European Travel Geography: New Forest - Coursework Example

Running Head: European Travel Geography European Travel Geography: New Forest Submission European Travel Geography: New Forest Introduction This article, we would conduct a concise evaluation and descriptive study of a rural destination in the sphere of European travel geography. The rural destination in Europe chosen for the purpose of this paper is the New Forest. New Forest, also known as a royal forest, is located in southern Hampshire of the United Kingdom. In this paper, a reflection on the concept of rural destination has been presented followed by a descriptive study of the New Forest. Natural environment of the district is the main area of focus along with discussions on landscape, flora and fauna, scenery, attractions, etc. The place has a tourism based rural economy with a lack of heavy industries leading to the preservation of natural wealth and traditional economic activities like animal husbandry, gardening, farming, etc. The district is an interesting place in the map of Western Europe and the British Isles. Why should you go to a Rural Destination? Geographical tourism is considered both as social and cultural activities, particularly in the context of rural destinations. It establishes a dynamic relationship between geography and sociology highlighting the geographical aspects of leisure economies. (Burton, 1998) Further, rural destinations are becoming more important in travel geography since tourists are becoming increasingly frustrated with pollution and industrial life. Tourism is increasingly rapidly, and hence, “While basic tourism principles remain, applications must constantly be re-evaluated in light of new developments.” (Goeldner and Brent-Ritchie, 2009, p. i) So, to attract high income groups from industrial regions, rural destinations are adapting per the modern way of life. “To successfully move towards adaptation, supply and marketing of alternative offers need to be strengthened.” (Hoy, Hansel and Matschullat, 2011, p. 459) All in all, rural destinations have become places of prime tourist interest owing to their scenic beauty and varied natural environments. In England, the government has made every attempt to maintain its natural wealth and cultural antiquity even in the face of extensive and rapid industrialisation. The New Forest is such a place, where English culture and natural charm have been sincerely preserved. These sort of rural destinations have lots of offerings for the tourists, particularly those who come from industrial and urban environments. Location of the Selected Destination New Forest is an exquisite rural destination in England located in the southern Hampshire. The nearby metropolitan area is Southampton which is only two hours drive from London. The New Forest Site for Special and Scientific Interest (SSSI) is situated in the New Forest National Park which covers a large area in the central-southern England bordered by the Cotswolds or Heart of England in west. (Edwards and Grant, 2011; Henderson, 2007) Landscape New Forest is a large contiguous area which has uncultivated natural vegetation adorning the lowland region of UK. It is mostly covered by broadleaved woodland. This is little different than the rest of England because there is no significant urban planning and gardening in the area. Hence the naturalistic looks have been preserved. Moreover, the grasslands form extended plains across the region with rich, natural heath-lands. These heaths further show wet and muddy soil at places. Since the early 20th century, the Forestry Commission has set up tree plantations known as enclosures. (Henderson, 2007; Flower, 1980) Further, New Forest is washed by the rivers Aron Water, Beaulieu River and Lymington River flowing to the south. It is drained to west by the streams like Linford Brook, Dockens Water, Latchmore Brook, etc. Thus the area has a similarity with the small catchments of fluvial deposits that we can see in other parts of Europe like Germany and Czech Republic. (Dotterweich, 2008; Young, 1979) The rural landscape also shows some undulating features near Nomansland and the highest points are Telegraph Hill and Pipers Wait (Henderson, 2007). In sum, the place shows a plain topography criss-crossed by small water bodies developing gentle slopes and variety of grasslands. Natural Environment New Forest is a visually pleasing historic region and the landscape has high ecological significance. It has large areas of natural lowland habitats dotted with rural and agrarian settlements. There are the deciduous woodlands, dry heaths, wet heaths and valley bogs. Moreover, it is very rich in wildlife. (Thubbs, 2001) Contextually, Edwards and Grant (2011) point out that the area has elevated levels of biodiversity, as compared to the urban and agricultural regions which enfold it. Hence, New Forest attracts many na­tional and European directions on habitat and species conservation. The medieval era wood-pasture arrangement maintained through cus­tomary rights is renowned as an inimitable cultural quality which is intimately linked to the Forest’s exquisite landscapes and ecology. This beautiful natural environment can really entertain the tourists, particularly those who are urbanites. Once can draw in large amount of fresh air in his/her lungs, and rejuvenate both mentally and physically. In today’s world of pollution and global warming, this place is really a natural relief full of greenery. Flora and Fauna Rare plants like marsh Gentian and marsh Clubmoss are found here. Holocene vegetation typical to this area further enriches the old-growth wood-pastures. Cicadetta Montana is a rare cicada species found in New Forest and it is the only organism of this variety native to England. (Waller and Schofield, 2006; Mountford et al, 1999) Reptiles like snakes and sand lizards are also found here. The damp environment of river valleys helps the snakes like adder, grass snake and smooth snake to thrive well in the area. The New Forest Reptile Centre is a notable place where reptiles typically found in England have been conserved. (New Forest Official Website, 2012; Grant and Edwards, 2008) Moreover, donkeys and ponies freely roam about in the woodlands. The cattle are of different breeds and cross-breeds which have been brought in from the continental Europe in the various stages of history. British Whites, Kerrys, Dexters, etc. are some notable cattle breeds. Likewise, deer remain a prime attraction of the forest. In fact, the ancient rulers often used this place as a hunting ground, and hence thousands of deer were brought here. Some notable species are fallow deer, red deer and roe deer. Besides, there are polecats, otters, minks, etc. (New Forest Official Website, 2012; Loyn, 1991) Scenery The woods form a sort of mosaic that contains plantations, dry and wet moors and grazed lawns. The scenery has profuse sights of traditional forestry and indigenous usage of natural wealth. There are a number of forest villages and rural settlements. These traditional English hamlets are made wealthier of natural beauty by over-mature woodlands of large beech. The ecology is however gradually transforming and the Forest Commission is facilitating a managed and maintained regeneration cycle. This has given rise to a woody, green landscape intersected by gentle streams. The overall greenery is soothing to the visitors’ eyes, and the small rivers provide fantastic romantic appearance to the entire area. Moreover, the animals freely graze across the moors and pastures. Thrilling sights of running deer are pleasant indeed. New Forest can thus be marked as one of the most visually pleasing rural destinations of this world. An over-mature beech tree in the New Forest Source: Grant, M.J. and Edwards, M.E., (2011, p. 52) Attractions Just at a two hours driving distance from London, the New Forest region provides a fantastic retreat together with its national park, hamlets and conserved areas for scientific research. According to the New Forest Visitor Website (2012), “There is something for everyone in The New Forest, whether youre looking to relax, explore or just enjoy, The New Forest is the ideal location.” There are several country houses, holiday cottages and luxury hotel facilities in this beautiful place. Further, tourists can enjoy self catering vacation cottages, caravan and camping sites. There are various kinds of holiday parks which can suite everybody’s budget, style and purpose. If you are a bird watcher, wildlife lover or have scientific enquiry … come to the New Forest! The main places of attraction are New Forest Reptile Centre, Blackwater Arboretum, New Forest Wildlife Park, New Forest Museum and Visitor Centre, Exbury Gardens, etc. Moreover, the forest has excellent paths for safe cycling and Brokenhurst and Burley are two principal cycling facilities. The walking thoroughfares are also highly famous and coveted among tourists who are interested in geographical tourism. (New Forest Visitor Website, 2012; Henderson, 2007) Conclusion The countryside of the New Forest is sometimes described as idyllic, owing to its wooded hilltops, fields, and meadows. In the south-west, New Forest rises up to a low or medium height highland area which is also called Cotswolds. The river valleys are located mainly in the south. This combination of diverse landforms has led to rich flora and fauna, natural vegetation, variety of sceneries, lakes and woods. The New Forest National Park makes the area an ideal target for scientific and environmental enquiry. In sum, this place has almost all the attributes of a rural destination that an ideal European travel experience should witness. Modern tourism management according to the dynamics of the tourist industry can help the New Forest to prosper and flourish. List of References Burton, R. (1998) Travel Geography. London: Longman. Dotterweich, M., (2008) The history of soil erosion and fluvial deposits in small catchments of central Europe: Deciphering the long-term interaction between humans and the environment - A review, Geomorphology, 101, pp. 192-208. Flower, N., (1980) The Management History and Structure of Unenclosed Woods in the New-Forest, Hampshire, Journal of Biogeography, 7, pp. 311-328. Goeldner, C., & Brent-Ritchie, J. (2009) Tourism: Principles, Practices, Philosophies. Hobokon: Wiley. Grant, M.J. and Edwards, M.E., (2011) Long-term perspectives on an iconic landscape: Origins and future trajectories of the “Ancient and Ornamental Woodland,” New Forest, UK, PAGES News, 19, 51-53. Grant, M.J. and Edwards, M.E., (2008) Conserving idealized landscapes: past history, public perception and future management in the New Forest (UK), Vegetation History and Archaeobotany, 17, pp. 551-562. Henderson, N. (2007) A Walk Around the New Forest: In Thirty-Five Circular Walks, London: Frances Lincoln. Hoy, A., Hansel, S., & Matschullat, J. (2011) How can winter tourism adapt to climate change in Saxonys mountains. Regional Environmental Change, 11, pp. 459-469. Loyn, H.R., (1991) Anglo-Saxon England and the Norman Conquest. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Mountford, E.P., Peterken, G.F., Edwards, P.J. and Manners, J.G., (1999) Long-term change in growth, mortality and regeneration of trees in Denny Wood, an old-growth wood-pasture in the New Forest (UK), Perspectives in Ecology, Evolution and Systematics, 2, pp. 223-272. Tubbs, C.R., (2001) The New Forest: History, Ecology and Conservation, New Forest Ninth Centenary Trust. Waller, M.P. and Schofield, J.E., (2006) Mid to late Holocene vegetation and land use history in the Weald of south-eastern England: multiple pollen profiles from the Rye area, Vegetation History and Archaeobotany, 16, pp. 367-384. Young, C. R. (1979) The Royal Forests of Medieval England. Philadelphia, PA: University of Pennsylvania Press. Read More