Charnwood Forest Landscape Character Assessment

Charnwood Forest was formed some 600 million years ago and is a distinctive area with internationally important geological features, a varied topography, a wealth of heritage assets, arts and crafts architecture and a strong matrix of habitats including woodlands, grasslands and heathland. The area is not however protected by any formal status and could potentially be diluted and lost if its profile is not raised.

The requirement of the Charnwood Forest Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) was to review the previous LCA document, to refresh and update the study at a more detailed level, as required by the HLF. It was important that the document was designed and written in an appropriate style to be accessible to the public for planning, reference and education purposes, and to provide a robust evidence base for decision making.

FPCR have developed a comprehensive methodology which was used to review the area. The company is experienced at carrying out LCA’s for public authorities and also work on private development schemes which draw on published landscape assessments. This experience enables us to understand the requirements for clear and unambiguous guidance documentation.
Our East Midlands location and experience of working in the area meant we were familiar with the forest. Our consultants reviewed a substantial volume of background information and visited the whole area to identify key features on site, defined and described the key characteristics and developed the area descriptions.

The team led a consultation event with key stakeholders. The presentation was clear and concise with simple questions posed in order to obtain focussed responses which would guide the development of the report.

FPCR developed a good working relationship with the client who provided invaluable insight including a detailed knowledge of the history of the landscape and associated settlements. The client also provided key contacts for consultation to enable appropriate and effective consultation to be carried out.

The LCA was commissioned to support the second-round application to the HLF. A successful submission will enable future work to be carried out by the Charnwood Forest LPS to increase the identity and awareness of the value of Charnwood Forest. This will involve future projects relating to biodiversity improvements, improved management of the area and an increase in the depth of engagement of communities to develop a distinctive Charnwood Forest identity.

The landscape of Charnwood Forest is unique, and it is important to understand the influencing factors that shape the character of the area. The complex geology has led to extensive quarrying with local materials contributing to the local built vernacular. Nationally important archaeological finds have helped understand the lifestyles of early settlers and numerous priories and country house estates highlight the heritage influence on the area.

It is hoped that the Charnwood Forest LCA will be used as a tool for decision makers within the local authorities, as well as a guide for appropriate and suitable growth in the future. It will also support future projects of the LPS to promote Charnwood Forest to local residents and communities.

A wealth of existing information contained within a range of documents which included detailed and complex data relating especially to geology and heritage, was reviewed as part of the background research. This was supported by extensive field work and it was challenging to digest all the available information to extract the important features and present them as robust and accurate character area descriptions, management issues and recommendations.

The resulting document is however clear and easy to read, in a plain English format that will contribute to increasing awareness of the Charnwood Forest area for both professionals and local communities.