A Landscape Strategy for Lancashire - An Introduction

The Changing Landscape

Landscapes are by their nature dynamic and changing. They have evolved over thousands of years of human activity: from woodland clearance by the early Neolithic settlers to the development of the first medieval town, through the Industrial Revolution to the new roads and development as well as the dramatic intensification of agriculture in the post war period.

We all know of landscapes which have changed beyond recognition over a relatively short period of time. This is often a result of new built development, but small piecemeal changes, such as the removal of a hedgerow, a change from pasture to arable cultivation or even a newly renovated barn can have a significant cumulative effect. Advances in technology mean that the pace of change today is often particularly rapid. We also increasingly recognise that environ-mental change may be irreversible and that we have a responsibility to pass on landscapes of quality and character to future generations.

Coal Clough Windfarm near Holme Chapel