FAQs
What is a National Landscape?
A National Landscape is one of 46 areas within England, Wales and Northern Ireland safeguarded in the national interest for its distinctive character and beauty. The legal designation is 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty'.
What is the purpose of a National Landscape?
The legal purpose of the designation is to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the area. In reality National Landscapes are places which support communities, businesses and nature and provide opportunities for everyone to make memories with loved ones and breathe!
Who is in charge of the National Landscape?
The National Landscape itself is a geographical area on a map. A team of staff is employed to conserve, enhance and connect people to this special place. The National Landscape team works with partners to coordinate conservation and enhancement of the area on behalf of local authorities, with whom legal responsibility sits. The team's work is governed by the National Landscape Partnership Executive Committee.
So, are you major landowners?
No. The National Landscape team does not own land themselves. We work with others to directly manage certain sites, provide bespoke advice and guidance about land management, provide grant funding and coordinate work across the whole area. Our partners include farmers, landowners, local and parish councils, RSPB, National Trust and Natural England, for example.
What else does the National Landscape team do?
With key partners, the team prepares a 5-year Management Plan for the landscape and carries out a wide range of conservation and community activities to benefit the area. Some examples include looking after Warton Crag and Trowbarrow Local Nature Reserves, delivering a Volunteer Programme contributing 5000 hours annually, organising events and education programmes, running grant funds for community groups and farmers, attracting resources, and providing advice and guidance.
What is your role in planning and development management?
We provide landscape-related planning advice and guidance to local councils as a non-statutory consultee. As part of this we assess all planning applications and provide responses where appropriate. The responsibility for planning policy and decision-making usually rests with the two local planning authorities, Westmorland & Furness Council or Lancaster City Council.
Is the National Landscape team the same as the Landscape Trust and/or the Bittern Countryside Community Interest Company (CIC)?
No, although we have many of the same aims and work very closely in partnership. The Arnside Silverdale Landscape Trust is an independent charity with 800+ members; they own nature reserves, deliver an events programme and publish Keer to Kent three times a year. The Bittern CIC is a social enterprise dedicated to conservation and sustainability; they deliver a range of initiatives such as Bittern Sharing Community, Bittern Sustainable Schools and Wildlife Atlases.