An Anthropology of Landscape by Professor Christopher Tilley Professor of Anthropology & Archaeology UCL

Author:Professor Christopher Tilley, Professor of Anthropology & Archaeology, UCL
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: UCL Press

People were also asked which was their favourite Common or area of the heathlands. Two had no favourite area, one stated East Budleigh, two Aylesbeare Common and seventeen Woodbury Common.

Likes and dislikes

When people were asked what they liked and disliked about the heathlands there were a wide variety of responses. However, by far the greatest number mentioned that they liked it as a wide open space (seventeen, or 34%) and sixteen (32%) appreciated the extensive uninterrupted views. Other reasons for liking the heathland were far more variable and only given by up to eight (16%) or fewer different respondents (Table 6.3). These included mention of the many and varied paths, the fact that one was away from roads and people, that it was a variable and mixed landscape with plenty of interest and that it felt quiet, safe and peaceful. Only two respondents specifically mentioned birds, despite the fact that this is the principle reason for its designation as an SSSI. Four mentioned natural history or wildlife in general and only one the historical interest of the heathlands. As regards dislikes the majority of complaints were about dog mess not being cleaned up (22%); informants citing this included some dog owners. Seven (14%) complained about the lack of bins for dog mess and litter. Five complained about cyclists scaring dogs or horses (10%). Other comments were limited to just a few individuals. Twenty-one or 42% either did not respond or stated that there was nothing they disliked.

Table 6.3Likes and dislikes of visitors to the Pebblebed heathlands

Likes Number of respondents

Open space 17 (34%)

Views 16 (32%)

Varied paths 8 (16%)

Mixed/varied landscape 6 (12%)

Away from roads and people 6 (12%)

Peaceful, quiet and safe 6 (12%)

Trees/woodland 5 (10%)

Good for walking/cycling 4 (8%)

Good for walking dogs 4 (8%)

Wildness/uncultivated 3 (6%)

Scenery 3 (6%)

Free car parking/good car parks 2 (4%)

Freedom 2 (4%)

Memories (childhood)/personal 2 (4%)

Roughness of terrain (for biking) 2 (4%)

Extensiveness 2 (4%)

Convenience of location 1 (2%)

History 1

Big skies 1

No sheep 1

People you meet 1

Heather/gorse 1

Pebbles 1

Reservoir 1

Dislikes Number of respondents

Nothing/no comment 21 (42%)

Dog mess not cleaned up 11 (22%)

Lack of dog mess/rubbish bins 7 (14%)

Cyclists 5 (10%)

Potholed car parks 3 (6%)

Reduction in number of car parks 2 (4%)

Dislikes Number of respondents

Noisy model aircraft flyers 2 (4%)

Litter 2 (4%)

Presence of quarry 2 (4%)

Royal Marines firing 2 (4%)

Horse riders 1 (2%)

Youngsters 1

Adders and other snakes 1

Lack of signs 1

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