What is Historic Landscape Character?
Traditionally, archaeologists have looked at
individual archaeological monuments without giving much attention
to the areas between them. The wider landscape that forms
their setting has therefore become one of the least understood
elements of the historic environment. To rectify this,
Northumberland is carrying out a project called Historic Landscape
Characterisation, whereby the whole historic landscape of the
county is being mapped. Historic Landscape Characterisation (HLC)
is promoted by English Heritage and, alongside the English survey,
similar projects are also running in Scotland and Wales.
The 2½-year project has looked at aspects of
the landscape, such as fields, woodland, settlements and the
coastline, taking note of the boundaries, patterns, land use and
change since the mid 19th century. All this information is readily
available from digital mapping and aerial photography using a
computerised geographic information system (GIS), which makes HLC a
desk-based exercise. The project was completed in March 2008 and
now forms part of the Northumberland Historic Environment Record. A
full report is currently in preparation, please contact us for more
information.
Uses of historic landscape character information
By increasing our understanding of the
historic landscape, more informed decisions can be made about its
management. There are already a number of areas where HLC is
well-established, such as advising agri-environment schemes,
informing new planning policy, planning applications and hedgerow
removal applications. There are also new avenues being explored
through partnerships with other organisations, such as Areas of
Outstanding Natural Beauty, and it is having an input to
Conservation Area Appraisals and Village Design Statements. HLC has
also demonstrated its usefulness as a tool to raise questions and
establish research agendas as well as emerging as a valuable
academic tool.
The Northumberland Historic Landscape
Characterisation project is supported by English Heritage,
Northumberland County Council, and Northumberland
National Park. Further information about HLC in England is
available from
English Heritage.
Related Pages
Contact us
Email: archaeology@northumberland.gov.uk
Telephone: 01670 620305
