Land use and water issues in the uplands with reference to the Plynlimon study

This paper presents the background to the catchment studies at Plynlimon, through outlining the original water resource concerns which led to the establishment of the studies, the principal land use changes, land use impacts that were considered and the principal research findings. The 'scene' is also set for the new areas of research, presented in this special issue, which are focused less on strictly water resource issues, but more on holistic concerns about the management of land use to protect and conserve the natural environment.