Marlborough Sounds Resource Management Plan 29 May 2014 and water resources. The rural character is both physical and visual. The distinct rural character is reflected by a mosaic of areas, being: • Native shrublands; • Native grasslands; • Exotic grasslands; • Exotic forests and woodlots; • Exotic shrublands; and • Remnant indigenous forest mainly on steeper, privately owned land. Rural activities are a mix of: • Pastoral farming in the outer Sounds and hinterland valleys based mainly on sheep, cattle, and deer; • Dairy farming on the fertile valley soils; • Exotic forestry in the Sounds and hinterland areas; • Mineral extraction, especially aggregate for road construction and maintenance, although some extraction of precious metals continues; and • Service facilities for rural activities. Tourism and recreation based on rural resources and the lifestyles of rural based dwellers is becoming increasingly significant. There is a continuing demand for rural land for rural tourism and recreation use. The present trend towards diversification of rural land use patterns leads to an overall landscape which reflects the decisions of individuals. These changes occur to the physical development of rural areas, the social fabric of rural communities and demand for services in them. As well as direct forms of planning controls Council is able to influence rural resource users by providing advice designed to: • Increase their use of new, innovative technologies; and • Provide access to results of research. Factors restricting appropriate use and development may include risk from natural hazards, presence of areas of high ecological value, landscape or recreational values. 11.2 Issue The adverse effects on resources from activities in the rural environment. The rural environment in the Marlborough Sounds is intimately linked with settlements and protected open spaces and ecosystems that combine to produce a unique environment. The rural environment is typified by close economic, social and physical links between the rural resources and the people who live and work within them. 11 - 2