Areas of Population Growth

Question 1

Counter-urbanisation:

Answer 1

When a large number of people move from urban areas into surrounding rural areas.

Question 2

Causes of Counter-Urbanisation

Answer 2

• The rise in personal wealth and mobility has made rural-living more accessible.
• Increase in number/type of services e.g. supermarkets, cashpoints, pubs & restaurants.
• Many people moving here are elderly, attracted by the mild climate and beautiful scenery.
• Modern technology (including the use of email, video-calling, fast internet connections and teleworking), offers people and businesses greater flexibility as to where work takes place.
• Over the last 60 years, a 3500 kilometre motorway network has made cities more easily accessible for affluent motorists living in the countryside.
• Lots of new detached houses, converted barns or cottages and expensive estates.
• Good public transport links.

Question 3

Example: North Somerset

Answer 3

• Many workers in Bristol commute from North Somerset. They often commute on a daily basis and the settlements they live in become known as dormitory villages (e.g. Nailsea, 8 miles south-west of Bristol).
• House prices here are an average of £311,586 (the UK average house price is £234,466).
• The population increased 25% between 1981- 2011 (compared to 13% increase across the rest of the UK).
The village of Nailsea is close to the M5 motorway, Bristol Airport and a railway station.