LUC has long been involved in the NCA profiles, contributing to the original PDF profile content. Since then, we've championed their use and evolution. In 2019, we started to explore ways to make the profiles digital, user-friendly and accessible.  

Finally, in 2020, Natural England commissioned LUC to transform this vision into reality. 

The journey wasn't always easy. It involved a dedicated LUC team, countless spreadsheets, data layers and close collaboration with Natural England.  

Special thanks to Diana Manson, Chris Green, Natalie Collins, Guy Collins, Tim Thompson, our Natural England client team and many others who contributed their expertise throughout the phases. 

The new website offers a wealth of information about England's 159 NCAs. Explore interactive maps, access key facts and data, and discover links to additional resources – all presented in a user-friendly format.  

This website empowers local authorities, communities, and individuals to make informed decisions regarding landscape management and development. 

The website design allows for easy updates, ensuring continuous improvement and currency of information.

Natural England can now manage content without external assistance, thanks to a user guide we provided.  

We're proud to have played a part in this project that holds significant value for landscape management in England.  

For a deeper dive into the website's development journey, read Natural England's blog post by Sally Marshall, who transitioned from LUC team member to client project manager. 

Visit the new National Character Area Profiles website today and explore the rich tapestry of England's landscapes.