The seminar response

Abstract

SUMMARY Perhaps the key feature about upland landscapes in general is that they demonstrate quite distinctive regional variety and identity. Maintaining the distinct identity or ‘landscape image’ should perhaps be the most basic aim of uplands landscape policy. Government agencies and local authorities should address themselves to devising landscape policies for the uplands based on conservation of special heritage landscapes, implementation of conservation and development packages in suitable areas, and creation of new upland landscapes in areas where change is acceptable. Although it is difficult to determine the values in upland landscapes, it should be possible to identify areas where different policies should apply, by considering scenic value, ecological value, historical value, cultural association and amenity value. Upland landscapes are often very sensitive to change of a very local and subtle character as well as at the wider scale. Such change if extensive enough, or insensitive enough, can des...