Special quality: Settlements & Communities

# Potential impacts of climate change

Changes to ground conditions may favour more intensive farming methods such as conversion of pasture to arable
Unsuitable conditions may lead to abandonment of some agricultural areas or to an increase in the size of areas being managed as smaller landholdings are consolidated
Enlargement of fields would lead to hedgerows and walls being removed and the traditional patterns of enclosure being lost
Larger landholdings could lead to more industrialised techniques being used, and landlords that may not live in the area managing the land. Traditional methods of farming and local relationships with the land may be lost
Some traditional farm buildings may be abandoned or replaced
Some buildings could be repurposed for new opportunities such as holiday cottages
Modernisation of buildings may cause issues with damp and rot if ventilation is reduced

Increase in insect pests and mould growth, affecting the structure and interior of buildings from field barns to country houses
Wooden buildings are particularly susceptible to insect pests, rot, and fungus
Culturally important collections and interior fixtures in country houses may be damaged or lost
Damage will require intrusive renovation work that may affect the people who live or work there
Plants may become increasingly vulnerable to new pathogens that spread into parklands (areas with low plant diversity are particularly at risk)
Pest outbreaks may be increased further as visitors from beyond the park boundary unwittingly bring in pests or pathogens while exploring any of these sites

Increased plant growth of some species could affect the structural integrity of buildings and the maintenance levels needed in gardens and parklands
Plant compositions may be altered affecting landscape aesthetics
Increased growth of species such as ivy and moss may damage garden ornaments and walls

Greater subsidence in soils could cause historical buildings to become unstable, with damage done to the structure and repair work needed
Damage to isolated farm buildings may go unnoticed and unrepaired
Transport links may be affected by ground subsidence. Roads in particular, especially those running alongside rivers or on shale measures, are at risk of collapse
Access may be affected as routes are closed for repairs, or in extreme cases permanently closed

Historical buildings, including both listed buildings and traditional farm buildings, are likely to be damaged
Damage to buildings and their interiors may be amplified due to the historic nature of guttering and roofing styles, and in most cases the inability to update these structures
Wind damage may affect chimneys and spires especially if poorly maintained
Some traditional farm buildings may be abandoned or replaced
Gardens, parklands, and buildings may be more susceptible to pests and disease due to water damage or increased stress. Some may be lost or damaged
Parkland trees and traditional boundaries could be affected, altering landscape aesthetics
In parklands greater erosion on riverbanks caused by floodwaters and storm pulses may contribute to subsidence of neighbouring land
Access may be affected, with road and rail closures during storms and afterwards to repair damages. Those near rivers or containing bridges are most at risk
Local events may have low attendance or be cancelled