So that the essential landscape character of the area can be maintained for present and future generations to enjoy, we use the Landscape Character Assessment of the Cotswolds to help us make appropriate management decisions and influence policy.
The Cotswolds is a collection of different types of landscapes, each under specific pressures. It is only through a detailed knowledge of aspects such as landscape character, geology, habitats, field and settlement patterns, that we are properly equipped to conserve the area and enjoy its many special attributes.
The assessment provides us with a better descriptive picture of the montage that is the Cotswolds, its characteristic elements, the forces that have created the landscape as it is now, and those that continue to affect it.
What is the Landscape Character Assessment?
The Landscape Character Assessment identifies 19 landscape character types across the Cotswolds. These are areas of landscape that are relatively uniform in character, sharing similar characteristics of geology, landform, drainage patterns, vegetation and historical land use and settlement pattern. Within these landscape character types are 68 separate landscape character areas. These smaller areas are unique and geographically discrete.
How is it useful?
The landscape character assessment information is used by local planners and decision makers to make informed decisions about the suitability of proposed development or change within the Cotswold landscape.
Preface and Introduction
The Cotswolds was designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1966, in recognition of its special landscape character. The outstanding natural beauty of the area is derived from its remarkable visual unity, and yet scenic diversity. The unifying factor is the underlying geology.
- 1.01 Appointment and Brief
- 1.02 Purpose of the Cotswolds AONB Landscape Character Assessment
- 1.03 Approach and Methodology
- 1.04 The Scope and Context of the Study
- 1.05 AONB Partnership Landscape Character Assessments
- 1.06 Parallel Projects and Surveys
- 1.07 Structure of the Report
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Evolution of the Landscape
The intricate interplay of numerous physical and human influences has shaped the landscape as it is experienced today. An understanding of these influences is central to the assessment process and provides a sound basis on which to define and describe landscape character.
- 2.01 Appointment and Brief
- 2.02 Geology
- 2.03 Landform
- 2.04 Drainage
- 2.05 Soils and Agricultural Capacity
- 2.06 Biodiversity
Human Influences
- 2.07 Introduction and Review
- 2.08 The Evolution of the Cotswolds Landscape up to 1945
- 2.09 Recent History: (1945 – Present)
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The Cotswolds Landscape
The Cotswolds landscape, a designated AONB, forms the best-known section of the outcrop of oolitic limestone that stretches across England from Lyme Bay in Dorset to the North Sea, in North Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. The Cotswolds landscape attracts many visitors both from this country as well as from around the world, in response to its perception as a rural idyll.
- 3.01 Appointment and Brief
- 3.02 Landscape Character Types and Landscape Character Areas
- 3.03 Landscape Character Type and Area Boundary Determination
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- The Cotswolds Landscape – Introduction
- LCT 1 Escarpment Outlier
- LCT 2 Escarpment
- LCT 3 Rolling Hills and Valleys
- LCT 4 Enclosed Limestone Valley
- LCT 5 Settled Valley
- LCT 6 Ironstone Hills and Valleys
- LCT 7 High Wold
- LCT 8 High Wold Valley
- LCT 9 High Wold Dip Slope
- LCT 10 High Wold Dip Slope Valley
- LCT 11 Dip Slope Lowland
- LCT 12 Dip Slope Lowland Valley
- LCT 13 Low Limestone Plateau
- LCT 14 Cornbrash Lowlands
- LCT 15 Farmed Slopes
- LCT 16 Broad Floodplain Valley
- LCT 17 Pastoral Lowland Vale
- LCT 18 Settled Unwooded Vale
- LCT 19 Unwooded Vale
Glossary
- 4.01 Key Landscape Character Assessment Terms
- 4.02 Other Technical Terms
- 4.03 Abbreviations
References
- 5.01 General Landscape
- 5.02 Landscape Character
- 5.03 Landscape Character Assessment Methodologies
- 5.04 Geology and Geomorphology
- 5.05 Archaeology and History
- 5.06 Ecology and Nature Conservation
- 5.07 Cultural Associations
Acknowledgements
Landscape Design Associates would like to acknowledge the help and support provided by the Steering Group members and all those consultees who have contributed to the Cotswolds Landscape Character Assessment, and the Landscape Strategy and Guidelines.
- 6.01 Steering Group Members
- 6.02 Principal Consultations
- 6.03 Local Authority Partnership Officers Consultations
- 6.04 Unitary Authorities and District Councils
- 6.05 Other Miscellaneous Contacts
- 6.06 GIS Baseline Data Sourcing
- 6.07 Parallel Studies
Download this section: Glossary, References and Acknowledgements
Appendices & Figures
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