For such a small country, our rural landscapes are extraordinarily diverse. They are much loved and long appreciated. For many people our rural landscape is central to our national identity.
Landscape

Breadcrumbs

Our national heritage

Stone circle © Countryside Agency
For such a small country, our rural landscapes are extraordinarily diverse. They are much loved and long appreciated and for many people are central to our national identity.


Much of this diversity is due to different physical factors, such as the underlying geology, landform, soils and ecology. But diversity isn’t simply a matter of physical geography. People interact with the land to create places.

This unique combination of physical and human factors has shaped landscapes of outstanding scenic, historic or scientific interest: our national heritage.

Assessment of outstanding land

Natural England's knowledge of the range of landscape type and quality throughout England provides a benchmark for assessing land.

Our professionally qualified staff receive special training for this work and use a standard assessment process to ensure consistency across the country. We consider a range of criteria including rarity, representative of its type, cultural value, consensus of opinion, aesthetic appeal and condition.

Informal advice    

Natural England may be able to give an informal indication whether land is of outstanding scenic interest. This informal advice does not commit us, HM Revenue & Customs or any other body to any future decision. 

For advice please contact Amanda Mathews:

Natural England,
John Dower House, 
Crescent Place, 
Cheltenham, 
Gloucester. 
GL50 3RA.
Tel: 01747 871679