raising debate on the choices society and decision-makers have on guiding the future form and function of England's landscapes

Landscape futures

View of North Wessex Downs AONB
The English landscape will be subject to significant new pressures for change over the next 20 – 30 years. In some areas these could result in substantial changes to the character and function of the landscape.

We need to understand what these driving forces are, how they might impact in different areas and landscape types, and what this might mean for landscape character. This will help us to set realistic aspirations for future landscape character, and to better understand what we need to do to influence landscape change. In particular, an improved understanding of possible landscape futures will help with the development of local landscape visions and strategies.

Plans are being drawn up for a pilot project that will work with local stakeholders and use scenario development and visualisation techniques to consider the how landscapes might change in a range of Joint Character Areas.

As the first stage in this work, a literature review was undertaken to assess the extent of current knowledge in the following areas:

  • The environmental, economic, social, technological and policy drivers that are likely to influence future landscape character.
  • The effects of these drivers on future landscapes and the types of landscape or landscape features that are likely to be affected.
  • The use of future landscape scenarios, and the assumptions that have been made in their development.
  • Public views on the types of future landscapes that they would like to see.  

For further information please contact:

Andy Neale 01242 533 339
Andy.Neale@naturalengland.org.uk