User Guide

What is landscape character?

Summary

Put simply, landscape character is that which makes an area unique.

Explanation

Landscape character is defined as 'a distinct, recognisable and consistent pattern of elements in the landscape that makes one landscape different from another, rather than better or worse'. Put simply, landscape character is that which makes an area unique.

Only by paying proper regard to the existing character of our landscapes can informed and responsible decisions be made regarding their management, and sustainable future landscapes planned for. Through understanding how places differ we can also ensure that future development is well situated, sensitive to its location, and contributes to environmental, social and economic objectives.

Natural aspects of landscape character

Summary

Natural aspects of landscape character include geodiversity and biodiversity.

Explanation

Natural aspects of landscape character include geodiversity and biodiversity. Geodiversity includes physical, abiotic aspects of the landscape including rock type, soils, water and topography, while biodiversity includes the variety of life. Some aspects of the natural landscape can be influenced by people, such as changing soil types following woodland clearance.

Cultural aspects of landscape character

Summary

Cultural aspects of landscape include the historical and current impact of land use, settlement, enclosure and other human activity.

Explanation

Cultural aspects of landscape character include the historical and current impact of land use, settlement, enclosure and other human activity. These aspects can often give evidence of great time depth in the landscape of today. Cultural aspects of landscape are expressions of identity and exist in relationship to their natural context.

Perceptual aspects of landscape character

Summary

People's perceptions have a key role to play in defining a landscape. Such perceptions are affected by demographic and temporal factors.

Explanation

People's perceptions have a key role to play in defining a landscape. These perceptions vary depending on who perceives the landscape. Landscapes are valued in different ways and in different places, at different times and for different reasons. Demographic factors such as age and gender affect how people experience the landscape and thus how it is perceived.

Landscape is perceived through sight, sound, smell and feel, and can be influenced by the weather, the seasons or time of day.

What is Landscape Character Assessment?

Summary

Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) is the tool that is used to help us to understand, and articulate, the character of the landscape.

Explanation

Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) is an approach to understanding the differences between landscapes. It is defined as 'The tool that is used to help us to understand, and articulate, the character of the landscape. It helps us identify the features that give a locality its 'sense of place' and pinpoints what makes it different from neighbouring areas.'

It provides more detailed descriptions and analysis at a local level within the national framework of National Character Areas. Communities, developers, farmers and land managers, landscape and planning professionals and others all have a role in identifying the characteristics that make a particular landscape unique, and using this understanding to plan and manage landscape change.

Landscape Character Assessment Guidance

Summary

Explanation

The Landscape Character Assessment Guidance, published by Natural England and Scottish Natural Heritage, provides advice on how to identify and express the different elements, such as woodlands, hedgerows, moors, mountains and farmland, building styles, and historic artefacts, which give a place its unique character.

The document sets out the full scope of activity potentially involved in a LCA, but recognises that it may be possible to undertake a more modest exercise that will still inform decision-making. The guidance has two parts

a basic guide to the approach and methods of LCA
a series of topic papers offering more detail on particular uses and policy contexts

The Landscape Character Assessment Guidance is currently being reviewed and updated.

How can Landscape Character Assessment be used?

Summary

Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) can serve as a framework for decision-making that respects local distinctiveness.

Explanation

Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) can serve as a framework for decision-making that respects local distinctiveness. As such, LCA is a useful tool for engaging stakeholders in sustainable development.

LCA can be used in many situations, for example in devising indicators to gauge landscape change and to inform planning, development, environmental assessment and the management of protected landscapes.

LCA is also important for the UK's implementation of the European Landscape Convention (ELC) - the first international convention on landscape, dedicated exclusively to the protection, management and planning of all landscapes in Europe. It provides a method to identify and assess landscapes and a framework for developing landscape quality objectives in partnership with stakeholders - all specific measures of the ELC.