Land use
Conflicts and solutions
The variety of land users, and the distance a river covers from source to mouth, inevitably lead to disagreements over the use of different parts of the river. As there are so many different landowners and land users many conflicts arise.
Conflict 1: tourists vs conservationists
| Problems | Solutions |
| Vehicles blocking access points to the river | In some areas national park authorities will monitor access sites to ensure they are not blocked. 'Keep clear' signs are also in place |
| Angling on the river being disturbed by other activities, eg kayaking | The 'Countryside Code/Outdoor Access Code' is promoted on TV and at local tourist information points. Wardens patrol areas to ensure that local laws are being adhered to |
| Litter left by tourists especially campers | Public bodies such as SEPA (Scottish Environmental Protection Agency) monitor water quality |
| Narrow roads and high volumes of traffic leads to traffic congestion around tourist attractions, eg waterfalls | The use of public transport and cycling is promoted |
| Problems | Vehicles blocking access points to the river |
|---|---|
| Solutions | In some areas national park authorities will monitor access sites to ensure they are not blocked. 'Keep clear' signs are also in place |
| Problems | Angling on the river being disturbed by other activities, eg kayaking |
|---|---|
| Solutions | The 'Countryside Code/Outdoor Access Code' is promoted on TV and at local tourist information points. Wardens patrol areas to ensure that local laws are being adhered to |
| Problems | Litter left by tourists especially campers |
|---|---|
| Solutions | Public bodies such as SEPA (Scottish Environmental Protection Agency) monitor water quality |
| Problems | Narrow roads and high volumes of traffic leads to traffic congestion around tourist attractions, eg waterfalls |
|---|---|
| Solutions | The use of public transport and cycling is promoted |
Conflict 2: conservationists vs industry
| Problems | Solutions |
| Dumping of warm waste water by factories into rivers affecting marine wildlife | Factories monitored and fined for illegal dumping of waste |
| Discharge of oil from large ships getting into the water and causing pollution and damage to marine habitats | Proposals to set up special Marine National Parks to protect marine life and their habitats |
| HEP stations spoiling the natural look of the landscape | HEP stations are usually located in rural areas away from towns and cities, minimising visual impact |
| Runoff from farm fertilisers can poison fish | Encouragement of organic farming on farms which are near rivers |
| Problems | Dumping of warm waste water by factories into rivers affecting marine wildlife |
|---|---|
| Solutions | Factories monitored and fined for illegal dumping of waste |
| Problems | Discharge of oil from large ships getting into the water and causing pollution and damage to marine habitats |
|---|---|
| Solutions | Proposals to set up special Marine National Parks to protect marine life and their habitats |
| Problems | HEP stations spoiling the natural look of the landscape |
|---|---|
| Solutions | HEP stations are usually located in rural areas away from towns and cities, minimising visual impact |
| Problems | Runoff from farm fertilisers can poison fish |
|---|---|
| Solutions | Encouragement of organic farming on farms which are near rivers |