Character

A distinct, recognisable and consistent pattern of elements in the landscape that makes one landscape different from another, rather than better or worse.

Elements

Individual components which make up the landscape, such as trees and hedges.

Features

Particularly prominent or eye-catching elements, like tree clumps, church towers, or wooded skylines.

Characteristics

Elements, or combinations of elements, which make a particular contribution to distinctive character.

Characterisation

The process of identifying areas of similar character, classifying and mapping them and describing their character.

Landscape Description Units

Distinct and relatively homogenous units of land, each defined by their Physiography, Ground Type, Land Cover and Cultural Pattern that set the extent of each spatial unit.

Landscape Character Types

Combinations of Landscape Description Units that share the same key characteristics.  Character Types are often occur in more than one discrete geographical area.

Landscape Character Areas

Geographically discrete areas strongly associated with a place, and often comprised of more than one character type.

Sensitivity

The degree to which a landscape with a character is inherently sensitive or sensitive to a particular pressure.  A landscape of high sensitivity is one that, once lost, would be difficult to restore.

Capacity

The degree to which a particular landscape character type or area is able to accommodate change without significant effects on its character, or overall change of landscape character type.