Uploaded on 2017-03-07 by Julie Winrow

Module 8 - Compulsory Exercise 4 1. Ecosystem services in your living area a. Provisioning services Food:- North Wales is well known for the production of lamb and beef, with cheese also being produced. The rugged hillside makes it difficult to grow crops on, but sheep are able to live there and roam around freely. Even though animals graze on the land the area is relatively unspoilt due to the very strict planning permission rules for building. The many hedgerows and woodland areas around the farm land provide habitats for wild animals. It is virtually impossible to build new buildings in the open countryside. See photo a) Fresh water:- There are many fresh water lakes in Snowdonia north,Wales. The landscape has a rich diversity of vegetation and trees. b. Regulating services Local climate and air quality:- Large areas of Snowdonia north,Wales are contained within a national park. The countryside in these areas is preserved and there are large amounts of trees, which regulate and improve air quality. Carbon sequestration and storage:- Within the Snowdoina national park there are large areas of completely unspoilt countryside. There are also a number of nature reserves in the area, which are habitats to a rich biodiversity of birds, plants and other animals. The large amounts of trees remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Pollination:- There are large areas of protected countryside where Insects and wind pollinate plants and trees. Hedgerows at the side of the roads, contain many plants and insects. When you submit a planning application to extend or change the use of an existing building, especially if it has been empty for a while, then an ecological report is required. As part of the application they insist on an ecologist checking for protected, species and bats. If as part of the building application you want to remove trees or hedgerows again an Ecologist's report is required to access the impact of this. See photo b) area of outstanding natural beauty, which is protected. c.Habitat or Supporting services Habitats for species:- Ecosystems and habitats are protected by strict legislation, a protected national park and nature reserves. See photo c) protected habitat. d.Cultural services Aesthetic appreciation and inspiration for culture, art and design:- There is a strong cultural arts scene in the area with many local crafts people and artists. Every year there is a national Welsh arts and literature festival/competition with people across the country competing in it. Tourism/ Recreation and mental and physical health:- North Wales is a popular destination for holiday makers and outdoor pursuit enthusiasts. There are a number International running and bike races held in the area. Many people come to admire the unspoilt landscape, which is often used in locations for films. There is a Coastal path around the cost line of Wales for walking and cycling.Rock climbing is also very popular and Snowdon is the second highest mountain in the uk. Many holiday makers come to visit the numerous beaches. There are boat trips to see seals and dolphins. Extreme sports such as water sports have become popular in resent years. New uses have been found for disused quarries. The popular attraction the Zip wire goes across a disused quarry and is the longest and fastest in Europe. Also another attraction that receives many visors is a trampoline inside a giant quarried cavern. Spiritual experience and sense of place:- There are many churches,castles and also a number of standing stones Druid sites in North Wales. There is a famous folk law story about Llywelyn the Great, Prince of Gwynedd’s dog. The dog Gelert’s grave can be found in Beddgelert a small village that is named after the dog and you can still visit the grave today. See photo d) Cycle path.