A LANDSCAPE CHARACTER ASSESSMENT CASE STUDY September 2006

The Warwickshire Landscape Guidelines were published in 1993 and identify

both regional character areas and local landscape types. The guidelines were the result of a pilot project, a partnership between Warwickshire County Council and the Countryside Commission, the aim of which was to develop a characterisation methodology. This was an infl uential project that helped to inform the current Landscape Character Assessment guidance.

There are seven broad regional character areas identifi ed, four of which are typical Warwickshire landscapes:

• Arden

• Dunsmore

• Avon Valley

• Feldon

KEYWORDS

• Tree planting

• Species lists

• Strengthening landscape character

LCN CASE STUDY 11

Warwickshire Tree Scheme

New tree planting as part of the Tree Scheme

The millionth tree planted through the Tree Scheme

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This case study summary is produced by the Landscape Character Network (LCN), an informal network open to anyone with an interest

in Landscape Character Assessment and its applications. The LCN is supported by the Countryside Agency Landscape, Access and

Recreation Division and administered by Countryscape. Visit the website for more information.

www.landscapecharacter.org.uk

LandscapeCharacterNetwork

The character of these areas varies from the former wood pastures and heaths in Arden, to the well wooded low glacial plateaux in Dunsmore, the lowland agricultural landscapes of Feldon with strong historical infl uences and the market gardening and agriculture of the Avon Valley. Woodland, hedgerow and streamside trees play a vital role in defi ning the character of Warwickshire landscapes.

The Warwickshire Tree SchemeFor each Regional character area within the Warwickshire Landscape Guidelines there is a species list provided which describes the trees and shrubs that are common and characteristic to the area. The species list is detailed, with species being divided into different categories:

• woodlands (either on sandy soils or on clay soils)

• hedges and hedgerow trees

• wet areas and streamsides

The Warwickshire Tree Scheme has been running for over twenty fi ve years and works to encourage native tree planting and hedge planting where appropriate in the countryside across Warwickshire. Since the publication of the Warwickshire Landscape Guidelines, the Scheme has used the information provided in the species lists for the different Regional character areas to inform and direct new planting schemes, helping landowners to plant an appropriate mix of species on their land. For each Regional character area, guidance is given for the soil type and the planting type (woodland or hedgerow).

The Scheme works to conserve and enhance the character of the Warwickshire countryside through planting and replanting hedges and woodlands as appropriate. The species list in the Landscape Guidelines is a vital resource for ensuring appropriate planting and species, as well as illustrating the need for appropriate planting to strengthen landscape character. To further ensure that the planting works to strengthen local character, the Scheme checks that wherever possible the trees planted are of local provenance to the Midlands. Planting plans are provided with aftercare visits to ensure that new plantings are both appropriate and successful.

ConclusionsThe approach has been successful; over a million trees have been planted across Warwickshire since the inception of the scheme, strengthening the woodland element in the landscape. For example, during the winter of 2001/2002 59 Warwickshire landowners were supplied with over 6,000 trees and shrubs and 19,000 hedging plants, helping to reinstate 3,800 metres of native broadleaved hedgerow. The Scheme has also increased understanding of how to manage woodland appropriately in each of the regional character areas. The scheme plays an important role in upholding the long term strength of character in the landscape.

For further information contact: Carol Thorne, Warwickshire County Council T 01926 418643 E carolthorne@warwickshire.gov.uk

This case study can be downloaded from the Landscape Character Network Website: www.landscapecharacter.org.uk/pdfs/lca_casestudy11.pdf

New tree planting to strengthen landscape character

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