Oxfordshire's landscape
Oxfordshire has many attractive landscapes and townscapes, including the iconic River Thames
The European Landscape Convention (ELC) definition of “landscape” is:
"Landscape is an area, as perceived by people, whose character is the result of the action and interaction of natural and/or human factors” (Council of Europe, 2000)
Landscape is about the interaction between people and places. It is not just about the countryside or designated landscapes - it is also about everyday landscapes, degraded landscapes and urban spaces.
Oxfordshire’s landscape
Oxfordshire is very fortunate to have a lot of attractive landscapes and townscapes, which are valued by residents and visitors alike.
National landscapes
Approximately 25% of the county area is designated as Natural Landscapes (formerly referred to as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)), a national designation that is given to exceptional landscapes of distinctive character and natural beauty. National Landscapes are designated to conserve and enhance their natural beauty. However, they also seek to further education and enjoyment of the area. Each AONB has its own landscape character and special qualities it seeks to protect and enhance including flora and fauna, historic and cultural associations, scenic views as well as perceptual qualities such as tranquillity and dark skies.
Three different AONBs extend into Oxfordshire:
These landscapes are protected through national and local planning policies and legislation. Oxfordshire County Council helps to support the three National Landscapes.
Under Section 85 of the CROW Act (2000) and S245 of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act (2023) local authorities have a statutoy ‘duty of further’ the statutory purpose of conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the AONB when carrying out their functions.
The preparation of a Management Plan for National Landscapes is a statutory requirement under s.89 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CRoW). It is intended to guide the activities of all who live and work in the National Landscape to help conserve and enhance the area’s natural beauty. The Management Plans for the three National Landscapes are prepared on behalf of this council and the other constituent local authorities.
Landscape character assessments
Landscape character may be defined as the distinct and recognisable pattern of elements, or characteristics in the landscape that makes one landscape different from another, rather than better or worse.
Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) is the process of identifying and describing variation in the character of the landscape. Landscape Character Assessments are a nationally recognised tool to help us understand and describe landscapes in an objective way to define distinctive characteristics, inform policy development, planning and land management decisions, and assist in monitoring change. Landscape Character Assessments can also assist with the process of assessing the sensitivity and capacity of places to change, and the impacts and significance of potential development.
Landscape Character Assessments can be prepared on different scales, ie at national, district, neighbourhood and site level.
Oxfordshire wildlife and landscape study (OWLS)
The Oxfordshire Wildlife & Landscape Study (OWLS) comprises the Landscape Character Assessment for Oxfordshire. This county-wide study is not a ‘pure’ Landscape Character Assessment but also explores the interrelation between landscape character and biodiversity. The study offers valuable information on key characteristics and includes recommendations of how the landscape character and biodiversity of the various local character areas can be conserved and strengthened.
District and neighbourhood landscape character assessments
The majority of Oxfordshire’s District Authorities and National Landscapes also have produced their own Landscape Character Assessments. These have been done using their own respective methodologies and provide useful information on key characteristics and guidelines for development and management.
Local communities may also prepare their own Landscape Character Assessment for use in local planning, eg when preparing a Neighbourhood Plan. These can provide detailed information on character and views at a parish level.
The Campaign for the Protection or Rural England (CPRE) have prepared a step-by-step toolkit, A step-by-step guide to Unlocking the Landscape: How to prepare a Community Landscape Character Assessment, which may form a useful starting point.