The Dorset landscape

The Dorset landscape is unique in terms of its landscape character, variety and quality. This diversity is a product of natural, physical factors such as geology, soils and climate. Overlaying this physical framework has been the long history of mans’ activities which have all shaped the landscape we see today.

The diversity ranges from the grandeur and geological importance of its 87 mile coastline to the biodiversity value expressed through rare flora and fauna and internationally important habitat types.

These pages describe the physical and human factors which have influenced landscape evolution as well as outlining information on landscape designations and how landscape diversity has been described and mapped in updated Landscape Character Assessments.

"We like our landscape; it shapes us, it defines us and it informs our sense of history and belonging; yet it constantly changes".
(Trevor Rowley, Emeritus fellow of Kellogg College, Oxford University)