Natural England - Why is landscape important?
Why is landscape important?
Landscape is important, not just as scenery but because it links culture with nature, and the past with the present. It has many values, not all of them tangible (such as sense of place); and it matters to people – it is people who create and value landscape.
Well-looked after and highly valued landscapes are essential to social well-being and an economically healthy society. We value our landscapes because of their inherent interest, their contribution to both our national identity and our local distinctiveness, their artistic inspiration - and for the goods and services they can provide.
All landscapes matter
Our landscapes represent a coming together of the natural world, human society and people’s needs. They provide a range of ecosystem services (the services that the Earth’s ecosystems provide, including food, water, disease management, climate regulation, spiritual fulfilment and aesthetic enjoyment).
They have influenced the character of our towns and cities and they provide places of widely ranging character, where people can relax, recreate and learn.
Landscapes should be managed, planned and, where appropriate, protected to deliver a full range of ecosystem goods and services. Natural England advocates the use of a landscape character approach, which can be used to underpin local, regional and national policies and actions, ensuring that landscapes remain distinctive and highly valued.
The historic environment makes a particular contribution to the character and value of all of our landscapes.
A key driver behind Natural England’s ‘all landscapes matter’ approach is the Government ratified European Landscape Convention (ELC), which came into force on 1 March 2007.
Landscapes provide a setting for our lives.
Our landscapes provide for our needs as well as nature's, for example wildlife. Our activities influence and shape its appearance and function, these activities include:
recreation and health
wildlife and biodiversity
education and experience
farming, forestry and food
natural resources
transport and infrastructure
settlement
local distinctiveness
history.