ecosystems, clean waterways, and beautiful landscapes that benefit everyone.
This is about shaping the England we aspire to. Though the consultation spans just 12 weeks, the dialogue won’t stop there. Together, we will adapt and refine our approach as our landscape continues to evolve.
The wealth of knowledge held by those who have cultivated this land for generations will guide us. Let’s embark on this exciting new chapter together.
