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Landscape Character Network (LCN)

The Landscape Character Network (LCN) is an informal network with a dual focus on Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) and the European Landscape Convention (ELC). LCA is an important tool for enhancing local distinctiveness and promoting sustainable development. The ELC is the first international agreement on landscape, devoted to the protection, management and planning of all landscapes in Europe. The network is open to anyone with an interest in landscape.

Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) is a tool to identify what makes a place unique, and can serve as a framework for decision making that respects local distinctiveness. It also provides a mechanism by which local communities and other stakeholders can contribute towards the decisions that affect their local surroundings.

Find out more about Landscape Character Assessment

The European Landscape Convention (ELC) is the first international convention to focus specifically on landscape, and is dedicated exclusively to the protection, management and planning of all landscapes in Europe.

Find out more about the European Landscape Convention

There is a growing need for awareness of best practice in this area, and the LCN provides an unrivalled opportunity for everyone with an interest in the landscape to come together and exchange ideas and experience. On this website you will find information, news, downloadable documents and links dedicated to LCA and the ELC, including:

• LCA guidance and topic papers on particular aspects of LCA;
• the ELC Framework for Implementation in England;
• the quarterly electronic network newsletter, LCN News;
• the proceedings of LCN workshops;
• case studies of successful character-based approaches;
• discussion forums, including forums dedicated to landscape-related jobs and projects, and events and training opportunities.

This website is also home to the National Database of Landscape Character Assessments in England, an ongoing record of LCA coverage which can be searched to find out about local Landscape Character Assessments.

Bowland AONB © Countryside Agency/Charlie HedleyMembers are the first to hear about forthcoming LCN events, new LCN resources and publications, and are encouraged to participate actively in the network by contributing to the newsletter and posting on the discussion forum. In addition, members have access to the expertise and experience of a network of over 800 individuals, and the LCN co-ordinators will answer or signpost any enquiries regarding LCA that you may have.

Membership of the LCN is free and open to all. To become a member, simply complete the membership form on this website.

The LCN, originally known as the Countryside Character Network (CCN), was set up in 1999 by the Countryside Agency as part of its Countryside Character Initiative. The name of the network was changed in February 2006 to better reflect the aim of the network: to promote LCA as a tool for understanding and managing all landscapes.