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Landscape Character Assessment for the Tamar Valley AONB


Ordnance Survey © Crown copyright 2009

A full Landscape Character Assessment for the Tamar Valley AONB was completed in 2008.

The Assessment for the Cornwall side of the AONB was undertaken along with the rest of the County by the Landscape Section of Cornwall County Council between 2005-7. Full information on the Project and supporting documents, including an Overview and Technical report are available on the Cornwall Council website. The Devon side was undertaken with the rest of the West Devon District in partnership with West Devon Borough Council and Devon County Council in 2007-8. In both cases the same standard methodology was used following national guidelines.

The Assessment was initially at the level of the Landscape Description Unit (LDU), firstly as a desk study then checked and validated through field work. The LDUs map areas with similar landscape character based on their physiography, ground type, cultural pattern and land cover. LDUs were then grouped into larger Landscape Character Areas with common key landscape characteristics providing a ‘sense of place’ over a geographically distinct area.

This process is assisting the work of the AONB by providing a more ‘scientific’ method for assessing the value of landscape. It underpins the new AONB Management Plan and will increasingly be of value as a tool for planners and other land managers. Best Practice Guidance for the use of Landscape Character Assessment will be available soon on the Cornwall Council website.

To see Landscape Character Areas for the Tamar Valley AONB click here.

To see Landscape Description Units for the Tamar Valley AONB click here.

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