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:

have a direct role in activities that affect landscapes, such as planning, built development and land management;
are involved in landscape policy making;
want to find out how communities can get involved in managing and enhancing their local landscapes,

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 celebrates the important contribution of landscape to making sustainable and distinct places, and shows the benefits a good landscape brings to communities. More information on this year's (2012) award can be found on the Award website , along with information on the Scottish entries and winner of the 2010 award. The Award is run every two years.