November Landscape conference – ‘60 years on: how can we maintain our distinctive landscapes in times of change?’
Over 80 delegates attended a lively conference at Merchant Taylors Hall in York on 27 November 2009. The event marked the achievements of the 1949 National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act and provided an opportunity to discuss how to manage future change and challenges in our diverse regional landscapes.
Natural England’s Board member Lynn Crowe chaired the event. The audience shared current thinking, updates on best practice and the understanding of landscape character and dynamics.
Attendees included regional agencies, local authorities, consultancies, universities and voluntary organisations. Professor Adrian Phillips gave a summary of the development of the conservation movement since 1949. This reflected on the many positive steps taken over the past 60 years to ensure the protection and management of landscapes. Mark Felton, Natural England’s Director of Strategy and Environmental Futures, challenged the audience to consider landscapes in a changing climate and the opportunities and issues this would bring.
Afternoon workshops
Setting integrated objectives for National Character Areas, led by Chris Bolton and Nancy Stedman of Natural England.
Using the Landscape Character Assessment approach effectively in local planning. Led by Martin George and Stephen Robinson of East Riding of Yorkshire Council
What issues need to be addressed in updating the 2002 landscape character assessment guidance? led by Lyndis Cole of Land Use Consultants.
Andy Wilson, Chief Executive of the North York Moors National Park Authority closed the day with a thought provoking presentation about the landscapes we value and how we are already managing significant changes.
For more information please contact Nancy Stedman
An essay by Professor Adrian Phillips. Landscape – The Maturing of an Idea over 60 years: (73kb)
