Landscape planning in Britain

Abstract

The paper refers to projects which have been undertaken in Britain since the Middle Ages in accordance with a definite policy and, in some cases, with a definite landscape plan. These include the laws defining and protecting the Royal and other forests, which ensured that large areas of countryside maintained a tree cover which is so essential for a healthy ecological situation. The reclamation of areas of marshland in East Anglia by the Dutch Engineer, Vermuijden, added to the fertile landscape of Britain, especially when the field pattern was defined by hedgerows. The recent loss of many of the hedgerows is being resisted by public action. Another historical example of landscape planning was the development of private is the 18th century, including parkland, woodlands and agricultural land. The setting up of the Forestry Commission after World War I has produced vast areas of landscape change and, since World War II, the Commission has become increasingly aware of the need to include a concern for landscape and recreation in its plans. The paper briefly explains how landscape planning objectives can be included in many development projects, despite the lack of specific landscape planning legislation. Reference is also made to organisations like the Nature Conservancy Council whose aims are largely those of conserving the landscape. The paper also refers to the research work in landscape planning in which the author has been personally concerned. Finally, reference is made to the need for Planning Departments to prepare inventories of the landscape resource and to demonstrate that they have been taken into account in new plans. Also, the regular monitoring of landscapes is recommended.