LITERARY LANDSCAPES NEED PROTECTION
ngland is a country steeped in the cultural heritage of our literary landscapes: from Daphne du Maurier’s rugged cliffs of Cornwall in Rebecca, to Thomas Hardy’s ‘Wessex’, which encompasses parts of Dorset and the surrounding area, in Tess of D’Urbervilles, and the Brontë sisters’ novels drawing on the windswept Yorkshire Moors.
These literary landscapes have not only inspired some of the greatest works of English literature but also continue to attract people from around the world who want to experience and be inspired by the places of their favourite authors.
Unfortunately, these literary landscapes are increasingly coming under threat. In the last few years, Winnie the Pooh’s 100 Acre wood has been under threat from housing development plans, the Sherwood Forest of Robin Hood under threat from fracking, and currently Thomas Hardy’s Dorset and J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘Shire’ in Worcestershire are under threat from solar power industrialisation.
Once gone, these landscapes will be lost forever to future generations. Under current legislation, important literary landscapes are not protected in their own right, leaving them vulnerable to industrial development.
WE WANT TO CHANGE THAT.
CULTURAL HERITAGE
Literary landscapes are a part of the United Kingdom’s cultural heritage and prolific literary history. These landscapes have inspired generation of writers and readers.
LOCAL ECONOMY
Literary landscapes are important for tourism and supporting local economies as they draw in people interested in literature and the arts.
BIODIVERSITY
Literary landscapes are often in areas of natural beauty and protecting these landscapes will help to enhance biodiversity by preserving important habitats for wildlife.
IDENTITY
Literary landscapes are often closely tied to a sense of place and identify for local communities. Protecting these can be important for well-being of local people.
EDUCATION
Literary landscapes can have an important educational role for young people. Not only inspiring a love of literature and nature but also encouraging future generations of writers.