Traditional farmsteads and farm buildings make an important contribution to the remarkably varied character of England's landscape. They are fundamental to its sense of place and are as important to the character of the countryside as the pattern of fields and boundaries associated with them. Together they help to create local identity and local distinctiveness. They also provide tangible evidence of local history and forgotten skills. Retaining such buildings matters because their history tells us of past practices, technology, innovation and achievements. However, changing...