Landscape Institute launches recommendations for the next UK government

The Landscape Institute (LI) has launched its recommendations for the next UK government, outlining a landscape policy agenda for people, place and nature.

The recommendations have been launched ahead of the upcoming general election on 4 July, and are directed at policymakers across the political spectrum.

The Institute is calling on the next UK government to address the challenges the UK faces, including climate, nature restoration, public health and housing with connected policies that add positive social, environmental and economic value to our country.

The 12 recommendations focus on four key policy areas:

• Scaling up climate resilient, low carbon development
• Driving education, awareness and skills for a greener and more resilient economy
• Promoting a combined approach to environmental policy
• Championing the power of nature for health and wellbeing

Within these key areas, specific recommendations focus on a range of topics including the planning system, skills shortages, land use, green space and green infrastructure, Protected Landscapes, and governmental departments. There is also a firm underlining of the vital role of landscape professionals in delivering the solutions required, and of the value of the landscape sector, which contributes £24.6bn GVA (Gross Valued Added) to the UK economy annually.

The Landscape Institute welcomes engagement and discussion on these recommendations from policymakers, industry and the wider public, and looks forward to working with the next UK government, including ministers, civil servants, local authorities and other decision makers across all UK nations.

Carolin Göhler, President-Elect, Landscape Institute, said: “The Landscape Institute (LI) represents landscape planners, designers and managers working across many different aspects of public life, from housing and high streets, to parks and green spaces, to national parks and large-scale infrastructure projects. Our Royal Charter commits all the work the LI does towards enhancing the natural and built environment for public benefit, and so we’re calling for a landscape policy agenda for people, place and nature.

Landscape professionals have the skills and expertise to deliver sustainable, nature-based solutions to the challenges we face, but it is vital that this work is supported by policy and resources. Our recommendations for the next government will help the UK to scale up low-carbon development, develop the skills we need for a greener economy, utilise the power of nature for health and wellbeing, and tackle social and environmental issues in unison.

We hope policymakers heed our recommendations and we look forward to continuing the discussion in the months ahead.”

Read the recommendations here