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Landscape character
The term landscape extends beyond the countryside and can include urban areas as well as mountain ranges or designated landscapes. It is about the relationship between people and place and is influenced by both natural (eg geology, climate, soils, flora and fauna) and cultural (eg historic and current land use, enclosure) elements.
Over centuries writers and artists have successfully described what is special about our landscapes, whether urban, rural or somewhere in-between. Importantly they illustrated what makes one landscape different from another.
Appreciation and understanding of landscapes have increased over time through qualitative and quantative methods associated with the social and natural sciences, often prompted by the need and desire to record, understand, influence and manage change.
Landscape Character Assessment is a technique used to develop a consistent and comprehensive understanding of what gives the countryside of England its character. It uses statistical analysis and application of structured landscape assessment techniques. Landscape Character Assessments provide more detailed descriptions at a local level within Joint Character Areas.
The Landscape Character Network (LCN) provides an important forum for sharing best practice and helping to develop landscape character.
Landscape Character Assessments are also used to inform:
- Village Design Statements (VDS)
- Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Management Plans
- The sustainability appraisal tool Quality of Life Assessment
- Townscape assessments (for more details see Countryside in and Around Towns).
A short guide, Landscape: Beyond the View, explains the influences that shape our landscapes and their character. This can be downloaded from the related documents box on the right.
For further information please contact:
Christine Tudor 01242 533 378
Christine.Tudor@naturalengland.org.uk
