The Chester Society for Landscape History was founded in 1986. Its objectives are to:

  • promote interest in, and the study of, Landscape History
  • encourage a deeper enjoyment of and respect for our landscape
  • hold lectures and conduct field visits to these ends
  • organise study groups and record and publish their findings

The Society has a thriving membership drawn from a wide area and includes people with professional or amateur involvement in the subject, students, and those simply wanting to know more about how their surroundings evolved.

Although based in Chester, the Society’s interests stretch well beyond Cheshire. Locations in Merseyside, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Herefordshire, Derbyshire, Lancashire, Yorkshire, Oxfordshire, Flintshire, Denbighshire and Radnorshire have all been the focus of lectures and field trips.

Our lecture programme is very popular and attracts well-known speakers in the field of landscape history (please see Lectures for more information). Members attend free, and non-members are also welcome at a charge of £4 per lecture.

Day conferences are held periodically either in conjunction with other organisations (such as the national Society for Landscape Studies), or to mark the Chester Society for Landscape History’s milestone anniversaries, the most recent being the 35th Anniversary Conference on 9 October 2021.

Field visits generally take place during spring and summer.

A number of books and newsletters have been produced by the Society, all written by members with demonstrable expertise in their particular subject areas.

The Steering Group meets regularly to plan events and review the services offered to members in line with the Society’s objectives. We welcome comments and feedback on all aspects of the Society’s work. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like to join or play a more active role in the Society.