Breadcrumbs
Importance of landscapes recognised with UK Government signing of European Landscape Convention - 24 February 2006
The ELC defines landscape as ‘an area, as perceived by people, whose character is the result of the action and interaction of natural and/or human factors’. Landscapes have important cultural, ecological, environmental and social dimensions and are a key element of achieving sustainable development. The ELC should ensure the importance of landscapes, whether rural or urban, built or natural are recognised, understood and integrated into policy and decision-making.
The Countryside Agency’s Landscape Programme Director Keith Buchanan said:
“England’s distinctive and varied landscapes are the basis of our identity and reflect local cultural influences as well as rich environmental diversity. Signing this convention affords our landscapes the recognition that they deserve.”
“Effective, forward looking sustainable planning and management of these landscapes will be at the heart of Natural England’s work, helping to deliver a better natural environment and the wider benefits that distinctive landscapes brings to people and places.”
The UK is already putting much of the principles of the ELC into practice. For example the concept of landscape character – what gives a location its unique sense of place and identity – is already used to help manage and monitor changes in rural land use. A printed Character Area map of England, which outlines all 159 Character areas in England, is available from the Countryside Agency press office or visit http://www.countryside.gov.uk/LAR/Landscape/CC.
The Natural England partnership will be working with Government and others to develop an implementation strategy to help promote and develop the principles of the ELC through its work.
ENDS
For more information please call Matthew Heard or Beth Rose in the Countryside Agency press office on 07900 608 168 or 01242 533306.
Notes to editors
1. * The Natural England partnership consists of the Landscape, Access and Recreation division of the Countryside Agency; English Nature; and the Rural Development Service,
2. The European Landscape Convention opened for signature in Florence on 20 October 2000. Jim Knight, Minister for Rural Affairs, Landscape and Biodiversity announced the UK signing of the European Landscape Convention today (24th February 2006)
3. The Character Map of England – Landscape, Wildlife, Natural and Cultural Features has recently been republished by the Countryside Agency and outlines 159 Character Areas across England. The map can be obtained free from our publications warehouse quoting CAX191.
4. Landscape Character Assessment: Guidance for England and Scotland was published in 2002 by the Countryside Agency and Scottish Natural Heritage. It is a tool for understanding the character of landscapes. Character makes each part of the landscape distinct and gives each its particular sense of place.
Following publication of the draft Natural Environment and Rural Communities Bill in February, English Nature, the Rural Development Service and the Countryside Agency’s Landscape, Access and Recreation division are working towards integration as a single body: Natural England It will work for people, places and nature with responsibility for enhancing biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas; promoting access, recreation and public wellbeing, and contributing to the way natural resources are managed – so they can be enjoyed now and for future generations.
English Nature is the independent Government agency that champions the conservation of wildlife and geology throughout England.
The Rural Development Service is the largest deliverer of the England Rural Development Programme and a range of advisory and regulatory rural services. With the administration of a multi-million pound grant budget for schemes which support land management, rural businesses and rural communities, the Rural Development Service is the single largest organisation working for the benefit of rural areas in England.
The Countryside Agency’s Landscape, Access and Recreation division aims to help everyone respect, protect and enjoy the countryside – protecting natural landscapes; and encouraging access to, enjoyment of and sustainable management and use of the countryside.
