Wild and rugged landscapes that have inspired generations of writers and artists are in rapid decline, according to a conservation report.

Upland areas of Britain are suffering from a combination of neglect and apathy, which is causing them to deteriorate despite their popularity with tourists.

Among the most serious concerns are the degradation of habitats important for wildlife and a decline in the quality of water used to supply towns and cities.

About 40 per cent of Britain is formed of upland landscapes but they are some of the most ignored parts of the country, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) concluded.

The importance of upland regions goes largely unnoticed by the rest of the country, the report said, and a disproportionate number of their farms and other businesses are close to collapse.

The uplands carry out vital environmental roles including forming natural flood defences, storing carbon, supplying drinking water and providing habitat for wildlife.

“Our uplands cannot be left to decline in the face of neglect, apathy and a lack of vision,” said Mark Avery, director of conservation for the RSPB.

“We should place them at the centre of a rural renaissance and protect them as the green lungs of the country, while rewarding those who manage them for the benefit of people and wildlife.”

Farmers, forestry workers and managers of grouse and deer for hunting were highlighted by the report as the main protectors of uplands, but the RSPB is concerned that they get too little support to do an effective job. Often the work carried out on behalf of businesses does the landscape more harm than good, such as inept attempts to burn off grass and heath that can badly damage the habitat.

The report, The Uplands – Time to change?, highlights the poor condition of many upland areas as being among the chief concerns, even though more than 7,700 sq miles (20,000 sq km) lie within protected national parks.

Water quality is in decline because of discoloration caused by the erosion of peat, a problem that is reducing the ability of the uplands to soak up and hold rainwater. Equally, the loss of peat reduces the quantity of carbon that the land can absorb. Uplands are estimated to store 5 billion tonnes of carbon. Dr Avery said: “Managed properly, our upland soils can continue to store huge amounts of carbon, soaking up thousands of tons a year which would otherwise contribute to global warming.

“They can store rainwater, releasing it safely and reliably. All this, while offering a physical refuge for some of our best-loved plants and animals and a spiritual refuge from the pressures of modern life.”

He added: “This summer’s floods highlight all too clearly the relationship between mankind and nature. We want a national debate and we would urge everyone with a stake in and a love for the uplands to take part. It is crucial that we make the right choices now.”Angus Collingwood-Cameron, of the Country Land and Business Association, said that there needed to be more discussion was needed about how to encourage people to stay in upland areas and how to help their businesses to survive.

“If farmers end up going out of business, the danger is we will get even more severe habitat degradation and everyone will be the loser. That’s the real concern at the moment,” he said.

The RSPB report is published today in an attempt to try to focus attention on the plight of upland areas and to start a public debate about how they can be improved while giving “proper reward” to the people who care for them.

Mike Collins, of the National Trust, one of the biggest landowners in upland regions, welcomed the demand for more attenton to be paid to the uplands.

He said: “Traditionally these areas have been seen as strong and rugged, whereas they are very vulnerable. They are a very important part of the landscape.”

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