Landscape has many values, not all of them tangible (such as sense of place); and it matters to people – it is people who create and value landscape.

Well-looked after and highly valued landscapes are essential to social well-being and an economically healthy society. We value our landscapes because of their inherent interest, their contribution to both our national identity and our local distinctiveness, their artistic inspiration - and for the goods and services they can provide, including food, water, mineral resources, disease management, climate regulation, spiritual fulfilment and aesthetic enjoyment.