Landscape Character

The Dorset AONB is much more than just one fine landscape - it is a collection of fine landscapes. Within its 1129km², the AONB encompasses 14 types of landscape such as open chalk downland, clay vales, limestone hills and rolling wooded pasture each with its own unique character.

Changing Landscapes

Our landscapes have been shaped by thousands of years of human activity with the environment. Impressive geological formations and natural processes have created landforms which people have helped shape into distinctive landscapes.

Into the 21st century, they are under a host of increasing social, economic and environmental forces for change and the challenge is to balance the needs of modern day society whilst protecting the unique cultural and natural heritage of the AONB.

Dorset AONB Landscape Character Assessment

Landscape Character Assessment is a tool for identifying the distinct and recognisable patterns of elements in the landscape that give a locality its sense of place, describing what makes it different from its neighbouring area.

Scroll to the bottom of the page to view the Dorset AONB Landscape Character Assessment.

The Dorset AONB Landscape Character Assessment “Conserving Character” identifies 14 broad landscape types across the AONB that share common combinations of geology, topography, vegetation and human influence but are not specific to a particular location. The assessment breaks these landscape types into individual and unique geographical areas called character areas.

This map shows the landscape types and character areas identified through the AONB Landscape Character assessment, click on the map to view an enlarged version.

Landscape Types

For each character area the Landscape Character Assessment provides an understanding of the distinct qualities, elements and features that make the landscape special and how the features combine to give each area its own unique character. It also gives an assessment of the strength and condition of these features and how they are changing.

For each landscape type the assessment identifies the forces for change and provides guidance to influence planning and management decisions in order that change is in keeping with the primary purpose to “conserve and enhance natural beauty.”

To view the Dorset AONB Landscape Character Assessment click on the links below, and to learn about other Landscape Character Assessments across Dorset visit www.dorsetforyou.com

1. Front & back cover with contents
2. Introduction
3. Overview of approach
4. Landscape types & character areas of the Dorset AONB
1. 5. Open Chalk Downland
  - Charlton Downs
  - South Dorset Downs
  - Dorchester Downs
  6. Chalk Ridge/Escarpment
- Purbeck Ridge
- North Dorset Escarpment
- South Dorset Escarpment
- West Dorset Escarpment
1. 7. Chalk Valley & Downland
- Upper North Winterborne Valley
- Upper Milborne Valley
- Upper Piddle Valley
- Cerne & Sydling Valley
- Upper Frome Valley