Welcome

These pages are dedicated to promoting greater understanding of the character and diversity of the landscape of County Durham and guiding its future management and development.

The Durham Landscape pages contain background information on the physical and human influences that have shaped the modern landscape of the county. They also give information on desginated landscapes and perceptions of the landscape past and present.

The Landscape Character pages describe the variety of landscapes identified in the County Durham Landscape Character Assessment, covering County Character Areas, Broad Landscape Types and Local Landscape Types.

The Landscape Strategy pages contain information on the issues affecting the Durham Landscape and objectives for addressing them, together with spatial strategies for County Character Areas.

The Landscape Guidelines pages contain guidelines on Woodlands and Forestry. Guidelines on other topics are currently being prepared.

In viewing these pages you will encounter many maps and you will generally be able to view larger versions of these by clicking on the image. An interactive mapping service Landscape Maps is now available which allows you to view much of the information on these pages in an online Geographical Information System (GIS).

If you wish to use or copy any of the images from the site, please ensure that you read the copyright information provided.

Should you require any help please see our help section for some useful tips.

You can contact us to let us know your views on the contents of the Landscape Character Assessment and the Landscape Strategy, or on landscapes issues that you consider to be important.