Appendix 1 - Methodology
The Countryside Commission approach to landscape assessment, set out in their document CCP 302 provided a framework for the study. A variation upon this methodology, particularly with regard to field description and recording, has been developed by Landscape Design Associates and tested for work of this nature over a number of years.
Overall, the landscape assessment combines fieldwork with information gathered from consultations and desk studies. A structured, consistent method was used to record and collate the information, to analyse landscape character and provide a critical assessment of the essential features of the landscape of the Sussex Downs AONB. The assessment was carried out in the following way:
Initial familiarisation
An initial tour of the AONB provided an overall appreciation of the scale and variation in landscape character and the nature of the transitions between different landscape types. An overall impression of landscape character, based on local advice, general field appraisals and map study led to preliminary ideas on potential character areas which were mapped in sketch form. The field recording system was then refined, tested and found to be appropriate.
Initial Consultations and desk study
Consultations were carried out in two phases; preceding and during the field survey, and following the production of the draft document. Time constraints dictated that the field survey stage of the work should start without delay. However the area managers of the Sussex Downs Conservation Board were consulted towards the end of the field survey period and a data collection exercise, which involved gathering and analysing relevant information from a wide range of historic, geological, geomorphological and archaeological sources, ran concurrently with the field survey.
Field survey
The field survey involved a structured visual analysis of the AONB. Variations in landscape character were assessed and the information recorded by a variety of methods designed to test the hypothesis generated in the desk study and to map landscape character accurately, consistently and systematically. Annotated 1:25,000 OS maps were used to record the boundaries between areas with different landscape types in the field. Viewsheds, landmarks, strong visual edges and the character of transitions between different landscape types were all noted. The mosaic of landscape types gradually emerged.
Field record sheets were designed to record factual information about the distribution, form and alignment of landscape components and to analyse how they are organised to form specific patterns and compositions. The systematic recording format provided an opportunity to combine factual, visual evidence with creative description and a more subjective response. Particular attention was paid to identifying the special qualities of each landscape and the specific visual and spatial relationships which determine landscape character. The field record sheets also recorded evidence of vulnerability to landscape change and a brief assessment of the appropriate landscape management strategy.
A range of vantage points was selected throughout the AONB to illustrate the variation of landscape characteristics within one landscape type. In addition to the landscape descriptions recorded on the field record sheets from these vantage points, photographs recorded typical and atypical examples of landscape character and any particular landmarks which contribute to the specific identity of an area.
Analysis
The field survey identified the key characteristic features of each landscape type and built up a detailed understanding of the AONB landscape. This visual evidence was combined with information derived from consultations, desk studies and field evidence to provide a set of key landscape management guidelines for each landscape type which, if implemented, will ensure a secure future for the landscape of the AONB.
Further consultations and desk studies
A consultation draft of the landscape assessment report was sent to a representatives of a wide range of organisations, including MAFF, English Nature, the Country Landowner's Association, the National Trust, the Council for the Protection of Rural England, the Forestry Authority, Sussex University and all the local authorities with an interest in the AONB.
The report was amended to reflect the comments and suggestions received from those consulted.
The landscape assessment is available from the Sussex Downs Conservation Board as a technical report, one of several such studies providing essential background information about the landscape of the AONB.
The objectives of the Board are:
• to protect, conserve and enhance the natural beauty and amenity of
the Sussex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), including
its physical, ecological and cultural landscape;
• to promote the quiet informal enjoyment of the Sussex Downs AONB by
the general public but only so far as is consistent with the first objective;
• generally to promote sustainable forms of economic and social development,
especially working with farmers and landowners to encourage land management
which supports the two objectives above.
