The reference here to a landscape passing through 'phases' underscores the multilayered
nature of meaning and history in a cultural landscape. It also shows that the cultural evolution
of a landscape does not 'stop'. For example, the now-abandoned, highly modified pastoral
landscapes of the Australian Alps have now become national park landscapes, with features
and patterns created by the activities of park staff implementing park management plans, and
the practices of present-day park users. This represents a new phase of culture expressing
itself through the landscape, with significant impacts on the landscape's natural components.
New layers of cultural meaning and natural form are being created all the time, through the
complex interplay of cultural and natural forces.
The recognition of the interrelationship between culture and nature in landscape
management has led to co-operative arrangements developing in some overseas services.
In England, for instance, there has been increased co-operation since 1992 between English
Heritage, English Nature and the Countryside Commission on the definition, assessment and
conservation of historic landscapes.