this report describes the results of an investigation into the effects that the borrow-pits opened up for the construction of the m3 and m4 motorways have had on the landscape. the main objective of the report is to introduce a quantified comparison procedure and no general conclusions are drawn. however, clear differences were made apparent; at one extreme there was minimal disturbance and no permanent effects whilst at the other extreme the consequences of opening a pit were severe dereliction. (a)