skip to main content

Looking after our landscapes

Looking after our landscapes

Looking after our landscapes is not about preserving all landscapes in their current form.  Landscapes are continually changing, and this can be positive if it is well planned and managed.  We need to recognise that the capacity of landscapes to accommodate new land uses and development varies from place to place, and we need to make sure that, wherever possible, change results in landscapes at least as good as they are today, and makes the most of the benefits they provide.

Looking after our landscapes is a responsibility shared by all of us.  By working together, SNH and other national bodies, planning authorities, communities and developers can maintain and enhance the diversity and quality of our surroundings, and improve the quality of our degraded landscapes.

If you:

then the management and practical information here should help you.

Information on special landscapes, designated nationally or locally, can be found in the protected areas section of the website.

UK Landscape Award

SNH supports the UK Landscape Award of the European Landscape Convention (ELC). This Award highlights the important role of landscape in making good places, and shows the benefits a good landscape brings to communities.  More information on the 2010 award can be found on the Award website external site , including information on the Scottish entries and winner.  It is hoped that this Award will be held every two years.  

Managing landscape change

Managing landscape change

Landscape change - what is it and how can we manage it ?

European Landscape Convention

European Landscape Convention

A framework for action throughout Europe.

Landscape policy and guidance

Landscape policy and guidance

Guidance on managing landscapes including policy and guidance by development type.

Landscape tools & techniques

Landscape tools & techniques

Practical tools and techniques for managing landscape change.

Landscape character assessment

Landscape character assessment

A method for describing and mapping landscapes.

Landscape research & projects

Landscape research & projects

Find out about current SNH work and research on landscape issues.

Planning authorities

Planning authorities

The role of planning authorities in safeguarding and enhancing landscapes

Communities

Communities

Landscape action for communities

Scotland's Landscape Charter

Scotland's Landscape Charter

Find out about the work of the Forum

Landscape resource library

Landscape resource library

Information, links and references

SNH's landscape role

SNH's landscape role

An overview of SNH's remit and responsibilities


Related Links

About Scotland's landscapes

About Scotland's landscapes

Discover how people's actions and wildlife combine with geology, landforms and soils to create Scotland's stunning landscapes