The North West Landscape Character Framework

• Map and describe our diverse landscapes at a regional scale, seamlessly from upland to city centre to sea

• Develop the idea of landscape as a’ framework’ to help joined-up thinking about the environment we all share, leading to better management

• Be a focus for promoting the principles of the European Landscape Convention in the North West

The key components of the Framework are:

• Regional landscape character TYPES* map: (2.76mb) and associated Types descriptive text: (1.72mb).
  
  (*Landscapes with similar characteristics wherever they occur)
  
  The key characteristics of each landscape type are described under ‘physical landscape’, ‘biodiversity’, ‘historic character’ and ‘perceptual landscape’ headings. In the final version these themes can be separately mapped too.

• Regional landscape character AREAS* map: (2.15mb) and associated Areas descriptive text: (132kb).
  
  (*Unique landscapes with a ‘sense of place’ on a regional scale)

• Physical landscape UNITS and associated geology, landform, ground type and land cover information upon which the landscape types and areas mapping and descriptions are based.
  
  View a more detailed map of Landscape Character Areas and Types: (5.34mb).

‘Landscape means an area, as perceived by people, whose character is the result of the action and interaction of natural and/or human factors’ (European Landscape Convention definition).

Does your work influence landscape at the wider scale?

If so, please consider whether the North West Landscape Character Framework could be of use for ongoing or future work. If there is an opportunity to test it out on a current project, any feedback would be welcomed.

Consultation feedback

Over 50 people responded, some in considerable detail, to the consultation on Phase 1, which ended in November 2009. The many helpful comments received are being collated, and feedback will be made available via this web page. There was support for the project and for further development, as well as useful suggestions for making the work more accessible. Biodiversity aspects were of particular interest but thought to be inadequate as they stood (but see Phase 2 below). Respondents thought that there would be a variety of uses for the framework, but the top potential uses were thought to be for spatial planning and green infrastructure work.

Next steps - Phase 2

Phase 2 of the NW Landscape Character Framework will develop the scope and depth of the Framework for regional planning and management purposes, and will involve making judgements on strategic aspects of landscape. It is divided into 4 parts:

Part 1: Integrating biodiversity and geodiversity, and extending the classification into sub-tidal areas, is already under way.

Part 2: Integrating historic landscape character: it is hoped that this will soon be under way. It includes extending regional scale classification across urban areas.

Part 3: Regional scale urban landscape characterisation would logically follow on from Part 2.

Part 4: Finalisation of the basic framework as part of the evidence base for RS2010 (the integrated regional spatial strategy), including identification of objectives and priorities for regional landscape character areas, and interim objectives for national character areas.

Phase 3 – Climate Change Adaptation Actions

This used the Landscape Character Area Types as the framework – to bring in work done over recent years on the North West Climate Change Action Plan and express it in this structure. It highlights the vulnerability of each Landscape Type individual assets, through a table and summary sheet, and going onto make the suggested adaptation actions that will help the Natural Environment to adapt to climate change impacts.

All this information can be found on the Climate change pages.

Whose ‘Framework’ is it?

The Regional Landscape Character Framework was commissioned by Natural England, with support from 4NW, and the first phase of the work was undertaken by Countryscape, working with Alison Farmer Associates and Steven Warnock. A Steering Group drawn from a variety of organisations across the region, has overseen the work and members of the newly-established NW Regional Landscape Partnership have been involved through earlier stakeholder questionnaires and workshops, all contributing to the draft mapping and reports.

Further information

The draft report with maps and descriptions is available to download.

• Part 1: Using and updating the Framework: (934kb)

• Part 2: Regional Landscape Character Types and Areas: (5.34mb)

• Appendix 1: Consultation report: (786kb)

• Appendix 2: LCA Audit and gap analysis: (533kb)

• Appendix 3: Methodology: (1.07mb)

• Appendix 4: GIS user guide and metadata: (362kb)

• Appendix 5: Glossary and references: (358kb)

All the maps and attached information in the North West Landscape Character Framework are GIS-based (GIS = Geographical Information System), so descriptive text is kept to a minimum. There are associated technical appendices providing background and guidance.

The GIS datasets can be supplied on request from the Project Manager. These comprise:

• Draft NWLCF Regional Landscape Types with associated information

• Draft NWLCF Regional Landscape Character Areas

• Draft NWLCF Physical Landscape Units

• Local Landscape Character Assessments in the NW - locations and links to details on the Landscape Character Network.

Any queries?

Please don’t hesitate to contact Ruth Benson, who has been the Project Manager for the work, with any queries. (ruth.benson@naturalengland.org.uk or telephone 0300 060 0214).

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