LUC has been appointed to evaluate the process and development of Whole Estate Plans (WEPs) for the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA).

WEPs are documents prepared by landowning organisations. They set out the assets of their estates, the opportunities and threats which the organisation may encounter, and describe their plans for the future. The plans are designed to support estates with complex and challenging commercial, social and environmental activities.

Estates and farms across the National Park have a significant influence on both the character of the landscape and the local economy – therefore the impact and challenges of their management are important to understand over the short, medium and long term.

LUC’s experts will investigate whether the identification, prioritisation and development of WEPs is sufficiently effective and robust. We will consider the key benefits for landowners, the National Park and local communities, and how WEPs contribute to delivery of the South Downs Partnership Management Plan outcomes.

We will undertake an evaluation of the WEP process through a range of evidence gathering, consultation and analysis.

Learn more about Landscape Management at LUC.