THE CHANGING VALLEY
The character of the Wensum Valley has been influenced by man from the post-glacial, small-scale clearances to modern day changes in agricultural policy. The process of change and influence, until the 1950s, has been a mostly gradual one, with accelerations during the period of the Enclosure Awards.
The speed at which change is now possible, with sophisticated machinery, fast-acting chemicals, and the ability to construct large-scale development on previously marginal land, has the potential to dramatically alter the Wensum Valley. Some of this potential lies outside our National boundaries, with decisions from Europe having local impacts. The Wensum Valley must be protected from dramatic changes, and any changes that are happening should be curbed and influenced to reflect the character of the Valley.
In order to gain a picture of the changing landscape in the Wensum Valley over the last one hundred years, a comparison was made between the first series O.S. 6" to the mile maps (1860-1880) and the 1987/88 1: 10000 aerial survey photographs.
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