In a small bit of land like the UK, space often appears to be at a premium, with many demands for the space available. We need food, so farming is essential unless we want to import more into the UK and rack up the food miles (or should I say food kilometres?), we need somewhere to live, so housing is essential, we need schools, colleges, universities and many other such land use, so this is essentials. We need shops, factories and other places of employment, so also essential. We mustn't forget recreation - who wants to live in a land with no place to get away from the stresses of life? So, this is also essential. And I haven't mentioned conservation, whether our historical heritage or natural world, which I would also argue is essential.
With progress comes other changes - what about growing energy crops - crops to use for the generation of energy (usually electricity), or land for wind farms or solar panels? All require and compete for the space available. Sometimes, innovative schemes are developed, such as combining farming with energy production. I have often thought of the potential conflict that may arise if we, as a nation, decide to grow more energy crops - is this in place of some food production? Not simple questions to answer.
I, like mane people, live in a small house with a small garden, which occupies land. Some people, including some not far from my location, live in huge houses with large grounds costing seven figures. There are also, of course, some living in flats (or apartments?), occupying less land per dwelling - should this be the way to go? If we all reduced our own footprint in terms of housing, there would be more space for the other things we consider essential. Sounds simple - I suspect not so! Firstly, those able to buy the biggest properties are in the minority, so any changes there are not likely to have a large impact. Secondly, gardens can be really useful places for nature, often encouraged and supported by the occupants - gardens can be important - I, like many others, took part in the big garden birdwatch. Didn't see as much as last year, but I like to think I play apart in supporting the great tits, blue tits, chaffinches and other birds that visit the feeders I keep stocked for them. The fact this research takes place gives some indication of the importance of gardens, not just for birds, but for many living things - and we get a lot of enjoyment out of seeing them!
Woodland in particular brings me, personally, a lot of joy and I often quip that we should all start the day by hugging a tree! I don't actually do that, perhaps I should! What I can say is that taking some time out in nature can keep my brain in check!
So, what to conclude? We only have a finite amount of space and should use it wisely. I read that, in the UK, the level of single-person occupancy is increasing, which has implications for the level of housing stock required. Combine this with the potential increase in population and it is clear we need to make the most of the land we have available for this, while taking account of all the other pressures and demands on the space available.
Whatever we do, we must make room for nature or, as the RSPB say Give Nature a Home, you won't regret it, though you will if we lose it.
