Landscape evaluation

This technique can identify landscapes that justify special safeguarding or management efforts. It complements the Landscape Character Assessment approach.

Landscape Character Assessment doesn’t involve any judgement about landscapes. For example, no decision is made about whether or not a landscape is important, attractive or scenic.

Landscape evaluation identifies landscapes that are by their nature sensitive and highly valued for their character and qualities. Such landscapes can be given special protection as protected areas

Landscape designations apply at local and national levels:

  • local designations
  • National Scenic Areas

Find out how local authorities can select and protect landscapes that merit local designations

Learn about our work to identify the special qualities of National Scenic Areas

Not all areas of value have been designated, sometimes because the qualities for which they are valued are less tangible. An important quality found in parts of Scotland is wildness. Find out more about wild land.

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