Transforming landscapes and identities in the south Wales valleys

Abstract

In contrast to the declining socio-economic legacy of the loss of coalmining and heavy industry, the landscapes of the south Wales valleys have witnessed a remarkable environmental transformation within living memory. Yet an apparent paradox exists between reported community pride in these landscapes with emerging community-led economic initiatives, and seeming indifference towards or disconnection from them. In this paper, we draw upon analysis of qualitative material from two pieces of research in different Valleys’ localities to explore landscape relationships with respect to radical landscape changes, reported disconnections and emergent community-led countryside activities. We consider these in the context of emerging models and notions of landscape identities. We conclude that the changed landscape character in the Valleys is impacting on landscape perceptions, valuation and uses with new existential identities emerging amongst some. Greater insights into evolving landscape identities might inform better land use policy and natural resource management to bring about socio-economic and environmental benefits.

Keywords:

• Landscape transformation
• landscape identity
• rural
• urban
• community
• landscape disconnection

Acknowledgements

We thank Storyworks UK, Artis Community and community groups for co-producing the Story Studio, funded by the AHRC Stories of Change project: AH/L008173/1; and the editor and anonymous reviewers for their very helpful insights and constructive suggestions.