Physical geography · Both
Distinctive Landscapes of Wales
Welsh case studies bring physical and human geography together – glaciated uplands, heritage coastlines and pressures from tourism and farming.
Physical character
• Upland plateaus and mountains shaped partly by past glaciation
• River valleys and coastal cliffs
• Varied geology creating diverse scenery
• Weather and relief effects on settlement and farming
Human use and pressure
• National parks and protected landscapes (conservation vs access)
• Tourism: jobs and income, but congestion, path erosion, housing pressure
• Farming, forestry and renewable energy in rural areas
• Managing visitors and conserving environments is a key decision-making theme
Practice questions
1. Give one physical feature typical of upland Wales.
2. Name one conflict in a national park.