European Science Foundation/European Cooperation in Science and Technology initiative 'New Perspectives on Landscape Studies'

Initial workshop: Landscapes: Perceptions, Values and Meanings

The Landscape and Environment Directorate organised and hosted the first of five international meetings for the ESF/COST initiative 'New Perspectives on Landscape Studies' in May 2008.  The two day workshop took place at the University of Nottingham and began with a public lecture given by Professor Peter Coates (University of Bristol). Peter is the Primary Investigator of the large project Militarized Landscapes and he spoke to the title of 'Landscapes of violence, values and vitality: perspectives on militarised environments.' The talk was followed by a formal dinner to welcome the European guests. The two day workshop was a lively event and the organisation of the sessions facilitated the development of themes and ideas to take forward to the next meeting.

The events culminated in the publication of an ESF Science Policy Briefing titled 'Landscape in a Changing World: Bridging divides, integrating disciplines, serving society'. Professor Stephen Daniels contributed to the publication which includes a profile of the Landscape and Environment Programme.