Characteristic landscape elements and patterns

The historical identity, i.e. regional distinctiveness of over half of the Dutch cultural landscapes has been damaged. The landscapes on sandy soils have suffered in particular.

Current situation

It is the characteristic landscape elements and patterns that determine the identity of a landscape type. Areas with many distinguishing elements in what is a historical pattern for a given landscape are candidates for the preservation of cultural landscapes. Cultural and historical identity is being damaged by geographical trends such as urbanisation, the construction of infrastructure, and even by nature development schemes.

Elements and patterns of high quality can still be found in south Limburg, in parts of the marine clay and carr peat areas, in the coastal zone and in the river region. The quality of the landscape on the sandy soils has deteriorated more.

The elements that largely determine the quality and identity of landscapes are:

• Characteristic landforms or features of geomorphological value
• Archaeologically valuable sites
• Heritage buildings
• Features in the cultural landscape that are recognisably the products of that landscape's evolutionary history
• Openness of the landscape

Other characteristics important for a landscape's identity include the characteristic, Extremes of scale and the Green and blue arteries

• very great: scores for at least 3 of the 5 characteristics
• great: scores for 2 of the 5 characteristics
• moderate: scores for 1 of the 5 characteristics
• slight: no score for any of the characteristics