The Lake District as a Physically and Culturally Wild Landscape: A New Understanding of Wilderness

Keywords: a new theory of wilderness, nature/culture divide, the Lake District, the UK
Session Type: Virtual Paper Abstract
Day: Friday
Session Start / End Time: 2/25/2022 05:20 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 2/25/2022 06:40 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 28

Abstract

Wilderness has declined rapidly and systematically in the last century as a result of human activity. Specific measures are taken to “save” it, such as reducing human activity in designated landscapes to make them wilder. Also, rewilding these areas is another solution, by the reintroduction of extinct species. However, there are debates around these practices, particularly regarding eliminating almost all human activities in these areas, leading to conflicts between local communities, traditional economies and rewilding enthusiasts. Wilderness and culture are regarded as opposites in a zero-sum game.

The paper looks for a new understanding of wilderness in harmony with human activity and culture. For this purpose, the paper extends the meaning of “wilderness” and argues that wilderness is relational and objective and comprises physical and cultural elements.
Based on the data collected by secondary sources, the paper takes the Lake District in England as the case study, a controversial landscape where various approaches clash. On the one hand, it is a UNESCO world heritage site under the “cultural landscape” category due to its hill farming and associated practices and culture. It has rarely been regarded as “wild”. On the other hand, the area has become a stage for enthusiasts to rewilding. Its local culture and wildlife seem to oppose each other.