Towards the end of 2003 the AHRB brought together a focus group to explore the potential of a research programme in this area. An outline specification entitled 'Landscape, Environment and Human Agency' was considered by the AHRB's Board of Management in December 2003 and it agreed that this theme go forward (alongside 'Diasporas, Migration and Cultural Practices') as one of the AHRB's first strategic programmes. The outline specification was developed further by a small working group and then discussed at four academic seminars held around the UK between April and July 2005. The seminars focused on the themes identified in the specification. Reports of each seminar are available via the links below:
The seminars provided opportunities for researchers to contribute to the development of the Programme, through the discussion and exchange of ideas. Professor Stephen Daniels, University of Nottingham, was appointed to the post of Programme Director in March 2005, he formally took up his post in September 2005. Professor Daniels was able to attend the development seminars and, on taking up his post, set about drafting the Programme Specification.
His Steering Committee met in mid-November 2005 to discuss and finalise the Specification, including the funding opportunities available under the Programme. The Programme was launched on 24th January 2006 at Tower Bridge, London.