The Scottish Government

Priority Code

Landscape Priorities

Relevant Packages

Valued and attractive landscapes which contribute positively to people's environment, through:

AYR13a

a. The safeguarding and enhancement of the diverse character of rural landscapes.

Particularly proposals that:

• enhance landscape character through the development of new landscapes.

AYR13b

b. Enhanced experience, understanding and enjoyment of the landscape.

Particularly proposals that:

• enhance or contribute to local distinctiveness. Examples could include reinstatement of landscape features such as hedgerows, dykes and tree avenues and the maintenance of historic features, Management of Hedgerows and Management of extended hedges.

AYR13c

c. High quality design in both new build and natural elements that enhance and strengthen the landscape character of an area.

Particularly proposals that:

• increase the economic potential of degraded sites for timber production and improve landscape, biodiversity and opportunities for countryside access and recreation.

AYR13d

d. Actions at a landscape scale which strengthen and/or enhance the landscape character of an area and contribute to sense of place.

AYR13e

e. A strengthening and/or enhancement of the special qualities within National Scenic Areas (NSA), National Parks and locally designated landscapes. Actions should contribute to delivery of NSA Management Strategy where in place.

AYR13f

f. Action for landscapes whose qualities have been degraded by past use.

Particularly proposals that:

• safeguard important views, viewpoints and landmarks from land use change that would detract from their visual integrity
• enhance landscapes degraded by past use by maximising existing dominant natural landscape features (such as remnant native woodland/scrub, hedgerows and dykes)
• re-route, maintain and/or repair established upland paths or desire lines where erosion is degrading the quality of the landscape.

AYR14

An increased contribution to the diversity and character of landscape form Scotland's woods and forests, through restructuring planted woodlands, particularly through the use of Low Intervention Silvicultural Systems, and diversification of a range of well designed woodland types in the preferred areas, as identified in regional Indicative Forestry Strategies or Woodland Strategies or in line with Forest Habitat Networks, particularly the improvement of degraded or unsightly local environments.

Particularly proposals that:

• increase the economic potential of degraded sites for timber production and improve landscape, biodiversity and opportunities for countryside access and recreation
• support appropriate woodland management and expansion consistent with the Ayrshire and Arran Woodland Strategy, e.g. small farm woods and shelterbelts
• develop woodlands around towns and green networks which enhance the landscape setting, e.g. support new woodland creation on vacant or derelict land
• support Forest Plans and associated actions to restructure large-scale, first-rotation conifer plantations, e.g. enhancement through introduction of greater species and age diversity and improved forest margin and felling coup design
• protect, restore and enhance the woodland and tree elements of the area's Historic Gardens and Designed Landscapes and other important woodland landscape features
• conserve heritage trees
• screen intrusive structures, storage areas and infrastructure
• manage and establish single and small groups of trees as landscape features
• create and manage viewpoints
• restore existing stone walls, dykes and flagstone walls as linear features
• actively manage and improve the condition of vernacular rural buildings, archaeological or historic sites and historic landscapes.