Owing in part to the fact that it can be applied universally to all types of landscape project, the policy was awarded the 1999 Landscape Institute Charter Award.
The policy details a simple procedure to be followed, and with the help of illustrated examples it actively promotes an environmentally progressive attitude. The CEL:LfN document contains two Appendices, one detailing the selection and procurement of native species and the other discussing the issue of landscapes as natural systems.
The policy and further information is available on the Scottish Executive web site (www.scotland.gov.uk).
CEL:LfN is a landscape policy which applies equally to road improvement as to road management. It is woven into improvement projects through the individual contracts, and in terms of maintenance is applied through Landscape Action Plans (LAPs).
The CEL:LfN procedure
Diagram
There are three themes which are central to the CEL:LfN procedure:
Theme 1. Use natural characteristics
At every stage of the procedure the landscape designer shall consider and evaluate the use of natural characteristics. In this context natural characteristics are the natural processes, the materials, and the features that occur in the environment. The policy requires that these natural characteristics are firstly understood, then used and copied where appropriate.
Theme 2. Explore alternatives
Exploration of alternatives is an integral part of the policy. Alternative solutions, materials and methods shall be generated at all stages of the process from planning to detailed design to management.
Theme 3. Wise use of resources
At every stage of the procedure consideration shall be given to resource management and in particular the long term environmental and economic consequences of all proposed actions. Sustainable development demands the wise use of resources.
These themes are applied to five stages:
Stage 1. Understand the context and set objectives
A thorough understanding of the project, the site and its environment is essential. The level of detail gathered shall reflect the scale and/or the importance of the project. It is important that the investigations not only assess the current physical structure of the site and surrounding landscape but also its rationale: an appreciation of how and why it has formed, how and why it works and how and why it is likely to develop. During and following this learning process the broad design objectives of the project shall be developed and confirmed by the landscape designer.
Stage 2. Prepare conceptual solutions
Conceptual solutions are developed to enable the landscape designer to clarify the principles of the project before focusing on the detail.
Stage 3. Specify detail
Once the best conceptual solution to a particular objective has been selected, the detailed techniques and methods required to achieve the desired results are considered and the most appropriate solution shall be specified.
Stage 4. Monitor implementation
Any activities have the potential to uncover unexpected problems or opportunities. CEL:LfN recognises this potential and promotes a positive approach to turn problems and constraints into opportunities. Landscape designers and managers are required to visit the site and monitor implementation on a regular basis. Where appropriate, consideration is given to modifying the design or design objectives to overcome problems or to grasp unforeseen opportunities.
Stage 5. Manage the developing landscape
The landscape managers are required to review the landscape as it develops. Landscape objectives can take many years to fulfil, during which time circumstances can change and new opportunities may present themselves. These changes may require re-assessment of the original design strategy or modification of the management regime. The policy requires all reasonable opportunities to be taken for the protection of biodiversity in road management.
Opportunities and benefits of CEL:LfN
There are many benefits to be gained from the use of the policy and not only in biodiversity terms, but also in terms of improving the spaces and landscapes through which the road user passes. The following general benefits can be derived from use of the policy:
The Trunk Road Landscape Action Plan:
All trunk road maintenance works are carried out under contract by Operating Companies or by Management Agents. They will prepare and implement Landscape Action Plans, as set out in their contractual arrangements. These Plans must address biodiversity issues and identify opportunities for conservation and enhancement of biodiversity.
The Landscape Action Plan is a management tool established to allow the implementation of landscape management tasks on the trunk road network. This allows work to be undertaken, beyond routine safety measures, on the whole of the trunk road network and as such it will be an important implementation device for the TRBAP. It consists of several elements including:
A Landscape Inventory, which details the character, condition and amenity and wildlife value of the soft estate;
A Management Philosophy which sets down the key objectives in landscape and biodiversity terms for the different routes through Scotland; and
An Action Plan which sets down costed tasks to be carried out during the year based on the findings of the Inventory and ad hoc requests from the public or interested parties.
Actions can fall into one or more of three categories: (1) recurrent annual maintenance, (2) intermittent maintenance and (3) environmental improvements (for biodiversity, amenity or landscape character).
Whilst the Landscape Action Plan mechanism is now established, there is considerable work involved in its completion and several of the inventories are still being compiled. Both the TRBAP and the Landscape Action Plans are designed to evolve and develop, providing opportunities for them to become fully integrated and to draw upon new experience and knowledge as it becomes available.