Changing Places

Place overall detailed meaning

Place is multi-dimensional for geographers.

• It can be seen as a definite location on a map or the description of the human and physical characteristics of a particular location.
• It can also include the subjective aspects such as emotional responses to place, or film, media, photography, art and media representations of place.

Why is place important?

• It is the reason why people are constantly arguing about things all over the world.
• We feel passionately about places and their meanings, and this can lead to conflict.
• As the world changes - this can cause place meanings to change, or it can cause conflict between people, or it can
  cause places to become unequal for some more than others

e.g. solar panels on a historic building, death tourism such as selfie at Auschwitz

Place meaning

is somewhere with meaning to you

Placelessness meaning

is somewhere that could be anywhere

Space meaning

is just a geographical location that has no meaning to you

What were 3 fundamental aspects of place as a meaningful location political geographer John Agnew outlined?

The political geographer John Agnew outlined 3 fundamental aspects of
place as a 'meaningful location':

• Location, locale and sense of place

Location meaning

where a place is on the map, its latitude and longitude coordinates

Locale meaning

​Locations in a place that are ​associated with everyday activities e.g. school, sports ground, church, home. These settings affect social interactions and help to forge values, attitudes and behaviours

Sense of place meaning

the subjective and emotional attachment to a place, its meaning.

Glastonbury location

• Glastonbury is in the county of Somerset
• Located 23 miles south of Bristol

Glastonbury locale

• Has its own unique character

• Historic old town, home to a number of visitor attractions including Glastonbury Abby (a monastery) and Glastonbury Tor

• The Visit Britain website describes it as alive with a history that sits comfortably alongside colourful myth and legend.

• The Abbey was an early centre of pilgrimage and many believe King Arthur is buried amid the ruins.

• Said that a young Christ also visited Glastonbury and that the Holy Grail is hidden nearby.

• Glastonbury Tor: terraces from a maze that guided pilgrims up the sacred hill, as the hill has a religious history with evidence of Pagan and early Christian settlement

• Quirky independent book shops abound selling everything from healing crystals to cakes.

• The National Trust describes Glastonbury as being one of the most spiritual sites in the country. Its pagan beliefs are still very much celebrated.

Glastonbury sense of place

• Glastonbury is a place of great spiritual importance for people interested in paganism, religious connections or the King Authur affiliation.
• For many others, Glastonbury evokes emotions about the
  internationally famous music festival which takes place most years at Worthy Farm at Pilton on the edge of Glastonbury, (200,000 people attend)

911 Memorial location

In New York- Memorial and the Museum are located at 180 Greenwich Street in lower Manhattan

911 Memorial locale

• Set within a bustling urban enrionrment surrounded by skyscrapers, financial institutions and cultural landmarks
• Part of a redeveloped area that includes the One World Trade Center, the 9/11 Museum, and a transit hub

911 Memorial sense of place

• Evokes deep emotions of grief, remembrance and resilience

• Cascading waterfalls and engraved names of victims, create a solemn atmosphere

• Site is both a place of mourning and a symbol of unity, honouring

• Sense of place differs for a grieving mother of a victim of the 9/11 attack who states "cold, stark, deep water feature that just goes down, down, down. It was not a place of comfort for me"., while a tourist states "Breathtaking. Words cannot express how beautiful this place is"

What experiences do visitors want?

Survey of visitors to Morecambe Bay

• Most popular reasons people gave for visiting the area was for its beautiful scenery (68%)
• Almost 90% of respondents are interested in visiting areas where they can see wildlife
• Over 40% of people visited, or planned to visit a cultural or historic attraction.

What influences attachment

• Often attachment is influenced by the depth of our knowledge and our understanding of a place.

• Increases with age as we learn more about our home.

• Quality of the experience also influences our attachment to a place. The more enjoyable the experience or the greater degree to which we feel safe in a place (where all our needs are met), the more attached we feel to it. It becomes home.

Identity and Place

• Our sense of a place, the meaning we give to a location, can be so strong that it features in a central part of our identity. Place can therefore be critical to the construction of identity.

• It can form part of our memories, thoughts, values and settings (e.g. home, school and the neighbourhood) and the relationship between these settings.

• Place identity develops as you see yourself distinct from, but related to, the physical environment.

e.g. those from Liverpool may call themselves or be called scousers. Their place may be intertwined with their identity.

How might a local sense of place be fostered?

• Reading local newspaper (e.g. Our Berryfields is a quarterly magazine delivered to over 3000 homes- encourage to hear news from residents, details of events, achievements and successes of residents)
• Playing for a locals sports team
• Attending a local fair

What scales can identity be evident at?

Localism, regionalism, nationalism

Localism meaning

• An affection for or emotional ownership of a particular place.
• This is not normally seen in a political sense.
• But it can be seen through 'nimbyism', where people do not want changes or developments occurring in the region where they live

e.g.

Regionalism meaning

• Consciousness of, and loyalty to, a nation or distinct region with a population that shares similarities.

e.g. Claims for independence from larger bodies such as the nation state. Great examples of such separatism include the Basque country in North West Spain

Nationalism meaning

• Loyalty and devotion to a nation which creates a sense of national consciousness.

• Patriotism could be considered as an example of a sense of place.

• It can be engineered by governments and media and is often described as patriotism.

e.g. UK's Brexit movement, where sovereignty and national identity were prioritized over regional integration with the EU

What is an example of how a place has become very much intertwined with identity?

West Hollywood is an example of how a place has become very much intertwined with identity.

West Hollywood

• Its identity is linked to gay men- when it was founded in 1984, it was an oasis for gays; a place where they could be better protected from gay-bashing, find support during the AIDS crisis and fight discrimination. Its nickname was Boystown.

• CIty's gay population of 40%

• However, West Hollywood has also helped to shape the identity of gay people themselves.

• West Hollywood soon developed a reputation as a
  self-governed gay city and became a vanguard for
  progressive legislation, social change and LGBTQ+ culture.

Well-being meaning

• The overall state of an individual's or community's health, happiness, and prosperity.
• Encompasses physical, mental, and social aspects of life and is influenced by factors such as economic stability, access to resources, and social relationships.

Belonging meaning

• To belong means to be part of the community.

• Belonging is increasingly seen as one of the key factors that makes a place sustainable and successful.

What do regeneration schemes focus on?

Regeneration schemes now focus as much on the social environment as the built environment and health and well-being are viewed to be much better when there is a vibrant, harmonious and inclusive community.

How is Balsall Heath an example of a community with belonging?

• Since 1994, a group of Balsall Heath residents have successfully battled drugs, prostitution and unemployment destroying the heart of their community.
• By picketing, rallying and setting up a progressive local forum

Balsall Heath previously

• Notorious for crime and prostitution and currently within the 20% most deprived areas in the UK
• One of the forums original founders --> in 80s there was high unemployments, gangs and a spiralling crime rate which made living in Balsall Heath frightening
• Area was known as "Little Amsterdam" with almost 500 women working in a four mile radius
• Gangs ran the street and drug dealers were on corners from 10 am to 4am
• Police were incapable of addressing the neighbourhood's problems
• Locals held placards demanding change, noted down number plates of the kerb crawlers and held posters to shame them "your wife will find out"
• Developed a street watch by gaining support from local churches/mosques/synagogues and within 6 months crime rate had dropped

Balsall Heath now

• Area transformed from a red-light district into a thriving, family-friendly neighbourhood.
• Litter picker, youth awards, interfaith celebrations, food banks
• Ensure needs of people living in the streets are met with tailor-made services
• First in an urban area to go to a referendum - a testament to the kind of collective activism more often associated with villages.
• Picketers transformed to street wardens improving local environment
• Partnerships with more than 50 local groups, with initiatives covering social welfare, projects visiting elderly residents and training and employment
• New found community cohesion- forum set up in 1994 with six paid employees, 500 volunteers, it runs micro residents group, all attended by local police and council officers
• "People want to contribute more when they are included and treated as part of the solution not the problem,"
• By 2008 survey revealed- 70% of those in Balsall Heath felt they could influence occurrences in the area, 86% of the ethnically mixed populated felt that people with different backgrounds get on ell together, 89% felt satisfied with their local area

What makes a great place?

According to project for public spaces:

• Sociability: volunteerism, safe evening use, neighbourly, number of children, women, adults & elderly
• Uses & Activities: local businesses, property values, rent levels, retail sales
• Comfort and Image: low crime statistics, high sanitation rating, environmentally green
• Access and Linkages: pedestrian activity (walkability, convenience), low traffic, accessible parking

Insider Perspective meaning

A viewpoint from an individual within a place/who lives there and has an experience of the place

Outsider Perspective meaning

A viewpoint of someone who is not from the certain place/doesn't live there/has little or no experience of that place

What ways can be people be excluded by?

• Spatially
• Socially
• Politically
• Economically

How people may be excluded: SPATIALLY

• Hostile architecture such as anti-homeless benches to deter rough sleepers from using public spaces by making it uncomfortable or impossible to sit or lie down
• Physical barriers such as Berlin Wall which is built to divide East and West Berlin
• Outskirts of an area may feel excluded form city centre culture

How people may be excluded: SOCIALLY

• Far from family so may be excluded from celebrations
• Language barriers can lead to social isolation due to fear of being misunderstood/unable to communicate

How people may be excluded: POLITICALLY

• Places politically oriented can exclude those who don't agree and they may feel judged and unwelcome e.g. majority conservatives and few labourers

• People brought up in Amish family from birth and it is estimated that around 15% of Amish people leave the community

• Conflict e.g. Rwanda

How people may be excluded: ECONOMICALLY

• Lower income individuals may have less opportunities- financial burden can restrict access to recreational activities e.g. more than a fifth (22%) of adults who reported borrowing more or using more credit between September 2022 and January 2023 reported a low happiness score
• Those in a similar tax bracket may form a close group, excluding those with LI
• Gender pay gap (women earn 7.0% less than men)

Place Attachment meaning

• Is sometimes used interchangeably with sense of place to mean the relationship or emotional bond developed between people and place
• Can help a place become part of a person's self-identity

What term did Yi-Fu Tuan introduce?

The term topophilia to describe the love that people feel for particular places

Give an example of where some people form attachments?

• Some people form attachments to the atmospheric characteristics, physical scenery and landscapes found in British countryside, as they can offer mental and physical respite from the stress and mundane nature of daily life.

• Helps to explain why 85% of the 16.4 million annual visitors to the Lake District have been there before.

Tripartite Model of Place Attachment

3 separate but overlapping dimensions of place attachment:

• Person
• Place
• Process

Tripartite Model of Place Attachment: PERSON

Cultural/Group:

• (religious/historical)
• Mecca or Jerusalem, or on a smaller scale, churches ro shrines, are central to many religions and their meaning are central to many religions and their sacred meanings are shared among worshippers
• Groups may become attached to areas wherein they may practice and thus preserve their culture. Culture links members to place through shared, historical experiences, values and symbols

Individual:

• (experience, realisations, milestones)
• Places gain meaning because of personal experiences
• E.g. where I first met my significant other. It is often the experience in that place (rather than the place itself) that creates attachment

Tripartite Model of Place Attachment: PLACE

Social:

• (social arean/social symbol)
• Attachement due to social relationships and so attachment is directed to others who live in the place rathe than the place itself
• Can be linked to a sense of community

Physical:

• Person may become attached to the physical features of a place such as the built environment or meaning of these features

Tripartite Model of Place Attachment: PROCESS

Affect:

• (happiness, pride, love)
• Person-place bonding requires an emotional connection to a particular place
• Attachment is normally defined in positive terms: the desire to maintain closeness to a place is an attempt to experience the positive emotions a place may evoke

Cognition:

• (memory, knowledge, schemas, meaning)
• Memories, beliefs, meaning and knowledge that individuals associate with place make them personally important and therefore help form place attachment

Behaviour:

• proximity-maintaining, reconstruction of place)
• Attachment expressed through actions, typically maintaining close proximity to a specific place or reinventing or their current environment to look like home (or the place they are specifically attached to)

What characteristics to consider for insiders and outsiders?

• Place of birth
• Status (citizenship)
• Language capability
• Social interactions (behaviour and understanding)
• State of mind

Place of Birth

Insider:

• Born in X or their parents were born there

Outsider:

• Not born in X, they are an immigrant and/or their parents and grandparents were immigrants

Status

Insider:

• Permanent resident
• Holds a passport in Country X
• Can work, vote claim benefits like free housing and healthcare

Outsider:

• Temporary visitor
• Holds foreign passport and/or limited visa to stay in X
• May not be able to work, vote, claim benefits
• May be travelling for business/in search of work, pleasure, safety (an asylum-seeker)

Language Capability

Insider:

• Fluent in the local language

Outsider:

• Not fluent. Does not understand the local idioms (variations or slang)

Social Interactions: behaviour and understanding

Insider:

• Understands unspoken rules of the society of X
• Conforms to local norms

Outsider:

• Frequently makes faux pas or misunderstands social
  interactions

State of mind

Insider:

• Safe, secure, happy- feels at home or 'in place' in Country X

Outsider:

• Homesick, alienated, in exile- feels 'out of place'

UK Rural Areas

• 13 areas that are designated national parks
• Receive over 100 million visitors a year

What is the percentage of ethnic minorities in the UK?

• According to the Office of National Statistics in 2006, 7.9% of the UK population belonged to a non-white ethnic group.
• Distribution of ethnic minorities is usually confined
  to inner city areas.
• Highest concentration of ethnic minorities: London, Birmingham, Liverpool and Manchester.

Exclusion in Rural UK

• Countryside of the south of England in particular has been held up as a significant national icon, to inspire patriotism
• In 2001, a UK National Parks visitor survey showed that less than 1% of visitors to National Parks were of a black or ethnic minority (BME) background (the percentage of the UK population is around 10%).
• Not just BME groups that are underrepresented in rural areas --> disabled people, inner-city residents and youths are less likely to visit rural areas (young people aged 16-24 make 13.1% of the English population but only 2% of Lake District)

What are the reasons ethnic minorities are underrepresented in rural England?

• Barriers for underrepresentation include cost, lack of awareness, transport and a perception by some of racism in the countryside

• Most immigrant populations arriving in England have moved into urban areas- are most concentrated in London and the South East due to seeking job opportunities/higher standard of living. London, in particular, is the most popular destination, with over 40% of its residents born abroad. People are unaware of facilities.

• Meanings of place can be shared or contested between members of the same community. This can explain why local farmers with ever-declining incomes and tourist industry workers see the Lake District as a place closely associated with long hours and low pay, and not necessarily a place of relaxation and beauty.

Why is it an issues that ethnic minorities make up only 1% of the total visitors to national parks?

• National parks in UK are maintained through government taxes for the refit of everyone, therefore everyone has the right to use and enjoy them
• Issues of health facing Black and Ethnic Minorities can be remedied by building a relationship between the environment and exercise.
• Low activity levels are a concern- heart disease, diabetes and obesity amongst certain ethnic group are all problems but regular physical activity is proven to have a positive impact
• Governments suggest walking for 30 minutes each day is needed to maintain a healthy lifestyle

Mosaic

• January 2009 a national project called Mosaic began, with a purpose of building links between black and ethnic minority communities and organisations such as the National Parks

• Train individuals in map reading, walking with groups and skills to campaign and work with the media to report to their communities, organise trips and promote national parks

• Aim to train 200 people between 2009 and 2012 and to ensure 4000 ethnic minorities have direct experience with a national park --> focused on long lasting links between the outdoors and ethnic minorities

• Scheme receives support from the national lottery, this increasing changes of success

Has Mosaic been successful and how it works?

• Educating black and ethnic minorities about outdoors is needed, with educators who are willing to listen and learn about their culture
• High level of care and interest in relating to people from ethnic minority communities, has helped build trust and bonds between educator and group
• Mosaic and use of positive images of BEM in communication and leaflets will introduce many more ethnic minorities to the outdoors

Exclusion of homeless

• spikes to prevent homeless people sleeping as it is rough surface

Shared spaces meaning

A street or place designed to improve pedestrian movement and comfort by
reducing the dominance of motor vehicles and enabling all users to share the
space rather than follow the clearly defined rules implied by more
conventional designs

What are the features of shared spaces?

• Removal of traditional delineators between pedestrians and vehicles (e.g. kerbs and controlled crossing points)

Pros of shared spaces

• More equity and power for pedestrians as there is more convenience to cross and move around
• Users have to share space with pedestrians, they will naturally drive slowly and cautiously so reducing accidents
• Aesthetically pleasing due to no roadside duties
• Quicker and easier to build due to no need to have traffic lights or road lanes
• Wheelchair users lack of kerbsides

Cons fo shared spaces

• Requires more spatial awareness
• Potentially dangerous and increase in injuries
• Inconvenient for drivers as they have to wait for people to cross and could increase congestion
• Takes time for users to adapt to the new system
• Harder for emergency systems to get past
• Those on crutches may feel fearful and not have a level of comfort that they will have sufficient time to cross road and be visible
• Dangerous and discriminatory as it is difficult for visually impaired people, who are at greater risk of being knocked down by other road users and it is difficult to identify kerbs since so shallow and no controlled crossings

New tactic to exclude the homeless

• Residents/homeless charities have raised fears that Wycombe District Council resorted to insidious measures to dole people out High Wycombe's multi-storey car park as temp plummeted below zero (Feb 2017)
• Loud, repressive music is deigned to drive vulnerable rough sleepers on the streets is being pumped into town centre car parks

How do different group feel about this new tactic?

• Wycombe District Council: Is a cheap and simple way to reduce the nuisance caused by rough sleepers in the town's car parks.

• People sleeping rough: Is deliberate and anti-social attempt designed to prevent them from resting in the day in a sheltered environment.

• Elderly shoppers: Makes the car parks a more friendly, less alienating environment. The presences of rough sleepers can be intimidating in a confined space.

• Local residents: Has created more problems than it has solved. Rough sleepers and their make-shift cardboard shelters are now on the streets around the car parks. This action threatens the welfare of rough sleepers in winter.

Endogenous factors meaning

• Originate internally
• Components of local geography
• May include aspects of site or land on which the plane is built
• Also include the demographic and economic characteristics of the area, as well as aspects of the built environment and infrastructure

Character of a place meaning

Refers to the physical and human features that help to distinguish it from another place

• Character is often a combination of natural and cultural features in the landscape and generally includes the people who occupy the place

Endogenous factors examples that contribute to the character of a place

• Land Use (agricultural, urban, industrial)
• Topography (hills or mountains)
• Other Physical Features (floodplain, river, valley, geology)
• Infrastructure (motorways or single-track lanes, rail connections, distance to an airport)
• Demographic characteristics (size, gender, ageing or youthful population, ethnic makeup)
• Built environment (Georgia, Edwardian, Victorian, Modernist or high tech)
• Location (proximity to other settlements, main roads, height above sea level, coastal location)
• Socio-economic characteristics (employment opportunities, primary/secondary/tertiary/quaternary, amenities, mobility, educational attainment, income, health, crime rates, local clubs)

Endogenous: Land Use Example
(that contribute to the character of a place)

Refers to the ways in which land is used and modified by people for various purposes, such as residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, or recreational areas

• A place could be thought of as rural if the land use is farming
• For example, 69% of Scotland's total land area is used for agriculture, with the majority of the land classified as rural
• Influences character of a place as it is less densely populated due to job focus in agriculture, with a pop of 5.4 million which is 51 million people less than England
• Agricultural land use has led to many farmers' markets across Scotland, which can lead to a stronger sense of community through individuals shopping locally and supporting small businesses

Endogenous: Topography Example
(that contribute to the character of a place)

Means the height and shape of the land, and the arrangements of the natural and artificial physical features of an area

• Topography provides the geology in the area, which means that rock types available locally in an area will be used for buildings
• Evident in Bath, where all the buildings appear to look similar due to the abundant local supply of golden coloured stone from the topography used for buildings
• Influence the character of a place as people may feel more connected through social cohesion from a similar and distinct building look

Endogenous: Other Physical Features Example
(that contribute to the character of a place)

Refers to a natural characteristic of the Earth's surface, such as mountains, rivers, lakes, and deserts

• River Nile in Egypt is a primary water source spanning 6650km
• 95% of the the 80 million population live within 12km of the river due to water reliance
• Influences character of a place as areas near the river are densely populated
• Societal tension for scarce resource of water as well as squabbling

Endogenous: Infrastructure Example
(that contribute to the character of a place)

Basic systems and services, such as transport and power supplies, that a country or organisation uses in order to work effectively

• World's first metro is the London Underground, opened in 1863 and connects to 272 stations
• Facilitates easy access across London and connects different neighbourhoods and communities --> influences a more diverse and inclusive community
• One of the fastest modes of UK public transport so it is extremely crowded
• Vital in contributing to the character of a place by being very rushed and busy, as well as having the least car use due to the extensive public transport facilities

Endogenous: Demographic Characteristics Example
(that contribute to the character of a place)

Variables within a nation's population, such as age, gender, income level, marital status, ethnic origin and education level

• London is the most ethically diverse trigon in the UK, with 287 ethnic groups represented
• 46% of Londoners identity with Black, Asian, mixed or other ethnic groups compared to only 14% in the rest of England
• Influences the character of a place through more multicultural restaurants, shops, music and languages (over 300 languages spoken in London, more than any other city in the world)
• Notting Hill Carnival: city's biggest street party filled with Caribbean colours, music and flavours. Elaborate floats, costumed performers and dancing to the sound of steel bands and calypso music to celebrate diversity in London

Endogenous: Built Environment Example
(that contribute to the character of a place)

Man-made structures, features, and facilities viewed collectively as an environment in which people live and work

• Halifax in West Yorkshire, is often referred to as the most Victorian town in England due to its extensive Victorian architecture and history as a thriving industrial town
• Attraction to the town of nationally renowned architects displays the importance of the town as a textile giant --> contributes to character of a place by reflecting its history in textiles
• Influences the character of a place as its rich Victorian heritage is distinct across UK bringing 8.2 million tourists in 2022

Endogenous: Location Example (that contribute to the character of a place)

Refers to where a place is on the map, its latitude and longitude coordinates

• Kings Langley is a village in Hertfordshire, England, 23.5 miles north-west of London thus making it a popular commuter village
• Location gives routes into different parts of London quickly for road travel through the M1, M25 and A41
• Influences character of place as Kings Langley's close proximity to London means it will become a ghost town as people will work in the nearest urban area (London) so majority of people aren't there during the day. No one will be there to use local facilities so pubs/bars will close down or be opened for limited days/hours.
• Facilitates a weak sense of community

Endogenous: Socio-Economic Characteristics Example
(that contribute to the character of a place)

Refer to the combination of an individual's social and economic position, often based on factors like education, income, and occupation

• Chelsea is a wealthy area of London, with a median income of £1.2 million
• Occupations at Chelsea include Football Club, celebrities
• Influences the character of a place as the shops in Chelsea are high end luxury brand names, boutique ships, top-end eateries that cater to the affluent population. It creates a more lavish lifestyle and encourage more wealthy people to live there
• A large proportion of Kensington and Chelsea students attend independent schools (45.3%), much higher than both London (10.1%)

Dialect meaning

A particular form of a language which is peculiar to a specific region or social group

How do accents and dialects contribute to a sense of place?

• Act as cultural and social marker that reflect a community's identity and history
• Accent tells a listener about your biological make-up, social class, ethnicity, geographical origin, even how you are currently feeling physically and emotionally
• Sharing local slang can create a close-knit community
• e.g. Ay up me duck' is a common greeting in Derbyshire that translate to hello my duck, where duck is an affectionate term for another person

How might dialects and accents lead to negative to inaccurate images of a place?

• May lead to a negative or inaccurate imaging of a place due to stereotyping and thus hiding the diversity within a place

Qualitative Information

Descriptive information that focuses on concepts and characteristics, rather than numbers and statistics

• Methods include focus groups, in-depth interviews, and reviews of documents for types of themes

• More subjective

• More descriptive or text based

• Often more in-depth data but on few cases

• Statistical tests can't be used

Quantitative Information

Data represented numerically, including anything that can be counted, measured, or given a numerical value

• Surveys, structured interviews and observations and reviews of records or documents for numeric information

• More objective

• Number-based

• Less in-depth but more breadth of information across a large number of cases

• Statistical tests used for analysis

What quantitative data could you find to tell us about the character of a place>

Census data:

• Age
• Employment status
• Education
• Home Ownership

Exogenous Factors Meaning

• Factors that originate externally and include links to or influences from other places
• Might include aspects of situation or position of the place such as distances from and route ways to other places and the accessibility of the place
• Relationships with other places are shown by the movement or flow of different things across space such as people, resources, money, investment, and ideas

Exogenous Factors Examples (that contribute to the character of a place)

• People: Migrants or workers come from outside a place to live or work
• Capital: Investment from a business based outside the area
• Resources: Raw materials, transport infrastructure
• Ideas Urban planners, architects, businesses and artists may bring ideas to shape and change a place

Exogenous Factors that have influenced the character of WENDOVER (location and accessibility)

- Kings Langley is a village in Hertfordshire, England, 23.5 miles north-west of London thus making it a popular commuter village
- Location gives routes into different parts of London quickly for road travel through the M1, M25 and A41

- Train station provides fast and easy access back into London
- Trains come frequently throughout the day, with a short journey time of 30 mins
- located near the Chiltern Hills, area of outsatnding natural beauty so residets have access to the countryside
- Influences character of place as Kings Langley's close proximity to London means it will become a ghost town as people will work in the nearest urban area (London) so majority of people aren't there during the day. No one will be there to use local facilities so pubs/bars will close down or be opened for limited days/hours.
- Facilitates a weak sense of community

Exogenous Factors that have influenced the character of NEWQUAY (tourism)

Tourism is an exogenous factor because it originates from outside a place and brings in people, money, and ideas, impacting its economic, social, and cultural character

1. Airport Connectivity

• Newquay Cornwall Airport has improved accessibility
• Funded by central gov subsidies (e.g. Public Service Obligation routes with lower fares)
• EU funding helped redevelop and modernise the airport structure (1.3 funded by EU)
• Connects Newquay with major cities: London, Manchester, Edinburgh
• Thus increasing flow of people by supporting short-stay tourism, weekend breaks and off-peak travel

1. Tourism Hotspot

• As a result Newquay has become a well-known tourist hotspot, due to coastline exposed on the North coast of Cornwall with world class beaches, dramatic clifftops and recognition as the 'surf capital' of the UK.
• Seasonal visitor peaks (366,000 staying visitors. in 2017 and 622,000 day visits --> normal population of 24,800
• Seasonal influx influences the local economy and the character of the town, leading to the growth of tourism-related businesses such as surf shops, cafés, and gift stores.
• Tourism is 25%-28% of gross value added of Cornwall, and the visitor economy could be as much as £2.4 billion over the year

1. Rick Stein (additional to tourism flows, external investment has influenced)

• Television chef and seafood expert Rick Stein is expanded his Cornish catering empire with a £1.6m investment in a hotel and two new restaurants in the surfing centre of Newquay.

• In 2017, they employed an average workforce of 298, making it one of the largest private sector employers in Cornwall

• New economic opportunities

• Altered the town's seasonal rhythm,

• Contributed to a more diverse and dynamic local character

Exogenous Factors that have influenced the character of PETERBOROUGH (immigration has had a great impact on this place)

Migration is an exogenous factor as it is a shifting flow of PEOPLE.

• Over 28% of Peterborough's population is foreign-born, above the 17% average for England and Wales

• Past two decades, migration has been a major driver of Peterborough's population increase e.g. between 2003-2013 24,000 migrants moved into this city

• Drawn to warehouse, logistical and factory packing jobs

• Struggling to cope with uncontrolled migration

• Migration boosted population numbers but Peterborough receives less funding for policing, local gov and public health than it should

• Difficult for people to get housing as new houses that were built were given to all the foreigners that were coming in --> In 2024, Peterborough council has bought 40 homes to be used by Afghan and Ukrainian refugees. --> Unfair for those waiting on council house wiring list and can lead to societal tensions as social housing is prioritised for migrants

• Not much integration as immigrants keep to themselves

• Can't get a doctor's appointment, kids start school not knowing how to speak English

• Poland is the next most represented nation, with 8,300 residents (3.9 percent) reporting it as their country of birth.

Near Place meaning

Somewhere that an individual/society perceives as being physically close either by being accessible or spatial close. This could also be from a sense of attachment.

e.g. local park, local cafe, childhood home

Far Place meaning

Somewhere that an individual/society perceives as being physically distant,
generally inaccessible. Beyond spatial distance, this can be shaped by networks of infrastructure or access to them. This could be from a lack of attachment.

e.g. Sydney Australia from England

Experienced Place meaning

One in which a person has actually spent time within. This could even be for a short period, but the person has the experience of being there.

• Contrasts with "media places," which are locations only known through media like books, films, or social media.
• Direct sensory experience of being in a place can foster a stronger sense of connection and attachment compared to simply observing it through media.

e.g. Vacation destination

Media Place meaning

Refers to a location that is experienced indirectly and which we have opinions based on through different media representations rather than through personal, direct experience

• Use of Google maps, Street View is one way we can "visit" a place in a virtual sense

e.g. foreign city seen in a movie, Hogwarts in a book

Genius Loci meaning

• A term used by planners to describe the key characteristics of a place, with which any new developments must concur.

• A location's distinctive atmosphere or a "spirit of the place" often influenced by its history, architecture and natural surroundings

e.g. Disneyland Paris, Lake District

Aylesbury Media Representations: MUMSNET FORUM

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/education/4748616-thinking-of-moving-to-aylesbury

Mumsnet Forum (22nd and 23rd Feb 2023)

• Inquiry about moving to Aylesbury from Manchester for work
• Has children of young ages (5 and 7) and is concerned about grammar school facilities and if traffic is really that bad

Represents Aylesbury:

• Negative outlook on Aylesbury
• Two comments on traffic "traffic us bad and is even worse with HS2 destroying the surroundings" and "traffic is abysmal"
• "Aylesbury really not that nice"
• "Non-grammar schools in Aylesbury are really poor. If your children don't get into a grammar school they're screwed."
• Recommendations to other areas, with two voicing Waddesdon as a good alternative to secure an excellent secondary school and if not able to get a grammar school place

Positives of the source:

• Insights from residents of Aylesbury and ultimately provide their opinion to answer the inquiry question
• Recent posts written by people from the area so very relevant

Negatives of the source:

• Not representative of Aylesbury as whole, since it focuses on the traffic and school aspects
• Only 7 responses/insights so it not representative of a large proportion of people's views of Aylesbury

Sense of Place:

• Congested and stressful place during peak rush hours as a result of abysmal traffic
• Poor secondary education options available for children, who are unable to pass the 11+ so a non-inclusive environment

Aylesbury Media Representations: BBC ARTICLE- MURDER IN CANAL

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-60491396#:~:text=A%20convicted%20killer%20who%20was,Aylesbury%2C%20Buckinghamshire%2C%20last%20April.

BBC Article- Clive Porter: Killer on the run convicted of canal murder (24/02/22)

• Convicted killed who was on the run for 16 years found guilty of the murder of former police office on a canal towpath

• Killed has spent 12 years bending bars after being convicted of torturing and murdering a couple in Poland in 1993 before absconding form prison in 2005

• Fingerprints proved he was a wanted double killer said Thames Valley Policy

• Clive Porter, who had previously served for 30 years as an officer with Hertfordshire Police, died after he was found seriously injured in a ditch by the Grand Union Canal

• He had been working for the Canal and River Trust and was putting an enforcement notice

• Clive's wife states: do not understand why anyone would want to kill such a quiet, kind, gentle man who was just doing his job

Positives of the source:

• 62% of people who watched BBC News rated it highly for being “accurate and reliable” —> one of the most trusted news so factually reliable

• Written sources often evoke a sense of how it feels to be in that place

Negatives of the source:

• Although BBC news is one of the biggest news providers the information is still likely to be biased, as they want to release stories that will attract attention and that lots of people will read to generate money/profit so more negative news --> not representative of Aylesbury

Sense of Place:

• Creates a dangerous sense of place and portrays Aylesbury in a negative light

• People may feel fearful of being attacked, without provoking

• Suggest that crime rates are high/ serious crimes occur in Aylesbury which can detract people from wanting to visit

Aylesbury Media Representations: FRIARS SQUARE AYLESBURY BROCHURE

https://fmx.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/FriarsSqAylesbury_Brochure-1.pdf

Friars Square Aylesbury Brochure (24/08/23)

• Extremely positive outlook discussing achievements, investments, facilities and growth in Aylesbury
• Describes Aylesbury shopping centre as "vibrant shopping & leisure destinations in affluent Aylesbury, Bucks"
• Aylesbury is a great place to grow
• Achieved purple flag status for its evening economy
• Facilities: The Exchange (£3.3m leisure destination opened in 2019 including Nando's, Wagamama, Lounges and Odeon), Aylesbury Bus Station (Over 2m passengers use the bus station each year), Friars Square (300,000 sq ft, 40 stores, 5 cafes and restaurants), Award winning Waterside Theatre and development of Waitrose, Travelodge and Bucks New University Campus
• Easy access to London as it takes 53 minutes
• Described to be booming with potential of 16,000 new homes with an increasing population of 30,000 + with awarding Garden Town Status
• 4M annual centre footfall
• Ranked 27th of the top 50 rural places to live in 2018
• Primary (70,000), Secondary (44,000) and Tertiary (175,000)

Aylesbury Media Representations: FRIARS SQUARE AYLESBURY BROCHURE (part 2)

https://fmx.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/FriarsSqAylesbury_Brochure-1.pdf

Positives of the source:

• Appears reliable with relevant statistics to support point
• Visually highlights key points with images capturing the positive outlook of Aylesbury
• Uses a map to breakdown key facilities available in Aylesbury, which is easy to follow and see locations

Negatives of the source:

• Focuses particularly on the shopping centre so only representative of that and not wider Aylesbury
• Posted on FMX Urban Property Advisers, who are involved in promoting and managing Friars Square retail space so will be biased to highlight the positive aspects

Sense of place:

• Multiple achievements of Aylesbury (Garden Town Status, 27th rank, purple flag status) --> strong sense of community pride
• Abundance of job opportunities across various sectors so all skills/trades valued and needed
• Up and coming place (key words such as economic growth and booming) with lots of future development through regeneration schemes (market square set to be transformed as part of £4.5m public realm improvement project)
• Busy and popular place that is full of life with a high footfall

Aylesbury Media Representations: CHAIRMAN OIL CANVAS PAINTING

https://artuk.org/discover/artworks/view-of-market-square-aylesbury-230928

Oil canvas painting of the town centre by Chairman

• A view of market day with coloured stalls. Clock Tower is on the right; the painting also depicts a row of buildings later demolished in the Friars Square development.
• Consists of bright colours that show lots of people at a busy market
• Artist enjoys the town market viewing it positively as a lively place

Positives of the source:

• Shows Aylesbury historically and
  can be compared to more recent photos/ paintings to show have the environment / sense of place has changed overtime

Negatives of the source:

• Usefulness is limited as it was painted in 1947, which means it doesn't help understand the current state of Aylesbury but rather its past
• Painting may not be entirely accurate at helping understand the local place as it is up to artist interpretation so it may depend on the personal experience the artist has had in Aylesbury

Sense of place:

• Portraying Aylesbury as a bustling market town, and the vibrant colours can suggest that it is an exciting, busy and happy environment
• Strong sense of community through local markets showing people supporting small businesses and shopping local --> quaint and friendly community

Aylesbury Media Representations: FICTION STORY OF HOLLY AND IVY

https://www.discoverbucksmuseum.org/aylesbury-and-the-christmas-story/

The Story of Holly and Ivy Fictional Book (published in 1958)

• Written by English author Rumer Golden
• Warm-hearted Christmas fantasy that was set in Aylesbury
• Book featured drawings of the station and Old Town by American illustrator Adrienne Adams
• Converging stories of a little doll called Holly in a toy shop in the Buckinghamshire town, and a girl called Ivy.

Positives of the source:

• Lived in Buckinghamshire in the 1950s at three different addresses around Speen, 10 miles from Aylesbury, and must have known Aylesbury well
  Negatives of the source:
• Published in 1958 so not an accurate representation of Aylesbury currently, but can be useful in understanding Aylesbury's heritage and changes of the place when comparing current media sources
• Author Rumer Golden didn't live in Aylesbury, so doesn't have firsthand insight as a resident so may be biased to certain aspects
• American illustrator may not have been able to capture the true essence of Aylesbury since not lived there
• Book is fictitious so the setting may not be a true representation to understand Aylesbury.
• Visual sources through book illustrations are less helpful at understanding Aylesbury as they can be a dated, personal interpretation that may not fully represent Aylesbury.
• Also set at Christmas so doesn't represent Aylesbury throughout the year

Sense of place:

• Strong sense of heritage and history as 60 years on, Aylesbury's Old Town (the area around Church St, Castle St, Temple St and Parson's Fee) retains its core atmospheric details
• Visuals in the book, Aylesbury is presented as a quaint cosy town with families going on walks

Aylesbury Media Representations: BUCKS HERALD KAREENA KAPOOR KHAN

https://www.bucksherald.co.uk/news/people/bollywood-superstar-kareena-kapoor-khan-spotted-filming-in-aylesbury-3882528

The Bucks Herald (newspaper) published Bollywood Superstar Karen Kapoor Khan Spotted Filming in Aylesbury (17/10/22)

• Filming a movie called Buckingham Murders with a scene featuring Aylesbury town centre
• Film crews were spotted filming outside of Aylesbury Crown Court. Large crowds gathered to see the actress with 9.7 million insta followers
• World-famous actress, who is reported to be one of the best-paid stars working in the giant filmmaking industry
• When filming stopped for lunch at Tiffin and Thali restaurant on Exchange Street for a traditional Indian dish

Positives of the source:

• Posted on Bucks Herald, which is rated to be least biased based on minimal editorialising of content. High rating for doctoral reporting due to the use of credible sources and a clean fact-check record

Negatives of the source:

• Not representative of Aylesbury as it is just a one time visit, and it was not for her personal pleasure but need for the film

Sense of place:

• Community pride (particularly those interested in Bollywood) to host a six-time
• Encourage more people to visit Aylesbury, as many
  people are fans of her/film so would like to see areas
  of where the film was shot
• Those not into Bollywood will not care or know here, however the comparison to "It's like Angelina Jolie just walking into your restaurant" makes it appear impressive to all
• Encourage visitors to Tiffin and Thali (must be good as famous celebrity at there so people may want to try) --> excitement and pride for restaurant