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Why is this theme important to small towns? |
Small towns are often far more connected with nature in comparison to big cities. In the cities, most natural areas have been built upon. Small towns expanded throughout their history at a slower pace, and therefore did not permanently destroy as much of the natural environment (although in some areas the natural heritage - especially habitats - may have suffered heavily from intensive agriculture).
Areas of natural heritage can be of particular relevance to small towns for a wide range of reasons. This is in part because small towns normally serve as gateways to natural areas for quiet contemplation, recreation or ‘recharging the batteries’. Natural heritage can be an important character feature that adds value to the sense of place experienced by local residents. It can serve as a drawing factor for tourists, contributing to the local economy. It could function as vital breeding ground or important habitat space for indigenous wildlife. It could also have all of these attributes.
Although people may move to rural areas for natural heritage, there is often an issue with its lack of accessibility to sites and countryside in general in these areas. As well as recreational benefits access to natural heritage around small settlements has advantages for environmental education in both a formal and informal setting.
The natural features of the land were often a crucial reason for locating a town in particular place. These might have been natural defensive characteristics of the landscape or accessible and valuable resources such as rivers, lakes, and forests. Nowadays these areas provide aesthetic experiences and are great facilities for relaxation, sightseeing or education for the residents and visitors.
Natural heritage often determines the character, culture and identity of a small town (see ‘Identity & Culture’ component). Natural sites in vicinity of small towns can provide great facilities for relaxation and outdoor sports and therefore can greatly contribute to residents’ wellbeing (see ‘Healthy Living & Community Well-Being’). If the natural heritage in the town is of exceptional beauty, and properly promoted, it can significantly increase the volume of tourism (see ‘Tourism’ component), which in turn can create new jobs (see ‘Jobs & Employment’ component) for residents. Access to natural heritage around small settlements has also advantages for environmental education (see ‘Environmental Quality’ component) in both formal and informal setting.
Natural heritage, especially one of outstanding value, can form the core of a small town marketing strategy - such as for example in Łeba, Poland where the unique sand dunes and sea have their place in the promotional logo of the town (see ‘Marketing & Promotion’ component).
Small towns, especially the expanding ones, should also remember that natural heritage comes with not only benefits, but also obligations. It can be dramatically influenced by town’s rapid expansion. Therefore special attention should be paid to issues such as long term planning (see ‘Long Term Planning’ component), housing (see ‘Housing’ component), new investments and management of transportation around the town (see ‘Transportation & Infrastructure’ investment component). Also, for a small expanding town, it is necessary to take good care of issues connected with waste and water management, as these can influence natural heritage and environment in the most substantial way, if improperly managed (see ‘Waste, Water, and Energy’ component).
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