ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTER ASSESSMENT AND KEY ISSUES

Transcription

1 ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTER ASSESSMENT AND KEY ISSUES LANDMARKS AND SIGNS COGENHOE PHOTO-CONSTRUTION 8 X 4 JOHN HARPER 2005

2 CONTENTS 1.0 PREFACE Introduction Linking People and Place Uses of the ECA Key Issues INTRODUCTION Appointment and Brief Characterisation in Practice Approach and Methodology NORTHAMPTONSHIRE S ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTER Introduction Northamptonshire s Environmental Character Areas East Northamptonshire Claylands Collyweston Plateau Rockingham Forest Welland Valley Lower Nene (Aldwincle to Wansford) Middle Nene (Northampton to Aldwincle) Upper Nene Catchment and Watford Gap Central Northamptonshire Plateaux and Valleys Yardley Chase and Salcey Forest Whittlewood Tove and Ouse Catchment Croughton Plateau West Northamptonshire Uplands Cherwell Valley Vale of Rugby 50 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 53 ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTER ASSESSMENT AND KEY ISSUES

3 1.0 PREFACE 1.1 Introduction The county of Northamptonshire extends over an area of approximately 2360 km 2 and has a population of more than half a million people. It is located in the East Midlands Region, and includes seven District and Borough Council Administrative Authorities. The greater part of the county retains a strong rural character, and comprises agricultural land and isolated villages, hamlets, and country estates. The landscape bears the marks of changes which have taken place over many hundreds of years, with evidence of agricultural improvement, transport infrastructure, settlement, industry, mining and woodland management. Despite large areas being managed as agricultural land, significant nature conservation interest is evident in a range of semi natural habitats, ranging from acid grasslands to ancient woodlands. Urban areas amount to approximately 4% of the land cover of the county. Many urban centres contain historic cores of great age and character, with typical peripheral development of industry, modern housing and retail development evident, often extending out along the main arterial routes that link towns together and to other regional and national centres. Decorative use made of contrasting local stone and Collweston stone slate The River Nene is the principal river catchment in Northamptonshire. It rises in hills in the west of the county from where it flows eastwards, progressively swollen by numerous smaller rivers and streams. Much of its course is bordered by rural pastures and farmland. Between Northampton and Thrapston, however, the restoration of significant areas of gravel extraction has resulted in the creation of a modern landscape of artificial lakes and woodland. Of lesser influence on the character of the county are a number of other major rivers, comprising the Welland on the northern boundary of the county, the Avon and Cherwell to the west, and the Tove and Ouse to the south. These are less influenced by extraction and often retain a quiet pastoral character. The county s diverse landscapes echo the complexity of physical and human influences that have shaped them. The most appropriate level at which to describe the overall character of the county s landscape is generally at the regional scale, as set out in this document, the countywide Environmental Character Assessment (ECA). This will offer the top tier of a hierarchy of landscape character in the county developed as part of the Northamptonshire Environmental Characterisation Process. Below this top tier sit a range of more detailed assessments. A number of these, namely the Current Landscape Character Assessment (CLCA), the Biodiversity Character Assessment (BCA), the Historic Landscape Character Assessment (HLCA) and the Physiographic and Land Use Studies, have directly influenced this assessment, with the Environmental Character Areas described here representing an aggregation of landscape, historic landscape and biodiversity types at a county scale. Lowick Church Other forms of assessment, yet to emerge, will occupy the more detailed end of the hierarchy and include Village Design Statements, Parish Plans and local scale assessments of landscape character. The County ECA and its component parts (CLCA, BCA and HLCA) will offer a strong and robust framework for more detailed assessments. In time, as more detailed assessments are undertaken, they will be able to feed information back into the upper tiers of the hierarchy to improve their accuracy and ensure that the rolling programme of updates to the ECA, CLCA, HLCA and BCA more effectively recognise the contribution communities can make to the assessment process, and ensure that the continued evolution of the landscape is recorded in a structured and robust manner. ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTER ASSESSMENT AND KEY ISSUES 3

4 1.0 PREFACE The assessment has been undertaken in accordance with the most up to date guidance and methodologies and has pioneered new methods of assessment as part of an innovative approach to undertaking studies of this nature. It has been produced on behalf of the Northamptonshire Character Assessment Partnership and has benefited from the input and guidance of a great number of committed individuals, the names of which are listed in the back of this report. Grendon Church 1.2 Linking People and Place It is people s perceptions that turn land into landscape and as such it is only through engaging people with their environment that the link can be forged between people and place. The County Environmental Character Assessment is designed to represent the entrance portal to the more detailed assessments that sit beneath it in the hierarchy. Its short, non-technical descriptions are intended to inform and enthuse residents and visitors to the county, and to foster their engagement with the environment. Some of the Environmental Character Areas, for example Rockingham Forest, are well established and evoke strong images. Others are perhaps less familiar, but have a comparable strength of character that needs to be recognised and understood through reading the relevant descriptive text, or by exploring the more detailed assessments that sit beneath this study in the hierarchy. It is through this process that understanding and pride in the environment can be fostered. This in turn will lead to a more informed community that will demand higher standards of design and development in the county. Thrupp Bridge - Great Union Canal Former Railway Line ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTER ASSESSMENT AND KEY ISSUES 4

5 1.0 PREFACE 1.3 Uses of the ECA Ultimately the Environmental Character Assessment and the individual assessments that inform it will be used as a basis for developing policies and guidelines that will help protect, enhance and improve the environment, the landscape, biodiversity and the historic and cultural heritage in the coming years and help manage the enormous change and challenges that all rural and urban areas will face in the future, in particular those in the Milton Keynes and South Midlands Sub Region. These forces for change are many and varied and include climate change, changes to agricultural management, and the need to accommodate new growth and development, with significant new housing and employment areas and associated infrastructure. By having in place a strong understanding of the character of the county, along with policies and guidelines specifically designed to enhance the county for the benefit of all, positive decisions can be made with more certainty and confidence than ever before. The flexible framework of the assessment hierarchy, and the extensive bank of baseline environmental information gathered as part of the study, will also provide the basis for undertaking assessments at the strategic, national and regional scale, down to local, parish and village level. These studies will further enhance knowledge and understanding of the landscape and assist in the production of important planning and management documents including Regional Spatial Strategies and Plans, Local Development Frameworks and Documents including Site Specific Allocations and Area Action Plans, Design Guides, and Concept Plans and also inform planning and design at all scales. 1.4 Key Issues The Environmental Character Assessment describes the sixteen Environmental Character Areas that can be found in the county (including urban areas). Each description seeks to evoke what sets one area apart from any other in the county and put into words the images that are conjured up when we consider them. The Environmental Character Areas have evolved over thousands of years, as a consequence of the subtle interaction of numerous human and physical forces. It is acknowledged that the character of the county continues to evolve and that the pace and extent of change is now greater than perhaps at any time in history. In some instances the forces for change are significant, and their effects cannot be accurately predicted. Examples include changes in farming practices that directly affect the ways that the countryside functions and subsequently how it appears and contributes to biodiversity, and our understanding of the past. Global climate change is now acknowledged as a profound force for change, the impacts of which will only become clear in the coming decades. Undulating Landscape with replanted gap In this way, the descriptions found in this assessment represent only a snap-shot of the county at the turn of the twenty first century. Whilst a periodic review of some of the underlying assessments will help monitor change, there is also an opportunity to identify the key issues that affect the character of the landscape in order to help guide change that will enhance the character of the landscape at the strategic level. Key Issues are therefore presented for each of the Environmental Character Areas and follow on from the descriptive text. They are aimed at Local Planning Authorities and Local Delivery Vehicles, developers and land managers, as well as other organisations and individuals who have the ability to influence and implement land use changes across the county. They are more strategic in scope than the Strategy and Guidelines that have been developed for the three assessments that combined to form the ECA, and therefore represent some of the measures that will help enhance the most fundamental differences in character that exist across the county. ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTER ASSESSMENT AND KEY ISSUES 5

6 2.0 INTRODUCTION 2.1 Appointment and Brief In 2004, the Built and Natural Environment Service of Northamptonshire County Council appointed LDA Design (formerly Landscape Design Associates) to produce the Environmental Character Assessment of Northamptonshire. This commission followed on from LDA s completion of the Current Landscape Characterisation and the co-ordination of parallel and independent assessments of Northamptonshire s Historic Landscape Character and Biodiversity Character as part of the Northamptonshire Environmental Characterisation Process. In November 2006 LDA Design was instructed to supplement the ECA descriptions with Key Issues. These examine the principal issues and factors affecting strategic scale environmental character in the county. The Environmental Character Assessment represents the top tier of an emerging hierarchy of assessments and was informed by recently completed assessments of the county s current landscape, historic landscape and biodiversity character, all of which built on comprehensive and common Physiographic and Land Use baseline data sets. Urban Edge - Great Doddington The principal objective of the overall project is to: Develop key environmental baseline datasets, and inform, develop and enhance the sustainable planning and management of the landscape. Building on this principal objective, secondary objectives are to: Replace Special Landscape Area designations with a more objective character based assessment; develop Supplementary Planning Documents (SPD) and joint environmental strategies, in conjunction with partners and stakeholders; inform the development control process; guide the best use and targeting of resources in respect of management, conservation and enhancement of the landscape; enable the undertaking of a five year development review cycle; and demonstrate the value of a fully accessible GIS database to classify, analyse and model change. Central to the Northamptonshire Environmental Characterisation Process is the desire to ensure that future design and management throughout the rural landscape, villages and towns and the urban-rural fringe, is more responsive to the concept of place. Urban Edge - Finedon ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTER ASSESSMENT AND KEY ISSUES 6

7 2.0 INTRODUCTION Different landscapes consist of particular variations in the geological framework, soils, land cover, habitats, human influences, settlement patterns and vernacular architecture. Wherever possible or appropriate, the variations that make each area unique should be enhanced. The Environmental Characterisation Process, comprising the Environmental Character Assessment, the detailed assessments that underpin it, and a vast range of GIS datasets, provide a clear baseline understanding of the resource and a valuable tool in the delivery of positive planning in the county. 2.2 Characterisation in Practice Characterisation is the process by which areas of distinctive character are classified, mapped and described. In this assessment, Environmental Character Areas are identified. These are unique and geographically discrete and represent the aggregation of current landscape, historic landscape and biodiversity character types from the more detailed assessments that sit below them in the assessment hierarchy. An important feature of the character assessment process is that it is objective; no judgment is made of a particular landscape s value or quality. However, attention is given to identifying characteristics and qualities that are distinctive, rare or special. 2.3 Approach and Methodology Prior to the Northamptonshire Environmental Characterisation Process being undertaken, the only countywide assessment of landscape character was carried out in That assessment provided an overview of landscape character in Northamptonshire and identified nine Landscape Character Zones. Since then, however, significant advances have been made in the field of Landscape Character Assessment and as a result, a new and more detailed assessment was required. This project refers to and builds on the Countryside Character and Natural Area approach developed by the Countryside Agency (CA), Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and English Nature (EN). In particular, the assessment is based on the methodology and approach set out in the Landscape Character Assessment Guidance for England and Wales, CA and SNH (2002) and tests and takes forward the draft national landscape typology that has been developed by the CA. In order to be consistent with the CA and SNH Guidance, this assessment works within the framework of Landscape Character Areas and Landscape Character Types. It also takes advantage of the most up-to-date technology for data interpretation, analysis and presentation, and uses as a baseline a large number of detailed GIS datasets. Key stages in the assessment process were: a detailed review of the CLCA, BCA and HLCA, and the various other existing landscape character assessments within and surrounding Northamptonshire; familiarisation with the study area through reconnaissance and review of baseline data sets that informed the detailed assessments of current landscape, biodiversity and historic landscape character; Steering Group discussion and agreement on the most appropriate way to integrate the CLCA, BCA and HLCA to describe county environmental character; overlay mapping at 1:50,000 scale of Current Landscape Character Types and Biodiversity Character Types to determine broad Environmental Character Areas; refinement of draft ECA boundaries through overlay mapping with Historic Landscape Character Types, Physiographic Assessment, Land Use Assessment and baseline environmental datasets; further review of CLCA, BCA and HLCA descriptive text, refinement of boundaries as appropriate and the production of Environmental Character Area descriptions; and report and digital map production. The study area extends over the entire county of Northamptonshire. Townscape assessment has not been undertaken as part of this assessment. However, urban areas, identified and defined in the Current Landscape Character Assessment have been used in the Environmental Character Assessment. Other built up areas in the county are regarded as an integral part of the wider rural landscape they occupy. ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTER ASSESSMENT AND KEY ISSUES 7

8 3.1 Introduction Northamptonshire is a rural county with a rich and varied landscape heritage. Whilst not widely regarded for its scenic beauty, the county contains a wealth of attractive rural landscapes punctuated with a great number of sites of cultural heritage and biodiversity as well as wider leisure interest. Many areas, such as Rockingham Forest or Whittlewood, are well known and their names evoke strong images. Other areas identified in this assessment are less well known, although it is hoped that by drawing attention to the characteristics that make them unique, these landscapes, and their value, will be more widely recognised. By aggregating more detailed assessments of landscape, historic landscape and biodiversity character, the Environmental Character Assessment represents a sound review of the county. It acknowledges that each Environmental Character Area (ECA) has a distinct, recognisable and consistent pattern of elements that make it different from others at the regional scale. Character gives each part of the landscape a particular sense of place, regardless of perceptions of quality or value. This assessment has identified 16 Environmental Character Areas (including urban areas) in Northamptonshire and provides a new thematic map of the county. It draws attention to the contrasts that are so often taken for granted. The assessment has been undertaken at a regional scale of assessment and as such boundaries have been plotted using 1:50,000 base mapping, following wherever possible major landscape features such as roads, woodlands, significant landform elements and water courses. At this scale of assessment, boundaries must be regarded as approximate or transitional and clear distinctions either side of the boundary line will not necessarily be clearly evident on the ground. When visiting one of the Environmental Character Areas, its boundary will mark the point in the landscape beyond which the characteristics of the neighbouring character area become more evident. Where a high degree of intervisibilty exists between neighbouring character areas, the zone of transition is likely to be significantly greater, although this depends very much on other factors such as the presence or absence of characteristic features and elements. Following this introduction, the Environmental Character Areas are described. These descriptions are short and represent an overview of the intrinsic character and qualities of each Environmental Character Area. More detailed information about variations in historic landscape character, visual character and biodiversity character can be derived from further research and reference to the studies in the assessment hierarchy that underpin this assessment. The Northamptonshire Environmental Character Assessment is illustrated on Figure 1 at A3. Figure 2 at 1:100,000 scale provides a more detailed illustration of Environmental Character Areas in the county. 3.2 Northamptonshire s Environmental Character Areas 1. East Northamptonshire Claylands 2. Collyweston Plateau 3. Rockingham Forest 4. Welland Valley 5. Lower Nene (Aldwincle to Wansford) 6. Middle Nene (Northampton to Aldwincle) 7. Upper Nene Catchment and Watford Gap 8. Central Northamptonshire Plateaux and Valleys 9. Yardley Chase and Salcey Forest 10. Whittlewood 11. Tove and Ouse Catchment 12. Croughton Plateau 13. West Northamptonshire Uplands 14. Cherwell Valley 15. Vale of Rugby 16. Urban ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTER ASSESSMENT AND KEY ISSUES 8

9 3.2.1 East Northamptonshire Claylands The East Northamptonshire Claylands occupy the easternmost extent of the county and continue deep into neighbouring Cambridgeshire marking the limits of Boulder Clay drift deposits and underlying Jurassic Oxford Clay Formation. These gently undulating landscapes are divided up by broad shallow valleys that flow either westwards into the River Nene, or eastwards to feed the network of streams that form the wide catchment of the River Great Ouse. However, these watercourses are often difficult to discern in the landscape due to an absence of bankside vegetation and subtle landforms disguising their course. Soils are generally heavy, cold clays derived from the underlying Boulder Clay. Along the western fringes of the landscape, however, better-drained limey soils can be found over the limestone strata that are exposed along the wide valley of the River Nene and its tributaries. Despite a relatively low elevation these landscapes present an expansive open character. Panoramic views are possible from many vantage points, largely as a result of treeless horizons and the absence of significant hedgerow networks. Farming practices and the pattern of land cover elements has had a profound influence on how these landscapes are perceived. The rigid geometry of roads and field boundaries and large swathes of single crop fields has resulted in wide sweeping vistas over fields of similar texture and colour. Whilst these may be seen as monotonous and uneventful, their scale and simplicity is often dramatic. The absence of focal features can in some instances make scale and distances difficult to judge, although more intimate, human scale landscapes are evident close to settlements. Crown copyright. All rights reserved. Northamptonshire County Council: Licence No Published These intensively managed agricultural landscapes have a strong agricultural and modern character. Large scale arable farming predominates which has had a profound influence on the character of the landscape with significant stretches of field boundaries having being removed in the late 20th century to accommodate large scale machinery. Prior to the 1950s, the pattern of the landscape was more typical of the parliamentary and non-parliamentary enclosures that survive elsewhere in the county. However, the advent of large machines and the influences of the Common Agricultural Policy led to hedgerow removal and degradation and the creation of large fields of single species crops extending over extensive areas. Whilst not on the scale of the prairies of the south and east of England, these landscapes are not typical of Northamptonshire, which is generally perceived as a smaller, more human scale agricultural landscape. There is a greater diversity of land cover in close proximity to villages and farmsteads, where earlier field patterns have generally escaped the practice of amalgamation that is evident elsewhere. Woodland cover is sparse, with broad horizons punctuated by occasional shelterbelts and copses. A small number of larger ancient woodlands also exist such as those at Ashton Wold and Barnwell Wold, a remnant of the Saxon Forest of Bromswold, which was largely cleared by the 11th century AD. These represent the remnants of what were once more extensive tracts of woodland that still survive on the claylands in neighbouring Cambridgeshire. General Character towards Nene Arable Field Boundary to Roadside Whilst there is extensive evidence for late prehistoric settlement and exploitation of the area in the form of buried remains these landscapes were perhaps less-intensively settled than elsewhere in the county, as the heavy soils could only be effectively cleared of woodland and cultivated after the advent of improved plough technology in the medieval period. Settlements tend to be sparse and generally small or significantly shrunken. There is also a preponderance of nucleated linear settlements, some of which show evidence of extensive re-planning or re-location in the 19th and 20th centuries. Isolated farms are also characteristic of the landscape. These tend to be compact with farm buildings, barns and sheds tightly clustered around the main house. In some instances, large farm buildings have been constructed, indicative of the industrial scale of agricultural production across these landscapes. ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTER ASSESSMENT AND KEY ISSUES 9

10 The rigid geometry of field boundaries, largely of enclosure origin, is reinforced by the arrangement of minor country lanes that traverse the clayland landscapes. This rectilinear pattern of roads and fields breaks down close to the older villages in the landscape. Here, more organic and sinuous alignments and smaller fields are indicative of pre enclosure landscapes of the medieval period. Despite the intensive agriculture of recent decades, heritage features are still evident across the landscape. Perhaps the most conspicuous and evocative are the remnants of ridge and furrow farming and moated manors dating to the medieval period. The spires of medieval churches located at the heart of nearly every village are also very evident heritage features and landmarks within the wide vistas that are obtained across the flat or gently sloping landscape. Remnants of shrunken villages are also evident although these have often been removed as a result of agricultural improvements. In addition to the strong influence modern agriculture has had upon the visual character of the landscape, and the survival of features of historic interest, intensive farming has also had a significant impact on the retention of semi natural habitats. This is a result of industrial scale farming of monoculture crops, the intensive application of fertilizers and pesticides, the drainage of damper sites, and the conversion of grasslands to arable cropping. Ancient woodlands remain important refuges for declining habitats, and disused railway lines also provide important wildlife corridors through these otherwise intensively farmed agricultural landscapes. View from Great Brington Key Issues Further agricultural intensification and moves to create ever larger fields, in addition to harsh management of neglected hedgerows, will inevitably lead to exaggeration of the characteristically open expansive character of the landscape with panoramic views and treeless horizons. There is a characteristic distinction between the rigid geometry of roads and field boundaries across the intensively managed large scale agricultural landscapes, and the more organic and sinuous alignments and smaller fields close to older villages, indicative of pre enclosure landscapes of the medieval period. This distinction is threatened both by reconfiguration of the agricultural landscape and insensitive new development such as village expansion. Large swathes of single crop fields create a monotonous or uneventful character that is, conversely, dramatic in scale and simplicity and sensitive to agricultural diversification and change. Sweeping vistas over fields of similar texture and colour add to the landscape s drama. These are threatened by inappropriately sited development or woodland planting and poor hedgerow management. Conversely, human scale landscapes are evident close to settlements and threatened by hedgerow removal. The small number of larger ancient woodlands and other remnant habitats are a valuable wildlife asset in otherwise intensively managed agricultural landscapes that have seen significant fragmentation in recent decades. Remaining habitats may be under threat from agricultural intensification, and opportunities exist to provide some enhancement of the resource through new planting and habitat linkage. Ancient woodlands at Ashton Wold and Barnwell Wold are a remnant of the Saxon Forest of Bromswold, which was largely cleared by the 11th century AD. These assets need protection and enhancement. Significant opportunities exist for new woodland planting in sensitive locations to link to more extensive tracts of woodland that still survive on the claylands in neighbouring Cambridgeshire. ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTER ASSESSMENT AND KEY ISSUES 10

11 Settlements tend to be sparse and generally small or significantly shrunken. This characteristic is threatened by new development and expansion. There is also a preponderance of nucleated linear settlements, some of which show evidence of extensive re-planning or re-location in the 19th and 20th centuries. This characteristic village morphology is threatened by unsympathetic new development in the urban-rural fringe. Isolated farms tend to be compact with farm buildings, barns and sheds tightly clustered around the main house. In some instances, large farm buildings have been constructed, indicative of the industrial scale of agricultural production. Further industrial scale and designed agricultural buildings further threaten to erode rural character. Despite the intensive agriculture of recent decades, heritage features in the landscape such as remnant ridge and furrow farming, shrunken villages and moated manors dating to the medieval period are threatened by further agricultural intensification and damage. The spires of medieval churches located at the heart of nearly every village are conspicuous landmarks within the wide vistas that are obtained across the flat or gently sloping landscape. Such conspicuous landmarks are threatened by poorly sited new development. Intensive application of fertilizers and pesticides, the drainage of damper sites, and the conversion of grasslands to arable cropping further threatens remnant grassland habitat, and significant opportunities exist to enhance existing habitat through careful use of agricultural chemicals. ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTER ASSESSMENT AND KEY ISSUES 11

12 3.2.2 Collyweston Plateau Whilst occupying a relatively small area in the northernmost portion of the county, the Collyweston Plateau represents part of a more extensive limestone plateau that extends northwards into Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire. Despite the limited extent of the plateau in the county, the influence of local geology in the landscape is distinctive and evocative of the limestone landscapes that stretch along the Jurassic belt from Dorset to the North Sea. Indeed, areas of the plateau in proximity to the village of Collyweston appear very similar to landscapes on the High Wold of the Cotswolds. Crown copyright. All rights reserved. Northamptonshire County Council: Licence No Published These flat or gently undulating landscapes are formed on the Jurassic limestone of the Inferior Oolite Group, principally comprising the Lower Lincolnshire Limestone Formation. The underlying geology is often evident in the fine-grained sandy limestone used to construct local buildings and the walls evident in settlements, surrounding farms and in the wider agricultural landscape. In many areas the close proximity of the underlying bedrock to the surface is also evident in the occurrence of shaley stone in ploughed fields. The basal horizon of the Limestone Formation is also noteworthy as the source of the Collyweston Slate. This fissile rock is highly valued as a roofing material, and adds significantly to the character and appearance of local buildings, as does the occasional banding of ironstone evident in some older structures. Despite their relatively low elevations, the plateau landscape displays an open, elevated character. This is largely as a result of the proximity of lowland landscapes over which long distance views are possible, particularly from the fringes of the plateau such as on the northwestern fringes of the Collyweston Plateau. Here, land falls away sharply to the Welland Valley, across which are dramatic long distance views into neighbouring Rutland. Elsewhere, where woodlands and hedgerows limit views, a more intimate character prevails. The plateau is sparsely settled and retains a strong agricultural character. Soils tend to be thin, stony and free draining and are well suited to arable cereal production. Arable farming is the predominant land use, and large stacks of both round and square bales in fields provide prominent, if temporary features. A significant area of land is also utilised as a military airfield, made striking for its open character, absence of trees, military style red brick buildings and managed grassland areas. RAF Wittering is home to the Harrier Jump Jet, one of the most readily identifiable RAF aircrafts. Jets are often to be seen and heard undertaking training sorties in the vicinity of the airfield. The ease of cultivation on these light well-drained soils has led to the limited retention of semi natural woodlands and unimproved grasslands. Despite this, fragments of unimproved semi natural calcareous grassland survive in un-restored quarries, and road verges, and hint at the nature of the semi natural grasslands that would have once been more widespread. Of particular note are the surviving calcareous grasslands at Collyweston Quarries and Racecourse Farm Fields. The former is the site of a medieval limestone quarry and is the best example of this type of wildlife site in the county. Whitewater Lake is also noteworthy as one of the few areas of true fen carr growing over peat in the county. Whilst not extensive, woodlands are important, and present some of the strongest vertical elements across the plateau. Coverts are widely distributed, and linear belts characteristic of the area are present around Wittering Airfield. Ground flora tends to be poor with few ancient woodland indicator species present. The plateau landscapes are relatively sparsely settled with isolated compact farmsteads being the main form of settlement, contributing in parts to a remote character. Older buildings within settlements tend to be constructed in the local limestone and often have Collyweston Slate roofs, providing a strong unity with the underlying geology. The local limestone is also strongly represented in the boundary walling within the settlements. Collyweston, Water Tower ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTER ASSESSMENT AND KEY ISSUES 12

13 Despite the medieval origins of villages on the plateau, reconfiguration of the landscape in the 19th century has created a landscape of geometric fields, regular width roads interspersed with contemporary farmsteads and field barns. Indeed the patterns evident in the vicinity of Easton and Collyweston are seen as a classic example of 19th century parliamentary enclosure, with ruler straight field boundaries in a regular layout, with enclosure roads leading from the centre of villages to the fields beyond. Whilst the patterns in the landscape are an important reminder of historic processes that had such a profound influence on its development, hedgerow decline and poorly maintained stone walls are degrading the features that are so important to understanding this. Key Issues Despite the limited extent of the plateau in the county, the influence of local geology in the landscape is distinctive and evocative of the limestone landscapes that stretch along the Jurassic belt from Dorset to the North Sea and in particular the High Wold of the Cotswolds. Land management and new development threatens to erode qualities that relate to the underlying geology. Features such as stone walls and vernacular building traditions should be protected and sensitively repaired as necessary. Collyweston Slate mining is declining and should be maintained to keep alive local methods of extracting and processing the slate and provide materials to repair and replace roofs on older properties. Despite their relatively low elevations, the plateau landscape displays an open, elevated character and provides long distance views across the adjacent lowlands. Such views are threatened by poorly sited woodland planting, significant hedgerow growth and new development. Weston by Welland The plateau is sparsely settled and retains a strong agricultural character. Significant new built development or agricultural intensification would erode this distinctive character. A significant area of land is utilised as a military airfield, made striking for its open character, absence of trees, military style red brick buildings and managed grassland areas. New development and significant planting around the boundaries of RAF Wittering would impact significantly on the open character of the landscape. Collyweston, drystone wall field boundary Despite widespread cultivation on the light, well drained soils, semi natural woodlands do survive and form a characteristic feature and valued wildlife resource. In addition, unimproved semi natural calcareous grassland survive in un-restored quarries, and road verges. However, the habitat resource is suffering from fragmentation, and without intervention is at risk from further degradation and loss. Opportunities exist for the protection and enhancement of characteristic habitats and linkage through the creation of new habitats. Significant opportunities exist for widespread habitat improvement at RAF Wittering by sensitive management of the open grassland landscape, and replacement of coniferous shelterbelts with native broadleaved species. Despite the medieval origins of villages on the plateau, 19th century geometric fields, regular width roads interspersed with contemporary farmsteads and field barns characterise the agricultural landscape. This classic example of 19th century parliamentary enclosure, and a regular layout, is sensitive to agricultural intensification, the reconfiguration of fields, and construction of industrial scale farm buildings Parliamentary Enclosure, Easton on the Hill ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTER ASSESSMENT AND KEY ISSUES 13

14 3.2.3 Rockingham Forest Rockingham Forest is one of the most well known and celebrated landscapes in the county and takes its name from the royal hunting forest that existed across the area from the 11th to the 19th centuries. Indeed, what is identified as Rockingham Forest today is only a fragment of a much larger area that extended from Northampton to Stamford. Whilst woodland was an important component of the royal forest, the term was applied to a specific area where forest law applied, rather than an area that was densely forested. Much of the Rockingham Forest plateau is capped by Boulder Clay, which obscures the underlying solid geology. Within the upper Ise, Harper s Brook and Willow Brook valleys, however, the river systems have eroded through the Boulder Clay to expose a succession of Inferior and Great Oolite Group rock formations including both sandy and oolitic limestones, and sandstones. In the Corby area, there are more extensive deposits of the Northampton Sand Formation that includes the Corby Ironstone Member and the source of the important ironstone, which has been extensively mined. Crown copyright. All rights reserved. Northamptonshire County Council: Licence No Published The Boulder Clay deposits that cap much of the area give rise to heavy intractable soils. These were unattractive for cultivation and therefore significant areas of woodland survived the clearances that occurred elsewhere in the county. Whilst the valleys were cleared and settled during the Neolithic and Bronze Age, significant areas of the more elevated areas remained thickly wooded. Settlement and agriculture penetrated the heart of the forest along the Willow Brook, and the Iron Age and Roman periods saw the development of a major iron industry within the forest and the establishment of villas such as the large complex at Weldon. Willows at Willow Brook Field Following the Roman period, Saxon settlements tended to be sited around the periphery of the central woodlands that were controlled by royal or former royal manors. This ancient pattern of settlement persists to the present day with the central forest area remaining relatively sparsely settled. There is also evidence, for example around Brigstock, that an earlier phase of dispersed settlement existed, although this was gradually abandoned in favour of the nucleated village settlements that survive to this day. After the Norman Conquest, most of the area had become part of a royal forest stretching from Northampton to Stamford. Over time, clearances, often assarts, created a patchwork landscape of woodland and open field cultivation surrounding nucleated villages, as well as extensive areas of waste and common, and isolated farmsteads cut out of the woodland. The Crown also held a number of lodges for the purposes of hunting in the Forest. Rockingham Castle is perhaps the most well known, and many of the Norman kings held court there. Indeed, the Council of 1095 is one of the first recorded assemblies of State. Kings Cliffe, Willow Brook and Limestone Walling Throughout the Saxon and early medieval period iron working was a major activity supported by one of England s largest charcoal industries. By the late medieval period, around the 14th century, iron working had petered out but, by the mid 19th century, iron working was again reinvigorated by the arrival of the railways, when the excavation of new railway cuttings revealed the wide extent of the Northampton Sand formation deposits. Woodland was cleared, Boulder Clay stripped and a chain of quarries were established from Blisworth near Northampton to Stamford. The local population was swelled with a great many migrant workers. A number of the villages developed rapidly and towns currently on the edge of the forest such as Corby and Kettering, expanded greatly. Corby remained as the centre of the local iron industry up until 1980, after which time the steelworks and ironstone workings were closed down. A feature of the former quarries is the rich semi natural habitats that have evolved there in the form of fragmented calcareous and mesotrophic (neutral) grasslands. ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTER ASSESSMENT AND KEY ISSUES 14

15 Coppicing was the principal method of woodland management throughout the medieval period as well as in later centuries. Its use has declined in parallel to a reduction in the area of woodland and as such there has been a decline in the species reliant on this management practice. Rockingham Village Woodland on steep scarp slopes After the medieval period, the area of forest declined as a result of enclosure for agricultural use, the greatest clearances following the removal of the legal status of the forest in the 19th century. Despite these significant losses, extensive areas of ancient woodland are a particularly strong and unifying characteristic of the area. They tend to lie on the highest, Boulder Clay capped hills, emphasising the relief, with larger woodlands such as Wakerley, Geddington Chase and Fermyn forming prominent skyline features. Beyond these woodlands, significant areas of tree cover can be found in the historic parks that occur throughout the area, such as Rockingham, Deene, Drayton and Boughton. These also contain impressive mansions dating to the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Many of these sites began as royal and private deer parks, others falling out of use and converting to agriculture by the 17th and 18th centuries. Many of the woodlands are ancient former coppice woods and contain a diverse range of species. Small leaved lime is particularly characteristic of the eastern woodlands where limestone geology is predominant. Woodlands on glacial Boulder Clay deposits tend to be characterised by ash, hazel and field maple. Rides within the woodland are also important and home to a rich flora and fauna. Other areas are replanted ancient woodlands or new plantations dating to the 20th century. Replanted ancient woodland sites often retain a species rich field layer, whereas the ground flora associated with new plantations tends to be more species poor. The Red Kite is symbolic of the conservation interest of the Forest. They were successfully reintroduced in the 1990s and there were 27 successful nests in Within the forest, areas of woodland are generally separated by large fields, mainly in arable use, which tend to have low hedges and intermittent trees. The increase of arable cultivation in recent decades has been mirrored by hedgerow removal and field amalgamation, which has resulted in a number of large fields being created. This led to areas of open agricultural land that offer an abrupt contrast with the woodland areas. In the valleys, more intimate landscapes exist where better maintained hedgerows and dry stone walls can often be found enclosing improved pastures. Willow pollards are a characteristic feature of many streams. Settlements generally lie off the Boulder Clay, along the valleys where more easily cultivated land is available. There is generally a more intimate character, with valley settlements tending to be surrounded by small pasture fields, together with a 19th century dispersed pattern of farms beyond the village settlements. A more robust network of hedgerows and stone walls is also evident that contrast to the more expansive and open areas of the wooded uplands. Vernacular architecture is also an important unifying element across Rockingham Forest. Older buildings are generally of creamy grey Lower Lincolnshire Limestone in the east, and often roofed with Collyweston Slate. In the west, ironstone building stone from the Northampton Sand Formation is more common. Many of the lesser buildings are constructed from stone rubble or simple dressed stone, contrasting with the dressed stone of the manors, grand houses and churches. A number of villages are, or were, estate owned and as such exhibit a uniformity of character. There is relatively little modern development within and around the forest villages, many of which are served by minor country roads, often with wide verges typical of the enclosure period. Many villages therefore retain a quiet, dignified and sometimes remote rural character. Greater expansion, largely in the late 20th century, has occurred in the villages at the edge of the forest with good road access to the larger towns nearby. Lyveden Fields ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTER ASSESSMENT AND KEY ISSUES 15

16 Key Issues Rockingham Forest is one of the most well known and celebrated landscapes in the county and takes its name from the royal hunting forest that existed across the area from the 11th to the 19th centuries. Today, what is identified as Rockingham Forest is only a fragment of a much larger area that extended from Northampton to Stamford. As such, the remaining forest area is sensitive to any further loss or degradation of characteristic features and woodland resource. Lone Tree, near Short Woods View to Biggin Hall Woods The Boulder Clay deposits that cap much of the area give rise to heavy intractable soils. These were unattractive for cultivation and therefore significant areas of woodland survived the clearances that occurred elsewhere in the county. At a strategic scale of planning, these areas should be targeted for new woodland planting, and in particular those areas that can be demonstrated to have been wooded in the recent past in order to take full advantage of surviving seed banks. Settlements and agriculture penetrated the heart of the forest along the valleys, and new development in or fringing forest villages should be sensitive to settlement morphology and relationship to landform features. Iron Age and Roman periods saw the development of a major iron industry within the forest and the establishment of villas such as the large complex at Weldon. Wherever possible, archaeological features of such significance should be protected in situ and new development located away from the most important areas. The ancient pattern of settlement persists to the present day with the central forest area remaining relatively sparsely settled. This characteristic pattern should be perpetuated and the remote character of the Forest Core protected. As a consequence of the iron industry, a number of the villages fringing the forest developed rapidly and towns such as Corby and Kettering, expanded greatly. Further expansion is anticipated for these towns, and significant opportunities exist for the development of sensitive treatment of the rural urban fringe to enhance both the setting of the town and the relationship to the wider rural and forested landscape. Cowpasture Woods ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTER ASSESSMENT AND KEY ISSUES 16

17 Former quarries are sometimes characterised by rich semi natural habitats that have evolved there in the form of calcareous and mesotrophic (neutral) grasslands. These offer much valued habitat resources that should be protected and enhanced through the creation of habitat links wherever possible. Coppicing was the principal method of woodland management throughout the medieval period as well as in later centuries. Its use has declined in parallel with a reduction in the area of woodland and skills. As such there has been a decline in the species reliant on this management practice. Significant opportunities exist for traditional woodland management practices to be reintroduced, aiding the management of woodland and other habitats and the perpetuation of traditional forest industries. Lyveden New Bield Deene Park Extensive areas of ancient woodland are a particularly strong and unifying characteristic of the area. They tend to lie on the highest, Boulder Clay capped hills, emphasising the relief. Beyond these woodlands, significant areas of tree cover can be found in the historic parks that occur throughout the area. Ancient woodlands should be protected for their cultural and nature conservation value and form the core of a programme of woodland planting programme and replanting of coniferous plantations with broadleaved species The increase of arable cultivation in recent decades has been mirrored by hedgerow removal and field amalgamation, which has resulted in a number of large fields being created. In the valleys, more intimate landscapes exist where better maintained hedgerows and dry stone walls can often be found enclosing improved pastures. This distinction should be enhanced, and further erosion of field patterns prevented by concerted efforts to prevent hedgerow removal. Kirby Hall Willow pollards are a characteristic feature of many streams. New planting and traditional pollarding practices should be widely employed. ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTER ASSESSMENT AND KEY ISSUES 17

18 Vernacular architecture is an important unifying element across Rockingham Forest. Older buildings are generally of creamy grey Lower Lincolnshire Limestone in the east and often roofed with Collyweston Slate. In the west, ironstone building stone from the Northampton Sand Formation is more common. Many of the lesser buildings are constructed from stone rubble or simple dressed stone, contrasting with the dressed stone of the manors, grand houses and churches. A number of villages are, or were estate owned and as such exhibit a uniformity of character. There is relatively little modern development within and around the forest villages, many of which are served by minor country roads, often with wide verges typical of the enclosure period. Many villages therefore retain a quiet, dignified and sometimes remote, rural character. New development in villages should be sensitive to traditional building techniques and use of locally procured materials. Kelmarsh Hall Cottages at Newnham ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTER ASSESSMENT AND KEY ISSUES 18

19 3.2.4 Welland Valley The wide shallow river valley of the Welland marks the northernmost boundary of Northamptonshire from its source near Sibbertoft, to Easton on the Hill from where it passes through Stamford eastwards through the Lincolnshire Fens to the Wash. The county boundary is largely defined by the main channel of the river, and as such, significant portions of the environmental character area lie beyond the county boundary in Leicestershire and Rutland. Crown copyright. All rights reserved. Northamptonshire County Council: Licence No Published Hothorp Hills The Welland rises in Northamptonshire to the west of the village of Sibbertoft on the Naseby Plateau. However, the valley proper begins a short distance to the north where the juvenile river flows eastwards through broad, gently undulating lowland vale landscapes to the west of Market Harborough and then eastwards through a narrowing valley to Stamford. Here, the Wash joins the Welland and the mature river occupies an increasingly broad, flat Fenland landscape, the channel having been canalised for significant stretches through drained farmland with a rigidly geometric field pattern. Throughout Northamptonshire, the Welland Valley is almost entirely underlain by the Charmouth Mudstone Formation. To the east of Wakerley, however, the valley extends across a succession of Lias Group and Inferior Oolite Group rocks, including the Dyrham Siltstone, Whitby Mudstone and Northampton Sand Formations. Despite the river itself being relatively narrow and gently flowing, the valley is a significant feature of the wider landscape. In Leicestershire and Rutland the valley floor is broad and defined to the north by gently sloping convex hills. To the south in Northamptonshire, prominent and sometimes steeply sloping valley sides form a striking backdrop to the floodplain. This is particularly the case in the vicinity of Sibbertoft where the Hothorpe Hills, formed from Dyrham Siltstone Formation fall steeply from the Naseby Plateau to the valley floor and between Willbarston and Easton on the Hill, where an almost continuous scarp slope, falling away from the Rockingham Forest and the Collyweston Plateau, defines the valley. The upper slopes of the valley sides offer vantage points from where dramatic panoramic views across the Welland are possible, contrasting to more intimate landscapes in the valley floor where long distance views are restricted by landform and intervening vegetation. The distribution of the drift deposits displays marked changes along the course of the river and influences local landform, land use and landscape character. In the vicinity of its source, to the west of Market Harborough, extensive sand and gravel river terrace deposits are evident bordering the Welland, the permeable nature of the substrate allowing arable farming to extend down the gentler valley sides into the valley floor. Further to the east, the river valley narrows and the channel is bordered by clay and silt deposits and by narrow sand and gravel terraces. Whilst arable farming continues to be important, the wetter soils of the valley floor are less suited to arable production and verdant improved pastures and rougher grasslands border the river channel. Varied agricultural land uses create a patchwork pattern with contrasting textures and colours contributing to the landscape s visual appeal. The Welland Valley comprises a major landform feature, influencing patterns of movement and settlement. The river itself is often barely visible in its upper reaches. However, as it matures and broadens, it becomes a more prominent feature of the landscape, and from the east of Market Harborough occupies a central position within the floodplain. The river is most often discernible from the raised landform of neighbouring valley sides, however, even from within the floodplain its course can be identified by following linear belts of vegetation or locating the many bridges that cross the river. Easton on the Hill ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTER ASSESSMENT AND KEY ISSUES 19

20 The River itself has undergone extensive modification to reduce flood risk. The once meandering course has been straightened and deepened. As a result, the floodplain is dry for much of the year, thus allowing for a greater diversity of agricultural land uses across the floodplain and the general absence of designated nature conservation sites. Indeed the landscape has seen the conversion of large areas of grassland to arable cropping, the loss of typical riverine features and destruction of characteristic wet and marshy grasslands. Woodlands are not typical of the valley landscape, with greater concentrations being evident on the neighbouring wooded plateaux. Small woodlands, along with rough grassland, characterise a number of the steeper upper valley slopes, as at Easton on the Hill and on the Hothorpe Hills where acidic grasslands and woodlands are retained. Elsewhere, large woodlands mark the transition between the upper valley slopes and the neighbouring plateau landscape. These plateau woodlands serve to further enclose the valley and screen views to major developments such as Corby, thus maintaining the rural character of the valley. Within the valley floor, woodlands tend to be small linear belts along tributary streams or the main channel itself. A significant belt of woodland is also associated with the railway line between Corby and Harringworth. Hedgerow trees are mainly ash, oak and field maple and, along with waterside willows, make up much of the floodplain landscape s limited tree cover. Many of the willows have been pollarded in the past. There are no wooded areas on the floodplain except for a few field corner stands of poplar. Harringworth Viaduct Pasture Fields towards Easton on the Hill New Planting towards Wakerley Great Wood Settlement is typically located at the fringes of the floodplain on rising ground on the valley sides. A number of villages are linear in form, aligned parallel to the valley slope, as at Middleton, or at right angles to it, as at Rockingham. In both cases, the villages stretch out along the principal road running through it. The valley floor is typically sparsely settled, although occasional farms are located closer to the river channel. Beyond these, occasional sewage works and bridges are the only structures on the valley floor. Views within the valley are generally bounded by ridgelines belonging to the Laughton Hills, High Leicestershire, and the Northamptonshire plateaux. Several features stand out in the open valley landscape, notably village church steeples, the abandoned railway line which runs the length of the eastern part of the valley from north of Medbourne to Barrowden and the wooded Rockingham escarpment which is punctuated by the prominent stone structure of Rockingham Castle. The Welland Viaduct is by far the most prominent man-made landmark. The impressive brick structure dates to the late 19th century and dominates the valley to the west of Harringworth. The large cement works at Ketton is also a prominent man-made landmark feature. Beyond the historic core of the valley villages, the principal historic landscape features that are evident comprise remnant areas of ridge and furrow on the fringes of the villages, either in the floodplain or on the sloping valley sides. Much of the valley was enclosed during the 19th century and regular geometric fields, contemporary farmsteads and road systems provide historic landscape features that are testimony to this period of rationalisation and represent the historic development of the landscape and its inherent character. Where the pattern is strong, the landscape has a well defined grain aligned to the orientation of the river. Hedgerow patterns are breaking down in places, however, and the strong geometric pattern of the landscape is being lost. More irregular patterns are also evident on sloping land between Dingley and East Carlton where pre- 19th century enclosures characterise the pattern of fields. ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTER ASSESSMENT AND KEY ISSUES 20

21 Key Issues Despite the river itself being relatively narrow and gently flowing, the valley is a significant feature of the wider landscape and land management should seek to preserve and enhance the visual distinctiveness of the river corridor through the wider agricultural landscape. Woodland on steep scarp slopes At locations along the Welland, prominent and sometimes steeply sloping valley sides form a striking backdrop to the floodplain. The upper slopes of the valley sides offer vantage points from where dramatic panoramic views across the Welland are possible, contrasting with more intimate landscapes in the valley floor where long distance views are restricted by landform and vegetation. Woodland planting, new development and land management should seek to enhance differences between valley sides and valley floor. In some locations, large woodlands mark the transition between the upper valley slopes and the neighbouring plateau landscape. These plateau woodlands serve to further enclose the valley and screen views to major developments as at Corby, thus maintaining the rural character of the valley. Such woodlands should be protected and enhanced where possible to help maintain the rural character of the valley. Small woodlands, along with rough grassland, characterise a number of the steeper upper valley slopes and these distinctive habitats should be enhanced where possible. The distribution of varying drift deposits are displayed in marked changes in agricultural land use along the course of the river. To the west of Market Harborough, extensive sand and gravel river terrace deposits are evident bordering the Welland, which is well suited to arable farming that extends down the gentler valley sides into the valley floor. Further to the east, the river valley narrows and the channel is bordered by clay and silt deposits and by narrow sand and gravel terraces. Land use should conserve the patchwork pattern that marks variations in the underlying geology and contributes to the landscape s visual appeal. The river is often not possible to discern in the landscape as a consequence of its narrow form and uniformity of surrounding land uses. Management of the riparian habitats should be encouraged to enhance the visibility, quality of the riverine habitat, and create a functioning habitat corridor through the landscape. The River Welland itself has undergone extensive modification to reduce flood risk with the once meandering course having been straightened and deepened. As a result, the floodplain is dry for much of the year, thus allowing for a greater diversity of agricultural land uses. Future land management should seek to restore more naturalistic river channels and profiles, and create areas of permanently or seasonally wet meadow and other typical habitats. Hedgerow trees are mainly ash, oak and field maple along with waterside willows. Hedgerow and river side trees make up much of the floodplain landscape s limited tree cover. Many of the willows have been pollarded in the past. Land managers should be encouraged to plant river side willows and other appropriate native tree species along watercourses and hedgerows. Pollarding should be encouraged. Settlement is typically located at the fringes of the floodplain on rising ground on the valley sides. A number of villages are linear in form, aligned parallel to the valley slope. The valley floor is typically sparsely settled. Development should respect village morphology and relationship to the river, and significant new development should be avoided in the floodplain. Views from the valley floor to prominent features in the landscape such as village church steeples, the wooded Rockingham escarpment, Rockingham Castle and the Welland Viaduct should be protected. Woodland planting or development that would obscure views should be avoided. Principal historic landscape features such as remnant areas of ridge and furrow on the fringes of the villages and the pattern of 19th century geometric fields, contemporary farmsteads and road systems should be protected. Hedgerow patterns are breaking down in places, and threatening to erode the simple geometry of the hedgerow networks, and as such land managers should be encouraged to gap up degraded hedgerows. Drystone Walling and Footpath, Ketton ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTER ASSESSMENT AND KEY ISSUES 21

22 3.2.5 Lower Nene (Aldwincle to Wansford) To the east of Aldwincle up to the boundary of the county at Wansford, the Nene flows through a rural landscape punctuated by a series of small stone built villages and farms. The broad valley is rich in historic features that contribute to the area s scenic qualities, although modern influences are also apparent, both in the presence of urban development at the fringes of the valley and through agricultural intensification. The juxtaposition of old and new is echoed in the fact that the valley marks the boundary of the ancient wooded landscapes of Rockingham Forest to the west and the post war arable fieldscapes of the farmed claylands to the east. The Lower Nene occupies a progressively meandering course as it matures and is swollen by an increasing number of tributary streams on its passage through the western part of the county. The river flows across a broad, gentle valley and has deposited wide alluvial belts that increase in breadth north of Cotterstock leading to some extensive flat floodplain landscapes either side of the river. The alluvial floodplain is bordered by sand and gravel river terrace deposits, although these are less extensive than the Crown copyright. All rights reserved. Northamptonshire County Council: Licence No Published Woodford Denford Meadow deposits further upstream that have resulted in extensive mineral extraction over the past half century. Second terrace gravel deposits are also in evidence although these are limited in extent and generally survive as isolated patches. Whilst much of the floodplain has escaped extraction and in essence maintained the integrity of its historic character, some limited reinstated extraction sites are visible at Yarwell, Tansor and Barnwell. Further up the valley sides, the Boulder Clay deposits that cap some upstanding areas have affected local drainage. It is interesting to note that a number of these areas are coincident with some of the valley s largest concentrations of woodland and the only ancient woodland site in this stretch of the valley. Beyond the county boundary, the Nene enters the Cambridgeshire Fens, which are characterised by flat, open and intensively managed farm and peat lands with extensive vistas to level horizons. As such, the stretch of the Nene to Wansford represents the last section of the Nene valley with an identifiable valley form. Superficial deposits mask a succession of Jurassic rocks along the valley, although there are limited exposures of the underlying limestones, sandstones and mudstones on the valley slopes beyond the second terrace gravels and remnant areas of Boulder Clay. The valley itself is broad and its slopes are low and gentle. Steeper slopes help to define the form of the valley in places, particularly where erosion by tributary streams has resulted in well-defined landform features. The underlying geology is expressed in the limestone building stones that have been used for many of the older village buildings, although evidence suggests that there was also a tradition of building timber framed dwellings in the valley, such as at Warmington. Agricultural land use is a mixture of arable and pasture, with cereal cultivation tending to be located away from the floodplain on the gently sloping valley sides. The flat floodplain is predominantly given over to permanent pasture although formerly it would have been characterised by species rich seasonally flooded wet meadows. However, agricultural improvement and drainage have enabled more intensive grazing of the landscape and the reduction of grassland habitat. Polytunnels are also a feature of the flat fertile floodplain landscapes to the north of Oundle. Whilst these are incongruous to the otherwise pastoral riverine scene, they are clear evidence of diversification and intensification of agricultural practices. Despite modern intervention, some wet grasslands and marshes are retained in the valley, in particular Wadenhoe Marsh and Achurch Meadow, which is the most important grassland habitat for breeding wader birds in the county. ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTER ASSESSMENT AND KEY ISSUES 22

23 Banks of irises, rushes and reeds are frequently to be found along the edge of the river, and although predominantly open, the course of the Nene is often marked by scattered willows and riparian marginal vegetation. Hedgerows are generally in good condition and further contribute to the well-managed appearance of the valley landscape. Many hedges, and particularly those adjacent to roads crossing the floodplain, are flanked by deep ditches indicating the need to drain wide areas of the landscape for agriculture. Woodland is typically uncommon, and the restoration of gravel workings has tended not to involve significant tree planting as is the case further upstream. However, an area of alder carr and areas of dense varied scrub are notable at the ancient woodland site on the valley slopes at Southwick and along the disused railway line through the valley. Further to these limited examples, belts of woodland lie close to the river at Lilford Park and near Barnwell. The valley is sparsely settled in comparison to areas of the valley further upstream and small linear villages and medium sized market towns such as Oundle represent important features of the historic landscape. Settlements are largely located on higher ground overlooking the river. Of particular importance are church spires, which provide focal features in otherwise sweeping valley landscapes. Beyond the villages, individual farmsteads are located throughout the valley along with occasional mills adjacent to branches off the main river channel. Vernacular buildings contribute significantly to local character and add to the sense of the area s heritage. Other key historic sites, such as the complex of medieval structures at Fotheringhay, represent significant local and indeed national heritage assets. Ridge and furrow contributes to the historic character of the wider agricultural landscape although remnant areas are patchy and rarely form prominent or widespread features. However, some particularly well preserved patches do survive, notably the examples around Aldwincle and Wadenhoe. Fieldscapes generally date to the parliamentary enclosures, with those in the west of the area being enclosed in just an eighty year span from the mid 18th century, and characterised by straight hedged boundaries and enclosure roads. The old fieldscape pattern has been disturbed and large modern fields reminiscent of the cropped claylands that extend into Cambridgeshire, characterise the valley slopes between Titchmarsh and Oundle to the east of the Nene. Key Issues The Lower Nene occupies a progressively meandering course as it matures on its passage through the predominantly rural, western part of the county. The alluvial floodplain is bordered by sand and gravel river terrace deposits, although these are less extensive than the deposits further upstream that have seen extensive mineral extraction over the past half century. Gravel extraction in this stretch of the Nene should be discouraged. Where it does occur, however, restoration should be to floodplain meadow, rather than to open water habitat, in order to maintain the character of this stretch of the Nene and maintain the distinction between the Upper and Middle Nene. Such restoration presents significant opportunities for new recreational landscapes of high ecological value to be created. Stanwick Lakes Boulder Clay deposits cap some upstanding areas on the valley sides. These areas are often coincident with some of the valley s largest concentrations of woodland and the only ancient woodland site in this stretch of the valley. Woodland planting of native species on these clay caps should be encouraged to reinforce this characteristic feature. There are limited exposures of the underlying limestones, sandstones and mudstones on the valley slopes beyond the second terrace gravels and remnant areas of Boulder Clay and it is only evident in the building stones that have been used for many of the older village buildings. The absence of widespread building stone is suggested in the tradition of building in timber. New residential development should, whenever possible, seek to reflect locally distinctive building styles. Polytunnels near Bluebell Lakes Land managers should seek to maintain the simple distinction between cereal cultivation located away from the floodplain on the gently sloping valley sides and permanent pasture on the flat floodplain. ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTER ASSESSMENT AND KEY ISSUES 23

24 Agricultural improvement and drainage have enabled more intensive grazing of the floodplain landscape and the reduction of species rich grassland habitat. Future land management should seek to restore more naturalistic river channels and drainage patterns, and create areas of permanently or seasonally wet meadow and other typical riverside habitat. Priority should be given to habitat enhancement in proximity to existing areas of wet meadow and designated nature conservation sites. Polytunnels are a feature of the flat, fertile floodplain landscapes to the north of Oundle. Whilst these are incongruous to the otherwise pastoral riverine scene, they are clear evidence of diversification and intensification of agricultural practices. While their location in the rural-urban fringe is more acceptable, their location in the rural stretches of the valley would increase their adverse impact. Barnwell Nene Way, Wooded line of track bed Woodland is typically uncommon, and the restoration of gravel workings has tended to not involve significant tree planting, unlike sites further upstream. This distinction between the river valley sections should be maintained. Settlements are largely located on higher ground overlooking the river. Of particular importance are church spires, which provide focal features in otherwise sweeping valley landscapes. Settlement expansion into the floodplain should be avoided and sited so as not to obscure vistas to church spires. Heritage features such as remnant ridge and furrow and historic sites, such as the complex of medieval structures at Fotheringhay, represent significant local and indeed national heritage assets. Sites and their wider setting should be protected and enhanced in order to enhance the historic rural character of the landscape. Patterning created by straight hedged boundaries and enclosure roads should be protected. In areas where the pattern has been degraded and large modern fields reminiscent of the cropped claylands are characteristic, opportunities for new hedgerow planting exist to create a more intimate pattern of small and medium scale fields. Bridge and Church Tower, Fotheringhay Remains of Hedgeline, Oundle Fishing Lake at Oundle Marina ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTER ASSESSMENT AND KEY ISSUES 24

25 3.2.6 Middle Nene (Northampton to Aldwincle) The riverine landscape between Northampton and Aldwincle has seen significant change in the past half century. Mineral extraction, settlement expansion, and transportation infrastructure developments have influenced much of the area, although it is notable that large tracts of the landscape retain something of their historic, rural character. Despite the rapid and irreversible change that has occurred, significant areas of the landscape have a high wildlife or recreational value, with areas of flooded mineral workings representing a major asset in this respect. Crown copyright. All rights reserved. Northamptonshire County Council: Licence No Published The Nene flows through a broad floodplain formed on alluvial clays and silts with significant sand and gravel river terrace deposits marking the transition between the edge of the floodplain and the lower slopes of the valley sides. The floor of the valley and lower valley slopes are formed from Jurassic mudstones, with limestones and ironstone at higher elevations. The form of the valley alters throughout its length, with local variations evident in the height and steepness of the slopes. Further local variations are created by the degree to which the valley sides are dissected by tributary streams. The Nene follows a winding and braided course through the floor of the floodplain, displaying the significant alterations of the natural river channel that have taken place. These interventions were undertaken to facilitate the movement of boats along the Nene Navigation, reduce the risk of flooding and to provide power to mills that were once numerous in the valley. Drainage ditches, embankments, weirs, sluices and locks are all features associated with the management of the watercourse and represent points of interest along the river. The guillotine locks along the Nene are particularly distinctive features although these are being progressively replaced by contemporary gate locks. Meadows towards Irthlingborough Pylons on the Floodplain, Great Doddington Land use varies significantly along this stretch of the Nene. In the west, the river flows through Northampton, close to the centre, so that the town significantly influences the character of the valley. Initially the river forms an important feature of parks and urban green spaces, before entering the Nene Whitewater Centre and hotel/business complex. Here transport infrastructure, pylons and views to the urban development are reminders of the close proximity of the town. However, the valley widens and the influence of the town diminishes with distance from it. Particular influences arise from the visual impact of the large riverside holiday resort at Billing Aquadrome, and also from the sewage works and pylons located in the floodplain. However, the width of the valley and proximity of the countryside marks a notable zone of transition to areas of more rural character. Beyond and to the east of Northampton, further urban influences exist in the vicinity of other towns that border the valley including Wellingborough and Irthlingborough. East of Higham Ferrers, the landscape displays a distinctly rural character although gravel extraction sites, major roads in the valley and Thrapston exert local influences. The floor of the valley has seen significant change in the past century as a result of gravel extraction. Restored workings are a characteristic feature for the full length of the Middle Nene, with variations evident in the type of restoration undertaken and the maturity of the scheme. Open water has been the favoured form of restoration, and now a series of lakes occupies large areas of the valley floor. These become the major hydrological feature of the floodplain and often make views of, and access to, the river difficult. A number of lakes have no public access, giving some parts of the landscape a bleak and remote character, whereas others offer significant active and passive recreational opportunities including fishing, boating, walking and bird watching. The ornithological value of the lakes is a major asset, with the restored workings and surrounding countryside offering habitat and feeding ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTER ASSESSMENT AND KEY ISSUES 25

26 grounds for many thousands of over wintering and passage birds. The quality of these sites has meant large areas are designated as wildlife sites, and a significant area of the floodplain qualifies as a Special Protection Area and Ramsar Site. The remainder of the floodplain landscape displays a range of land uses. Wetter areas have retained some small areas of semi natural grasslands and marshes although, elsewhere, agricultural improvement and drainage have converted species rich grasslands to pasture fields for both sheep and cattle. Arable fields are also evident adjacent to the river and rising up the valley slopes, particularly where permeable solid or drift geology or drainage have made this viable. Landscapes around urban areas display typical urban fringe land uses, such as rough pasture grazed by horses, and areas of amenity grasslands. Woodland is not typical of the valley, although significant belts of semi mature trees occur around a number of restored lakes and bordering roads and disused railway lines. Woodlands appear incongruous in the context of the floodplain. However, they do provide valuable habitats and a context for areas of open water and, in particular, wet willow carr woodland when found in conjunction with reed beds and open water areas. Woodlands also tend to be associated with parkland landscape located on the valley sides away from the floodplain, such as at Delapre Park and Castle Ashby, and with areas of former quarrying as at Irchester Country Park. Where present, woodland serves to limit views and creates an intimate landscape that is not typical of the valley. Elsewhere, the valley retains an open and sometimes expansive character. Long views along the valley are possible with church spires and water towers forming strong vertical elements and orientation points, although riverside willows and other vegetation can create localised screening. Views from the valley sides are also expansive where woodland is not prevalent. Irchester Country Park Railbridge over Nene, Chester Farm The influence of mineral workings is significant and much of the valley can be regarded as having a modern character. Extraction has concentrated on the Sands and Gravels of the river terrace deposits over which lie the thick alluvial deposits. The modernity of the landscape is also a consequence of hedgerow removal to create a widespread pattern of large modern fields. This activity overlies fieldscapes and landscape patterns that date to 19th century parliamentary enclosure. Prior to this, the valley landscape would have been a complex mixture of open fields and extensive areas of common pasture in wetter areas, although some drainage allowed open fields to extend into the floodplain. This stretch of the Nene was made navigable in the mid 18th century, although the valley has represented a major transportation route and focus of settlement for millennia. A number of surviving sites and features attest to its historic character, including two Bronze Age barrows that would have formed part of a much larger funerary landscape in the valley, limited areas of ridge and furrow and a number of former settlement sites including evidence of a major Roman town at Chester House Farm and a deserted riverside medieval village at Mallows Cotton. Clifford Hill is also a significant historic monument that was sited to command passage along the Nene and remains a potent reminder of the Nene s strategic importance. Sand and gravel extraction has resulted in the destruction and loss of numerous archaeological sites, although excavation and recording throughout operations in the 1970s, 80s and 90s has provided a wealth of archaeological material some of which throws light on prehistoric settlement and activity in the valley as far back as the Palaeolithic. Earls Barton ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTER ASSESSMENT AND KEY ISSUES 26

27 Key Issues Despite the rapid and irreversible change associated with significant development and mineral extraction in the past half century, large tracts of the river valley landscape retain something of their historic, rural character. New development and land management should seek to protect areas that retain their rural, undeveloped character, and also enhance degraded urban fringes in order to create attractive and vibrant urban fringe landscapes. In the west of the area the river flows through Northampton, close to the centre, so that the town significantly influences the character of the valley. It often forms an important feature of parks and urban green spaces and opportunities exist to create a vibrant interface between town and river. Elsewhere transport infrastructure, pylons and views to the urban development degrade significant stretches of the river and opportunities exist to enhance the visual qualities and character of the landscape. Wellingborough and Irthlingborough also closely border the river and exert a strong urbanising influence. Again, new development and land management should seek to create a sensitive transitional landscape between settlement and river. Restoration of former gravel workings to open water has been favoured in the past decades and a series of lakes occupy large areas of the valley floor. A number of lakes have no public access whereas others offer significant active and passive recreational opportunities. Careful management of the lakes is required to enhance visitor facilities and recreation opportunities. However, this should be balanced with conserving and enhancing the high biodiversity value. Denford Land managers should seek wherever possible to enhance the nature conservation value of riverside farmland. Restoration of pasture to seasonally wet meadow should be encouraged and in particular within areas that link to existing areas of high biodiversity value. Although woodlands appear incongruous in the context of the floodplain, they do provide valuable habitats and a context for areas of open water, and in particular wet willow carr woodland when found in conjunction with reed beds and open water areas. Appropriate management of the wet woodlands should be encouraged and habitat increased to provide functioning linear habitat links. Hedgerow removal and the creation of modern fieldscapes are evident across much of the valley. Hedgerow planting to recreate parliamentary enclosures is not appropriate in these areas, and as such opportunities exist for the creation of new landscape character. Elsewhere, where the impact of modern development is less pronounced, enhancement of the field patterns through reinstatement and repair of hedgerows, is more appropriate. Great Doddington to the Nene A number of surviving sites and features attest to the significance of the Nene in prehistory and in more recent centuries. Despite the overwhelming influence of modern developments, features such as barrows, ridge and furrow and former settlement sites should be protected and their setting enhanced. ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTER ASSESSMENT AND KEY ISSUES 27

28 3.2.7 Upper Nene Catchment and Watford Gap The upper reaches of the Nene and its northern tributary forms a distinctive, rural landscape in the west of the county that becomes increasingly urbanised in proximity to Northampton, although the presence of major transport infrastructure is also a significant influence on otherwise tranquil landscapes further to the west and north. The Nene rises in the Ironstone hills to the west of Northampton, and flows through an area of undulating farmland prior to joining its northern tributary arm at Weedon Bec. However, up to this point the river is a minor feature of a much broader landscape and, as such, is only recognised as a distinct landscape beyond its confluence with its northern tributary at Northampton. Whilst not the actual source of the Nene, the broad gentle valley through which this northern tributary stream flows is a major component of the local landscape. The scale of the valley is disproportionate in comparison to the small watercourse, indicating that at some point a more substantial watercourse flowed through this area. The significant deposits of glaciofluvial sand and gravel within the valley are indicative of the action of glacial melt waters and explain the presence of this broad Crown copyright. All rights reserved. Northamptonshire County Council: Licence No Published Nene View above Weedon valley formation, which has been softened by millennia of erosion. The river channel is also bordered by relatively broad bands of alluvium that combine with Sands and Gravels, and limited areas of Boulder Clay, to effectively mask the underlying solid geology of siltstones with intermittent bands of the ironstone rich Marlstone Rock Formation. The alluvium forms a flat floodplain that broadens and narrows as the stream winds between the interlocking spurs of the valley slopes that have formed where smaller tributaries have eroded side valleys. The broad valley is characterised by low lying farmland, typically arable farmland on drier areas and grassland closer to watercourses. Free draining and light textured soils associated with the glacial Sands and Gravels are particularly well suited to cultivation and, as such, arable predominates across these extensive deposits. In many instances, where arable land use extends to the river, hedgerows along the watercourse are not common and, indeed, elsewhere hedges around many arable fields are showing signs of decline. Away from the gravels, land use is mixed and shows no clear patterning although, to the west of Flore, permanent pasture is more predominant on the floodplain. Here, hedgerows are denser, although the network continues to show signs of decline. ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTER ASSESSMENT AND KEY ISSUES 28

29 Woodland is not a characteristic feature of the upper valley, although linear belts are common alongside streams draining into the main channel and along transport infrastructure corridors. Other woodlands tend to be associated with parkland such as at Brockhall Park, which appears to have been bisected by the course of the M1, mainline railway and canal. Alder and willow trees are also relatively common either as single specimens, or in groups along the main river channel. Post 1950s hedgerow removal has been a significant influence on the valley landscape to the north of Weedon Bec, although the underlying fieldscapes throughout the landscape Nene View above Weedon were created a century beforehand under Parliamentary Acts. Both large and medium sized fields are evident, although pockets of surviving Parliamentary and Pre-parliamentary patterns survive, particularly east of Flore. Transport infrastructure also serves to fragment the pattern of fields. Despite the modern or fragmented character of the overall fieldscape, ancient sites contribute to local historic character. The Roman town of Bannaventa lies adjacent to the course of the Roman road, Watling Street. Deserted villages and ridge and furrow also represent significant historic landscape features, with visible remains at Muscott representing an interesting complex. The canalscape of the Grand Union is also a significant component of the historic landscape and contains a number of interesting sites, with features dating from the Industrial Revolution onwards. The valley is generally sparsely settled with occasional farms and houses sited on sloping land away from the floodplain. Downstream of Flore, however, significant settlement and built development is evident with riverside settlements such as Upper and Nether Heyford and Kislingbury lying immediately adjacent to the floodplain and close to the course of the Nene. Bugbrooke Mill is a significant landmark and dominates the local skyline. The Watford Gap is a strategic corridor through the uplands and is represented by the northernmost section of the valley formation. Here, the landscape is dominated by a distinctive pattern of transport infrastructure. The major mainline railway, M1 motorway, A5 trunk road and canal routes follow a well defined sequential and parallel pattern through a narrow gap within the adjacent hilly landscapes. The A5 marks the course of the Roman Road, Watling Street, and is evidence that this strategic corridor through the hills was identified by Roman engineers. Transport routes have a particularly significant influence on the landscape between Watford Gap Services and Weedon Bec. This section is also influenced by ancillary infrastructure features such as overhead pylons, locks, sluices, a service station and bridges. To the east of Weedon Bec, the Nene proper continues to flow through a distinctly rural landscape, and although this is crossed by the M1 corridor, the impact on the local landscape is relatively small although traffic noise does impinge on the otherwise rural character of the locality. View into Stream Valley ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTER ASSESSMENT AND KEY ISSUES 29

30 Key Issues Free draining and light textured soils associated with the glacial Sands and Gravels are particularly well suited to cultivation and as such arable predominates across these extensive deposits, although improved pasture is evident in some wetter areas close to the river. Hedgerows along the watercourse are not common, and elsewhere they are showing signs of decline. Land managers should be encouraged to maintain hedgerow networks with gapping up and new planting. Much of the landscape has seen drainage and agricultural improvement, contributing to the wide distribution of arable cultivation up to the river s edge and a decline in the hedgerow network. This has resulted in an intensively farmed visual character, and the retention of only small pockets of semi natural habitat. Coupled with the absence of a functioning hedgerow network, and general absence of woodland, the area has limited biodiversity interest. Significant opportunities exist for the reinstatement of floodplain grassland habitat, by adopting less intensive agricultural practices, and reversion of arable land to unimproved pasture. The management of water through the landscape is important and land managers should be encouraged to allow seasonal flooding across wide areas. Areas of open water are well represented with the Grand Union Canal offering a range of wet and marginal habitats. Landscape scale habitat improvement should seek to link open water, wet and seasonally wet sites in order to facilitate the distribution of species. Kislingbury Mill Woodland is not a characteristic feature although linear belts are common alongside streams draining into the main channel and along transport infrastructure corridors. New linear plantings of Alder and Willow trees should be encouraged along water courses. Despite the modern or fragmented character of the overall fieldscape, ancient sites contribute to local historic character. Sites such as the Roman town of Bannaventa, which lies adjacent to the course of the Roman road, Watling Street, deserted villages, and ridge and furrow such as that at Muscott should all be protected and their setting enhanced. Opportunities to combine the enhancement of historic character with biodiversity enhancement should be fully explored. The canalscape of the Grand Union is also a significant component of the historic landscape and management should seek to enhance the historic character and biodiversity value of this corridor. The upper valley is generally sparsely settled with occasional farms and houses sited on sloping land away from the floodplain, and new development should seek to maintain its quiet, rural character. Downstream of Flore, significant settlement and built development is evident with riverside settlements such as Upper and Nether Heyford and Kislingbury lying immediately adjacent to the floodplain and close to the course of the Nene. Future development should be avoided on the floodplain. Nene Sculpture Trail Significant areas of the landscape are dominated by a distinctive pattern of transport infrastructure, with the major mainline railway, M1 motorway, A5 trunk road and canal routes following a well defined sequential and parallel pattern, particularly through a narrow gap within the adjacent hilly landscape known as the Watford Gap. There are significant opportunities for the enhancement of this major transportation corridor and in particular where road, rail and canal routes are in close proximity, and where ancillary infrastructure features further degrade the visual quality of the landscape. The M1 exerts a strong visual and acoustic influence on the otherwise rural landscape through which it travels. Noise attenuation and visual screening should be considered where the adverse impact on rural areas and communities is significant. Kislingbury to urban edge ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTER ASSESSMENT AND KEY ISSUES 30

31 3.2.8 Central Northamptonshire Plateaux and Valleys Crown copyright. All rights reserved. Northamptonshire County Council: Licence No Published Lying at the heart of Northamptonshire, the Central Northamptonshire Plateaux and Valleys is a varied and complex area of high plateau farmlands separated by undulating valleys. The plateau tops are sparsely settled and retain a remote character with wide views over the surrounding landscape possible from their fringes, whilst the valleys that form a major part of the catchment of the Rivers Ise and Brampton are well settled and retain a more intimate, small scale character. A number of the county s major towns fringe the area and exert a strong influence over the local landscape. However, despite the proximity of these major settlements, much of the landscape has retained a quiet, rural character. At the core of the area are two distinctive areas of plateau. These are broad, elevated undulating landscapes over which a thick mantle of Boulder Clay drift obscures the variations in the underlying geology and gives a unity of character. The plateaux are drained radially by numerous streams that flow into the Nene and its major tributaries, principally the River Ise and the Brampton Valley. The major valleys are broad, but the uniformity of their valley sides is dissected by a great many narrow valleys of minor streams and brooks that have eroded a distinctive undulating landscape. The Boulder Clay capping diminishes on the sloping land fringing the elevated gently undulating plateau, and the underlying solid geology is exposed and has a greater influence on the character of land use and land cover. The upper slopes, fringing the mantle of Boulder Clay drift, are formed from a succession of rock formations with limited exposures of both the Blisworth and Lower Lincolnshire Limestones to the east and west of Kettering, and more extensive exposures of the Northampton Sand and Whitby Mudstone Formations within the lower valley slopes. Local variations occur, however, with localised, and occasionally more extensive deposits, of glacio-fluvial sand and gravel fringing the Boulder Clay drift on upper valley slopes. River and stream channels are typically bordered by bands of Alluvium. The Ise is also fringed by broad sand and gravel river terraces. Despite the presence of the ironstone rich Northampton Sand Formation on the plateau, quarrying has generally been precluded by the mantle of Boulder Clay. Former quarries that exploited this notable building stone were principally confined to the Brampton Valley slopes to the north of Northampton. A current working quarry is still evident near Pitsford. The suitability of the landform and hydrological conditions, as well as the proximity to large urban populations, was influential in the planning of a series of reservoirs in the upper reaches of valleys throughout the area. The largest and most prominent is Pitsford Water, a major recreation and wildlife resource. The reservoir and its marginal habitats play host to a Brixworth Country Park, Fishing Boat Honey Hill Escarpment, near Ravensthorpe ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTER ASSESSMENT AND KEY ISSUES 31

32 significant number and variety of breeding bird populations, and the site is important for passage and wintering water birds. Indeed, considerable exchange of wintering wildfowl takes places between local reservoirs, in particular at Hollowell and Ravensthorpe, which are located to the west of Pitsford. Cereal cultivation predominates across the undulating clay plateau with large monochromatic fields dominating wide panoramas. Other land uses are evident, however, with improved pastures occurring on steeper land and surrounding villages. These provide an important contrast to the prevailing arable character of the landscape and combine with woodland to add to the area s visual diversity. A small number of semi natural grassland sites have survived improvement or alteration, with Hardwick Lodge Meadow representing an excellent example of mesotrophic grassland. Arable cropping can be seen to extend down the slopes, although improved pastures are evident on steeper slopes and along valley bottoms that can become seasonally wet. The majority of grasslands have been agriculturally improved although the Brampton Valley Way, a linear route that follows the course of a disused railway, represents an important wildlife corridor, comprising several notable grassland and scrub communities. Other man-made features offer important wildlife refuges. Around Finedon, for example, a series of grasslands with calcareous influences have developed on the former ironstone and limestone quarries. Ponds also occur on the quarry floors, adding to the range of habitats that have developed. Sywell Reservoir Hedgerows tend to be well maintained giving the landscape a well managed character although, locally, the network is breaking down and becoming gappy. Where pastoral land uses are present, gappy hedges tend to be reinforced with post and wire fencing. Hedgerow trees, typically oak and ash, are important elements as these serve to filter views and provide shelter in an otherwise open landscape, as well as making an important contribution to the tree cover across a landscape where woodlands are not a characteristic feature. Fieldscapes show great diversity of age and structure, providing evidence that a range of historical processes have been influential locally. However, variations in fieldscape patterns tend not to follow major landform or other physical considerations. Hedgerow removal and field amalgamation is evident across the central portion of the area, coinciding with intensively farmed arable landscapes. The relative absence of ridge and furrow is an indication that these surface features have been lost through the process of reversion of grasslands to arable use and destruction by ploughing for arable cultivation. In the west, these modern fieldscapes are particularly distinctive where a significant area of large open fields has been created from the underlying enclosure patterns. Further to the west and north, extensive ironstone workings have been restored to agricultural fields of both regular and irregular forms, within a framework of larger fields created by grubbing out of hedgerows after Fieldscapes that have been less affected by 20th century alteration are widespread and display a higher retention of earthwork features, such as ridge and furrow and shrunken or deserted medieval settlements. Where present these features make an important contribution to local historic landscape character. Of particular note is an extensive area of pre 19th century Non-Parliamentary Enclosure stretching from Cottesbrooke to Loddington. ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTER ASSESSMENT AND KEY ISSUES 32

33 Specific parishes here saw enclosure from the late 15th century, and early 16th centuries, and despite some modern alteration, the landscape retains its pre-parliamentary enclosure character. Woodland is not typical of the plateau areas, although some large stands of ancient woodland survive on the spine of the Sywell plateau. Elsewhere, small copses and geometric broadleaved coverts are typical, often sited close to streams, settlement or in otherwise open areas of agricultural land. On the valley slopes falling from the plateau landscapes, woodlands are again not characteristic although numerous small and moderately sized woodlands are evident, often associated with parkland landscapes, fringing reservoirs or clinging to particularly steep slopes. Linear broadleaved woodlands are also conspicuous along tributary streams. These combine with the frequent hedgerow trees to create the impression of a well treed landscape and add an important textural element to views. Settlement across the plateau is limited with linear settlements along roads that follow the interfluves between streams typical of the Sywell plateau. The smaller Burton Wold plateau is conspicuous for having no villages or hamlets within it. Isolated farms, often located next to roads or at the ends of tracks off the main axial road, are also characteristic, however, these are infrequent enough to ensure that wide areas of the landscape retain a vacant character. Off the plateau, in the valleys, settlement becomes more common, adding to the more intimate and less remote character of the valleys. Many villages and hamlets occupy secluded locations within valleys with the oldest properties, usually of ironstone or limestone, sited at the junction of two or more roads. Their valley location often screens these settlements from wide areas of the landscape, although prominent church spires are widely visible and act as important reference points in the landscape. Northampton, Wellingborough, Kettering, Desborough and Rothwell all exert a strong urbanising influence over the surrounding landscape. These settlements have undergone rapid expansion in the 20th century and modern development can be seen extending up the valley slopes in a number of locations, thus making the urban development visible over a wide area. Less direct influences, such as suburban building styles, the influence of modern housing around the edges of smaller villages, and transport infrastructure that is evident, also extend into and affect an otherwise rural landscape. Overstone College Gatehouse ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTER ASSESSMENT AND KEY ISSUES 33

34 Key Issues The plateau tops are sparsely settled and retain a remote, vacant character with wide views over the surrounding landscape possible from their fringes. Land management should seek to maintain these characteristics through sensitive hedgerow management and woodland planting. New development should be avoided that compromises the generally open and remote character of the landscape. The valleys systems that drain the plateau, and form a major part of the catchment of the Rivers Ise and Brampton, are well settled and retain a more intimate, small-scale character. New development should be concentrated in the valleys. A number of the county s major towns fringe the plateaux and exert a strong influence over the local landscape. Significant opportunities exist for the sensitive integration of towns to their rural hinterlands by reconfiguration of the rural-urban interface. A thick mantle of Boulder Clay drift obscures the variations in the underlying geology across the central plateaux and gives a unity of character. Reservoirs are a characteristic feature of the upper reaches of some valleys. The largest and most prominent is Pitsford Water, which is a major recreation and wildlife resource. Significant opportunities exist for the enhancement of its visual character, biodiversity value and recreational potential. Considerable exchange of wintering wildfowl takes places between local reservoirs, and management of the agricultural landscape should, whenever possible, contribute further to the overall habitat resource. Pasture on steeper land and surrounding villages represents an important contrast to the prevailing arable character of the plateau landscape and combines with woodland to add to the area s visual diversity. The distinction of more intimate and small-scale landscapes in valleys and close to settlements should be enhanced through land management. The majority of grasslands have been agriculturally improved. However, a small number of semi natural grassland sites have survived. Opportunities to increase the area of unimproved pasture along steep valley slopes and wetter valley bottoms should be sought. Activities should be coordinated to facilitate the creation of linked habitat resources stretching up the principal valleys. Hedgerows tend to be well maintained giving the landscape a well managed character although in areas of decline, gapping up should be encouraged. Hedgerow oak and ash are important elements as they filter views and provide shelter in an otherwise open plateau landscape. Land managers should be encouraged to manage hedgerows and hedgerow trees sensitively. Hedgerow removal and field amalgamation is evident across the central portion of the area coinciding with intensively farmed arable landscapes. However, fieldscapes that have been less affected by 20th century alteration are widespread, and display a higher retention of earthwork features such as ridge and furrow and shrunken or deserted medieval settlements. Where present these features make an important contribution to local historic landscape character and should be protected. The pattern of preparliamentary enclosure landscapes stretching from Cottesbrooke to Loddington should be conserved. Despite woodland not being a characteristic of the plateau landscape, large stands of ancient woodland survive on the spine of the Sywell plateau. Opportunities to extend these areas of woodland should be sought, as well as other smaller woodlands and copses on marginal sloping land and along stream courses. ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTER ASSESSMENT AND KEY ISSUES 34

35 3.2.9 Yardley Chase and Salcey Forest Yardley Chase and Salcey Forest represents a well known landscape that is widely visible as a broad wooded ridge marking the boundary between Northamptonshire and neighbouring Milton Keynes. The survival of large areas of ancient woodland along with associations with a hunting forest and a concentration of historic features ensures that the ridge retains a strong character and relatively high nature conservation interest when compared to more intensively farmed areas of the county. Crown copyright. All rights reserved. Northamptonshire County Council: Licence No Published The ridge itself is part of a broad, relatively low, landform feature marking the watershed between the River Nene and River Great Ouse that rises steadily from the neighbouring clay lowlands and river valleys. The ridge, rising to a maximum elevation of just 130m AOD, is mainly underlain by the Blisworth Limestone Formation of the Great Oolite Group, with a capping of Oxford Clay. The solid geology has limited influence on the character of land use and vegetation cover, however, due to the presence of extensive deposits of Boulder Clay that mask the entire ridge and give rise to thin and variable soils that have historically constrained agriculture and resulted in the retention of large areas of woodland. Despite its subtle landform and relatively low elevation, the presence of significant areas of woodland ensures that the ridge forms a prominent local landmark and orientation point in the wider landscape. Long distance views from the ridge over the surrounding landscape give rise to a sense of elevation, openness and expansiveness. Perhaps the most significant phase in the evolution of the landscape occurred in the 13th century when large areas of woodland on the ridge and its neighbour, the Whittlwood Clay Ridge, were appropriated as hunting forests to provide a source of fuel and building material, as well as hunting grounds. Despite field names indicating medieval assarting of the woodlands, appropriation in this way ensured that the area avoided the intensive clearance and drainage that was to occur in the adjacent lowlands. In the early 17th century, Salcey Forest, which includes Yardley Chase, covered 1100 acres, most of which was coppice. The structure of the landscape throughout the medieval period was of widespread forest with lawns for pasture and occasional forest hamlets, in contrast to the large nucleated villages that developed elsewhere in the county. The hamlets that established at the edges of the ridge, such as Ashton, Hartwell, Hackleton, Piddington, Quinton and Hanslope, were surrounded by open fields. Clearance to create lawns was occurring on a piecemeal basis but became more extensive from the late 18th century with the Parliamentary Enclosure Acts, during which time much of the patchwork pattern of fields that lie between woodlands were established. View Towards Piddington The Grade I registered park and gardens of Castle Ashby dominate the scene to the north of the ridge and exert a strong influence on the wider landscape. A long avenue extends onto the ridge and terminates at Yardley Chase and a number of woodlands contain formal rides. The Grade II listed buildings associated with Horton Hall are located entirely on the ridge and contribute further to local historic landscape character. The Hall was demolished in the 1930s although ancillary decorative buildings and the structure of the parkland landscape survive. Church Path Oak, Salcey Forest ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTER ASSESSMENT AND KEY ISSUES 35

36 During the Second World War, the forest was used to store weapons and ammunition, and significant remains of this war time use are evident in Yardley Chase, with tracks marking the route of former rail links that provided access to storage bunkers. The tracks, disused railways and pools associated with these sites are valued habitats, particularly for invertebrates. The high woodland cover is mainly composed of oak, or oak and ash standards and an understorey of birch, hazel and goat willow. Many landscape features associated with the historic management of the woodlands survive, including stretches of wood banks and medieval deer park boundaries. The Druids, veteran oaks believed to be over 500 years old, are significant landscape features adding to the historic character of the landscape. Outstanding examples of pasture-woodland are also present and represent a valued transitional habitat. These are likely to have formed an important part of the hunting chase. Large, over mature pollards and maidens of ash and oak also provide important habitats. Much of the former semi natural woodland has been replanted or modified. Relatively unmodified areas are perhaps of greatest wildlife value, such as the areas of high forest of the ash, field maple and dogs mercury woodland type. In many areas, plantations have been established, although some have failed and woodland is reverting to a semi natural mixture of native trees and shrubs. Within the woodlands, the extensive systems of rides comprise a significant area of unimproved grassland. The key wildlife site in the area is Yardley Chase SSSI as this typifies the range of unimproved semi natural habitats that have survived agricultural intensification across the ridge. Few unimproved natural habitats survive away from the wooded areas. Castle Ashby, Parkland Trees Woodland is interspersed with permanent pasture, leys and winter cereals. Pasture is more common at higher elevations and adjacent to woodland, although arable cultivation is the most common agricultural land use. Fields and roads crossing the ridge tend to be bordered by hedged boundaries. Hedges are often tall and contain oak and ash trees at intervals, further contributing to the wooded character of the landscape. Many hedgerow oaks are mature and stag headed. Key Issues Yardley Chase and Salcey Forest represents a well known and widely visible landscape. The survival of large areas of ancient woodland along with associations with a hunting forest and a concentration of historic features ensures that the ridge retains a strong character and relatively high nature conservation value. Strategic planning and land management should consider the strong visual, biodiversity and historic character of the landscape and seek to enhance these qualities. Despite its subtle landform and relatively low elevation, the presence of significant areas of woodland ensures that the ridge forms a prominent local landmark and orientation point in the wider landscape. Long distance views from the ridge over the surrounding landscape give rise to a sense of elevation, openness and expansiveness. Woodland planting or management should seek to enhance the visual prominence and legibility of the ridge and consider strategic views from elevated landform over the surrounding landscape. The appropriation of large areas of land for hunting forest in the 13th century has produced a distinctive landscape rich in historic features. The structure of the medieval landscape of forest with lawns for pasture and occasional forest hamlets contrasts with other areas of Northamptonshire and as such, these distinctive characteristics should be preserved and enhanced. Features such as wood banks and medieval deer park boundaries should also be preserved. Forest Road, Yardley Chase ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTER ASSESSMENT AND KEY ISSUES 36

37 Historically, woodlands were managed more intensively. Coppicing and other woodland management techniques should be reintroduced, both to enhance rural crafts, but also to enhance the historic, visual and biodiversity value of the landscape. During the Second World War, the forest was used to store weapons and ammunition, and significant remains of this war time use are evident in Yardley Chase. Features such as tracks, disused railways and pools are valued habitats, particularly for invertebrates. The historic and biodiversity value of these features should be enhanced. The Druids, or veteran oaks are believed to be over 500 years old, and significant landscape features that add to the historic character of the landscape. Large, over-mature pollards and maidens of ash and oak also provide important habitats and are of cultural and visual importance. These features are of great significance and should be protected, and their setting enhanced. Areas of high forest of the ash, field maple and dog s mercury woodland type should be protected and the area of high forest extended through new planting, and reconfiguration of modern stands and plantations. The reversion of non native plantations to a semi natural mixture of native trees and shrubs should be encouraged. The extensive systems of rides through woodlands comprise a significant area of unimproved grassland that should be protected and enhanced. Opportunities to link areas of like or similar habitat should be encouraged, particularly centring upon SSSI woodlands. Hedges are often tall and contain oak and ash trees at intervals, further contributing to the wooded character of the landscape. Many hedgerow oaks are mature and stag headed, and as a consequence mark a decline in these important features. Hedgerow management techniques should be employed that encourage the creation of species rich hedgerows with numerous hedgerow trees. Castle Ashby, Avenue and Hall Veteran Oak, Yardley Chase ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTER ASSESSMENT AND KEY ISSUES 37

38 Whittlewood Whittlewood is a landscape that has a strong sense of local distinctiveness and historical associations. The area represents the remnants of what was at one time a much more extensive tract of medieval hunting forest, and many landscape features related to this period and land use survive. It has strong connections with the neighbouring wooded clay ridge at Yardley Chase and Salcey Forest, although variations in land use and landscape evolution have created subtly different landscapes. Whittlewood occupies a broad and dissected area of elevated land on the border between Northamptonshire and Buckinghamshire, and forms the watershed between the River Great Ouse and the Tove. Land rises to 150m AOD in places, although streams draining the ridge north and east to the Tove and south to the Ouse have created an undulating landscape that falls to just 60 m AOD near Cosgrove, where the Tove cuts through the Whittlewood - Salcey Ridge to join the Great Ouse. This strategic gap between the more elevated areas was exploited by the Romans who aligned Watling Street to pass through it. Crown copyright. All rights reserved. Northamptonshire County Council: Licence No Published The landscape is mainly underlain by Great Oolite Group rocks of the Rutland Formation and the younger Blisworth Limestone Formation. Much of the solid geology is obscured by extensive superficial deposits of Boulder Clay. Glaciofluvial Sands and Gravels are also noteworthy, and occupy significant areas within some valleys. The heavy soils associated with the Boulder Clay have constrained agriculture and resulted in the retention of large areas of woodland. An intimate character prevails throughout Whittlewood due to the expansive woodland cover and gently undulating landform. However, in more elevated areas of countryside, long distance views over the surrounding landscape are possible and create a more open and expansive character. Historically, the area represents the scattered remnants of woodland associated with the medieval Whittlewood Forest and the settlements and open areas associated with it. A medieval hunting lodge, deer parks, lawns and remnant areas of ancient woodland are evidence of this important phase in the area s history. Woodland cover is less extensive but more fragmented than at Salcey, which relates to more prolific clearances and deforestation from the 17th century. The majority of parishes in the area were enclosed as a result of Parliamentary Acts, although this may not have been as extensive as many areas were wooded or already enclosed by this time. Hedgerows typically divide fields, although post war agricultural intensification has resulted in the removal of hedgerows to create larger fields. Land between woodland areas is typically improved pastoral grazing arranged in small to medium sized fields. Arable farming increases towards the east of the area, where lower and gentler landform and field amalgamation has created a more intensively farmed area. During the medieval period a number of hamlets would have been dispersed within woodlands or at the woodland edge, although elsewhere a more nucleated settlement pattern would have existed. Some settlements have grown considerably, such as Deanshanger and Silverstone. Elsewhere, earthworks indicate the presence of shrunken ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTER ASSESSMENT Bucknell AND Woods KEY ISSUES small settlements. 38

39 The area contains a cluster of ancient semi natural woodlands dominated by ash and oak, including Buckingham Thick Copse National Nature Reserve. Other woodlands, such as Hazleborough Forest, comprise more extensive coniferous and broadleaved plantations. Whilst Boulder Clay deposits are extensive and have influenced historic land use and the retention of extensive woodland, areas of free draining glacial gravels give rise to more acidic conditions in some areas. Variations in soil chemistry, drainage and light give rise to a rich ground flora in many woodlands. Parkland oaks are also notable and support an important assemblage of beetles that depend on continuity of old and over mature timber. The northern section of the Silverstone Motor Racing Circuit is located within the area and extends southwards into neighbouring Buckinghamshire. The site was developed on a former wartime airfield but has undergone significant alteration since this time. Despite the scale of the site, the combination of landform and woodland cover, including the woodlands associated with the Stowe Park Estate to the south, provide an effective screen for many elements. Key Issues Whittlewood marks the remains of what was at one time a much more extensive tract of medieval hunting forest. Strategic planning and land management should conserve and enhance the strong visual, biodiversity and historic character of Whittlewood. Expansive woodland cover and gently undulating landform creates an intimate character throughout Whittlewood. However, in more elevated areas of countryside, long distance views over the surrounding landscape are possible and create a more open and expansive character. Development and woodland management should conserve and enhance the intimate character of Whittlewood, but also maintain wide views across the adjacent lowlands where appropriate. A medieval hunting lodge, deer parks, lawns and remnant areas of ancient woodland are evidence of the area s history. Preservation of historic sites, and in particular those pertaining to its medieval function as a hunting forest, is imperative. Similarly land managers should be encouraged to enhance their setting. As a consequence of more prolific clearances and deforestation from the 17th century, woodland cover is less extensive and more fragmented than at Salcey. Whilst woodland expansion is desirable where it would enhance local landscape character or biodiversity interest, an appropriate balance with open areas and agricultural landscapes is necessary. Hedgerows typically divide fields, although post war agricultural intensification has resulted in the removal of hedgerows to create larger fields. Land managers should be encouraged to repair gappy hedgerows and replant the network where it is important to contribute to the intimate character of the landscape. Sensitive hedgerow management should be encouraged to facilitate their biodiversity value and ability to link areas of woodland habitat. Land between woodland areas is typically improved pastoral grazing although arable farming increases towards the east of the area. Land managers should be encouraged to maintain mixed farming practices and improve the size and area of semi natural habitat by appropriate farm management. The characteristic pattern of small, dispersed agricultural villages should be retained and new development in villages and hamlets that compromise this should be avoided. Larger settlements such as Silverstone have limited potential for expansion although opportunities exist for the urban fringe landscape to be enhanced as part of new development. Ancient semi natural woodlands dominated by ash and oak should be protected and, where possible, allowed to extend by semi natural regeneration and planting of native broadleaved species. Woodlands containing extensive coniferous plantations should be reconfigured to increase their biodiversity and landscape value. Variations in soil chemistry, drainage and light give rise to a rich ground flora in many woodlands and attention should be given to matching species to local conditions. Parkland oaks are a notable feature of the landscape and support an important assemblage of beetles that depend on continuity of old and over mature timber. Long term management of parkland oaks and other veteran trees should be encouraged. Whittlewood View ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTER ASSESSMENT AND KEY ISSUES 39

40 Tove and Ouse Catchment The Tove and Ouse Catchment lies in the south of the county on the border with Buckinghamshire. The landscape encompasses the entire catchment of the River Tove within Northamptonshire and the headwaters of the River Great Ouse, which rises near Brackley. It is characterised by undulating farmland sloping gently to east. Beyond Towcester, the Tove and its floodplain become a significant component of the landscape. The landscape is a broad elongated basin aligned east - west, with the more elevated edges of the basin underlain by Great Oolite Group limestone in the south and east, and iron rich Northampton Sand Formation and mudstones to the north and west. Tributary streams drain the landscape in a dendritic pattern to the Tove, which flows eastwards then southwards and occupies the central portion of the basin. These tributary streams have cut through the limestone and ironstone to expose the Lias Group mudstones in the valleys. The River Great Ouse rises to the west of Brackley and occupies a broad, shallow valley formation before leaving the county. Crown copyright. All rights reserved. Northamptonshire County Council: Licence No Published Boulder Clay caps the more elevated land, generally above the 90m contour, and obscures much of the underlying solid geology, leaving limited exposures on valley slopes. In addition to the extensive Boulder Clay deposits, limited areas of glaciofluvial sand and gravel are located adjacent to the headwaters of streams in the east of the area. The streams themselves are bordered by narrow belts of Alluvium, which become broader as the Tove swells in the vicinity of Towcester. At this point, the river also becomes bordered by intermittent patches of river terrace deposits of sand and gravel. The streams have eroded broad, gentle, convexslopes resulting in the distinctive undulating landform. However, as the Tove broadens towards the east of the area, the undulations become less dramatic, creating a softer, more gently rolling landscape. Land cover is typically a combination of arable and pasture farming with improved pastures largely located around villages bordering the Tove and on steeper slopes. Where pasture is the prevailing land use, a more intimate, small scale landscape is experienced when compared to slightly more expansive fieldscapes in arable areas. A simple pastoral character prevails along the lower reaches of the Tove and along the Great Ouse. The narrow, meandering course of the rivers is often difficult to locate in the landscape, although lines of pollarded willows and bankside vegetation along post and wire fences are indicative of the course of the river. Settlement within the floodplain landscape is sparse, although limited examples occur at Passenham and at Cosgrove. An open and expansive character is also experienced on the more elevated areas of the landscape. Typically, however, a sheltered character prevails due to the undulating landform and effect of vegetation screening long distance views. Solomon s Bridge, Cosgrove Woodland cover is not widespread and indeed field trees and hedgerows provide cover across the majority of the landscape. However, particular concentrations of woodland exist to the northeast of Towcester, associated with Easton Neston Park and Stoke Bruerne Park. Linear belts of woodland are also significant throughout the landscape. These tend to be associated with disused railway lines converging on the two main settlements in the area, Towcester and Brackley and a number are designated as County Wildlife Sites. ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTER ASSESSMENT AND KEY ISSUES 40

41 The northern part of the area comprises fieldscapes of predominately Parliamentary Enclosure origin, fragmented by the presence of modern fields through a process of hedgerow removal during the 20th century. The majority of fields were enclosed under Parliamentary Act between 1760 and 1780, although other forms of enclosure are evident. The origin of the enclosures means that there are few areas of regular layout surviving. Less fragmentation of Parliamentary Enclosure patterns has occurred in the south of the area to the east and west of Whittlewood Forest and here fieldscapes often preserve the regular, straight edged layout. Remnant ridge and furrow is an important component of the landscape, and is widely dispersed through the area, with concentrations surrounding villages in the headwater valleys of the Tove. Towcester, the site of the Roman town of Lactodorum, marks the meeting point of a number of Roman roads, the principal route being Watling Street, which serves to define the boundary of the eastern limits of the Whittlewood Forest Environmental Character Area. The biodiversity character of the area varies significantly, mirroring complex variations in underlying landform, soil conditions, land use and hydrology with calcareous and acidic habitats in evidence. Widespread agricultural improvement of grasslands and arable cropping has led to a limited number of semi natural wildlife sites. Mesotrophic grasslands and occasional wildlife rich ancient woodlands represent the area s principal habitat types as well as man-made features, such as the Grand Union Canal and Brick Pits at Stoke Bruerne. Grasslands on disused railway lines are important wildlife corridors, especially where the exposed limestone enables calcareous grassland habitats to develop. The floodplain of the Tove also has some limited wildlife site survival in its upper reaches that increase in frequency to the east of Towcester. Grassland habitats vary from wet on the valley floor to drier on areas above the floodplain. As the river matures, a further variety of habitats is evident associated with drains, ponds and flooded gravel workings. Willows at Passenham Mill Key Issues A simple pastoral character prevails along the lower reaches of the Tove and along the Great Ouse. Elsewhere arable farming is prevalent. This simple distinction is important in defining the grain of the basin landscape and to help identify the narrow, meandering course of the river and floodplain through the undulating landscape. Land managers should be encouraged to maintain this distinction and to explore opportunities for reversion of arable and improved pasture to semi improved or unimproved pasture particularly bordering the river channel. Hedgerow management and maintenance is important across the landscape, but in particular where pasture land predominates. Functioning hedgerows should be used to define fields and contain stock in preference to post and wire fencing, both for aesthetic and biodiversity reasons. Land managers should also be encouraged to plant and maintain small linear groups of pollarded willows and native bankside vegetation along the course of the river to improve the visibility of the watercourses in the wider agricultural landscape and to enhance its ability to function as a wildlife corridor. ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTER ASSESSMENT AND KEY ISSUES 41

42 Settlement within the floodplain in not characteristic of the Tove and Ouse Catchment, although limited examples occur at Passenham and at Cosgrove. Future development should be avoided in the floodplain and areas prone to seasonal inundation. An open and expansive character is also experienced on the more elevated areas of the landscape. Typically, however, a sheltered character prevails due to the undulating landform and effect of vegetation screening long distance views. Whilst woodland cover is not widespread, particular concentrations of woodland exist to the north east of Towcester, associated with Easton Neston Park and Stoke Bruerne Park. These areas, along with more linear belts along disused railway lines, should be enhanced with appropriate management and new planting of native broadleaved species for their long-term survival. Field and hedgerow trees provide cover across the majority of the landscape. However, linear belts of woodland are also significant throughout the landscape. These tend to be associated with disused railway lines converging on the two main settlements in the area, Towcester and Brackley, and a number are designated as County Wildlife Sites. Ridge and furrow is an important landscape feature, contributing to historic landscape character. Where extant, land management should seek to preserve the resource and other features such as parliamentary and earlier field patterns. Mesotrophic grasslands and occasional wildlife rich ancient woodlands represent the area s principal habitat types and should be enhanced through habitat enhancement and the creation of new areas of resource. Land managers should be encouraged to prioritise habitat creation in areas that lie in close proximity to areas of existing resource and to manage hedgerows and other linking habitats to facilitate species dispersal and movement. Significant sand and gravel deposits border the Ouse in the vicinity of Passenham. Given the rural character of the landscape, any future extraction should restore workings to floodplain meadow in preference to open water, which is characteristic of workings further up stream north of Milton Keynes. Stoke Bruerne - Top Lock, Grand Union canal Stony Stratford ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTER ASSESSMENT AND KEY ISSUES 42

43 Croughton Plateau The Croughton Plateau occupies an elevated area of land in the far southeast of the county that extends into neighbouring Oxfordshire. It is a distinctive landscape as a result of the combination of land uses evident and the overall sense of openness and elevation that prevails. Crown copyright. All rights reserved. Northamptonshire County Council: Licence No Published The area is formed from a broad outcrop of Great Oolite Group limestones mainly comprising Blisworth Limestone Formation, known as White Limestone in this part of Northamptonshire, together with more limited outcrops of Taynton Limestone. This expanse of Jurassic limestone extends from the county boundary in the south as far north as Farthinghoe. Bands of mudstone are also evident at the fringes of the upper plateau, with Northampton Sand Formation evident on the lower slopes of valley formations draining the plateau. The plateau has a consistent elevation of 130m AOD. The flat landform, combined with limited tree cover, and sparse settlement patterns, ensure that wide views and a sense of openness are characteristics of the upper plateau landscape. This contrasts to a more intimate character at the fringes of the plateau, particularly in the valleys that drain the plateau, where settlement and woodland tend to be more frequent. Drift geology is absent from the area although limited alluvial deposits border streams. The area is characterised by large and medium sized arable fields, although more intimate pastoral landscapes are evident in the vicinity of villages such as Charlton and Croughton. Arable cultivation has reduced the need for well maintained hedgerow boundaries and, as such, these are showing signs of decline with numerous stretches reinforced with post and wire fencing. This partially obscures the pattern of Parliamentary and Non-Parliamentary Enclosures that were imposed on the landscape during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Fieldscapes are particularly distinctive for their regular and semi regular layouts and overwhelmingly straight hedge lines, with particularly regular arrangements around Croughton and Charlton. In the north of the area, beyond Hinton, the fieldscape was created by the sub-division of existing fields in the 19th century. Settlement patterns vary across the plateau with linear and nucleated forms evident. A deserted settlement is also evident at Astwick, which may indicate that the decline of Brackley from a prosperous medieval market town in the 12th and 13th century led to a number of settlements in the vicinity to decline as viable economic units over a long period of time. This may also be attributable to an early move to pastoralism, thus reducing the need for labour. Much of the landscape retains a rural character. However, a former military airfield at Hinton that is now used for private, leisure and commercial use, and the US Air Force communications base at RAF Croughton, together impose a distinctive utilitarian character to the local area. The Croughton site, which handles a third of US military communications in Europe, is a significant local landmark with its system of masts and receivers forming prominent and distinctive features on the horizon. Historically, the plateau retains landscape evidence stretching back to the Iron Age. Rainsborough Camp, first occupied in the 6th century BC shows evidence of occupation through to the Roman period and is an important monument located on the western fringes of the plateau. A short distance to the east, and also on the plateau, are the buried remains of a Roman settlement. Intensive agriculture has removed much evidence for earlier landscapes, however, and only limited tracts of ridge and furrow now survive on the plateau and further damage to archaeological monuments and buried remains is likely. With arable farming the predominant land use, there is limited wildlife interest across the plateau. However, RAF Croughton represents an important wildlife resource, despite representing a modern man-made incursion into an otherwise rural landscape. The area represents a significant grassland area, with limited access, and as such calcareous grassland communities have established with minimal disruption. Further areas of calcareous grassland can be found at a long disused quarry at Charlton Old Workings. Croughton Airfield ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTER ASSESSMENT AND KEY ISSUES 43

44 Key Issues The plateau, with a consistent elevation of 130m AOD, is formed from a broad outcrop of Jurassic limestone, and as such is distinctive in the western half of the county. The flat landform, combined with limited tree cover and sparse settlement patterns, ensure that wide views and a sense of openness are characteristic of the plateau landscape. A more intimate character is evident at the fringes of the plateau, particularly in the valleys where settlement and woodland tend to be more frequent. Future development and land management should seek to conserve and enhance the distinction between the open plateau landscape and the more intimate valleys. The distinction is also evident in the pattern and size of fields, with the plateau characterised by large and medium sized arable fields and more intimate pastoral landscapes evident in the vicinity of villages such as Charlton and Croughton. Again, land managers should be encouraged to conserve and enhance this distinction. Hedgerows are showing signs of decline, with numerous stretches reinforced with post and wire fencing. This is reducing the legibility of the parliamentary fieldscapes that are particularly distinctive for their regular and semi regular patterns. Land managers should be encouraged to maintain the network and to replant damaged or declining stretches. Much of the landscape retains a rural character with settlement limited to a small number of villages and farms scattered throughout the landscape. Development should seek to maintain this rural and often remote character. The former military airfield at Hinton and the US Air Force communications base at RAF Croughton, together, impose a distinctive utilitarian character to the local area. The Croughton site is a significant local landmark, with its system of masts and receivers forming prominent and distinctive features on the horizons. Views across the site should be maintained. Woodland and screen belts are not characteristic, and where screening is required, more sensitive naturalistic broadleaved copses should be planted. With arable farming the predominant land use, there is limited wildlife interest across the plateau. However, despite representing a modern man-made incursion, RAF Croughton represents an important wildlife resource in an otherwise rural landscape. The area represents a significant grassland area, with limited access, and calcareous grassland communities have established with minimal disruption. The site should continue to be sensitively managed in order to enhance this calcareous grassland habitat. Intensive agriculture has removed much evidence of earlier occupation periods, although some sites survive, such as Rainsborough Camp. All historic sites and features in the landscape should be protected from further damage as a result of ploughing and forms of agricultural development and practices. ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTER ASSESSMENT AND KEY ISSUES 44

45 WEST NORTHAMPTONSHIRE UPLANDS An extensive area stretching from Aynho in the south to Wilbarston in the north, the West Northamptonshire Uplands is an expansive and elevated landscape of hills and valleys that acts as the major watershed between some of the region s principal rivers systems. The varied local landscape character across the Uplands is an integral part of its distinctiveness. The landscape is underlain by the intractable Lias Group Clays, which are capped locally by the ironstone bearing Marlstone Rock and Northampton Sand Formations. These result in well defined features such as steeply sloping prominent hills that contrast to softer landscapes where capping by a thick mantle of Boulder Clay has occurred. Despite the uniformity of character, local variation exists, with a significant difference occurring between the gentler north and hillier south of the area. Further variation has occurred where differences in the underlying geology have affected semi natural habitats and agricultural land uses. Crown copyright. All rights reserved. Northamptonshire County Council: Licence No Published The area consists of an arc of high, rounded hills that drain inwards to a major basin that form the catchment of the upper reaches of the Nene. The hills also act as a major watershed, draining to a number of juvenile rivers including the Warwickshire Avon, Leam and Cherwell to the west, the Welland to the north and to the Tove / Ouse to the south. In the central and northern section of the area, where landform rises to form broad hills and high ridges, the landscape has a rolling, gently hilly character with long level views that are criss-crossed by a regular pattern of hedgerows with frequent ash trees. Settlement tends to lie within sheltered valleys although some hill top villages do exist, such as Naseby, West Haddon and Cold Ashby. The relative scarcity of settlement, combined with the infrequency of the isolated farms and cottages, gives that landscape a remote and sometimes isolated character. Expansive views and a sense of openness prevail on elevated lands, while an intimate character typifies the valleys. A particularly hilly zone lies to thesouth of Daventry where the undulations are sharper and more frequent, as the glacial Boulder Clay that softens landscapes further to the north is less frequent here. Fields are generally smaller and settlement more frequent. Woodland is not characteristic of this hilly zone, with small farm and parkland copses and linear belts along roads and disused rail lines being the most significant woodland component. However, an arc of acidic woodland near Badby is a local characteristic and important wildlife asset, with key sites being Badby Wood and Everdon Stubbs. Badby Wood has been continuously wooded for over seven hundred years and Everdon Stubbs is important as it displays variation in woodland composition as a result of variations in the underlying geology. Other forms of acidic habitat exist where the underlying geology influences land cover. For example, on Borough Hill over the Northampton Sand Formation, heathland survives and contributes significantly to local biodiversity, this being an increasingly fragmented and shrinking habitat type within the county. Valley villages tend to have an enclosed, well treed and sheltered character, in sharp contrast to the open and more exposed hills and areas of higher ground. Whilst brick and ironstone houses are most numerous, cob built houses are characteristic of numerous villages, particularly to the east and north of Daventry. These modest vernacular dwellings represent a sharp contrast to the grand stately homes and mansions that are also located throughout the landscape. The majority of grand houses are surrounded by extensive parkland areas, which form an important landscape resource in themselves, contributing to landscape and historic character as well as biodiversity resources in some cases. The influence of the house is also often to be found in the neighbouring landscape and particularly in estate villages where a uniformity of architectural styles, materials and detailing indicate centralised control over development at some point. Many villages are served by minor roads, adding to their sense of remoteness, although larger villages around the edge of the area are becoming increasingly altered with the imposition of modern development. Enclosure was being undertaken from the 15th century onwards, however, the predominant field pattern across the area is that of parliamentary enclosure. The regular and rectilinear grid of field boundaries has been imposed on the hilly landscape, with hedgerow boundaries emphasising Blackdown Masts ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTER ASSESSMENT AND KEY ISSUES 45

46 relief and forming strong patterns that are visible when viewed from lower elevations. The planned character of the landscape is further emphasised by straight wide enclosure roads that can often be found along ridgelines. The pattern is showing signs of fragmentation, however, due to hedgerow removal in the last half of the 20th century. Localised examples of pre parliamentary enclosure patterns survive, such as at Thornby. These old field patterns contrast to the significant areas of modern fieldscapes that exist to the north of Daventry and Northamptonshire, where hedgerow removal has been extensive enough to render the modern fieldscape the dominant pattern. Evidence of prehistoric settlement and activity is sparse. Iron Age settlement on the high hills at Arbury Hill and Borough Hill, the latter with fortifications of late Bronze Age origins, are tangible evidence of pre Roman activity in the area and prominent landscape features in themselves. The pattern of settlements across the landscape that is evident today dates to the early and mid Saxon period, with place names attesting to the spread of farmsteads (tons) from river valleys onto higher ground, and forest clearance. Place names also suggest Scandinavian settlement. Up to the 14th century populations rose and settlement expanded, with a familiar pattern of nucleated villages surrounded by open fields in ridge and furrow cultivation. However, major events that occurred from the mid 14th century, meant that populations declined and settlements were deserted or shrank. The reasons are numerous, but the limited quality of the land for arable farming would have been a contributory factor. Ambitious landlords accumulated large tracts of land for sheep grazing, although it is not always clear whether this process was the cause of widespread depopulation or a benefit of migration caused by another factor. The process is not unique to this landscape and was widespread throughout the county and indeed, it is well known for the frequency of its deserted settlements and ridge and furrow overlaid by a mixture of Tudor and parliamentary enclosure hedges. Land cover is primarily improved agriculture, with arable and pastoral farming evident in equal measure, creating an attractive patchwork rural landscape. Cereal production tends to be located on gentler land such as the level ground of ridge tops, particularly those on the Northampton Sand Formation which are freer draining and as a result well suited to Autumn sown cereals and ley grassland. Here hedges can be low, and hedgerow trees infrequent, in contrast to the denser hedgerow patterns surviving in predominantly pasture areas on the gentler valley slopes and lowlands, typically over Lias Group Clays, where ridge and furrow and the earthworks of deserted settlements are significant landscape features. Arable areas display signs of hedgerow removal and field amalgamation, however, field patterns with predominantly pastoral land uses are more intact. Permanent grasslands are characteristic of steeply sloping land, although diversity and wildlife value is diminished as a result of fertiliser application with acidic grasslands being lost as a result. Beyond the major settlements of Northampton and Daventry, both of which saw major expansion in the late 20th century as a New Town or planned overspill for the West Midlands respectively, the otherwise rural and remote character of the landscape is compromised by major transport infrastructure. The M1 corridor is a significant component of the landscape and its course through the uplands is indicative of a long established and exploited routeway through the neighbouring uplands. Key Issues The Uplands are an expansive and elevated landscape with an arc of high rounded hills and valleys. A capping of ironstone bearing Marlstone Rock and Northampton Sand Formation has resulted in well defined landform features with steeply sloping prominent hills that contrast to softer landscapes where capping by a thick mantle of Boulder Clay has occurred. They local variations are an integral part of the wider character of the area and as such development and land management should be appropriate to local conditions. Fawsley Park / Badby Down The arc of hills marks a major watershed, draining to a number of juvenile rivers including the Nene, Warwickshire Avon, Leam and Cherwell to the west, the Welland to the north and to the Tove / Ouse to the south. Land management and development should consider the impact of run off and pollution in this area, given that numerous water courses could be affected. ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTER ASSESSMENT AND KEY ISSUES 46

47 In the central and northern section of the area, the landscape has a rolling, gently hilly character with long level views across wide areas. New development and land management should conserve and enhance viewing opportunities across the landscape. There is a general absence of large settlements and a remote and sometimes isolated character prevails across the hilly rural landscape. The valleys tend to be more settled and new development should be concentrated in existing valley settlements. Any development of the few hill top villages should seek to avoid extending down onto the hill slopes. Valley villages tend to have an enclosed, well treed and sheltered character, in sharp contrast to the open and more exposed hills and areas of higher ground. New development in the valleys should utilise existing and newly planted vegetation to assist integration. A particularly hilly zone lies to the south of Daventry where fields are generally smaller and settlement more frequent. Woodland is not characteristic of this hilly zone, although opportunities exist to strengthen and extend the pattern of small farm and parkland copses and linear belts along roads and disused rail lines. The arc of acidic woodland near Badby is a local characteristic and important wildlife asset with key sites comprising Badby Wood and Everdon Stubbs. Land managers should be encouraged to extend the acidic woodland resource in this area and where possible establish appropriate habitat linkage. On Borough Hill, heathland survives and contributes significantly to local biodiversity. Land managers should be encouraged to extend this area of habitat. Modest vernacular dwellings in cob characterise many villages, particularly to the east and north of Daventry. New development should seek to integrate with existing structures in terms of scale and use of materials. The influence of the grand stately homes is also often to be found in the neighbouring landscape and particularly in estate villages where a uniformity of architectural styles, materials and detailing indicate a centralised control. New development in these villages should respect the estate character, architecture and use of materials. Many villages are served by minor roads, adding to their sense of remoteness. The rural character of the road network should be maintained. The planned character of the landscape is emphasised by the regular and rectilinear grid of hedged field boundaries that emphasise relief and form strong patterns that are visible when viewed from lower elevations, and by straight wide enclosure roads that can often be found along ridgelines. The hedgerow and enclosure road network is showing signs of fragmentation, and land managers should be encouraged to maintain the neat geometric patterns created by field and roadside hedges. Localised examples of pre parliamentary enclosure patterns survive, such as at Thornby. These old field patterns contrast to the significant areas of modern fieldscapes and should be protected and enhanced. Traditional management techniques could be employed on these older hedgerow networks, contrasting to the modern machine flailed character of the later parliamentary field boundaries. Iron Age settlement on the high hills at Arbury Hill and Borough Hill, the latter with fortifications of late Bronze Age origins, are tangible evidence of pre Roman activity in this hilly area. The setting and legibility of these landscape monuments should be enhanced where possible, and managed to enhance the nature conservation value of the sites. A patchwork of arable and pastoral land uses characterises the area and this should be maintained in order to retain the visual appeal of the landscape. Cereal production tends to be located on gentler land and particularly those on the Northampton Sand Formation, which are freer draining. Here, hedgerows tend to be low and hedgerow trees less frequent. This contrasts with the denser hedgerow patterns surviving in predominantly pasture areas on the gentler valley slopes and lowlands. Ridge and furrow and the earthworks of deserted settlements are significant landscape features in these pastoral landscapes and opportunities exist to enhance the biodiversity value of these areas by less intensive agricultural practices and the reinstatement of species rich grassland habitat. Northampton and Daventry fringe these landscapes and opportunities exist to enhance the rural urban fringe by appropriate land management and new development, and limit the urbanising influence of the towns on the otherwise rural landscape. The M1 corridor is also a significant urbanising component of the landscape and measures should be taken to limit the visual and acoustic impact this has on the surrounding landscape. ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTER ASSESSMENT AND KEY ISSUES 47

48 Cherwell Valley The River Cherwell rises in the ironstone hills at Hellidon, two miles west of Charwelton near Daventry. It exits the county near Chipping Warden as a juvenile river, passing through Oxfordshire prior to re-entering the county to the east of Banbury, where it is a more significant water course flowing through a relatively broad, flat floodplain. The river itself forms the county boundary for much of its course through south Northamptonshire, prior to re-entering Oxfordshire again where it joins the Thames in Oxford. As a result, the Cherwell Valley in Northamptonshire forms part of a much broader landscape that extends further to the south and west. The River has cut a broad, gentle valley through Jurassic limestones and Lias Group silty mudstones to expose the Charmouth Mudstone Formation along the floor of the valley. The eastern sides of the valley rise to 150m AOD in places and, as such, the valley is a significant landscape feature locally. Tributary streams draining the West Northamptonshire Uplands are also significant and break up the simple form of the valley. The scale of the main Cherwell Valley is disproportionate to the river s present flow, a result of deepening by glacial meltwaters. Indeed, the scale of the valley has meant that it offers an important strategic route through the Northamptonshire and Cotswolds uplands, and contains major transport infrastructure, including the M40, mainline Birmingham to Oxford railway and the Oxford Canal. Crown copyright. All rights reserved. Northamptonshire County Council: Licence No Published Contrasting to the sloping valley sides, broad alluvial deposits fringing the river south of Banbury mask the underlying solid geology and create a flat or gently undulating floodplain landscape. Limited sand and gravel river terrace deposits are also evident in the vicinity of Wellbridge Farm. The floodplain bordering the river is often grazed by cattle and the course of the river, punctuated with occasional pollarded willows, gives the landscape a peaceful and pastoral character. Long views are possible in open areas, although the rising landform of the valley sides and significant development at Banbury foreshorten some views. Arable fields are also evident, although these tend to be located on higher and better drained land away from the river. Fieldscapes along the floodplain date to parliamentary enclosure in the second half of the 18th century. However, since the 1950s, boundary removal has created a modern fieldscape with a mixed pattern. Despite this, the overall parliamentary layout is evident, particularly where field amalgamation has been less prolific. Settlement is typically located on the lower slopes of the valley sides, although a small number of farms are located within the floodplain. Astrop, once an independent village, is located on the fringes of the floodplain, although infill housing development has resulted in it merging with Kings Sutton, further up the valley slopes. River crossings are infrequent and there is limited access to the floodplain landscape. Indeed, the canal and towpath are often the only means of access to much of the valley floor. This gives rise to a relatively quiet, peaceful landscape in places, however, Banbury s retail and industrial quarter has expanded eastwards to the M40 corridor and has a significant influence on the sense of tranquillity along this stretch of the river valley. The M40 itself, and the mainline Birmingham to Oxford railway, are also significant infrastructure elements that have an impact on the character of the landscape locally. Historic landscape features include a number of country houses, and their associated parkland estates, and the historic core of settlements, including distinctive churches that form particularly notable landmark features. Ridge and furrow is restricted to limited areas within, but more frequently fringing, the floodplain, although more significant areas exist on rising land at the edge of the floodplain for example to the east of Banbury. The canal is an important historic element of the landscape and contains a number of interesting features. Advances in engineering led to the simpler single lock gates and wooden drawbridges that are a feature of the stretch of the canal between Oxford and Banbury, as are the unique diamond shaped weir locks near Aynho. The Aynho Viaduct is also a locally significant landmark. Seasonal flooding of lower lying fields provides over 1000 hectares of important wetland habitat that attracts large numbers of wildfowl and waders. Open water habitats are also present. A series of small lakes near Nell Bridge are important locally, as is the Oxford Canal. Wet woodland is not common, although Aynho Viaduct Carr is a dense patch of wet woodland that has become established beneath the viaduct. ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTER ASSESSMENT AND KEY ISSUES 48

49 Key Issues The river forms the county boundary for much of its course through south Northamptonshire prior to re-entering Oxfordshire again where it joins the Thames in Oxford. As a result, the Cherwell Valley in Northamptonshire forms part of a much broader landscape that extends further to the south and west and strategies for enhancement should be developed and agreed with the relevant neighbouring authorities. The valley is a significant feature of the wider landscape and land management should seek to preserve and enhance the visual distinctiveness of the river corridor through the wider agricultural landscape and maintain visibility of the valley sides and tributary streams that break up the simple form of the valley. The Cherwell Valley offers an important strategic route through the Northamptonshire and Cotswolds uplands. The principal transport infrastructure routes include the M40, mainline Birmingham to Oxford railway and the Oxford Canal. There are significant opportunities for the enhancement of this major transportation corridor and in particular where road, rail and canal routes are in close proximity, and where ancillary infrastructure features further degrade the visual quality of the landscape. Canal Pasture The Oxford Canal is a significant component of the historic landscape and management should seek to enhance the historic character, recreational use and biodiversity value of this corridor. Unique diamond shaped weir locks near Aynho and the Aynho Viaduct are locally significant landmarks that should be protected and their setting enhanced. The floodplain bordering the river is often grazed by cattle, and the course of the river punctuated with occasional pollarded willows. Land managers should be encouraged to enhance the simple pastoral character of the floodplain and the distinction between the riverside landscape and the sloping valley sides where arable fields are also evident. Long views that are possible in open areas along the valley should be maintained and enhanced with appropriate hedgerow and tree management and sensitive new development. Fieldscapes along the floodplain date to parliamentary enclosure. However, post war field amalgamation is fragmenting these field patterns. Land managers should be encouraged to maintain hedgerows and also reinstate hedgerows where these have been grubbed out in recent times. Settlement is typically located on the lower slopes of the valley sides, although a small number of farms are located within the floodplain. New development should be avoided in the floodplain and be centred upon existing valley side villages. Access to the floodplain landscape should be restricted to maintain its relatively quiet, peaceful character. The canal and towpath are often the only means of access to much of the valley floor. Banbury s retail and industrial quarter has expanded eastwards to the M40 corridor and has a significant influence on the sense of tranquillity along this stretch of the river valley. Opportunities exist for the introduction of enhanced urban fringe planting which will more effectively screen modern industrial development and contribute to the habitat resource locally. The M40 and the mainline Birmingham to Oxford railway are also significant infrastructure elements that have an impact on the character of the landscape locally. Opportunities exist for linear habitat creation that will act as visual and acoustic barriers. Ridge and furrow is restricted to limited areas, although where present the resource should be protected. Opportunities exist for the enhancement of grassland habitats on areas of ridge and furrow. Seasonal flooding of lower lying fields provides over 1000 hectares of important wetland habitat that attracts large numbers of wildfowl and waders. Open water habitats are also present in the form of a series of small lakes near Nell Bridge and the Oxford Canal. Open water and wetland habitats should be enhanced and opportunities for the creation of new habitat and linkage of habitat exploited. Wet woodland is not common and as such opportunities to extend this habitat resource would be desirable. ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTER ASSESSMENT AND KEY ISSUES 49

50 Vale of Rugby The Vale of Rugby lies in the west of the county on the border with Warwickshire and Leicestershire. It is a broad sweeping landscape that extends north and westwards for some distance beyond the county boundary. The landscape is generally flat, although the Leam, Avon and Rainsbrook and their tributaries that drain through the landscape off the neighbouring uplands, create subtle undulating landforms that become softer with distance westwards. The vale floor is underlain by the Lias Group Charmouth and Blue Lias Mudstones, providing continuity of geological character across the landscape. However, variations in the overlying superficial deposits occur, as streams draining the adjacent uplands having deposited broad belts of Alluvium, as well as sand and gravel river terrace deposits. In places, these are very extensive and out of scale with the watercourses that currently drain the landscape, implying that at one time, more significant watercourses flowed through the vale and off the adjacent hills. Crown copyright. All rights reserved. Northamptonshire County Council: Licence No Published Other significant hydrological features include the Avon fed Stanford Reservoir, the Oxford Canal and the Leicester arm of the Grand Union Canal that forms the eastern boundary of the vale hugging the footslopes of the hills of the neighbouring Ironstone Uplands. The largely flat or gently undulating open agricultural landscape allows extensive views to the north and west. Views to the east and south tend to be restricted by the West Northamptonshire Ironstone Uplands, where outcrops of the more resistant Northampton Sand Formation frequently cap the series of hills and some stretches of steep escarpment. Agricultural land use is mixed, with extensive arable farmland combining with cattle and sheep grazed improved pastures to create a productive agricultural landscape. In the south of the vale, land use is predominantly pastoral, with arable land increasing in predominance northwards. Woodland cover is sparse adding to the sense of openness locally. Small copses and linear belts are located throughout the landscape, often bordering roads and disused rail lines, and close to farms to provide shelter. Fieldscapes display a number of localised variations, ranging from fragmented Parliamentary Enclosure and modern field patterns, in the south, to more intact Parliamentary and non- Parliamentary Enclosure patterns to the east of Rugby, around Crick and Yelvertoft. Fragmentation has occurred as a result of the imposition of major transport infrastructure and the amalgamation of fields by the removal of boundary features. Where 19th century enclosure patterns are intact, significant remains of the earlier medieval landscape are preserved, including widespread ridge and furrow and two earthwork remains of castles at Lilbourne and Lilbourne Motte, both of which are located close to the Avon and to Watling Street. Further evidence of the medieval landscape is preserved in the earthwork remains of deserted villages at Lilbourne and Stanford. In the north of the area, large modern fields are characteristic and coincidental with widespread arable cultivation. Despite field amalgamation and the ploughing out of earthwork remains from the 1950s, traces of the medieval landscape are evident, for example the survival of significant ridge and furrow at the Rugby radio transmitter site. Despite agricultural improvement, some areas of unimproved semi natural habitat are present. These are more frequent on steep slopes, where unimproved grassland and woodland survives and where springs and species rich flushes have an acidic influence. On the flatter areas of the Vale, there is a greater proportion of arable land although grasslands are still well represented. Where unimproved grassland survives, it tends to be mesotrophic. Stanford Reservoir is an important local resource, offering open water and wetland habitats. Further important wildlife resources are linear route ways such as stretches of disused canal and railway and active canals such as the Oxford Canal. The Grand Union Canal is a significant local asset with continuous hedge lines linking several small woodlands and a range of marginal habitats that border the watercourse. The proximity of Rugby has limited impact on the character of the otherwise rural landscape, although major features, including the Rugby Radio Station and major transport infrastructure are detracting influences. The Grand Union and Oxford Canals run in a north easterly direction, taking advantage of the gentle landform at the base of the neighbouring hills. There is also a concentration of rail infrastructure to the southeast of Rugby, which has brought with it additional development in the form of a major rail freight terminal adjacent to the M6 motorway, a further piece of infrastructure dominating the local landscape. ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTER ASSESSMENT AND KEY ISSUES 50

51 KEY ISSUES The Vale of Rugby lies in the west of the county on the border with Warwickshire and Leicestershire. It is a broad sweeping landscape that extends north and westwards for some distance beyond the county boundary, and strategies for enhancement should be developed and agreed alongside the relevant neighbouring authorities. The largely flat or gently undulating open agricultural landscape allows extensive views to the north and west, and land management and new development should seek to maintain and enhance these views. Agricultural land use is mixed, with extensive arable farmland combining with cattle and sheep grazed improved pastures, to create a productive agricultural landscape. The retention of a mixed farming economy should be encouraged to ensure the continuity of the patchwork character of the landscape. In the south of the vale, land use is predominantly pastoral, and the landscape displays intact19th century enclosure patterns and significant remains of the earlier medieval landscape, including widespread ridge and furrow and earthwork remains of castles and deserted medieval villages. The patterning of fieldscapes and landscape monuments should be protected and enhanced by appropriate land management. Opportunities to increase the biodiversity interest of pastures especially in the vicinity of landscape monuments by reversion to unimproved or semi improved status should be exploited. Arable land use increases in predominance northwards. This shift is mirrored by the field patterning, which is dominated by large modern fields. Despite field amalgamation and the ploughing out of earthwork remains from the 1950s, some traces survive. These sites should be protected from further destruction. Woodland cover is sparse adding to the sense of openness that characterises the vale landscape. The pattern of small scale copses and linear shelter belts should be maintained, and newly planted woodland blocks continue along roads and rail lines. However, the siting of new plantations should seek to maintain the open character of the landscape Despite agricultural improvement, some areas of unimproved semi natural habitat are present, and in particular on more marginal land such as steep slopes where unimproved grassland and woodland survives, and where springs and species rich flushes have an acidic influence. Land managers should be encouraged to protect and enhance sites of nature conservation interest and seek opportunities to connect these with linear habitats where possible. Stanford Reservoir and the Grand Union Canal are important local biodiversity resources, offering open water and wetland habitats. Hedge lines adjacent to the canal link several small woodlands and a range of marginal habitats. Their function as connecting habitats should be further enhanced by appropriate land and hedgerow management. Whilst the Rugby Radio Station and major transport infrastructure are detracting influences locally, these features offer significant opportunities for the creation of species rich grassland habitat. Where major development such as the rail freight terminal has a significant urbanising influence, further opportunities exist for the creation of screening woodlands that can also contribute to the overall habitat resource. Lilbourne, Rugby Radio Station ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTER ASSESSMENT AND KEY ISSUES 51

52 FIGURES PLEASE REFER TO THE DOCUMENT ECA - FIGURE 1. ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTER ASSESSMENT AND KEY ISSUES 52

53 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The ECS and GI Strategy has been coordinated by the River Nene Regional Park (RNRP) who would like to thank the following individuals and organisations for their time, input and guidance: Environmental Character Strategy (ECS) concept - Jason Longhurst, RNRP Environmental Character Strategy (ECS) strategic delivery - Jason Longhurst, RNRP, Michel Kerrou, NCC, and Chris Burgess, Northumberland County Council, with support on the historic and biodiversity studies and digital mapping, Greg Phillips, RNRP Investing in Northamptonshire - Northamptonshire s ECS and GI Suite - A Users Guide; Environmental and Current Landscape Assessments, Strategies and Guidelines; and Making the Connection - Northamptonshire s GI Strategy - Susan Carter and Ian Houlston, LDA Design Consulting LLP with support from NCC/RNRP Historic Landscape Character Assessment - Northamptonshire Archaeology, NCC and Greg Phillips, RNRP Historic Landscape Character Landscape Strategy and Guidance Greg Phillips, RNRP Biodiversity Landscape Character Assessment and Landscape Strategy and Guidance - Steve Brayshaw of Denton Wood Associates with support from NCC/RNRP and the Northamptonshire Wildlife Trust Photography - Mike Williams (CLCA), Northamptonshire Wildlife Trust (BCA), and individual contributors as credited. All vertical aerial imagery GeoInformation Group. The RNRP would like to thank the following individuals and organisations for their time, input and guidance: ECS Project Group Dr Chris Burgess - Northumberland County Council Michel Kerrou - Northamptonshire County Council Greg Phillips - Technical Coordinator, River Nene Regional Park Myk Flitcroft - Northamptonshire County Council Ian Houlston - Senior Consultant, LDA Design Steve Brayshaw - Denton Wood Associates Jason Longhurst - Project Director, River Nene Regional Park Susan Carter - Associate, LDA Design Mark Holmes - Northamptonshire Archaeology, NCC ECS Steering Group Andy D Arcy - South Northamptonshire Council Anne Plackett - English Heritage Cheryl Jarvis - Northampton Borough Council Chris Wade - Rockingham Forest Trust David Hallam - Kettering Borough Council Felicity Webber - Borough Council of Wellingborough Ian Lorman - South Northamptonshire Council Ian Patterson - Natural England (English Nature) Karen Britton - Daventry District Council Karen Devonport - Natural England (Countryside Agency) Karen Horner - East Northamptonshire Council Ken Monro - Natural England (English Nature) Kathy Rivett - Corby Borough Council Matt Jackson The Wildlife Trust (Oxfordshire) Mike Pearson - South Northamptonshire Council Noreen Banks - Northampton Borough Council Peter Harris - Kettering Borough Council Richard Strugnell - South Northamptonshire Council Sue Bateman - Borough Council of Wellingborough Terry Begley - East Northamptonshire Council Terry Smithson - The Wildlife Trust BCNP Thanks are also extended to the participants at the workshops and to the many individuals who gave their time and valuable contributions at individual meetings and through telephone discussions and correspondence. The RNRP also acknowledges, with thanks, Northamptonshire County Council for the provision of geographic data. ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTER ASSESSMENT AND KEY ISSUES 53

54 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The RNRP would also like to thank the members of the ECS Project and Steering Groups, the Green Infrastructure Project and Steering Groups and the following ECS and GI funding and supporting partners: ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTER ASSESSMENT AND KEY ISSUES 54