What is a National Landscape?
A National Landscape is a designated exceptional landscape whose distinctive character and natural beauty are precious enough to be safeguarded in the national interest. On par with National Parks, National Landscapes are protected and enhanced for nature, people, business and culture. No other country in the world has National Lanscapes – it is a uniquely British designation that belongs to a worldwide Protected Landscape Family.
The Kent Downs National Landscape offers dramatic views, vibrant communities, a rich historic and cultural heritage and diverse wildlife and habitats making it a worthy landscape for national protection. It is the eighth largest National Landscape and, along with the High Weald National Landscape, covers 33% of Kent’s land area providing a wealth of opportunities for people to explore, enjoy and benefit from this outstanding landscape.
The Kent Downs National Landscape is one of a family of 46 National Landscapes across England, Wales and Northern Ireland which cover one fifth of the UK. The National Landscapes Association is the voice of the National Landscape partnerships and conservation boards and represents the National Landscape family on national issues including policy and advocacy, communications, training and securing resources. They provide an opportunity for collaborative working between individual National Landscapes through sharing best practice, ideas and approaches to issues common across National Landscapes.