River features and land uses vary along the course of a river. Conflicts can arise between the different land uses and solutions must be adopted to minimise these disputes.
Mainly hill sheep farming because of poor soils, steep slopes, cold weather, high rainfall and exposed hillsides.
Middle course
A mixture of dairy and arable farming as slopes are gentler, soil is more fertile and the weather is better. Flatter land also makes it easier for cattle to graze and machines to work the fields.
Lower course
Deep fertile alluvial soils on the floodplain of the river allow crops to be grown.
Weather is much better which allows crops to ripen before harvest.
Much flatter land allows machinery to be used.
Dairy farms are close to settlements to sell their produce.
Forestry
Upper course
Thin soils, steep slopes and poor weather conditions may make forestry more economical than farming.
Industry
Lower course
On the flat land of the floodplain close to the sea, heavy industry such as iron and steel works are located because of the large amount of flat land required, eg River Tees.
Raw materials can be transported to factories by river, eg oil to Grangemouth oil refinery on the River Forth.
Gentler slopes and good access via roads and railways to both lower and upper course features means lots of tourists stay here in Bed and Breakfasts (often provided by farmers) and caravan and campsites.
Fishing is a good source of income for landowners.
Water storage and supply
Upper course
Reservoirs - dams have been placed across fast flowing rivers where V-shaped valleys are narrow (easy to dam) and high rainfall means lots of water can be collected for towns lower down the valley. Where rocks are impermeable water storage is easy as the water does not drain away.
Renewable energy
Upper course
Hydroelectric power (HEP) can be generated in the upper course of a river because of high rainfall and steep slopes which provides fast flowing water to turn turbines and generate electricity.