Countryscape services

Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) is an approach to understanding the differences between landscapes and can be used as a framework for decision-making that respects local distinctiveness. It is a way of `unpacking` the landscape and understanding how its distinctive elements contribute to a sense of place. We are renowned as a centre of good practice in Landscape Character Assessment and have coordinated the UK’s Landscape Character Network (LCN) for over eight years. Our services support all stages of Landscape Character Assessment, including desk study, field survey, landscape classification, description, evaluation and decision-making. We are experts in using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to record assessments and develop spatial frameworks for landscape planning. We are also skilled at consulting and engaging local stakeholders throughout the process, helping to maximise understanding and ownership of the end products.

Planning at the landscape scale encourages cross-sector cooperation and community involvement. People can easily recognise and relate to urban and rural landscapes: local stakeholders can help to identify valued features and develop plans for how their landscape should be shaped into the future. Our approach to landscape planning uses Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to develop spatial frameworks, together with creative tools for community involvement and joint decision-making. We have an expert knowledge of the planning system and are skilled at developing clear plans, strategies and guidance. Our work has been cited as “good practice” by the National Audit Office and recognised by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Awards.