Natural England - Landscape character

Landscape character

Put simply, landscape character is what makes an area unique. It is defined as "a distinct, recognisable and consistent pattern of elements, be it natural (soil, landform) and/or human (for example settlement and development) in the landscape that makes one landscape different from another, rather than better or worse".

Old industrial chimney above Luckett

Why is landscape character important?

We can only make informed and responsible decisions on the management and planning of sustainable future landscapes if we pay proper regard to their existing character.

By 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.

The need to enhance landscape character is endorsed by the Government in planning policy statements and is one of the central aims of Environmental Stewardship.

Landscape Character Assessment

Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) is a technique used to develop a consistent and comprehensive understanding of what gives England’s landscape its character.

It uses statistical analysis and application of structured landscape assessment techniques. LCAs provide more detailed descriptions and analysis at a local level within the national framework of National Character Areas.

The Landscape Character Network (LCN) provides an important forum for sharing best practice and helping to develop landscape character.

New landscape policies

Natural England's policies are important tools in helping us achieve our strategic outcomes. We are working on a suite of landscape policies. Already approved are an overarching, general policy and detailed policies on Future Landscapes and on the principle that All Landscapes Matter. Work is progressing on two additional policies, on Protected Landscapes and the Historic Environment.

  • Overarching Landscape Policy Paper

  • Landscape Policy Statement

  • All Landscapes Matter Policy Paper

  • Future Landscapes Policy Paper

  • National Character Areas

    England has been divided into areas with similar landscape character, which are called National Character Areas (NCAs); previously known as Joint Character Areas (JCAs).

    More

  • Countryside Quality Counts

    The Countryside Quality Counts project was developed as a national indicator of how the countryside is changing, to understand how and where that change occurred and, most importantly, where it matters the most.

    More

  • What is Landscape Character Assessment?

    Our appreciation and understanding of landscapes have increased over time, partly as the result of our need and desire to record, understand, influence and manage change.

    More

  • Regulations and policies on landscape protection

    The following lists the key statutes, regulations and national policies in England that both directly and indirectly recognise landscape protection, management and planning.

Select a region