Landscape issues are high on the BMC's agenda. At a national level we've joined a coalition to campaign for the protection and enhancement of our treasured landscapes. At a local level, we've launched a Landscape Charter to help our members go about voicing concerns through their local BMC area.

BMC Landscape Charter

For many of us, landscapes are at the heart of what we enjoy in the outdoors. Think of the contrast of bucolic valleys and rugged fells in the Lake District; the wide-open expanses of the Pennine moors; the ridges and relics of Snowdonia; the purple-painted hills and patchwork dales of the Peak District.

The challenge is how to balance it all. Everyone has different views on what constitutes a landscape’s most important quality, and how far that quality can be compromised or co-exist with other aspects. There is rarely a ‘one size fits all’ solution.

This is why the BMC launched its Landscape Charter. The document sets out our role and responsibility in campaigning to protect landscapes from developments that may damage their character, or detract from their recreational and amenity value.

It sets out a framework for dealing with threats on a case-by-case basis through the BMC’s local area structure, but with greater support and information from the BMC national access team.

To support the charter, we have recently published two sets of guidance notes to help ensure our members and local groups have all the tools and information necessary to object to developments in their area that pose the greatest impact.

The guidance notes, ‘Energy & Infrastructure’ (PDF) and ‘Minerals & Quarrying’ (PDF), each contain an analysis of the factors that have led to an increase in pressure on our wild and valued places, an outline of the current planning policy, and principles of when and how the BMC should influence policy or drive for change.

The charter and guidance notes don’t prescribe whether the BMC is ‘for’ or ‘against’ a certain development or activity; instead, it gives BMC members information about how to go about voicing their concerns through their local BMC area. 

Find out more about how you can get involved.
 

Landscapes for Everyone

The BMC has joined forces with 26 other organisations and charities across the UK to campaign for the protection and enhancement of our treasured landscapes. The new coalition has launched a vision to protect and promote Britain’s landscapes, which will be presented in parliament today.

Encompassing 27 national and regional organisations, including the Campaign to Protect Rural England, National Trust, British Mountaineering Council and Wilderness Foundation, the coalition is believed to be the largest ever to be formed on this issue.

Ahead of May’s general election, the coalition aims to raise the profile of landscape and to emphasise the importance of landscapes to our wellbeing, environment and economy.

Find out more about Landscapes for Everyone.

We want to say a big thanks to every BMC member who continues to support us through the Coronavirus crisis.

From weekly Facebook Lives and GB Climbing home training videos, to our access team working to re-open the crags and fight for your mountain access, we couldn’t do it without you.

Did you know that we've just launched a new U27 membership offer for just £1.50 / month? And with full membership from £2.50 / month, it's never been easier to join and support our work: 

https://www.thebmc.co.uk/join-the-bmc-for-1-month-U27-membership

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