Landscape Dynamics and the Management of Change

Change in economy and society is directly reflected in the character of landscapes, both in terms of their form and function and the landscape planning and management challenges which they present. The phenomenon of landscape dynamics within post-industrial society is considered and the development of a connection between the drivers of landscape change and the management response is sought. Two key drivers of landscape change are proposed - 'obsolescence' and 'dysfunction' - and these in turn are related to a management matrix bounded by axes of condition and character of landscape. It is suggested that the definition of these relationships helps to substantiate and more clearly define the tasks of landscape planning, design and management in the United Kingdom.