June Trustee Spotlight

Our Trustee Spotlight series highlights the people guiding the Landscape Research Group. Through these features, we share the diverse experiences, research interests, and motivations that shape the direction of our work.

Dr Charlotte McLean is an independent researcher and chartered landscape architect based in Scotland. With more than 30 years’ experience in landscape design, planning and conservation, she has worked across the private, public and voluntary sectors, including projects in the UK, Europe and Australia. In 2024 she completed a PhD at Manchester Metropolitan University examining the history of post-war landscape architecture in Scotland through the work of landscape architect Mark Turnbull.

Charlotte joined the LRG Board of Trustees in 2025. Her work reflects a longstanding interest in the relationship between landscape practice and research, and in making academic knowledge accessible and relevant to practitioners.

1. What first inspired you to get involved with the Landscape Research Group and what does being a trustee mean to you?

I first heard about LRG through the journal when I was working as a landscape architect in the early noughties. Whilst I respected the journal, it seemed a bit highbrow for me. I was only inspired to get involved with LRG following the completion of my PhD.

The history of landscape architecture education provided context for my PhD. I studied the transatlantic exchange of ideas that flourished between North American and Scottish universities during the latter decades of the twentieth century and learnt how some landscape architects managed to combine research with practice in a way that had never seemed an option for me.

LRG seems to embody this ethos and, now that I am an independent researcher and landscape architect with no attachment to any academic department or institution, it provides an academic home for me.

I undertook a PhD in my early fifties and so was a relatively late starter. I see my role as a trustee as an advocate for combining practice with research, encouraging and helping others to think about ways to make this possible.

2. What are you most proud of contributing to LRG during your time as a trustee?

I was happy to help organise the research seminar last September and proud that I was able to help showcase the work of Joy Burgess, a fellow researcher at Manchester Metropolitan University, who undertook a similar research trajectory to me.

3. How do you see the role of LRG evolving in the coming years and what opportunities should landscape research focus on next?

I love the international breadth and reach of LRG and it would be great to find more ways for members to benefit from this. I recently took part in the Critical Field Studies trip to Cairo and, in addition to an amazing itinerary, one of the best things was spending six days with landscape researchers and practitioners from across the globe, sharing thoughts and exchanging ideas. It was an immense privilege and something that I hope LRG continues to do.

I also think expanding the role of LRG as an academic home for those without a university affiliation has the potential to attract more members. The aftermath of a PhD can be quite a lonely place. The current economic climate and pressures facing universities mean opportunities to progress into research associate or fellowship roles are increasingly limited and highly competitive. LRG has potentially much to offer in this regard.

I also think there are opportunities to strengthen the connections between different parts of the organisation, helping members find pathways to share and develop their work. The Landscape Exchange (LEX) platform may have an important role to play here.

In terms of research focus, I think LRG’s recent emphasis on community, place and coastal communities remains highly relevant, as does engagement with landowners. I can also see that sharing research methods is of particular interest to members because it cuts across disciplines, especially where those skills are transferable.

4. What excites you most about the future of landscape research – both within LRG and in the wider field?

Landscape architecture and research have been the focus of my study and professional life for more than thirty years, so naturally I am biased.

To me, landscape is central to many of the challenges our planet faces today and has the potential to contribute to many of the solutions. However, what my work has shown me is that many people outside the discipline do not yet see it this way.

If LRG could help broaden understanding of the value of landscape research beyond the profession itself, that would be an amazing achievement.

About Dr Charlotte L McLean

Dr Charlotte McLean is an independent researcher, chartered landscape architect, trustee and technical editor for the Landscape Research Group and Landscape Exchange (LEX) websites. With more than 30 years’ experience in landscape design, planning and conservation, she has worked across the private, public and voluntary sectors in the UK, Europe and Australia. Her doctoral research at Manchester Metropolitan University explored the development of post-war landscape architecture in Scotland through the work of landscape architect Mark Turnbull. Charlotte joined the LRG Board of Trustees in 2025 and is a strong advocate for strengthening connections between landscape research and professional practice.