From pixels to place

As landscape professionals, we are constantly asking: how can we better understand, document, and communicate the complex character of place? Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) helps us do just that. Our tools are evolving rapidly, with drone technology, remote sensing, and high-resolution video creating new ways of perceiving landscapes once impossible or prohibitively difficult to capture. These tools do more than add data; they offer new ways of seeing and engaging with landscape, a cinematic experience that invites us to engage with perspectives that challenge and expand our traditional understanding. Overview drone shots are effective; they’re easy to digest and convey topography, spatial layout, and land use with striking clarity. But we need to be mindful of what we gain from an aerial perspective, and what we might lose when moving away from the grounded, human experience.

How drone technology is redefining Landscape Character Assessment

Biodiversity Duty reporting due January 2026

The 2021 Environment Act strengthened the Biodiversity Duty on all public bodies, requiring them to consider how they can conserve and enhance biodiversity in their actions and decision-making. The Duty involves developing policies and objectives based on their considerations and taking action to implement and achieve these.  

Tight deadline or opportunity for clarity and collaboration?

Protecting chalk streams: The need for stronger action

LUC has recently completed work on a planning guidance document for the Chilterns National Landscape. The guidance provides clear advice on how land use planning can help protect, preserve and enhance the chalk streams in and around the Chilterns. Chalk streams are among the most ecologically significant freshwater habitats, yet the planning system often overlooks their importance. LUC's Associate Director of Planning, Melissa Kurihara, writes about the value of chalk streams and how we can enable land development and the protection of chalk streams side by side.

Small interventions – big impact

In a world of busy commutes, concrete landscapes and climate anxiety, the value of small, local actions can’t be overstated. Sometimes, meaningful change doesn’t come from a formal project or a corporate initiative, but from someone quietly digging a plant bed on their lunch break. That’s exactly what Ed Tarratt, our Associate Director of Landscape Architecture, has been doing.

How lunchtime gardening is transforming forgotten urban spaces

Balancing growth and sustainability in Scottish rural tourism

Cultural shifts have driven a boom in Scottish rural tourism. However, the sector faces challenges related to environmental degradation and climate change. The need for a more sustainable approach to planning and design is becoming increasingly urgent, particularly in sensitive locations that were once little-known but are now overwhelmed after going viral on social media.

From pixels to place

As landscape professionals, we are constantly asking: how can we better understand, document, and communicate the complex character of place? Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) helps us do just that. Our tools are evolving rapidly, with drone technology, remote sensing, and high-resolution video creating new ways of perceiving landscapes once impossible or prohibitively difficult to capture. These tools do more than add data; they offer new ways of seeing and engaging with landscape, a cinematic experience that invites us to engage with perspectives that challenge and expand our traditional understanding. Overview drone shots are effective; they’re easy to digest and convey topography, spatial layout, and land use with striking clarity. But we need to be mindful of what we gain from an aerial perspective, and what we might lose when moving away from the grounded, human experience.

How drone technology is redefining Landscape Character Assessment

Biodiversity Duty reporting due January 2026

The 2021 Environment Act strengthened the Biodiversity Duty on all public bodies, requiring them to consider how they can conserve and enhance biodiversity in their actions and decision-making. The Duty involves developing policies and objectives based on their considerations and taking action to implement and achieve these.  

Tight deadline or opportunity for clarity and collaboration?

Protecting chalk streams: The need for stronger action

LUC has recently completed work on a planning guidance document for the Chilterns National Landscape. The guidance provides clear advice on how land use planning can help protect, preserve and enhance the chalk streams in and around the Chilterns. Chalk streams are among the most ecologically significant freshwater habitats, yet the planning system often overlooks their importance. LUC's Associate Director of Planning, Melissa Kurihara, writes about the value of chalk streams and how we can enable land development and the protection of chalk streams side by side.

Small interventions – big impact

In a world of busy commutes, concrete landscapes and climate anxiety, the value of small, local actions can’t be overstated. Sometimes, meaningful change doesn’t come from a formal project or a corporate initiative, but from someone quietly digging a plant bed on their lunch break. That’s exactly what Ed Tarratt, our Associate Director of Landscape Architecture, has been doing.

How lunchtime gardening is transforming forgotten urban spaces

Balancing growth and sustainability in Scottish rural tourism

Cultural shifts have driven a boom in Scottish rural tourism. However, the sector faces challenges related to environmental degradation and climate change. The need for a more sustainable approach to planning and design is becoming increasingly urgent, particularly in sensitive locations that were once little-known but are now overwhelmed after going viral on social media.