Chief scientist calls for land management overhaul

Parts of the UK could face water shortages, rising house prices and increased threats to wildlife and landscapes unless major changes are made to the way in which land use is managed, a report has warned today.

The Foresight report, which is backed by the government's chief scientific adviser, professor John Beddington, warned that climate change, rising populations and urbanisation will increase pressure on the UK's infrastructure.

"Our land is a finite resource, and it is set to come under increasing pressure as the century unfolds," said Beddington. "Factors such as climate change, demographic shifts and changing patterns of work and habitation will all create major challenges."

The increased demand for food and energy crops coupled with the need for housing and recreation space will put pressure on certain areas, particularly the South East, the report said.

It warned that pressure on available land will be exacerbated by anticipated changes in the climate such as warmer, wetter winters and hotter, drier summers, which will affect water supplies, increase flood risks, and could damage wildlife habitats such as ancient woodland.

Currently only 10 per cent of land in England is developed – with half of that made up of gardens – while 12 per cent is forest and woodland, and three quarters is farmed.

The report said that options for better land management include new incentive schemes to encourage landowners to provide environmental services such as flood storage, water supplies, wildlife protection and access for people to enjoy the great outdoors.

It added that actively promoting and providing incentives for the " multifunctional" use of land, for example by combining recreation and farming land, could help ease pressure. However, it warned that land management institutions and partnerships would be essential to help manage the inevitable tensions that would arise from greater multifunctional use of land.

In addition, the report called for greater awareness of flood and drought risks when making planning and infrastructure decisions.