The AONB remains a very rural area. However it has not escaped entirely from modern development. New land uses have started to impact on the AONB.

Recreation

It is not until the late 20th century that the history of creating areas for purely recreational purposes has had a landscape scale impact upon the AONB. The creation in the modern era of a suite of recreational facilities including holiday villages, safari parks, golf courses, caravan sites and playing fields has in some respects transformed the way that many people, especially visitors, interact with the landscape of the AONB. This influence is especially noticeable around Longleat in the north west corner of the AONB.

Follow the link to download Section 5.7 of the HLC Report PDF (887 Kb) - a more detailed description of recreation in the AONB.

Industry

The history of industry in the Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Down AONBs has tended to be small scale and local as befits a predominantly rural area. Several quarries are still operational today providing greensand stone, chalk and the famous Chilmark stone. Several other relic quarries survive. These relic quarries are joined by the footprint of a disused brick and tile factory to paint a picture of small scale local industry serving local villages and farms and the surrounding market towns.

The industrial development of the AONB in the 20th century has followed a slightly different course, with the expansion of small scale commercial endeavours situated away from villages and farm complexes. This includes a wide range of activities including modern telecommunications, game farms, granaries and commercial chicken farming.

The greatest impact has been from the creation of purpose built trading estates, business units and distribution centres with the importation of associated urban infrastructure including new traffic systems, street lighting and signage.

Follow the link to download Section 5.8 of the HLC Report PDF (721 Kb) - a more detailed description of industry in the AONB.

Military

The picture to the right illustrates the footprint of Blandford Race course, which was transformed into Blandford Camp in the 20th century. Along with the smaller Knook camp in the north of the AONB, Blandford Camp represents the only large scale military presence in the AONB. This contrasts greatly with the large and permanent military activity which occurs on the Salisbury Plain military training area just beyond the northern boundary of the AONB.

Follow the link to download Section 5.10 of the HLC Report PDF (420 Kb) - a more detailed description of the historic character of military activity in the AONB.