Why assess Landscape Character?

In order to protect the AONB for the future, we need an accurate description of the AONB as it is now; both in terms of its physical attributes and the forces that are directing landscape change. This is known as Landscape Character Assessment (LCA).

Landscape Character Assessment includes physical landform, ecological, aesthetics and human settlement aspects along with an understanding of how landscape is used and has evolved. This process helps us identify and appreciate the character of strips of landscape, locally distinctive features and the sense of place of the individual locality.

Landscape Character Assessment seeks to identify local landscape features, the broad character of a locality, indigenous materials and all the other elements that contribute to the particular sense of place. LCA therefore presents an integrated view of the landscape and includes all the features which contibute to the special and distinctive character of the AONB. It plays a crucial part in enabling the AONB Partnership to conserve and enhance the AONB.