Kate Ahern

Background

About Kate Ahern

Director, Landscape Planning at LUC I am skilled in approaches to characterisation and contribute to guidance on landscape character assessment guidance for Natural England, Scottish Natural Heritage and Countryside Council for Wales. I lead training sessions on the techniques of Character Assessment and Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment on behalf of Natural England and others. I have particular experience in the application of landscape character assessment to decision-making and using the results of characterisation studies to understand sensitivities to change. I have worked for numerous clients in developing landscape evidence and policies. I have prepared Guidelines on the Implementation of the European Landscape Convention on behalf of Natural England. I have also led a number of innovative studies that have developed the emerging approaches to seascape character assessment. Currently, I am working with the National Trust to develop an approach to managing change outside their property boundaries. I have skills in preparing evidence and as a landscape expert witness.