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The landscape of the Two Dales, which we recognise today, has been produced as a result of traditional farming practices grouse shooting and moorland management. Over the centuries, the gradual enclosure of all but the uppermost slopes of the dales created the characteristic mosaic of dry-stone walled compartments and stone field barns. These traditional farming practices together with estate and land management have had an important influence in shaping the landscape in recent times. Their value economically and historically is important in both the wider context and to the local community. In much of the dales the lead mining industry was an important part of the local economy.
After farming the lead mining industry has had the greatest man-made
impact upon the landscape of the dale. Spoil heaps from lead mining and
processing and the scars of open workings are responsible for much of
the barren and bleak parts of the dale especially on the moorland. Many
former mining tracks are now public rights of way.
Some extractive processes such as hushing (the controlled release
of torrents of water to release overburden from the lead vein and to remove
spoil) have exacerbated the naturally fast flowing and erosive nature
of the river and contributed to its famous scoured appearance.
