2i: UPPER BEAULIEU AND HARTFORD HEATH WOODED FARMLAND

Transcription

1 2i: UPPER BEAULIEU AND HARTFORD HEATH WOODED FARMLAND Fossilised enclosed former strips and furlongs. backed by assart woodland and thick treed hedges characteristic field boundaries west of Beaulieu Geograph. Wide verges with closely spaced mature oaks off B3056. Small fields associated with horticulture near Ley Green farm. Beaulieu river tidal as far as the tide mill at Beaulieu John Champion Beaulieu High St. Chris Downer Geograph, strong traditional vernacular character Beaulieu Abbey E Gammie - Geograph Beaulieu river in Alder woodland North gate; - typical setting of the river north of Beaulieu Jim Champion 1 Status: FINAL May 2012

2 2 Status: FINAL May 2012

3 1.0 Location and Boundaries 1.1 This character area is located on and defined by the River Beaulieu and its flanking lowland heath landscape. It is located between the wooded heathland plateau of the New Forest in the north and the Coastal Plain and Solent to the south. 1.2 Component County Landscape Types: Lowland Mosaic Small Scale 1.3 Composition of Borough/District LCAs: New Forest: Beaulieu River The boundaries of this character area are very similar to that defined in the New Forest with the exception of the southern boundary where the New Forest assessment draws the boundary further south in order to include the eastern valley sides. 1.4 Associations with NCAs and Natural Areas: NCA 131: New Forest NA 77: New Forest 2.0 Key Characteristics Large scale undulating landscape centred on the Beaulieu River. Well wooded river valley with tidal character below tide mill at Beaulieu which is valued for its diverse habitats and fauna both nationally and internationally Extensive ancient semi-natural woodland and timber plantations. Strong estate influence evident around Beaulieu. Woodland and well treed hedges form field boundaries. Mixed farming including arable and pasture within medium to small scale hedged enclosures and fossilised medieval strip fields and lynchets at Beaulieu village. Limited settlement comprising village of Beaulieu and dispersed pattern of isolated farmsteads many of which form part of the Beaulieu estate. Distinctive yellow/pale grey brick in buildings derived from local clays. Inward looking landscape with enclosed character. 3.0 Physical Characteristics and Land Use 3.1 Topographically this landscape forms elevated undulating farmland on the edge of the wooded core plateau of the New Forest which has been dissected by the Beaulieu River forming a broad shallow valley through its heart from north to south. The northern valley sides are the steepest and most clearly defined and the highest land can be found in the north and west rising to approximately 45m AOD. Geologically this landscape is underlain by comparatively young tertiary rocks of the 3 Status: FINAL May 2012

4 Barton group - a yellow sandy clay used as the traditional local brick material. The whole area is overlain by marine terrace gravels from the Pleistocene. Soils comprise coarse and fine loamy permeable soils mainly over gravel which give rise to free draining soils that can support a range of land uses. Agricultural land quality is mixed but predominately poor with some areas of medium quality in the south. The wooded and sometimes heathy character reflects poorer quality soils. 3.2 Land use is mixed across this landscape comprising woodland/forestry, pasture and arable as well as grazing marsh and mudflats along the tidal sections of the river valley. Woodland comprises ancient semi-natural broadleaved woodland (formerly used as wood pasture) and areas of 19 th century plantation woodland. Alder trees line parts of the river and its tributaries. 3.3 The area falls within the Environment Agency New Forest catchment area and focuses on the Beaulieu River and tributaries. North of Beaulieu village the river flows within a narrow valley with constrained valley floor. Here the river has been manipulated with the creation of Mill Dam north of the village and triangular fishing lakes (Boarman Pond) to the northeast reflecting the use of the water as part of the working estate. To the south of Beaulieu the river valley becomes a drowned valley created by the rise in sea level after the last ice age and is tidal in character supporting notable areas of grazing marsh and saltmarsh at its margins. Along the river edge landing stages are a repetitive feature. 4.0 Experiential/Perceptual Characteristics 4.1 This landscape has an enclosed character as a result of the high concentration of woodland and the topography which focuses inwards on the Beaulieu River. There are limited views outwards. 4.2 The Solent Way long distance path passes through the centre of this landscape connecting with Beaulieu village and continuing along the River Beaulieu southern valley side. The key visitor attraction in this area is Beaulieu Abbey and associated grounds within which is located the National Motor Museum. 4.3 This landscape is particularly tranquil along the lower tidal reaches of the river valley where access is limited except by boat and where the views are inward looking as a result of the shallow valley sides and woodland cover. This creates a secretive and secluded character. Tranquillity is also high in parts of the Beaulieu Estate again where there is limited access and settlement. 5.0 Biodiversity Character 5.1 This landscape character area contains a range of habitat types. The Solent and Southampton Waters RAMSAR and SAC site extends into the area and comprises tall marginal vegetation and open running water habitats associated with the Beaulieu River. However, the focus of the RAMSAR/SAC site is the coastal habitats further south. The designations are of international importance for populations of overwintering and migratory wildfowl and wading birds and of national importance for populations of breeding gulls, terns and waders. 5.2 The river is also designated part of the North Solent SSSI the geographical area of which extends further inland than the RAMSAR/SAC designation. There is a remarkable diversity associated with this SSSI, with habitat ranging from coastal mudflats and saltmarshes, shingle beaches and spits, fresh and brackish marshland 4 Status: FINAL May 2012

5 and pools, maritime grassland, species rich neutral and acidic grassland, valley mire, heathland and a range of ancient semi-natural woodlands. Collectively these habitats support a rich flora including many locally distributed rare or diminishing species. The botanical richness of these habitats is reflected in an equally rich and diverse insect fauna including many rare and otherwise notable species. 5.3 Beyond the designations this landscape character area comprises a mosaic of habitats, with agricultural grasslands and woodlands dominating. Arable land dominates over improved grasslands and there are also tree nurseries which provide variation in the productive land. In the north of the area, much of the woodland is ancient semi-natural woodland, comprising broadleaved and mixed woodlands, broadleaved, mixed and coniferous plantations as well as some small patches of parkland, forestry scrub and new tree planting. In the north, within the woodland mosaic, there are small patches of bracken and dry heath/acid grassland mosaic suggesting remnant heath habitats may exist under some woodlands. There are occasional patches of unimproved grassland and this tends to be acid grasslands. Towards the south of the area, the presence of the Beaulieu River provides further habitat variation, with tall marginal vegetation, including reeds and running open water. 5.4 This area is covered by two BOAs. The New Forest BOA comprises heath, dry acid grassland, deciduous woodlands, meadows and rush pastures and represents areas of high opportunity for restoring/ linking heathland, grassland and woodland habitats and linking to the coastal habitats. The New Forest Coast BOA supports a diverse range of habitats, reflecting the transition from coastal to inland habitat. This wide range of habitats support rich flora and equally rich and diverse insect fauna; many areas are also important for populations of overwintering and migratory wildfowl and wading birds. 5.5 There are over 20 SINCs within this landscape character area, designated largely for their ancient semi-natural woodland character. One of the largest SINCs is Abbotstanding Wood, designated because of it s ancient and semi-natural woodland and because it supports notable species. 6.0 Historic Character 6.1 Archaeology There is some evidence of Mesolithic activity in the area, consistent with the general low level across the New Forest coastal plain. It is likely that the river is the focus of exploitation, although this relationship is apparent in the upper reaches of the river rather than in this character area itself There is no direct evidence of Neolithic settlement, although artefacts do suggest some presence in the area. It is probably not an area intensively exploited rather than settled. In the Bronze Age the heathland flanking the river and around the upper reaches of the river is rich in Bronze Age burial mounds, indicating that the area was valued and exploited. However there is no evidence of settlement within the character area. It is possible that the heath was exploited by a population in the valley and that the settlement remains to be located, but given a lack of settlement evidence until the medieval period it is perhaps more likely that the valley is not a settled landscape until very late. 5 Status: FINAL May 2012

6 6.1.3 In the Iron Age there is a promontory fort at the mouth of the river, but there is no evidence of settlement in the valley. There is also no evidence of settlement in the Roman period, although some Roman coins have been found The presence of Beaulieu Abbey may suggest that the area is under utilised in the medieval period, hence the establishment of a remote monastic establishment, and the subsequent boat building industry is eloquent of the wooded nature of the landscape. It is probable that although the area is utilised, possibly by activities such as grazing, it is not settled until the medieval period. 6.2 Historic Landscape This character area has been strongly influenced by the Beaulieu Estate and its ecclesiastical origins which have shaped the surrounding landscape. Beaulieu Abbey was founded as a Cistercian Abbey at the beginning of the 13 th century. After the dissolution it passed to the Earl of Southampton who built his house in the gatehouse of the Abbey - now know as The palace. The house and estate is now owned by the Montagu family There are two distinctive historic patterns which have their origins in the Medieval period. Firstly the remnants of open field systems which would have been operational around the village of Beaulieu and along the river valley sides the remnants of which can be seen fossilised in present day field boundary patterns notably west of the village. The second pattern is that of assart enclosures (small scale with typically wavy boundaries) and associated assart woodlands. These woodlands are clearly seen in the north of the character area reflecting the areas evolution from clearance of wooded heathland. 6.3 Built Environment This is a generally inaccessible landscape with only a few rural lanes which radiate from the village of Beaulieu Beaulieu Village is a conservation area. The village is nucleated in form centred around the former Cistercian Abbey and estate. The only other settlement in this landscape is at Hummicks - a small scale recent housing development set within woodland Across the wider area the settlement pattern comprises a dispersed and relatively sparse pattern of farmsteads many of which originated in the Medieval period and were associated with the management of estate associated with the Abbey. Often these farmsteads are set within small fields taken out of woodland where better quality land was to be found and comprise a loose U or L shape arrangement of two or three buildings around a yard Building materials are predominately brick with tile or thatch roofing. The Abbey is constructed of stone and reflects the prestigious status of the establishment. Also of particular note is the use of Beaulieu brick a yellow/pale grey brick from local clays which features in many of the farm buildings in the area, and the village of Beaulieu. This adds to local distinctiveness Beaulieu Abbey and grounds are a key focal point in this character area and coupled with the scenic quality of the Beaulieu River, they contribute significantly to the area s sense of place. 6 Status: FINAL May 2012

7 EVALUATION 7.0 Forces for Change 1. Changing land management practices and alteration to the farmed landscapes. 2. New developments and incremental suburbanisation within wooded areas. 3. Demand for access and recreation, due to partial inclusion within the New Forest National Park, and proximity to centres of population Climate change, particularly increased storms, drought and disease resulting in tree loss. KEY QUALITIES AND EFFECTS OF FORCES 7.1 An undulating farmed landscape which forms the transition between the New Forest Plateau and coastal areas focused on the Beaulieu Valley and comprises a medium to large scale landscape mosaic which is dominated by woodland, giving it an enclosed and intimate character, high tranquillity and a strong sense of time-depth. FORCES FOR CONSEQUENCES CHANGE: 1.5. Threats: Trend towards loss of remnant ancient semi-natural woodland with high biodiversity value, due to changes in woodland management practises, affecting the enclosed and intimate character of the landscape. Continued spreading Rhododendron in woodland understorey, choking native species and altering the visual character of the woodland. Loss of mature hedgerow oaks from storm damage / saturated soils / old age. Further loss of remaining grazing and pasture fields and field enlargement to accommodate arable in remaining areas along river valley sides Localised changes to ground and surface water levels by alteration to field drainage (dereliction or deepening) affecting mature hedgerow oaks. Opportunities: Continuation of traditional woodland management in accordance with the New Forest National Park Management Plan to maintain the wooded landscape mosaic. Retain the current situation where trees form the backdrop to views. Control of Rhododendrons to reduce spread. Avoidance of planting ornamental species in the vicinity of native woodlands to minimise spread of invasive non-native species. 7.2 The Beaulieu Valley supports a remarkably rich and diverse flora and fauna recognised both nationally and internationally. FORCES FOR CONSEQUENCES CHANGE: Threats: Recreation pressure along the river may damage fragile habitats. Opportunities: Conservation of river valley habitats in accordance with the National Park management Plan, New Forest BAP and the BOA, leading to visual and ecological diversity, and contributing to the wooded character of the Beaulieu Valley. Linking of heathland and woodland habitats to create wildlife corridors. Retain characteristic small ponds and maximise their biodiversity value. Management of recreation pressure to minimise damage to biodiversity, through National Park Management Plan and PROGRESS project. 7 Status: FINAL May 2012

8 7.3 The majority of the area is within the New Forest National Park and is of high scenic and recreation value. Limited access to the river edge contributes to the area s secretive qualities and seclusion. FORCES FOR CONSEQUENCES CHANGE: 3.4. Threats: Despite being largely within the New Forest National Park, there is limited open access and few Public Rights of Way. Plantation woodland may obscure long views across and down the Beaulieu valley. Adjacent developments (including recreation, boat mooring, boat yards) may compromise the area s scenic quality. Opportunities: Promote Countryside Access Plan actions to improve rights of way network and countryside accessibility without loss of secretive quality. Appropriate woodland planting and felling regimes in order to open up and conserve views downs and across the valley. Use wider planning policies to ensure that development is not detrimental to the visual quality of the area. 7.4 Strong influence of Beaulieu Abbey and associated estate including fossilised strip fields as well as the use of locally distinctive yellow brick. FORCES FOR CONSEQUENCES CHANGE: 1.5. Threats: Past and possible future development which is not in keeping with existing settlement form and adds a suburban character to a remote rural area. Potential loss of character of lanes due to measures to increase traffic capacity, or urbanising features such as signage and engineered traffic calming measures. Opportunities: Use of National Park planning policies, Village Design Statements and Parish Plans to identify and protect the traditional built form and style of the area, and ensure that new development is well integrated into the surrounding wooded landscape. Potentially the Rural Roads Initiative could seek particularly to retain distinctive leafy character of rural lanes whilst meeting highways standards and identify lanes which link up with PRoW to connect to the Forest to promote less car trafficked routes, in accordance with CAP actions. Replacement of hedgerow trees as necessary, and retention of historic field boundaries through agri-environment and other schemes. Agri-environment and woodland grant schemes could be used to target the conservation and enhancement of estate-influenced field pattern and alignment, and the character of the tracks and lanes particularly associated with areas of medieval origin. 8 Status: FINAL May 2012