Landscape is more than just scenery: it is the interaction between people and place; the bedrock upon which our society is built. Landscape is what gives meaning and value to the world around us, contributing greatly to our sense of identity and quality of life. Landscape does not just mean rural; it includes urban areas as well as inland water, coastline and marine areas. Landscape includes both beautiful and everyday places, as well as those in need of restoration.

Landscape makes connections between people, between people and places, and between society and its environment. Landscape links culture with nature, and the past with the present. The European Landscape Convention 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.'