# xx_Tbl_FG_JM_KeyChars_before_spellcheck

FG KeyChar:
•	There are some substantial broadleaved woodlands, particularly along steep slopes and narrow valleys, and localised blocks of coniferous plantations.
•	There is also scattered tree cover along watercourses and hedgerows.

Edited_KeyChars:
Some substantial broadleaved woodlands, particularly along steep slopes and narrow valleys
Scattered trees along rivers and hedgerows 
Localised orchards


FG KeyChar:
•	The lower slopes, particularly the steeper ones, are densely wooded often with patches of ancient woodland and occasional plantations.

Edited_KeyChars:
Steep lower slopes densely wooded, scrub encroaching upward
Patches of ancient woodland and occasional plantations including wooded dingles and streams
Densely treed hedgerows in areas of small irregular pasture fields
Trees line water courses
Localised orchards


FG KeyChar:
•	Rough grazing is dominant on the high ground, whilst small pastures are typical of the lower slopes.
•	Localised orchards and hop fields are found throughout the area, whilst larger fields with mixed or arable farming are less common and confined to the lower ground.

Edited_KeyChars:
Unenclosed rough pasture/ commons on high ground, in need of grazing
Small pastures on slopes
Mixed arable and hop fields on lower ground


FG KeyChar:
•	A diversity of building styles and materials reflects the variations in geology, with locally-quarried stone, occasional timber-framing and more recent use of red brick.

Edited_KeyChars:
Diverse styles and materials including locally-quarried stone, occasional timber-frame and more recent red brick


FG KeyChar:
•	The hills are intersected by the east-west flowing Leigh Brook; otherwise small streams flow from spring lines at the foot of the hills.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The hills are intersected by the east-west flowing Leigh Brook; otherwise small streams flow from spring lines at the foot of the hills.


FG KeyChar:
•	Ancient, mixed species hedges are typical, with localised dense tree cover; open unenclosed land is a distinctive feature of the high ground.

Edited_KeyChars:
Open unenclosed land distinctive of open commonland of high ground
Ancient, mixed species hedges typical on slopes
Larger regular hedged fields on lower ground


FG KeyChar:
•	Ridges of lower hills, of limestone and mixed shale, are found to the west and south.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Ridges of lower hills, of limestone and mixed shale, are found to the west and south.


FG KeyChar:
•	There are many dramatically-sited historic sites, including Iron Age hillforts, along the ridge.
•	Several large estates with designed landscapes are found in the foothills, such as at Eastnor.

Edited_KeyChars:
Many historic sites on ridge including Iron Age hillforts
Large estates with designed landscapes in the foothills eg Eastnor


FG KeyChar:
•	The higher hills are dominated by open moorland of acid grassland, bracken and localised heather, with encroaching scrub and woodlands below.

Edited_KeyChars:
Open heathland of acid grassland, bracken and heather on higher hills
Remnant lowland meadows


FG KeyChar:
•	Several large estates with designed landscapes are found in the foothills, such as at Eastnor.
•	The upper slopes and summits are unsettled; elsewhere there are scattered farmsteads and cottages.
•	Parts of the Malvern Victorian Spa towns on the eastern slopes lie within the area, along with associated villas on the slopes around.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Several large estates with designed landscapes are found in the foothills, such as at Eastnor.
•	The upper slopes and summits are unsettled; elsewhere there are scattered farmsteads and cottages.
•	Parts of the Malvern Victorian Spa towns on the eastern slopes lie within the area, along with associated villas on the slopes around.


FG KeyChar:
•	This is a narrow, north-south ridge of high, rounded hills of igneous rocks, which rise abruptly from the Severn Vale and form a prominent landmark from long distances.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	This is a narrow, north-south ridge of high, rounded hills of igneous rocks, which rise abruptly from the Severn Vale and form a prominent landmark from long distances.


FG KeyChar:
•	Extensive arable farming dominates the fertile soils of the lower ground; pasture is more common on the higher ground with steeper slopes.
•	There are many traditional and bush orchards on slopes throughout the area.

Edited_KeyChars:
Extensive arable farming on fertile soils of lower ground
Pasture more common on steeper and higher ground
Permanent pasture and meadows along river valleys


FG KeyChar:
•	Farm buildings to the west are predominantly red sandstone, however to the east of the river Wye include brick, timber framed and grey Silurian limestone.

Edited_KeyChars:
Farm buildings to west mainly red sandstone
East of River Wye building materials include brick, timber framed and grey Silurian limestone


FG KeyChar:
•	There are several narrow meandering floodplains with rivers important for fishing.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	There are several narrow meandering floodplains with rivers important for fishing.


FG KeyChar:
•	Fields are bounded by hedgerows of variable height, which are often species-rich, particularly along lanes.

Edited_KeyChars:
Hedgerows often dense and species-rich, particularly along lanes, of variable height
Some hedgerows of very considersble age


FG KeyChar:
•	Much of the area is underlain by Old Red Sandstone, although the area around the Woolhope Dome incorporates Silurian limestones, shaley mudstones and siltstones.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Much of the area is underlain by Old Red Sandstone, although the area around the Woolhope Dome incorporates Silurian limestones, shaley mudstones and siltstones.


FG KeyChar:
•	Iron Age forts are found on several hill summits.
•	The west of the area was part of Archenfield, giving Welsh character.

Edited_KeyChars:
Iron Age hillforts on several summits
West of area was part of Archenfield, giving Welsh character
Parklands scattered across the landscape


FG KeyChar:
•	Unimproved grassland is found on areas of open common land and occasional remnants in small fields.

Edited_KeyChars:
Acidic unimproved grassland on open common land
Remnant limestone grasslands on slopes 
Unimproved or semi-improved neutral grasslands with abundant wild daffodils
Remnants of species rich lowland meadows in valleys
Significant fen and reed bed habitats in river valleys (needs to be checked - not described in the Biodiversity section of the NCA Profile)


FG KeyChar:
•	There is a dispersed settlement pattern throughout the area with small hamlets and clustered settlement around commons.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	There is a dispersed settlement pattern throughout the area with small hamlets and clustered settlement around commons.


FG KeyChar:
•	This is an undulating landscape with some prominent rounded hills, lower rolling ground and narrow meandering flood plains.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	This is an undulating landscape with some prominent rounded hills, lower rolling ground and narrow meandering flood plains.


FG KeyChar:
•	Woodland is largely confined to the steeper slopes adjacent to the flood plain and to hillsides.
•	Trees are often found in groups around farmsteads including small areas of parkland style planting.
•	There are also scattered trees along hedgerows and water courses.

Edited_KeyChars:
Woods mainly on slopes above floodplain and on hillsides
Distinctive tree clumps and parkland style planting around farmsteads (in need of management)
Scattered hedgerow and riparian trees
Many traditional (and bush) orchards on slopes throughout area


Edited_KeyChars:
Small area of salt marsh on the banks of the Severn (technically may fall within the Severn and Avon Vales NCA)


FG KeyChar:
•	Agriculture is primarily dairying with some livestock rearing.  In addition, there are small holdings of small to medium-sized fields supporting market gardening, orchards, livestock rearing and horse grazing.
•	Commons, together with areas of enclosed farmland are used extensively for sheep grazing which tends to be unrestricted.

Edited_KeyChars:
Pastoral landscape outside of the Forest supports livestock rearing, with some dairying along the edge of the Severn and Avon Vale
Smallholdings of small- to medium-sized fields, supporting market gardening, orchards, livestock rearing and horse grazing
Commons and the statutory Forest are used extensively for unrestricted sheep grazing
Remnant areas of wet grassland


FG KeyChar:
•	Traditional buildings represent a wide range of materials including sandstone, limestone, brick, pebble dash, slate and tiles, whilst more recent buildings are of white render with slate or dark pantile roofs.

Edited_KeyChars:
Traditional buildings represent a wide range of materials including sandstone, limestone, brick, pebble dash, slate and tiles
More recent buildings of white render with slate or dark pantile roofs


FG KeyChar:
•	Several small rivers drain from the plateau to the south and south east into the Severn, whilst others feed the Wye to the north and west.  Occasional pools are evident.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Several small rivers drain from the plateau to the south and south east into the Severn, whilst others feed the Wye to the north and west.  Occasional pools are evident.


FG KeyChar:
•	Fields sizes range from small, irregular enclosures to medium rectilinear fields.  Fields are either bounded by hedgerows or stone walls with few hedgerow trees.

Edited_KeyChars:
Fields sizes range from small, irregular enclosures to medium rectilinear fields
Fields either bounded by hedgerows or stone walls with few hedgerow trees


FG KeyChar:
•	This is an undulating plateau of ridges and valleys contained by an outer rim of limestone and sandstone, creating a strong sense of isolation.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	This is an undulating plateau of ridges and valleys contained by an outer rim of limestone and sandstone, creating a strong sense of isolation.


FG KeyChar:
•	Aside from relics of an industrial past (iron ore and coal extraction) evident in tips, shallow iron workings or scowles, quarry faces and disused railway lines, most of which have been subsumed by the forest canopy, there are Norman Castles and Offa’s Dyke formerly marking the border between England and Wales

Edited_KeyChars:
Evidence from the Roman period of an early iron industry, exploiting deposits of iron ore with abundant local supplies of charcoal - remains of shallow workings still visible at Scowles
Relics of a more recent industrial past (iron ore and coal extraction) evident throughout
The line of Offa's Dyke and associated features
Old royal hunting forest and parkland remains


FG KeyChar:
•	Surrounding the edge of the Forest is a ring of settlements associated with iron ore deposits, often sprawling and linear in nature, where buildings are interspersed with industry and open grazing land.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Surrounding the edge of the Forest is a ring of settlements associated with iron ore deposits, often sprawling and linear in nature, where buildings are interspersed with industry and open grazing land.


FG KeyChar:
•	Extensive woodland covers large areas of the Character Area ranging from commercially managed coniferous plantations to broadleaved woodlands, many of which are ancient or semi natural, and designated SSSIs.  
•	In addition there are a significant number of traditional orchards to the north and east.

Edited_KeyChars:
Extensive woodland, with particular concentrations within the statutory Forest of the central plateau and Wye Valley
Extensive ravine woodlands within the Wye Valley
Woodland ranges  from managed coniferous plantations to broadleaved woodlands, many of which are
ancient - the Forest is one of the largest remaining areas of broadleaf semi-natural woodland in the country
Limited small scattered farm woodlands around the periphery of the  NCA
Few hedgerow trees seen in the more fertile arable areas
Significant number of traditional orchards to the north and east


Edited_KeyChars:
Rich woodland ground flora with areas of extensive scrub and bracken
Small areas of heathland and semi-natural grasslands.


FG KeyChar:
•	A small-scale lowland farmed landscape lying within a generally flat but gently undulating clay vale.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	A small-scale lowland farmed landscape lying within a generally flat but gently undulating clay vale.


FG KeyChar:
•	A number of large areas of estate land and landscaped parks, particularly along the river valleys, are now intensively farmed.

Edited_KeyChars:
Landscaped parks prominent in the area including Claremont at Esher, Painshill Park on the banks of the Mole at Cobham, Clandon landscaped by Capability Brown, and also Ockham and East Horsley
Small field ponds are characteristic of this landscape


FG KeyChar:
•	A mosaic of field ponds, meadows, remnant heathland and some individual mature tree species.

Edited_KeyChars:
Important areas of heathland on commons -  Esher, Ashtead and Epsom Commons


FG KeyChar:
•	The interface between countryside and urban edge is characterised by an unkempt appearance of wire fences, sheds, derelict hedgerows and weed-infested associated with pony paddocks.
•	Some of the essential farmland character has been fragmented by the expansion of London and the associated major roads that dissect this Character Area.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The interface between countryside and urban edge is characterised by an unkempt appearance of wire fences, sheds, derelict hedgerows and weed-infested associated with pony paddocks.
•	Some of the essential farmland character has been fragmented by the expansion of London and the associated major roads that dissect this Character Area.


FG KeyChar:
•	A moderately wooded landscape interspersed by oak/ash woods and shaws.
•	Field trees occur in straight lines, marking old hedgerow lines, typically oak, ash and field maple.

Edited_KeyChars:
Well wooded character including significant areas of ancient woodland
Wooded commons characterised by secondary woodland with areas of commercial conifer and broadleaf plantation
Ancient oak pollards found within mature woodland and on Epsom and Ashead Commons
Riparian trees and woodland belts mark the lines of the river and canal 
Field trees occur in straight lines, marking old hedgerow lines, typically oak, ash and field maple
Hedgerow trees common (mainly oak)


FG KeyChar:
•	Overall this Character Area contains fragmented, poor agricultural land.
•	Fertile alluvium and free draining gravel terraces have been utilised for market gardening and fruit growing.
•	The cultivated parts of the Thames floodplain are dominated by grazing land.

Edited_KeyChars:
Agricultural parts of the Thames floodplain dominated by grazing land
Ancient wet meadows on the floodplain with some remnant areas of wet grassland remaining as on Staines Moor and at Runnymede and Cricklade
Fertile alluvium and free draining gravel terraces have been utilised for market gardening and fruit growing (and gravel extraction)


FG KeyChar:
•	Traditional buildings include large houses set within ornamental parkland, indicating the wealth of the Thames Valley.

Edited_KeyChars:
Black timber-framed and red brick/ flint farm buildings
Traditional large houses set within ornamental parkland.


FG KeyChar:
•	There are ancient wet meadows on the floodplain.
•	The presence of water is a key feature – in the form of rivers, streams, lakes, canals and open water bodies (the result of restored gravel workings).

Edited_KeyChars:
•	There are ancient wet meadows on the floodplain.
•	The presence of water is a key feature – in the form of rivers, streams, lakes, canals and open water bodies (the result of restored gravel workings).


FG KeyChar:
•	Regular field patterns on the floodplain suggest late enclosure.
•	Smaller field patterns on higher ground suggest earlier enclosure of drier land.
•	Hedgerows create landscape structure – mature oaks are a feature of the hedgerows.

Edited_KeyChars:
Regular, late enclosure field patterns on the floodplain
Smaller field patterns on higher ground
Ditches along field boundaries on flood plains
Both bound by hedgerows, often with mature trees


FG KeyChar:
•	The underlying geology is dominated by London Clay, with an outcrop of Chalk to the north of the Character Area bordering the Chilterns.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The underlying geology is dominated by London Clay, with an outcrop of Chalk to the north of the Character Area bordering the Chilterns.


FG KeyChar:
•	There are ancient wet meadows on the floodplain.
•	Windsor Castle is located on an outcrop of chalk on the edge of the Thames.
•	The sloping banks of the Thames are occasionally dominated by extensive historic parklands, including Windsor Great Park.
•	The ‘lost villages’ of Denham, Shepperton and Upper Halliford are now engulfed by built development.

Edited_KeyChars:
Extensive historic parklands  such as Windsor Great Park


FG KeyChar:
•	Towards London in the east, the natural character of the area is overtaken by urban influences; a dense network of roads including the M25 corridor, Heathrow Airport, railway lines, golf courses, pylon lines, reservoirs and extensive mineral workings.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Towards London in the east, the natural character of the area is overtaken by urban influences; a dense network of roads including the M25 corridor, Heathrow Airport, railway lines, golf courses, pylon lines, reservoirs and extensive mineral workings.


FG KeyChar:
•	There are ancient wet meadows on the floodplain.

Edited_KeyChars:
Remnant but important heathland in places
Ancient wet meadows on the floodplain
Remnant hay meadows


FG KeyChar:
•	The ‘lost villages’ of Denham, Shepperton and Upper Halliford are now engulfed by built development.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The ‘lost villages’ of Denham, Shepperton and Upper Halliford are now engulfed by built development.


FG KeyChar:
•	Woodland is generally confined to a matrix of small farm woods although woodlands characterise the north-western area, the wooded character extending up to the southern edge of the Chiltern Hills.

Edited_KeyChars:
Woodlands characterise the north-western area, with the wooded character of small farm woods extending up to the southern edge of the Chiltern Hills
Mature hedgerow oaks including some ancient pollards
Many riverside trees, for example, along the Thames and its tributaries and in the Colne Valley
Colne Valley once a very important orchard growing area for London


FG KeyChar:
•	Predominantly characterised by intensive arable farmland, plus areas of pasture associated with the valleys and dairying within the vale landscapes.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mainly intensive arable farmland
Areas of pasture and rough grazing associated with valleys and scarps
Dairying in valleys
Remnant traditional water meadows


FG KeyChar:
•	Historic buildings include knapped flint and weathered chalk in walls and locally occurring sarsen stones.

Edited_KeyChars:
Diverse historic building materials including brick, knapped flint, weathered chalk, locally occurring Sarsen stones, weatherboard, cob, tile and thatch


FG KeyChar:
•	The Ridgeway, an ancient chalk track following the top of the scarp, links Avebury with Ivinghoe in Hertfordshire.  There is a wider network of Green Lanes and drove roads.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The Ridgeway, an ancient chalk track following the top of the scarp, links Avebury with Ivinghoe in Hertfordshire.  There is a wider network of Green Lanes and drove roads.


FG KeyChar:
•	Chalk stream and rivers (e.g. Kennet, Lambourn and Pang are key feature.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Chalk stream and rivers (e.g. Kennet, Lambourn and Pang are key feature.


FG KeyChar:
•	Large geometric fields on the open downs are characterised by post and wire fencing. Within lower areas woodland, hedgerows and shelterbelts frequently form boundaries.

Edited_KeyChars:
Very large geometric fields enclosed by fencing on open downs
In lower areas, hedgerow and shelterbelt boundaries
Small hedged fields in river valleys
Localised drainage ditches on valley floors
brick and flint walls around major estates


FG KeyChar:
•	Distinctive valleys incise the chalk and the Vale of Pewsey on Greensand provides a further contrast. 
•	To the west, sarsen stones are a particular feature.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Distinctive valleys incise the chalk and the Vale of Pewsey on Greensand provides a further contrast. 
•	To the west, sarsen stones are a particular feature.


FG KeyChar:
•	Savernake Forest with its remnant Royal Hunting Forest, ancient trees and historic parkland is a distinctive area.
•	Numerous barrows and other prehistoric earthworks including the Neolithic stone circle at Avebury, Silbury Hill and West Kennet Longbarrow, collectively designated as a World Heritage Site.  Bronze Age and Iron Age hillforts cluster on scarp ridges.  
•	The Ridgeway, an ancient chalk track following the top of the scarp, links Avebury with Ivinghoe in Hertfordshire.  There is a wider network of Green Lanes and drove roads.
•	Chalk cut white horses are a dramatic visual feature.

Edited_KeyChars:
Savernake Forest former royal hunting forest
Extensive historic parkland/ deer parks
Numerous barrows and other prehistoric earthworks
Ridgeway ancient chalk track; chalk-cut white horses
Network of green lanes and drove roads


FG KeyChar:
•	Grazed chalk grassland is largely restricted to the scarps and steep slopes of dry valleys.  Substantial areas of ancient semi-natural woodland persist.

Edited_KeyChars:
Grazed chalk grassland on scarps and steep slopes of dry valleys
Floodplain grazing marsh in the river valleys with associated fen / marsh / carr vegetation
Chalk rivers with watercress beds and wetland habitats


FG KeyChar:
•	Sparse settlement pattern on the open downs of occasional farm buildings and racehorse training establishments, contrasting with compact villages and hamlets clustering in the valleys.  
•	Includes the historic market towns of Marlborough and Hungerford in the Kennet Valley and Pewsey in the Vale. Expanding urban centres border the Character Area.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Sparse settlement pattern on the open downs of occasional farm buildings and racehorse training establishments, contrasting with compact villages and hamlets clustering in the valleys.  
•	Includes the historic market towns of Marlborough and Hungerford in the Kennet Valley and Pewsey in the Vale. Expanding urban centres border the Character Area.


FG KeyChar:
•	Large-scale open downs form a classic chalk landscape with strong escarpment backed by an elevated plateau of rolling or undulating topography extending as the dipslope.
•	Distinctive valleys incise the chalk and the Vale of Pewsey on Greensand provides a further contrast.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Large-scale open downs form a classic chalk landscape with strong escarpment backed by an elevated plateau of rolling or undulating topography extending as the dipslope.
•	Distinctive valleys incise the chalk and the Vale of Pewsey on Greensand provides a further contrast.


FG KeyChar:
•	Absence of woodland on the open chalk downs apart from characteristic beech clumps.  Woodland blocks are concentrated on areas of clay with flint on the lower parts of the dipslope creating a more enclosed landscape.
•	Savernake Forest with its remnant Royal Hunting Forest, ancient trees and historic parkland is a distinctive area.

Edited_KeyChars:
Generally no woodland on open chalk downs except for characteristic beech clumps
Woodland blocks on clay-with-flints on lower dip slope
Remnant royal hunting forest at Savernake Forest (ancient trees and historic parkland)
Areas of remnant wood pasture where clay with flints overlie the chalk
Occasional hedgerow trees in river valleys
Wet woodlands in river valleys (alder, poplar, willow pollards)


FG KeyChar:
•	A mixture of arable and pasture dominates the landscape with pasture often in smaller fields.

Edited_KeyChars:
A mixture of arable and pasture dominates the landscape 
Pasture often in smaller fields
Areas of low lying wet pasture


FG KeyChar:
•	Distinctive towns such as Malmesbury, Calne, Chippenham, Melksham and Trowbridge are dominated by attractive centres built of limestone ashlar, reflecting their prosperity as centres of the wool trade.  Other stone used throughout the area includes Cotswold stone and Corallian rag.

Edited_KeyChars:
Distinctive towns of limestone ashlar
Other stone used throughout the area including Cotswold stone and Corallian rag


FG KeyChar:
•	Most of the major settlements lie along the Avon, linked by valley bottom and ridge roads, smaller villages are clustered along streams.
•	The Kennet and Avon canal is a prominent feature in the south.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Most of the major settlements lie along the Avon, linked by valley bottom and ridge roads, smaller villages are clustered along streams.
•	The Kennet and Avon canal is a prominent feature in the south.


FG KeyChar:
•	This is an undulating clay vale dominated by Oxford Clay and cut by the River Avon and its tributaries, with gravels and other alluvial deposits in the river bed.  Its eastern boundary is formed of Corallian limestone.
•	The Kennet and Avon canal is a prominent feature in the south.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	This is an undulating clay vale dominated by Oxford Clay and cut by the River Avon and its tributaries, with gravels and other alluvial deposits in the river bed.  Its eastern boundary is formed of Corallian limestone.
•	The Kennet and Avon canal is a prominent feature in the south.


FG KeyChar:
•	Whilst hedgecover on arable land is poor, affected by agricultural intensification, overgrown hedgerows and hedgerow trees are a characteristic feature of pasture and low lying wet grasslands.

Edited_KeyChars:
Hedgerows are in a poor state on arable land but more dense with hedgerow trees on pasture
Larger field sizes to south and east - rectilinear  fields dominate
Localised dry stone walls
Drainage ditches in river valleys


FG KeyChar:
•	This is an undulating clay vale dominated by Oxford Clay and cut by the River Avon and its tributaries, with gravels and other alluvial deposits in the river bed.  Its eastern boundary is formed of Corallian limestone.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	This is an undulating clay vale dominated by Oxford Clay and cut by the River Avon and its tributaries, with gravels and other alluvial deposits in the river bed.  Its eastern boundary is formed of Corallian limestone.


FG KeyChar:
•	Bronze Age barrows, Iron Age hillforts, Bronze Age occupation sites and later medieval forests of Chippenham, Melksham and Chelwood are important features.
•	Extensive areas of ridge and furrow suggest that the area was dominated by arable cultivation.  Large historic mansions and parks, some of which were designed by Capability Brown are surrounded by woodland e.g. Bowood.

Edited_KeyChars:
Bronze Age barrows, Iron Age hillforts, Bronze Age occupation sites
Extensive archaeological evidence and ancient ridge and furrow suggest that the area was dominated by arable cultivation
Large historic mansions and parks, some of which were designed by Capability Brown surrounded by woodland e.g. Bowood


FG KeyChar:
•	Although the wide river corridor is influenced by modern development, there are ancient patterns of flood meadows, pollards, alders and rich wetland pasture.

Edited_KeyChars:
There are ancient patterns of flood meadows and  rich wetland pasture
Areas of heathland


FG KeyChar:
•	Most of the major settlements lie along the Avon, linked by valley bottom and ridge roads, smaller villages are clustered along streams.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Most of the major settlements lie along the Avon, linked by valley bottom and ridge roads, smaller villages are clustered along streams.


FG KeyChar:
•	Woodland is concentrated in a few areas; notably mixed woodland between Chittoe and Sudley, on former commonland, on steeper slopes and adjacent to streams and river banks.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mixed woodland (some ancient) concentrated on former commonland, on steeper slopes and adjacent to streams and river banks
Remnants of medieval forests of Chippenham, Melksham and Chelwood are important features
Hedgerow trees characteristic of pasture and low lying wet grasslands
Pollards and alder characteristic of wet pastures and streams


FG KeyChar:
•	The most extensive areas of woodland lies between Congresbury and the Avon Gorge and on the Failand Ridge.  Elsewhere woodlands are smaller and fragmented mainly confined to steeper land.
•	Parkland is a characteristic feature of  the south and west where the woodlands and mature and exotic trees bring a distinctive local character.

Edited_KeyChars:
Small fragmented woodland on steep land - most extensive areas of woodland between Congresbury and the Avon Gorge and on the Failand Ridge
Extensive woodland in Avon Gorge
Elsewhere, woodlands smaller, fragmented and mainly broadleaf
Scattered hedgerow trees
Small farm orchards characteristic


Edited_KeyChars:
Largely composed of north-west facing Carboniferous Limestone cliffs with a
narrow intertidal width


FG KeyChar:
•	Arable is prevalent in the north east and pasture on downland; semi-improved grasslands remain in wetter valley bottoms and on downland slopes.

Edited_KeyChars:
Arable is prevalent in the north east and pasture on downland
Semi-improved grasslands remain in wetter valley bottoms and on downland slopes
Areas of rough grazing e.g. in the Chew Valley


FG KeyChar:
•	Older village buildings, manor houses and mansions are of local ashlar which includes pale yellow Jurassic oolite, grey Carboniferous and Lias Limestone.  In some locations in the north, buildings are constructed of red or brown sandstone.

Edited_KeyChars:
Older buildings made of local ashlar including pale yellow Jurassic oolite, grey Carboniferous and Lias Limestone. Some buildings in the north of red/brown sandstone.


FG KeyChar:
•	The River Avon cuts a steep sided valley through the area from the east.  It is joined by the Frome at the centre of Bristol and the Chew near Keynsham.  Other streams and rivers in the south east flow eastwards to join the Avon outside the Character Area and the Yeo on the south western edge flows directly to the sea.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The River Avon cuts a steep sided valley through the area from the east.  It is joined by the Frome at the centre of Bristol and the Chew near Keynsham.  Other streams and rivers in the south east flow eastwards to join the Avon outside the Character Area and the Yeo on the south western edge flows directly to the sea.


FG KeyChar:
•	Whilst flatter land and downland consist of large fields with low intermittent hedges and few hedgerow trees, valleys and steeper slopes predominantly in the south east have irregular fields and overgrown species rich hedges.

Edited_KeyChars:
Irregular fields with overgrown species rich hedges found in the valleys and slopes of the south east Elsewhere larger fields with low, fragmented hedges with few trees
Dry stone walls in places


FG KeyChar:
•	The landform reflects the complex underlying geology, comprised of carboniferous limestones with sandstones, silts, conglomerates, together with muds, clays and alluvium.  Coal measures are also present reflecting the development of the mining industry.
•	Soils range from brown earths on limestone outcrops to poorly draining gleys on clays.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The landform reflects the complex underlying geology, comprised of carboniferous limestones with sandstones, silts, conglomerates, together with muds, clays and alluvium.  Coal measures are also present reflecting the development of the mining industry.
•	Soils range from brown earths on limestone outcrops to poorly draining gleys on clays.


FG KeyChar:
•	Neolithic long barrows and stone circles and Iron Age hillforts are important landscape features.

Edited_KeyChars:
Neolithic long barrows and stone circles and Iron Age hillforts important landscape features
Significant amounts of parkland with parkland trees including ancient oak pollards


FG KeyChar:
•	Bristol and its commercial, industrial and residential areas, major roads (M4 and M5), airfields and reservoirs occupy a substantial area around Bristol.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Bristol and its commercial, industrial and residential areas, major roads (M4 and M5), airfields and reservoirs occupy a substantial area around Bristol.


Edited_KeyChars:
Remnant acidic, calcareous and neutral semi-natural grassland associated both with the wetter valley
bottoms and dry downland slopes


FG KeyChar:
•	Settlements patterns are clustered around springsheads in limestone areas, whilst in the vales they are scattered, linked by a complex network of lanes with linear mining villages superimposed.  Settlement becomes especially dense in the south with many villages enlarged as commuter settlements.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Settlements patterns are clustered around springsheads in limestone areas, whilst in the vales they are scattered, linked by a complex network of lanes with linear mining villages superimposed.  Settlement becomes especially dense in the south with many villages enlarged as commuter settlements.


FG KeyChar:
•	Low lying, shallow vales contrast sharply with high open downland ridges.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Low lying, shallow vales contrast sharply with high open downland ridges.


FG KeyChar:
•	Some areas of open unenclosed downland grazing but mostly dominated by regular arable fields.  Extensive tracts of cereals, root and horticultural crops on the dip slope.

Edited_KeyChars:
Some open unenclosed downland grazing
Plateau and dip slope characterised by large arable fields
Areas of permanent and rough pasture on steeper slopes and in the mid-Surrey Hills
Wet pasture and meadows on the valley floors


FG KeyChar:
•	Local building materials include flint and Wealden bricks.

Edited_KeyChars:
Local building materials that include flint and Wealden bricks
Tile hung oast houses especially in the Kent Downs


Edited_KeyChars:
Distinctive chalk cliffs at Dover (the White Cliffs of Dover)
Wetland complex in the Medway gap sustained by the tidal river, including intertidal mudflats and grazing marsh


FG KeyChar:
•	Drove roads, plus ancient tracks including the North Downs Way and Pilgrim’s Way are a feature of the landscape.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Drove roads, plus ancient tracks including the North Downs Way and Pilgrim’s Way are a feature of the landscape.


FG KeyChar:
•	Cut by valleys of the rivers Stour, Medway, Darent and Mole.  The steep scarp is incised by dry valleys which form gentle wide coombes.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Cut by valleys of the rivers Stour, Medway, Darent and Mole.  The steep scarp is incised by dry valleys which form gentle wide coombes.


Edited_KeyChars:
Thick woodland shaws and mixed bushy hedges on slopes
Denuded and often gappy hedgerows around arable land
Historic parish boundaries that take in downland, scarp foot and chartland
Walls associated with the boundary of major estates
Drainage ditches on valley floors


FG KeyChar:
•	A wooded chalk landscape - Clay-with-flint soils on the upper parts of the dip slope and ridge tops support oak/ash woodland and scrub with beech/ash/maple common on valley sides.  Sweet chestnut coppice is a feature of the dipslope in Kent.  Scarp often wooded or dominated by scrub.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	A wooded chalk landscape - Clay-with-flint soils on the upper parts of the dip slope and ridge tops support oak/ash woodland and scrub with beech/ash/maple common on valley sides.  Sweet chestnut coppice is a feature of the dipslope in Kent.  Scarp often wooded or dominated by scrub.


FG KeyChar:
•	Drove roads, plus ancient tracks including the North Downs Way and Pilgrim’s Way are a feature of the landscape.
•	Historic settlement pattern with parish boundaries that take in an area of downland, scarp foot and chartland form the framework for the present network of settlements.

Edited_KeyChars:
Drove roads and ancient tracks including North Downs Way and Pilgrim’s Way
Rich archaeological resource on the downs
Many historic parklands


FG KeyChar:
•	High quality unimproved chalk grassland survives on the scarp slope and dry valleys.  Ancient woodland and shaws characterise the dry valley sides and ridge tops.

Edited_KeyChars:
Unimproved chalk grassland on scarp slope and dry valleys
Localised patches of heathland and chalk heath on the sandy soils on top of the Downs, notably in Surrey
Remnant wet pasture and reed beds on the valley floors
Localised areas of calcareous flushes at the foot of the scarp slope


FG KeyChar:
•	Drove roads, plus ancient tracks including the North Downs Way and Pilgrim’s Way are a feature of the landscape.
•	Historic settlement pattern with parish boundaries that take in an area of downland, scarp foot and chartland form the framework for the present network of settlements.
•	A predominantly rural landscape with a few large settlements (Guildford, Chatham and Dover).  Where the Downs underlie London towards Croydon and Sutton they are dominated by urban development.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Drove roads, plus ancient tracks including the North Downs Way and Pilgrim’s Way are a feature of the landscape.
•	Historic settlement pattern with parish boundaries that take in an area of downland, scarp foot and chartland form the framework for the present network of settlements.
•	A predominantly rural landscape with a few large settlements (Guildford, Chatham and Dover).  Where the Downs underlie London towards Croydon and Sutton they are dominated by urban development.


FG KeyChar:
•	Dramatic and distinctive chalk downland with a continuous and steep scarp giving extensive views across Kent and Surrey towards the South Downs and a broad, gentle dipslope.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Dramatic and distinctive chalk downland with a continuous and steep scarp giving extensive views across Kent and Surrey towards the South Downs and a broad, gentle dipslope.


FG KeyChar:
•	A wooded chalk landscape - Clay-with-flint soils on the upper parts of the dip slope and ridge tops support oak/ash woodland and scrub with beech/ash/maple common on valley sides.  Sweet chestnut coppice is a feature of the dipslope in Kent.  Scarp often wooded or dominated by scrub.
•	In Surrey, extensive areas of yew with box woodland are a distinctive feature of the scarp.

Edited_KeyChars:
A wooded chalk landscape with ancient woodland 
Oak-ash woodland and scrub on scarp and higher ground
Beech/ash/maple on valley sides
Sweet chestnut coppice on dip slope in Kent
Extensive areas of yew with box woodland on scarp in Surrey
Thick wooded shaws define many fields on valley sides and in the Kent Downs
Hedgerow trees on valley sides
Meandering tree-lined water courses in the river valleys
Traditional orchards in river valleys and at the foot of the downs in Kent


FG KeyChar:
•	Agricultural land comprises a mosaic of mixed farming, pasture and arable land set within a wooded framework.  A fruit growing orchard belts persists in Kent.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mosaic of mixed farming, pasture and arable land 
Wet grasslands associated with the River valleys, especially the River Arun in West Sussex


FG KeyChar:
•	The local vernacular includes timber framing and weatherboarding plus houses of sandstone laid in rubble courses patterned with dark carstone in the mortar between stones.

Edited_KeyChars:
Local vernacular includes timber framing and weatherboarding
Houses of sandstone laid in rubble courses patterned with dark carstone in the mortar between stones


FG KeyChar:
•	Surface water is an important feature across the Greensand with many streams and rivers (e,g Rother, Way, Arun, Medway)  draining off the dipslope.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Surface water is an important feature across the Greensand with many streams and rivers (e,g Rother, Way, Arun, Medway)  draining off the dipslope.


FG KeyChar:
•	Field boundaries formed by hedges with character and species reflecting the soils.  On the clay hedges are dense, species rich with occasional standard oaks.  On more acidic soils they generally consist of hawthorn\blackthorn, also with occasional oak trees and trimmed low.

Edited_KeyChars:
Field boundaries formed by hedges with character and species reflecting the underlying soil
On the clay hedges dense and species rich  
On more acidic soils often of hawthorn\blackthorn, trimmed low
Ditches common in the valleys of the Rother, Way, Arun, Medway


FG KeyChar:
•	A long, narrow belt of Greensand typified by scarp/dipslope topography.  Includes outcrops of Upper Greensand, Gault clay and Lower Greensand with the Greensand forming escarpments separated by a clay vale.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	A long, narrow belt of Greensand typified by scarp/dipslope topography.  Includes outcrops of Upper Greensand, Gault clay and Lower Greensand with the Greensand forming escarpments separated by a clay vale.


FG KeyChar:
•	A range of historic landscape features including field monuments (tumuli and Iron Age hill forts), numerous landscaped parks, small quarries and relics of the iron industry including hammer ponds.
•	Distinctive sunken lanes cut into the sandstone are a historic and characteristic feature of the landscape.

Edited_KeyChars:
A range of historic landscape features including tumuli and Iron Age hill forts
Small quarries and relics of the Wealden iron industry including hammer ponds
Numerous landscaped parks


FG KeyChar:
•	Important semi-natural habitats include lowland heath (although this is much reduced in area), extensive ancient woodland and pasture plus wetlands associated with the River Arun in West Sussex.

Edited_KeyChars:
Extensive areas of heathland in West Surrey (e.g. Frensham, Thursley commons) and north and West of Liphhook, amongst other areas, mainly on extensive interlinking commons
Extensive low lying wetlands in West Sussex, in particular associated with the Arun and Amberley Wildbrooks


FG KeyChar:
•	Small settlements are dispersed through the western and south-west part of the Character Area.  Large houses set within extensive gardens are found through the character area.
•	Much of the eastern Greensand belt is heavily dominated by modern development.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Small settlements are dispersed through the western and south-west part of the Character Area.  Large houses set within extensive gardens are found through the character area.
•	Much of the eastern Greensand belt is heavily dominated by modern development.


FG KeyChar:
•	A long, narrow belt of Greensand typified by scarp/dipslope topography.  Includes outcrops of Upper Greensand, Gault clay and Lower Greensand with the Greensand forming escarpments separated by a clay vale.
•	The combination of landform and topography creates an intimate, secretive character.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	A long, narrow belt of Greensand typified by scarp/dipslope topography.  Includes outcrops of Upper Greensand, Gault clay and Lower Greensand with the Greensand forming escarpments separated by a clay vale.
•	The combination of landform and topography creates an intimate, secretive character.


FG KeyChar:
•	Extensive belts of ancient mixed woodland of hazel, oak and birch, chestnut coppice plus more recent coniferous plantation.  Local variations in woodland cover reflect the diverse geology.
•	Field boundaries formed by hedges with character and species reflecting the soils.  On the clay hedges are dense, species rich with occasional standard oaks.  On more acidic soils they generally consist of hawthorn\blackthorn, also with occasional oak trees and trimmed low.

Edited_KeyChars:
Extensive areas of ancient mixed woodland of hazel, oak and birch, with some converted to sweet chestnut coppice in past centuries 
Woodlands  reflect the diverse geology, including the distinctive chalk character of the East Hampshire Hangers
Wooded commons (‘charts’) found in East Surrey and West Kent
Large  conifer plantations
Hedgerow oaks common with alder along water courses
orchards once a highly characteristic feature of this NCA


Edited_KeyChars:
Mudflats and maritime cliffs and slopes
Sand and shingle beaches


FG KeyChar:
•	Permanent pasture is the main farming land use.  Arable farming is associated with lighter soils on higher ground.
•	Areas of fruit cultivation are present, east of Tunbridge Wells in Kent.

Edited_KeyChars:
Permanent pasture with areas of rough pasture are the dominant land use
Arable farming on lighter soils on higher ground
Wet grasslands in the river valleys
Traditional hop gardens in Kent


FG KeyChar:
•	Traditional rural vernacular of local brick, weatherboard and tile-hung buildings plus local use of distinctive Horsham slabs as a roofing material.  Black weatherboard barns are a feature.

Edited_KeyChars:
Traditional rural vernacular of local brick, weatherboard and tile-hung buildings plus distinctive Horsham slab roofs
Distinctive black weatherboard barns


FG KeyChar:
•	Rural lanes and tracks with wide grass verges and ditches.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Rural lanes and tracks with wide grass verges and ditches.


FG KeyChar:
•	Heavily dissected by river floodplains with many small, narrow streams plus main rivers of the Adur, Arun, Beult and Medway.
•	Ponds frequently occur on the edges of fields and woodlands.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Heavily dissected by river floodplains with many small, narrow streams plus main rivers of the Adur, Arun, Beult and Medway.
•	Ponds frequently occur on the edges of fields and woodlands.


FG KeyChar:
•	Field boundaries of hedgerows and shaws enclose small, irregular fields.  Occasional lines of hedgerow trees mark former boundaries.

Edited_KeyChars:
Hedgerows and shaws enclosing small, irregular fields


FG KeyChar:
•	Broad low-lying gently undulating clay vales with outcrops of limestone or sandstone providing local variation.
•	Sandstone forms raised cliff above Romney Marsh at the eastern boundary of the Character Area

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Broad low-lying gently undulating clay vales with outcrops of limestone or sandstone providing local variation.
•	Sandstone forms raised cliff above Romney Marsh at the eastern boundary of the Character Area


FG KeyChar:
•	Roman iron industry revived in the 15th century has left legacy of hammer ponds.

Edited_KeyChars:
Hammer ponds, relics of Roman iron industry revived in 15th century
Many important parklands and designed landscapes
Wood pasture sites such as Ebernoe Common also notable
Ponds frequent on the edge of fields and woodlands


FG KeyChar:
•	Unimproved permanent pastures, species-rich damp grassland, roadside verges, small streams, rivers and ponds, and extensive ancient woodland are habitats of high nature conservation value.

Edited_KeyChars:
Unimproved permanent pastures now much reduced in extent
Species-rich damp grassland and marshland of conservation value along the many small streams
Outlyers of lowland heathland from the adjacent Greensand


FG KeyChar:
•	Settlements tend to be small and scattered forming linear groups along roadsides or centred on greens or commons.
•	Urban influences to west around Gatwick/Horley/Crawley.
•	Rural lanes and tracks with wide grass verges and ditches.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Settlements tend to be small and scattered forming linear groups along roadsides or centred on greens or commons.
•	Urban influences to west around Gatwick/Horley/Crawley.
•	Rural lanes and tracks with wide grass verges and ditches.


FG KeyChar:
•	An intricate mix of woodlands (much of it ancient) – including extensive broadleaved oak over hazel coppice, shaws, plus small field copses and tree groups, and lines of riparian trees along watercourses.

Edited_KeyChars:
Ancient, extensive broadleaved oak with hazel coppice
Shaws, small field copses and tree groups (in need of management)
Lines of in-field trees marking former boundaries
Many  ancient trees
Lines of riparian trees along watercourses
Traditional orchards (once a very important orchard area with Hop gardens)


FG KeyChar:
•	A predominantly grazed grassland agricultural landscape – mainly sheep with some cattle and pigs.

Edited_KeyChars:
A largely pastoral landscape with significant areas of rough grassland
Remnant areas of wet grassland within river valleys
Localised areas of horticulture


FG KeyChar:
•	High quality vernacular architecture with distinct local variation.  Timber framed barns are a particular notable and characteristic feature of the High Weald.

Edited_KeyChars:
Houses traditionally timber framed with local tiles or brick
Black weatherboard barns
Distinctive use of local Horsham stone on roofs
Oast houses and windmills


FG KeyChar:
•	Coastal cliffs to the south at Fairlight.

JM KeyChar:
•	Where the High Weald meets the coast in the east there are highly distinctive, terraced, crumbling cliffs of sandstone separated by deep glens which fall steeply to the sea, ending in cliffs and waterfalls.

Edited_KeyChars:
No description available on this short length of coast

Noted that there are 167 ha of Maritime cliff & slope


FG KeyChar:
•	There is a dense network of small, narrow and winding lanes, often sunken and enclosed by high hedgerows or woodland strips.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	There is a dense network of small, narrow and winding lanes, often sunken and enclosed by high hedgerows or woodland strips.


FG KeyChar:
•	Main ridges, deeply dissected by tributaries in narrow ghylls.  Major rivers of the Rother, Brede, Ouse and Medway flow in broad valleys.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Main ridges, deeply dissected by tributaries in narrow ghylls.  Major rivers of the Rother, Brede, Ouse and Medway flow in broad valleys.


FG KeyChar:
•	Small and medium sized fields enclosed by a network of hedgerows and wooded shaws.

Edited_KeyChars:
Small and medium sized field of Medieval origin, largely irregular in shape
Enclosed by a network of dense species-rich hedgerows and wooded shaws
Ditches demarkate fields  within river floodplains


FG KeyChar:
•	Underlain by sands, soft sandstones and clays – giving rise to hilly country of east-west running ridges and valleys.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Underlain by sands, soft sandstones and clays – giving rise to hilly country of east-west running ridges and valleys.


FG KeyChar:
•	An essentially medieval landscape reflected in pattern of settlement, fields and woodland.
•	Strong influence of the Wealden Iron Industry (15th – 17th century) with features such as hammer ponds surviving today.
•	Wealth generated by iron industry resulted in grand houses and parklands, which are a particular feature of the area today.

Edited_KeyChars:
Strong influence of the Wealden Iron Industry (15th – 17th century) with many features surviving
Wealth generated by iron industry resulted in grand houses and parklands, which are a particular feature 
Ashdown Forest is an historic landscape of great value – numerous important features
more than 10,000 ponds concentrated on the clay, including  hammer ponds - a remnant of the Iron Industry


FG KeyChar:
•	Extensive ancient semi-natural woodland, including ancient oak and beech, notably high number of small ponds, plus heathland, notably at Ashdown Forest, and some remaining unimproved herb-rich meadows.

Edited_KeyChars:
Remaining areas of unimproved herb-rich meadows
Extensive heathland, notably at Ashdown Forest - one of the most extensive areas of heathland in lowland England


FG KeyChar:
•	An essentially medieval landscape reflected in pattern of settlement, fields and woodland.
•	A dispersed settlement pattern of hamlets and scattered farmsteads traditionally located on the ridges.  Church towers and spires on the ridges are an important local landmark.
•	Includes several large towns such as Tunbridge Wells, Crowborough, East Grinstead, Bexhill, Hastings and Horsham.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	An essentially medieval landscape reflected in pattern of settlement, fields and woodland.
•	A dispersed settlement pattern of hamlets and scattered farmsteads traditionally located on the ridges.  Church towers and spires on the ridges are an important local landmark.
•	Includes several large towns such as Tunbridge Wells, Crowborough, East Grinstead, Bexhill, Hastings and Horsham.


FG KeyChar:
•	Extensive broadleaved woodland cover with high forest, small woods, shaws, plus steep valleys with ‘ghyll woodland’.

Edited_KeyChars:
Extensive broadleaved woodland cover with high forest, much of ancient origin
Many small woods and shaws
Steep valleys with ‘ghyll woodland’
Numerous hedgerow and in-field oaks, some ancient
Areas of wood pasture
The pattern of woodlands reflects the Medieval origins of this landscape


FG KeyChar:
•	High quality agricultural land dominated by large scale arable fields, with some smaller areas of grazed wet pasture.

Edited_KeyChars:
High quality agricultural land dominated by large scale arable fields
Smaller areas of grazed wet pasture


FG KeyChar:
•	Distinctive architectural character within settlements of weatherboarding and hung tiles, with some fine medieval churches.

Edited_KeyChars:
some timber-framed buildings of medieval date with exposed framing
Typically timber framing is either clad in white-painted weatherboarding or is tile hung


FG KeyChar:
•	Strong contrast of agricultural marshes with the coastal edge shingle and sand dune landscapes.

Edited_KeyChars:
Strong contrast of agricultural marshes with the coastal edge shingle and sand dune landscapes
 Strong nature conservation value associated with the mudflats, coastal sand dunes and shingle ridges


FG KeyChar:
•	Crossed by irregular network of linear drainage dykes, channels and banks, some of open water others with marshy vegetation.  Limited hedgerow cover.
•	Extensive areas of open water exist around Rye Harbour and Denge Marshes formed by flooded gravel pits.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Crossed by irregular network of linear drainage dykes, channels and banks, some of open water others with marshy vegetation.  Limited hedgerow cover.
•	Extensive areas of open water exist around Rye Harbour and Denge Marshes formed by flooded gravel pits.


FG KeyChar:
•	Crossed by irregular network of linear drainage dykes, channels and banks, some of open water others with marshy vegetation.  Limited hedgerow cover.

Edited_KeyChars:
Irregular network of linear drainage dykes, channels and banks, some of open water others with marshy vegetation
Hedgerow boundaries on the Isle of Oxney


FG KeyChar:
•	Distinctive architectural character within settlements of weatherboarding and hung tiles, with some fine medieval churches.  
•	The Martello Towers along the coast and the Royal Military Canal, relicts of Napoleonic War are notable historic features.
•	Scattered settlement pattern on raised ground linked by long, straight open roads reflects the piecemeal reclamation process.
•	Extensive areas of open water exist around Rye Harbour and Denge Marshes formed by flooded gravel pits.

Edited_KeyChars:
Flooded gravel pits now areas of open water
Evidence of old reclamation from the sea through settlement/road pattern
Main historic features are the early drainage channels some dating from the Medieval period
Napoleonic War relicts and Royal Military Canal


FG KeyChar:
•	High nature conservation value associated with the wet grazing marshes, dykes, mudflats and coastal sand dunes and shingle ridges.

Edited_KeyChars:
High nature conservation value associated with the wet grazing marshes, reeds, dykes,


FG KeyChar:
•	Scattered settlement pattern on raised ground linked by long, straight open roads reflects the piecemeal reclamation process.
•	Visually prominent power station at Dungeness plus associated transmission lines, on going gravel extraction and holiday resorts along the coast.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Scattered settlement pattern on raised ground linked by long, straight open roads reflects the piecemeal reclamation process.
•	Visually prominent power station at Dungeness plus associated transmission lines, on going gravel extraction and holiday resorts along the coast.


FG KeyChar:
•	A distinctive remote flat, marshland landscape with an absence of trees and dominant skies.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	A distinctive remote flat, marshland landscape with an absence of trees and dominant skies.


FG KeyChar:
•	Open, windswept character with trees limited to clumps on pockets on higher ground around farmsteads and small hamlets such as Romney and Newchurch.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mainly treeless
Areas of woodland on higher ground, a high percentage of which is ancient
Sporadic oaks and willows e.g on Shirley Moor where oaks may mark former boundaries
Clumps of trees on higher ground and around settlements
Occasional orchards as on the Isle of Oxney


FG KeyChar:
•	The area is predominantly wet pasture, managed for grazing with little converted to arable.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mainly wet pasture managed for grazing
Limited arable


FG KeyChar:
•	Traditional buildings have flint or brick walls, with weatherboarding or hung tiles.  Plain tiles are commonly used as a roofing material.

Edited_KeyChars:
Traditional buildings of flint or brick, with weatherboarding or hung tiles and plain tile roofs


FG KeyChar:
•	Electricity transmission lines and pylons form dominant features in the flat and open landscape.  Concrete walls form sea defences to prevent flooding and inundation by the sea.

Edited_KeyChars:
Concrete wall sea defences to prevent flooding and inundation


Edited_KeyChars:
•	Electricity transmission lines and pylons form dominant features in the flat and open landscape.  Concrete walls form sea defences to prevent flooding and inundation by the sea.


FG KeyChar:
•	Patches of standing water reinforce the wetland character of the area.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Patches of standing water reinforce the wetland character of the area.


FG KeyChar:
•	Infrequent hedges and fences only line roadways.  Drainage ditches and banks divide fields, with channels forming barriers to grazing stock, creating a chequer-board pattern.

Edited_KeyChars:
Infrequent hedges and fences along roads
Drainage ditches and banks divide fields in chequer-board pattern


FG KeyChar:
•	The Levels are a large-scale, open and windswept landscape with underlying loamy soils of high agricultural quality.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The Levels are a large-scale, open and windswept landscape with underlying loamy soils of high agricultural quality.


FG KeyChar:
•	The Crooked Ditch, a 14th Century sea defence and its embankment, and Mark Dyke, an ancient drain, are still visible in the landscape.  Pevensey Castle overlooks the Levels and Martello towers along the coast are important features.

Edited_KeyChars:
Crooked Ditch and embankment, a 14th century sea defence
Mark Dyke, an ancient drain still visible in the landscape
Pevensey Castle overlooking the Levels
Martello towers along the coast


FG KeyChar:
•	Reed-fringed drainage ditches, rushy pasture and wet meadows are the key semi-natural habitats found within the landscape.

Edited_KeyChars:
Reed-fringed drainage ditches
Rushy pasture and wet meadows


FG KeyChar:
•	Settlements are scattered on the pockets of higher land, linked by slightly raised roads.   
•	Eastbourne has a significant urban influence, and modern development around the fringes of the Levels is often unsympathetic to local character.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Settlements are scattered on the pockets of higher land, linked by slightly raised roads.   
•	Eastbourne has a significant urban influence, and modern development around the fringes of the Levels is often unsympathetic to local character.


FG KeyChar:
•	The Levels are a large-scale, open and windswept landscape with underlying loamy soils of high agricultural quality.
•	Views north are framed by the South Downs – a dramatic and distinctive backdrop.
•	Local landscape diversity is added by ‘eyes’ or islands of higher ground.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The Levels are a large-scale, open and windswept landscape with underlying loamy soils of high agricultural quality.
•	Views north are framed by the South Downs – a dramatic and distinctive backdrop.
•	Local landscape diversity is added by ‘eyes’ or islands of higher ground.


FG KeyChar:
•	The landscape is largely devoid of significant tree cover; woodland is restricted to areas of higher ground associated with settlements.  Isolated, windswept trees mark the lines of dykes or roads.

Edited_KeyChars:
Little significant tree cover
Woodland restricted to higher ground around settlements
Isolated, windswept trees marking lines of dykes or roads


FG KeyChar:
•	A gentle, rolling dip slope of open arable fields with a large-scale geometric pattern flows gradually down to the narrow coastal plain.

Edited_KeyChars:
Open grazed downland with some areas of rough pasture
Dip slope mainly arable fields in large-scale geometric pattern
More mixed, pastoral character in some river valleys with areas of wet grassland


FG KeyChar:
•	Roads and settlements are concentrated in the broad river valleys; elsewhere the land is sparsely settled. Flint is conspicuous in the built environment – in walls, buildings, churches and barns.

Edited_KeyChars:
Use of flint common in walls, buildings, churches and barns


FG KeyChar:
•	The iconic white cliffs of the Seven Sisters and Beachy Head mark the eastern end of the South Downs where they join the sea.

Edited_KeyChars:
Iconic white cliffs of the Seven Sisters and Beachy Head at eastern end of the South Downs
Other habitats largely confined to the Cuckmere estuary, including salt marsh, vegetated shingle, mudflats and saline lagoons.


FG KeyChar:
•	Public rights of way follow drove roads and ancient routes along the accessible downland tops; they benefit from dramatic panoramic across the downs and the Low Weald.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Public rights of way follow drove roads and ancient routes along the accessible downland tops; they benefit from dramatic panoramic across the downs and the Low Weald.


FG KeyChar:
•	The principal rivers – Arun, Adur, Ouse and Cuckmere – slice through the Downs as steep-sided valleys with flat alluvial floodplains; these fertile river valley landscapes of wet pastures, criss-crossing ditches and meandering river channels support intensive dairying and crops.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The principal rivers – Arun, Adur, Ouse and Cuckmere – slice through the Downs as steep-sided valleys with flat alluvial floodplains; these fertile river valley landscapes of wet pastures, criss-crossing ditches and meandering river channels support intensive dairying and crops.


FG KeyChar:
•	Hedgerows are rare features on the open eastern downs, but provide enclosure between woodlands and designed parkland landscapes on the more wooded western downs.

Edited_KeyChars:
Thick hedgerow enclosures on the Western Downs
Few hedgerows on open Eastern Downs
Straight reed-filled drainage ditches on river floodplains
Brick and flint walls bounding large estates such as Cowdray Park


FG KeyChar:
•	A broad elevated east-west chalkland spine with a steep north-facing scarp slope of close-cropped grassland, woodland and scrub overlooking the Low Weald to the north.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	A broad elevated east-west chalkland spine with a steep north-facing scarp slope of close-cropped grassland, woodland and scrub overlooking the Low Weald to the north.


FG KeyChar:
•	Fragments of semi-natural chalk grassland are found on scarp slopes and combes; lack of grazing often leads to scrub invasion.

Edited_KeyChars:
Semi-natural chalk grassland on scarp slopes and combes (lack of grazing may lead to scrub invasion)
Chalk valley wetlands - ponds, marsh and meadows subject to frequent flooding
Largest areas of rare chalk heath in Britain


Edited_KeyChars:
•	Roads and settlements are concentrated in the broad river valleys; elsewhere the land is sparsely settled. Flint is conspicuous in the built environment – in walls, buildings, churches and barns.


FG KeyChar:
•	Woodland is concentrated on steep scarp slopes, but there are also extensive plantations on the broad dip slopes of the western downs in Hampshire and West Sussex where clay-with-flints often overlies the chalk; scattered copses are prominent skyline features on the open eastern downs.
•	Tree cover is either broadleaved woodland, with beech, ash and sycamore, or is mixed with conifers; there are also some large plantations of Corsican pine and western red cedar and isolated remnants of yew forest.

Edited_KeyChars:
Extensive broadleaved and mixed woodland (mainly beech and ash) on steep scarp (hangers) and broad dip slopes of western downs
Scattered copses forming prominent skyline features
Isolated  yew forest
Hedgerow trees common on the Western Downs
Lines of trees often mark the outer extent of the floodplain of the main river valleys


Edited_KeyChars:
Rich archaeological resource of international importance on the Downs including prominent Iron Age hillforts and Bronze Age barrows running along the crest line
Drove roads and ancient routes along  downland tops
Highly characteristic designed parkland and major estates on the more wooded Western Downs


FG KeyChar:
•	The fertile soils of the lower plain support intensive arable farming and horticulture, with some dairy, beef and poultry.  Permanent grassland is a feature of the poorer quality land.  Mixed farming, including pig rearing and horse paddocks, occurs on the thicker gravel deposits.

Edited_KeyChars:
Intensive arable and horticulture, with some dairy, beef and poultry on lower plain
Permanent grassland on poorer quality land
Mixed farming on  thicker gravel deposits inland
Traditional coastal grazing marshes (in decline)


FG KeyChar:
•	Traditional buildings are of a mixture of materials – timber frame, flint, cob and thatch are all common.

Edited_KeyChars:
Traditional buildings of timber frame, flint, cob and thatch


FG KeyChar:
•	Sand dune grasses and intertidal marsh communities are characteristic of the coastline while areas of species-rich meadow remain inland

Edited_KeyChars:
Sand dunes, mudflats, saltmarshes, saline lagoons and coastal grazing marshes


FG KeyChar:
•	The continuity of the Plain is interrupted by many streams and rivers flowing to the sea and forming wide, alluvial floodplains.  Flooded gravel pits comprise some of the largest areas of freshwater in the area.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The continuity of the Plain is interrupted by many streams and rivers flowing to the sea and forming wide, alluvial floodplains.  Flooded gravel pits comprise some of the largest areas of freshwater in the area.


FG KeyChar:
•	Drainage ditches, wire fences or low banks are the predominant field boundary features across the lower coastal plain, with few hedgerows and hedgerow trees.  Hedgerows enclose the smaller scale landscape of the upper plain.

Edited_KeyChars:
Drainage ditches and banks across the lower coastal plain, with few hedgerows
Hedgerows enclosing smaller scale landscape on upper plain


FG KeyChar:
•	The South Coast Plain is a flat landscape with an intricately indented shoreline, of flinty marine and valley gravels extending several miles inland, divided into a lower and upper plain.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The South Coast Plain is a flat landscape with an intricately indented shoreline, of flinty marine and valley gravels extending several miles inland, divided into a lower and upper plain.


FG KeyChar:
•	Important Roman villa sites around Chichester are still visible features, as are the Roman fort at Portchester and a post-medieval abbey at Titchfield.

Edited_KeyChars:
Important Roman and medieval sites and features
Parklands at the foot of the Downs
Farm ponds and extensive gravel workings (non historical)


Edited_KeyChars:
Areas of species-rich meadow inland
Reedbeds at the head of creeks
Small remnant areas of coastal heath


FG KeyChar:
•	The Character Area has significant urban development; with settlements along the coastline dominated by suburban villages and the extensive seaside towns between Brighton and Southampton including Portsmouth, Littlehampton and Worthing linked by major road systems.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The Character Area has significant urban development; with settlements along the coastline dominated by suburban villages and the extensive seaside towns between Brighton and Southampton including Portsmouth, Littlehampton and Worthing linked by major road systems.


FG KeyChar:
•	Along the exposed open coastal plain and shoreline tree cover is limited to isolated wind-sculpted woodlands and shelterbelts.  A strong network of ancient and semi-natural broadleaved woodlands and coniferous plantations is present on the upper coastal plain.

Edited_KeyChars:
Near coast tree cover limited to isolated wind-sculpted field trees,  woodlands and shelterbelts
On upper coastal plain, strong network of ancient and semi-natural broadleaved woodlands


Edited_KeyChars:
A highly varied and dramatic coastline strongly influenced by geology
Steep chalk cliffs in the south and west (e.g.St Catherine's Head) and dramatic chalk stacks (the Needles)
Sandstone cliffs in the east
On south coast Greensand and chert topped cliffs tower above series of terraces running down to low coastal cliffs
Sand dunes at the mouth of Newtown Creek and at St Helen's
Small areas of salt marsh associated with the estuaries of the north coast


FG KeyChar:
•	The island is characterised by mixed agricultural use - mainly permanent grassland in the north, intensive arable in the south and horticulture in the east. There are also areas of rough grazing on the chalk ridge and high downs, and some orchards.  Pony paddocks and vineyards are increasingly found on the edges of settlements.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mainly permanent grassland in north, including some coastal grassland
Remnant wet grasslands in river valleys
Intensive arable in south
Horticulture in east
Rough grazing on the chalk ridge and high downs


FG KeyChar:
•	Local limestones and sandstones are the main traditional building materials.  Local brick buildings are common, and a few ancient buildings are roofed with a combination of limestone slabs and tile upper courses.

Edited_KeyChars:
Traditional buildings mainly in local limestones and sandstones or brick
Some ancient buildings roofed with limestone slabs and tile upper courses


FG KeyChar:
•	The Medina and Yar rivers rise near the south coast and flow northwards to the Solent through deep gaps in the central chalk ridge.  Downstream sections form rias.  South flowing streams arise from the base of the chalk ridge to cut the island's distinctive 'chines' in the south-west.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The Medina and Yar rivers rise near the south coast and flow northwards to the Solent through deep gaps in the central chalk ridge.  Downstream sections form rias.  South flowing streams arise from the base of the chalk ridge to cut the island's distinctive 'chines' in the south-west.


FG KeyChar:
•	Hedgerows are the predominant boundary feature throughout – with variations in field size and pattern.

Edited_KeyChars:
Hedgerows throughout
Large rectilinear fields across much of the island but small areas of irregular medieval enclosure, especially on the south coast
Parklands bounded by brick or brick and flint walls


FG KeyChar:
•	The island has a varied landscape, reflecting its underlying geology.  A central chalk ridge divides the island on an east-west axis.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The island has a varied landscape, reflecting its underlying geology.  A central chalk ridge divides the island on an east-west axis.


FG KeyChar:
•	Historical landscape features include prehistoric burial mounds, former medieval deer parks, and Victorian country houses and parklands.

Edited_KeyChars:
Features include prehistoric burial mounds
Former medieval deer parks and Victorian country houses and parklands (including Osborne House) are a particular feature


FG KeyChar:
•	Ancient woodland, heathland, unimproved meadows and grasslands, marshes, creeks and bogs are the island's key semi-natural habitats.

Edited_KeyChars:
Heathland over sandy outcrops
Remnant chalk downland
Unimproved meadows and grasslands
Wetland landscapes (marsh, bog and wet meadows)
Reedbeds at the head of  the estuaries of the north coast


FG KeyChar:
•	Patterns of settlement vary.  Small, linear villages connected by winding lanes are located at the base of the chalk.  Victorian seaside resorts, estates and villas are concentrated along the coast.
•	Urban development is spreading into former agricultural land, with waste disposal sites, extensive holiday and industrial developments and caravan parks blurring the edge of settlements.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Patterns of settlement vary.  Small, linear villages connected by winding lanes are located at the base of the chalk.  Victorian seaside resorts, estates and villas are concentrated along the coast.
•	Urban development is spreading into former agricultural land, with waste disposal sites, extensive holiday and industrial developments and caravan parks blurring the edge of settlements.


FG KeyChar:
•	Woodland cover varies; small copses, relict wood pastures and large plantations characterise the north of the Island, whilst ancient hangar woodlands and further plantations are found in the south.  Ancient woodland is also found along the coast.

Edited_KeyChars:
Ancient coppiced woodland, small copses, mainly in north
Ancient hangar woodlands, mainly in south
Ancient oak woodland along coast
in the north wood pasture and hedgerow oaks
Plantation woodlands throughout
Some orchards


FG KeyChar:
•	The landscape is dominated by grazing land on heavy, clayey soils with small pockets of horticulture and some arable use on higher ground.
•	Intensive market cropping, associated with garden centres, nurseries and smallholdings, is concentrated in the Meon Valley.
•	Former heathland or common, on pockets of acidic soils, are frequently used as paddocks or unintensive grazing land.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mainly grazing land 
Small scale horticulture and arable use on higher ground
Intensive market gardening and garden centres in the lower Meon and Test Valleys
Water meadows and grazing marsh in river valleys


FG KeyChar:
•	Wide lush river valley bottoms, with water meadows and riverine vegetation, afford open views in an otherwise small-scale and intimate landscape.
•	This is a landscape dominated by mixed , well-managed farmland, ancient woodland and a few historic estates.
•	The patchwork of small, intimate and irregular fields are defined by ancient hedgerows.
•	Oaks are prevalent within hedgerows and help to create an impression of a well-wooded landscape.

Edited_KeyChars:
Small, irregular fields defined by ancient hedgerows - reinforcing the character of a small-scale intimate landscape
Dainage channels in the river valleys


FG KeyChar:
•	The gently undulating landscape is characterised by a diversity of features and land uses which reflects changing soil types and local variations of topography.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The gently undulating landscape is characterised by a diversity of features and land uses which reflects changing soil types and local variations of topography.


FG KeyChar:
•	This is a landscape dominated by mixed , well-managed farmland, ancient woodland and a few historic estates.
•	Historic parks and large estates and their houses indicate the historical prosperity of the Hampshire lowlands.

Edited_KeyChars:
Neolithic long barrows, Bronze Age Barrows and Saxon burial grounds on the chalk ridge of Ports Down
Historic parks and large estates and their houses with deer parks indicating the historical prosperity of the Hampshire lowlands
Many ponds in the river valleys


FG KeyChar:
•	Wide, lush river valleys contain unimproved meadows and grazing marshes as well as numerous ponds.

Edited_KeyChars:
River valleys contain unimproved meadows and grazing marshes
Remnant calcareous grassland on the chalk ridge of Ports Down
Former heathland on pockets of acid soils


FG KeyChar:
•	A dispersed settlement pattern of villages and scattered farmsteads is linked by winding roads and lanes.
•	There are major urban centres are Southampton, Eastleigh and Havant.
•	Urban expansion and the busy M27/M3 corridors diminish the rural character of the landscape.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	A dispersed settlement pattern of villages and scattered farmsteads is linked by winding roads and lanes.
•	There are major urban centres are Southampton, Eastleigh and Havant.
•	Urban expansion and the busy M27/M3 corridors diminish the rural character of the landscape.


FG KeyChar:
•	This is a landscape dominated by mixed , well-managed farmland, ancient woodland and a few historic estates.

Edited_KeyChars:
Tree cover consists of ancient (oak dominated) woodland
frequent hedgerow oaks help create an impression of a well-wooded landscape
There are also floodplain trees, riverine vegetation and wet woodlands (sallow and alder carr)
Willow pollards found along water courses


Edited_KeyChars:
Timber frame barns
Thatch and plain clay tiles typical roofing materials
Local clays used for brick-making


Edited_KeyChars:
Salt marsh associated with the lower reaches of the Test, Itchen and Hamble


FG KeyChar:
•	Farming is small scale and land use is dominated by pasture and widespread horse grazing.

Edited_KeyChars:
Farming is small scale and land use is dominated by pasture and widespread horse grazing
Remnant wet grasslands in river valleys
Areas of arable


FG KeyChar:
•	Variety and contrast is given by the wide grazed floodplain, drainage ditches, restored gravel workings and lush wetland vegetation associated with the Kennet Valley.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Variety and contrast is given by the wide grazed floodplain, drainage ditches, restored gravel workings and lush wetland vegetation associated with the Kennet Valley.


FG KeyChar:
•	Cultivated farmland and pasture is typically enclosed within small and irregularly shaped fields.
•	Fields are enclosed by hedgerows with hedgerow trees.
•	The unenclosed nature of the remnant heaths is unusual within the context of the south-east region.
•	Winding, sunken lanes are an historic landscape feature, as are henges, long and round barrows and traces of ancient field systems.

Edited_KeyChars:
Typically small/irregular fields from ancient field systems, enclosed by hedgerows (some suffering from decline) with trees
Drainage  dykes with linking channels in the Kennet Valley


FG KeyChar:
•	Winding, sunken lanes are an historic landscape feature, as are henges, long and round barrows and traces of ancient field systems.
•	The Forest of Eversley and Bracknell Forest reflect historic use of the land as medieval hunting forests.
•	Fragmented blocks of largely neglected remnant heathland are found on large commons or as Ministry of Defence training areas.
•	This was an important occupation area from Mesolithic to modern times based on exploitation of the rivers - with numerous Prehistoric, Roman and medieval settlements survive.
•	Small farms, cottages and straggling roadside settlements are common, but park estates and country houses are also present.

Edited_KeyChars:
Numerous Prehistoric, Roman and medieval settlements
Traces of ancient field systems as well as henges, long and round barrows
Archaeologically important sites including Iron Age hill forts, Roman roads
Landscaped parks with their origins in medieval deer parks
The Forest of Eversley and Bracknell Forest reflect historic use of the land as medieval hunting forests


FG KeyChar:
•	A subtle mosaic of grassland, bogs, ponds and fringes of scrub is found between the woodlands.

Edited_KeyChars:
A subtle mosaic of grassland, bogs, ponds and fringing scrub found between large blocks of woodland
Fragmented blocks of largely neglected remnant heathland are found on large commons or as Ministry of Defence training areas 
Reed beds and lush wetland vegetation characteristic of the Kennet and other river valley bottoms


FG KeyChar:
•	Barracks, army housing, camps and military signs and notices give the landscape an inescapable military tone.
•	Small farms, cottages and straggling roadside settlements are common, but park estates and country houses are also present.
•	Intensive residential development over the past 50 years has led to large towns such as Ascot, Camberley, Farnborough and Woking, linked by major transport routes (the M3, M4, M25, and A34).

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Barracks, army housing, camps and military signs and notices give the landscape an inescapable military tone.
•	Small farms, cottages and straggling roadside settlements are common, but park estates and country houses are also present.
•	Intensive residential development over the past 50 years has led to large towns such as Ascot, Camberley, Farnborough and Woking, linked by major transport routes (the M3, M4, M25, and A34).


FG KeyChar:
•	Landform is dominated by flat to gently sloping plateaux incised by broad river valleys.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Landform is dominated by flat to gently sloping plateaux incised by broad river valleys.


FG KeyChar:
•	Trees are a significant feature in the form of wooded gardens, belts of woodland along roadsides and substantial areas of woodland (mixed wood with beech and birch) and forestry (coniferous plantations).
•	Pockets of ancient semi-natural woods and wood-pasture.
•	The area has a heathy character due to the dominance of oak/birch/bracken/pine.

Edited_KeyChars:
substantial areas of woodland (mixed wood with beech and birch) and forestry (coniferous plantations)
Pockets of ancient semi-natural woods and wood pasture
A heathy character due to the dominance of oak/birch/bracken/pine
hedgerow trees common (mainly oak)
Riparian alder woods along watercourses, poplar avenues and pollarded willows at the waterside


Edited_KeyChars:
Traditional buildings in red brick and timber frame with thatch


FG KeyChar:
•	Intensive arable production dominates, with a small proportion of grazing land.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mainly intensive arable production
Small proportion of grazing land
Unimproved wet grasslands and water meadows and remnant traditional watercress beds in Test and Itchen valleys


FG KeyChar:
•	Traditional buildings are generally of brick, chalk cob or brick with flints with thatch common in the river valleys.  Timber frame barns are a common feature.

Edited_KeyChars:
Traditional buildings of brick, chalk cob or brick with flints
Thatch common in the river valleys
Timber frame barns a common feature


FG KeyChar:
•	Winchester, Andover, Basingstoke and Alton are the key towns which serve the area.  Several major transport routes such as the M3 cut through the landscape.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Winchester, Andover, Basingstoke and Alton are the key towns which serve the area.  Several major transport routes such as the M3 cut through the landscape.


FG KeyChar:
•	The Test and Itchen valleys are notable features within the landscape.  The majority of other valleys are dry, although some support winter streams or ‘bournes’.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The Test and Itchen valleys are notable features within the landscape.  The majority of other valleys are dry, although some support winter streams or ‘bournes’.


FG KeyChar:
•	Fields are generally large and rectilinear, with hedgerows, coniferous shelterbelts, fences or edges of ancient woodland defining the field pattern.  Trackways with wide verges also often form field boundaries.

Edited_KeyChars:
Fields generally large and rectilinear with hedgerows
Trackways with wide verges also often form field boundaries
Coniferous shelterbelts and fences may also bound fields
Ditches in the valley bottoms which are largely devoid of hedgerows
Brick and flint walls define the pale of major estates


FG KeyChar:
•	Many of the higher parts are capped by a shallow deposit of clay with flints, often forming a flat or gently domed plateau.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Many of the higher parts are capped by a shallow deposit of clay with flints, often forming a flat or gently domed plateau.


FG KeyChar:
•	Iron Age hill-forts and Bronze Age burial mounds are prominent historical landscape features.
•Numerous wooded valleys are characteristic features, with a significant proportion of ancient semi-natural woodland.  Wood-pastures and plantations are also found within the landscape.  Parklands and estates feature widely.

Edited_KeyChars:
Iron Age hillforts and Bronze Age burial mounds
Roman roads
Parklands and estates with wood pastures and plantations
Ponds in river valleys


FG KeyChar:
•	Ancient woodlands, hedgerows and wood-pastures, and areas of unimproved species-rich chalk grassland, are the key semi-natural habitats.

Edited_KeyChars:
Unimproved species-rich chalk grassland
Reedbeds, fen, marsh in the valleys of the Test and Itchen and other valleys


FG KeyChar:
•	There is a widely dispersed pattern of villages and hamlets, predominantly in valleys with the open downland sparsely populated.
•	Winchester, Andover, Basingstoke and Alton are the key towns which serve the area.  Several major transport routes such as the M3 cut through the landscape.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	There is a widely dispersed pattern of villages and hamlets, predominantly in valleys with the open downland sparsely populated.
•	Winchester, Andover, Basingstoke and Alton are the key towns which serve the area.  Several major transport routes such as the M3 cut through the landscape.


FG KeyChar:
•	The Hampshire Downs are a strongly rolling chalk downland dissected by sheltered valleys and combes.
•	Many of the higher parts are capped by a shallow deposit of clay with flints, often forming a flat or gently domed plateau.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The Hampshire Downs are a strongly rolling chalk downland dissected by sheltered valleys and combes.
•	Many of the higher parts are capped by a shallow deposit of clay with flints, often forming a flat or gently domed plateau.


FG KeyChar:
•Numerous wooded valleys are characteristic features, with a significant proportion of ancient semi-natural woodland.  Wood-pastures and plantations are also found within the landscape.  Parklands and estates feature widely.

Edited_KeyChars:
Wooded valleys  and slopes with ancient semi-natural oak woodland and hazel coppice
Distinctive beech copses on higher chalk knolls
Wood-pastures and plantations
coniferous shelterbelts characteristic north of Winchester
Mature poplar plantations in valley bottoms
Alder, sallow and willow trees fringing water courses, with willows often pollarded


FG KeyChar:
•	Small enclosed fields and paddocks in, and on the edge of, the forest are bounded by Hampshire hedgebanks with hedgerows  and used for livestock rearing and back-up grazing.
•	Arable land uses predominate in the south on the richer agricultural soils where large regular fields are bounded by neat, low hedgerows with hedgerow oaks.

Edited_KeyChars:
Extensive mixed grazing  by ponies and cattle on open Forest
Enclosed fields/ paddocks for stock rearing and back-up grazing
Areas of rough grazing
Arable in the south on richer agricultural soils
Areas of wet grassland and water meadows in the valley of the Avon


FG KeyChar:
•	There are bleak and exposed salt marshes and shingle beaches along the Solent coast from where there are views to the Isle of Wight.

Edited_KeyChars:
Salt marshes and shingle beaches along Solent coast
Salt marshes suffering from significant coastal squeeze, especially at the mouth of the Lymington River


FG KeyChar:
•	Surface water drains into the Avon, Lymington, Beaulieu and Test Rivers which flow southwards into the Solent.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Surface water drains into the Avon, Lymington, Beaulieu and Test Rivers which flow southwards into the Solent.


Edited_KeyChars:
Small enclosures with Hampshire hedgebanks in and around the Forest
Large regular fields with neat low hedgerows in arable areas


FG KeyChar:
•	The acidic plateau supports large coniferous plantations on former heath and scattered self-sown birch and pine trees.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The acidic plateau supports large coniferous plantations on former heath and scattered self-sown birch and pine trees.


FG KeyChar:
•	The absence of intensive agriculture in the Forest core has ensured the survival of numerous historic features including Bronze Age round barrows and Iron Age field systems.
•	Traditional buildings include large country houses and estate villages, hunting lodges, terraces of workers cottages, and small thatched cottages with steep pitches.

Edited_KeyChars:
Unique survival of historic commoning system on former royal hunting forest
Numerous historic features including Bronze Age round barrows and Iron Age field system
Remnant medieval field systems


FG KeyChar:
•	The brown forest soils in the centre of the area support one of the largest tracts of semi-natural woodland in southern England – these ancient and ornamental woodlands are typically composed of oak, beech and sweet chestnut.
•	The open lawns, grassland, wood pasture and heath are maintained by close grazing enabled by common grazing rights.
•	Ancient oaks and wood pasture are features of the forest landscape.
•	Lowland heaths, acidic grasslands and mires occur in the central area.
•	Valley bogs and grasslands occur in the Avon Valley, alongside the expanses of open water left by the extraction of gravels in the valley bottom.
•	There are bleak and exposed salt marshes and shingle beaches along the Solent coast from where there are views to the Isle of Wight.

Edited_KeyChars:
Lawns, wood pasture, lowland heaths with common grazing
Acid grasslands and valley mires and bogs
Floodplain grasslands and open water in Avon Valley


FG KeyChar:
•	The Forest is sparsely populated with small forest villages or isolated dwellings, each with their own garden or paddock, linked by a network of narrow lanes.
•	Traditional buildings include large country houses and estate villages, hunting lodges, terraces of workers cottages, and small thatched cottages with steep pitches.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The Forest is sparsely populated with small forest villages or isolated dwellings, each with their own garden or paddock, linked by a network of narrow lanes.
•	Traditional buildings include large country houses and estate villages, hunting lodges, terraces of workers cottages, and small thatched cottages with steep pitches.


FG KeyChar:
•	Open and exposed plateaux and gently rolling hills are incised by wide U shaped valleys.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Open and exposed plateaux and gently rolling hills are incised by wide U shaped valleys.


FG KeyChar:
•	The acidic plateau supports large coniferous plantations on former heath and scattered self-sown birch and pine trees.
•	The brown forest soils in the centre of the area support one of the largest tracts of semi-natural woodland in southern England – these ancient and ornamental woodlands are typically composed of oak, beech and sweet chestnut.
•	Ancient oaks and wood pasture are features of the forest landscape.

Edited_KeyChars:
Extensive ancient and ornamental woodlands of oak, beech and sweet chestnut (wood pasture)
Scattered self-sown birch and pine trees on heath
Hedgerow and field oaks in enclosed landscapes
Riverside trees in the valley of the Avon


Edited_KeyChars:
Variety of traditional buildings ranging from hunting lodges and estate villages to small thatched cottages


FG KeyChar:
•	Extensive areas of cereal cropping dominate the agricultural land.

Edited_KeyChars:
Arable cultivation dominant except on Salisbury Plain where significant area of rough grassland
Dry pastures on lower valley slopes, with meadows and damp pasture on valley floors
Unimproved water meadows and remnant traditional watercress beds in valleys of Avon and tributaries


FG KeyChar:
•	Older cottages of cob and thatch roofs, with brick and tile common from the 19th century onwards.

Edited_KeyChars:
Traditional agricultural buildings largely of brick and flint with timber-framed barns common


FG KeyChar:
•	The chalk upland is dissected by distinctive intimate river valleys part of the River Avon system.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The chalk upland is dissected by distinctive intimate river valleys part of the River Avon system.


FG KeyChar:
•	Large arable fields with very few hedges predominate across the area.

Edited_KeyChars:
Large arable fields with very few hedges, may be bounded by tracks with wide verges
Ditches in valley bottoms
Brick and flint walls define the pale of major estates


FG KeyChar:
•	Sarsen stones are scattered across Salisbury Plain and Downs.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Sarsen stones are scattered across Salisbury Plain and Downs.


FG KeyChar:
•	An outstanding prehistoric ritual landscape with widespread earthworks and monuments prominent in the open landscape, especially Stonehenge.
•	Locally distinctive features include chalk-cut white horses.
•	Large parklands and estate landscapes particularly within the valleys.

Edited_KeyChars:
Outstanding prehistoric ritual landscape with widespread prominent earthworks and monuments including Stonehenge World Heritage Site
Locally distinctive features chalk-cut white horses
Large parkland and estate landscapes particularly in valleys


FG KeyChar:
•	Salisbury Plain contains one of the largest remaining areas of calcareous grassland in north-west Europe.

Edited_KeyChars:
Salisbury Plain has one of the largest remaining areas of calcareous grassland in north west Europe
Valley bottom wetlands and grasslands


FG KeyChar:
•	Large parklands and estate landscapes particularly within the valleys.
•	Traditional settlement pattern of nucleated villages on the edges of the valley floodplain and foot of scarp slopes contrasting with the unsettled open downland.
•	Groups of estate cottages in uniform style are a notable feature.
•	The Character Area includes Salisbury with its fine riverside and waterside setting.
•	Military housing is present at Tidworth, Larkhill, Durrington and Amesbury .

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Large parklands and estate landscapes particularly within the valleys.
•	Traditional settlement pattern of nucleated villages on the edges of the valley floodplain and foot of scarp slopes contrasting with the unsettled open downland.
•	Groups of estate cottages in uniform style are a notable feature.
•	The Character Area includes Salisbury with its fine riverside and waterside setting.
•	Military housing is present at Tidworth, Larkhill, Durrington and Amesbury .


FG KeyChar:
•	An extensive, open rolling chalk plateau.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	An extensive, open rolling chalk plateau.


FG KeyChar:
•	Scattered copses and shelterbelts on the high downs with woodlands confined mainly to valleys and steep slopes. Extensive ridge top ancient oak woodlands at Grovely Wood and Great Ridge.

Edited_KeyChars:
Scattered copses, clumps and shelterbelts on high downs
Woodlands confined mainly to valleys and steep slopes
Extensive ridge top ancient oak woodlands at Grovely Wood and Great Ridge
Field trees associated with areas of estate plantings
Wet woodland and lines of willow and poplar along watercourses


FG KeyChar:
•	The area is characterised by mixed farming, although pasture dominates in the clay vales with arable on the Upper Greensand dip slope.

Edited_KeyChars:
The area is characterised by mixed farming
Pasture dominates in the clay vales
Areas of rough grassland on steeper slopes
Remnant wet meadowlands on river floodplains
Arable on the Upper Greensand dip slope


FG KeyChar:
•	A wide variety of local building materials and techniques have been used, including local stone with brick and half timbering.  Fine dressed stone is reserved for mansions and manor houses.

Edited_KeyChars:
Variety of building materials, including local stone with brick and half timbering 
Mansions and manors are of fine dressed stone


FG KeyChar:
•	Four principle river systems drain the area and include the Rive Stour, Brue, Frome and Nadder which cuts through the Vale of Wardour.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Four principle river systems drain the area and include the Rive Stour, Brue, Frome and Nadder which cuts through the Vale of Wardour.


FG KeyChar:
•	Field patterns include both rectilinear Parliamentary enclosures and small Medieval irregular enclosures, both bounded by hedgerows.

Edited_KeyChars:
Field patterns include both rectilinear Parliamentary enclosures and small Medieval irregular enclosures All bounded by predominantly thick hedgerows


FG KeyChar:
•	Undulating, heavy fertile vales formed of Upper Jurassic clay are fringed by Upper Greensand hills and scarps and low limestone hills.
•	To the south is the chalk escarpment of the Dorset Downs.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Undulating, heavy fertile vales formed of Upper Jurassic clay are fringed by Upper Greensand hills and scarps and low limestone hills.
•	To the south is the chalk escarpment of the Dorset Downs.


FG KeyChar:
•	Large estates and their landscaped parklands, developed in the 16th and 17th Century, flank the edge of the area and are highly significant features in the landscape including the landscape parks at Wardour, Longleat, Marston Bigot and Stourhead.  In addition, there are remnants of the former royal hunting forests of Selwood and Gillingham.

Edited_KeyChars:
Fortifications strategically located on hilltops
Significant large estates and landscapes parkland from the 16th and 17th century at Wardour, Longleat, Marston Bigot and Stourhead 
Remnants of the former royal hunting forests of Selwood and Gillingham


FG KeyChar:
•	Remnant flood meadows remain alongside streams and rivers while on higher ground and common land there are remnant patches of species rich acid grassland, with areas of scrub on the northern scarp slopes.

Edited_KeyChars:
On higher ground and on common land remnant patches of species-rich acid grassland
 Patches of calcareous  grassland on the limestone hills


FG KeyChar:
•	Large estates and their landscaped parklands, developed in the 16th and 17th Century, flank the edge of the area and are highly significant features in the landscape including the landscape parks at Wardour, Longleat, Marston Bigot and Stourhead.  In addition, there are remnants of the former royal hunting forests of Selwood and Gillingham.
•	Small nucleated villages and hamlets are located in sheltered valleys and on the low limestone hillocks within the clay vale.  
•	Towns include Gillingham, Shaftesbury, Wincanton, Frome and Sturminster Newton.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Large estates and their landscaped parklands, developed in the 16th and 17th Century, flank the edge of the area and are highly significant features in the landscape including the landscape parks at Wardour, Longleat, Marston Bigot and Stourhead.  In addition, there are remnants of the former royal hunting forests of Selwood and Gillingham.
•	Small nucleated villages and hamlets are located in sheltered valleys and on the low limestone hillocks within the clay vale.  
•	Towns include Gillingham, Shaftesbury, Wincanton, Frome and Sturminster Newton.


FG KeyChar:
•	Undulating, heavy fertile vales formed of Upper Jurassic clay are fringed by Upper Greensand hills and scarps and low limestone hills.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Undulating, heavy fertile vales formed of Upper Jurassic clay are fringed by Upper Greensand hills and scarps and low limestone hills.


FG KeyChar:
•	On the scarp slopes of the Greensand are ancient woodlands and coniferous plantations, whilst alongside streams and rivers, willows and alders are common.  Scattered broadleaved woodlands are evident throughout the area.
•	Hedgerow trees are widespread; predominately mature oaks

Edited_KeyChars:
Ancient woodland and plantation on Greensand scarp slopes
Scattered broadleaved woodlands are evident throughout the area
Willow and alder along the many river courses
Mature hedgerow trees (oaks) abound


FG KeyChar:
•	Open, mainly arable, downland on the dip-slope with low and sparse hedgerows. 
•	Pasture and smaller scale fields within valleys.

Edited_KeyChars:
Open, mainly arable, downland on the dip slope 
Pasture and smaller scale fields within valleys
Rough grasslands on some valley sides
water meadows in river valleys along with cress beds (as in the Chalke Valley)


FG KeyChar:
•	Low, rendered buildings are common.  Flint with brick dressing, clunch and thatch are traditional materials reflecting the lack of a consistent supply of building stone.

Edited_KeyChars:
Low, rendered buildings are common
Flint with brick dressing, clunch and thatch are traditional materials reflecting the lack of a consistent supply of building stone


FG KeyChar:
•	Streams cut through the scarp in steep valleys.  Water meadows are found in the wider valleys.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Streams cut through the scarp in steep valleys.  Water meadows are found in the wider valleys.


FG KeyChar:
•	Open, mainly arable, downland on the dip-slope with low and sparse hedgerows.
•	Pasture and smaller scale fields within valleys.

Edited_KeyChars:
Largely characterised by large Parliamentary enclosures with straight, narrow hawthorn hedges


FG KeyChar:
•	A rolling, chalk landscape with dramatic scarps and more gentle dipslopes with spectacular views over the surrounding lowlands.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	A rolling, chalk landscape with dramatic scarps and more gentle dipslopes with spectacular views over the surrounding lowlands.


FG KeyChar:
•	Prominent and vast hillforts and other prehistoric features crown the highest ridges above the steep scarp slope.

Edited_KeyChars:
Prominent and vast hillforts and other prehistoric features crown the highest ridges above the steep scarp slope
Neolithic earthworks, long barrows and burial mounds on the chalk uplands
Ditch and bank earthworks and cross-ridge dykes
Strip lynchets (ancient field systems) close to medieval villages
Estate parklands a highly characteristic feature of this NCA


FG KeyChar:
•	Scarp slopes support species-rich calcareous grassland.

Edited_KeyChars:
Scarp slopes support species-rich calcareous grassland
Remnant grazing marsh and wetland habitats in river valleys
Heathlands  along the boundary with the Dorset Heaths


FG KeyChar:
•	Across the downs isolated farmsteads are linked by ancient lanes.
•	Linear villages are found in the sheltered valleys and ancient settlements cluster at the foot of the scarp along the springline.  
•	Blandford Forum and Dorchester are the only towns in this area.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Across the downs isolated farmsteads are linked by ancient lanes.
•	Linear villages are found in the sheltered valleys and ancient settlements cluster at the foot of the scarp along the springline.  
•	Blandford Forum and Dorchester are the only towns in this area.


FG KeyChar:
•	A rolling, chalk landscape with dramatic scarps and more gentle dipslopes with spectacular views over the surrounding lowlands.
•	Complex combes and steep-sided, sheltered valleys with woodlands, hedged fields, flood meadows and villages in flint and thatch.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	A rolling, chalk landscape with dramatic scarps and more gentle dipslopes with spectacular views over the surrounding lowlands.
•	Complex combes and steep-sided, sheltered valleys with woodlands, hedged fields, flood meadows and villages in flint and thatch.


FG KeyChar:
•	Woodlands, shelterbelts of beech, ash and sycamore, deer parks, clumps and copses containing ancient hazel coppice.
•	Hill top copses (mainly beech) are a feature.
•	Few trees on the dipslope, but woodland increases towards the lowlands.

Edited_KeyChars:
Woodlands, shelterbelts of beech, ash and sycamore, clumps and copses containing ancient hazel coppice
Hill top copses (mainly beech) are a feature
Few trees on the dipslope, but woodland increases towards the lowlands
Hedgerow trees in the chalk valleys


FG KeyChar:
•	Pasture characterises the agricultural landscape with areas of arable confined mainly to the floodplains.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mostly pasture with rough grasslands around heathland fringes
Characteristic wet floodplain grasslands (at risk)
Areas of arable in floodplains


FG KeyChar:
•	Dispersed hamlets and isolated farms and cottages are traditionally of red brick, commonly clay from local pits, roofed in tiles or thatch.

Edited_KeyChars:
Traditional farms and cottages of local red brick, roofed in tiles or thatch


FG KeyChar:
•	Along its eastern edge the heath gives way to the sandy bays, creeks, mud-flats and off-shore islands of Poole Harbour.

Edited_KeyChars:
Sandy bays, creeks, mud-flats and off-shore islands of Poole Harbour


FG KeyChar:
•	Off the heathland, small fields are divided by hedgerows with frequent hedgerow trees.

Edited_KeyChars:
Unenclosed heathland
Elsewhere small fields are divided by hedgerows


FG KeyChar:
•	Heathland covers the core of the area - broken locally by steep-sided sandstone hills and patches of exposed chalk.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Heathland covers the core of the area - broken locally by steep-sided sandstone hills and patches of exposed chalk.


FG KeyChar:
•	Bronze Age barrows are visible on more prominent heathland sites while the prehistoric port at Hengistbury Head is of international historic importance.

Edited_KeyChars:
Bronze Age barrows on prominent heathland sites
Prehistoric port at Hengistbury Head of international importance
Scattered areas of parkland around the fringes of the heathland


FG KeyChar:
•	Much of the area is sparsely populated but the growing conurbation of Poole-Bournemouth, which takes up the full southern coastline of the area, is a major influence, with surrounding areas under severe development pressure.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Much of the area is sparsely populated but the growing conurbation of Poole-Bournemouth, which takes up the full southern coastline of the area, is a major influence, with surrounding areas under severe development pressure.


FG KeyChar:
•	Heather dominates the open heathland with areas of purple moor-grass.  Areas of conifer plantation have now been restored to heathland to relink heathland fragments.
•	Along its eastern edge the heath gives way to the sandy bays, creeks, mud-flats and off-shore islands of Poole Harbour.

Edited_KeyChars:
Heathland of heather and purple moor-grass (affected by reversion to scrub and woodland)
Remnant areas of acidic grassland around the heathland edge and in scattered enclosures


Edited_KeyChars:
•	Dispersed hamlets and isolated farms and cottages are traditionally of red brick, commonly clay from local pits, roofed in tiles or thatch.


FG KeyChar:
•	This is a low undulating exposed and open broad-scale landscape of poor sandy soils with views north across  Poole Harbour.
•	The heathland is surrounded by a transitional landscape of rolling hills and broad, river valleys commonly bordered by river terrace deposits forming extensive terrace flats.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	This is a low undulating exposed and open broad-scale landscape of poor sandy soils with views north across  Poole Harbour.
•	The heathland is surrounded by a transitional landscape of rolling hills and broad, river valleys commonly bordered by river terrace deposits forming extensive terrace flats.


FG KeyChar:
•	Blocks of conifers and successional oak-birch woodland break up the heathland  and form locally prominent landmarks while around the heathland edge secondary woodland, dominated by birch, forms an intricate mosaic with open pasture.
•	Occasional stunted pine stand out on the open heathland.

Edited_KeyChars:
Distinctive stunted pines and successional oak-birch on heath
Secondary woodland, mainly birch, round heathland edge in mosaic with open pasture
Frequent hedgerow trees in enclosed landscapes


FG KeyChar:
•	Agricultural land use is mixed, reflecting the varying geology.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mixed agriculture domonated by arable and improved pasture
Areas of rough grazing in the Corfe Valley


FG KeyChar:
•	Many of the traditional buildings inland are of Purbeck or Portland Stone.

Edited_KeyChars:
Many traditional buildings of Purbeck or Portland Stone


FG KeyChar:
•	Swanage, on the east coast, is a substantial resort town with development spreading out to caravan sites and holiday cottages. Substantial military ranges along the coast.

Edited_KeyChars:
Dramatic, diverse coast of international geological importance including chalk cliffs and stacks and lower-lying clays


FG KeyChar:
•	The Corfe  is the main river of the Character Area, draining into Poole Harbour.  Southward-draining dry valleys occur along the coast.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The Corfe  is the main river of the Character Area, draining into Poole Harbour.  Southward-draining dry valleys occur along the coast.


FG KeyChar:
•	The Corfe Valley is enclosed by hedgerows with dense belts of hedgerow trees.  As the land rises up to the limestone plateau hedgerows are gradually replaced by dry stone walls.

Edited_KeyChars:
Hedgerows on the lower slopes of the chalk ridge, around Kimmeridge, and enclosing irregularly shaped small fields in the Corfe Valley of great historic importance
On limestone plateau hedgerows replaced by dry stone walls


FG KeyChar:
•	South Purbeck has an exceptionally diverse landscape despite its small size, strongly influenced by the underlying chalk, limestone, shale and clay geology.
•	The dramatic and diverse south coast is of international geological importance, embracing elements of all the inland landscapes.  
•	A narrow but prominent chalk ridge rises almost vertically to separate the Character Area from the adjacent Dorset Heaths to the north.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	South Purbeck has an exceptionally diverse landscape despite its small size, strongly influenced by the underlying chalk, limestone, shale and clay geology.
•	The dramatic and diverse south coast is of international geological importance, embracing elements of all the inland landscapes.  
•	A narrow but prominent chalk ridge rises almost vertically to separate the Character Area from the adjacent Dorset Heaths to the north.


FG KeyChar:
•	The area is of significant historical interest, with early settlements, Medieval industrial sites and the prominent Corfe Castle.

Edited_KeyChars:
Significant historical interest including early settlements, medieval industrial sites and Corfe Castle
Strip fields and lynchets characteristic features of valley sides and along coast
Important areas of parkland


FG KeyChar:
•	Chalk grasslands, scrubby slopes and ancient woodlands of the chalk ridge combined with calcareous grasslands along the dramatic rolling cliff tops are the main semi-natural habitats of the area.

Edited_KeyChars:
Chalk grasslands and scrubby slopes on chalk ridge
Calcareous grasslands along dramatic rolling cliff tops
Acid grassland on Corfe Common
Small areas of heathland as outlyers of the Dorset heaths
Remnant meadows on damper soils of the valleys
Reedbeds and other wetland habitats along seepage lines


FG KeyChar:
•	Inland are many villages, hamlets and farms linked by a dense network of lanes.  Small villages on the plateau are centred around quarries.  
•	Swanage, on the east coast, is a substantial resort town with development spreading out to caravan sites and holiday cottages. Substantial military ranges along the coast.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Inland are many villages, hamlets and farms linked by a dense network of lanes.  Small villages on the plateau are centred around quarries.  
•	Swanage, on the east coast, is a substantial resort town with development spreading out to caravan sites and holiday cottages. Substantial military ranges along the coast.


FG KeyChar:
•	South Purbeck has an exceptionally diverse landscape despite its small size, strongly influenced by the underlying chalk, limestone, shale and clay geology.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	South Purbeck has an exceptionally diverse landscape despite its small size, strongly influenced by the underlying chalk, limestone, shale and clay geology.


FG KeyChar:
•	Woodland cover varies across the area, from the strong belts of ancient woodland along the northern edge of the chalk ridge, large copses and small woodlands in the central Corfe Valley, to the largely treeless limestone plateau to the south.

Edited_KeyChars:
Belts of ancient woodland (oak and beech) on northern edge of chalk ridge on steep slopes
Large copses of trees and small woodlands and dense hedgerow tree cover on the slopes of the limestone ridges
Largely treeless limestone plateau to the south


Edited_KeyChars:
Dramatic limestone cliffs
Linked to the maniland by the sweep of Chesil Beach shingle ridge


FG KeyChar:
•	Arable dominates the higher ground with pasture on steeper slopes and in valley bottoms.

Edited_KeyChars:
Arable dominates higher ground
Pasture on steeper slopes and in valley bottoms


FG KeyChar:
•	Older buildings are a mixture of materials – grey limestone and brick are widely used with thatch a traditional roofing material near the coast.  Buildings on the Isle of Portland are made from local Portland Limestone.


FG KeyChar:
•	Rectilinear fields on the inland ridges are enclosed by sparse hedges with few hedgerow trees.  Dry stone walls are used on the steeper land and on Portland.

Edited_KeyChars:
Small fields, enclosed by regular pattern of stone walls


FG KeyChar:
•	Settlements are mainly located on the lower valley slopes or close to streams.  Farmsteads or hamlets lie on valley sides, commonly close together linked by narrow lanes.  Portland is quite densely settled, with substantial stone villages dominating the open landscape.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Settlements are mainly located on the lower valley slopes or close to streams.  Farmsteads or hamlets lie on valley sides, commonly close together linked by narrow lanes.  Portland is quite densely settled, with substantial stone villages dominating the open landscape.


FG KeyChar:
•	The Isle of Portland, which lies to the south, is a dramatic, wedge-shaped peninsula extending out sharply into the English Channel.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The Isle of Portland, which lies to the south, is a dramatic, wedge-shaped peninsula extending out sharply into the English Channel.


Edited_KeyChars:
Minimal tree cover
Small valley woodlands in the west


Edited_KeyChars:
Medieval terraced arable strips survive in cultivation


Edited_KeyChars:
Coastal grassland on indented, low coastline


Edited_KeyChars:
Arable dominates the higher ground
Pasture on valley sides and within floodplains
Remnant areas of wet grasslands
Horse pasture around settlements


Edited_KeyChars:
Older buildings are a mixture of materials – grey limestone and brick widely used with thatch a traditional roofing material near the coast


FG KeyChar:
•	The River Wey cuts through the ridge and valley pattern of the Weymouth Lowlands to form a coastal lagoon at Weymouth, around which the harbour and town has developed.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The River Wey cuts through the ridge and valley pattern of the Weymouth Lowlands to form a coastal lagoon at Weymouth, around which the harbour and town has developed.


Edited_KeyChars:
Open landscape with sparse hedgerows on the ridgetops
Straight low hedgerows forming a broad patchwork on shallow slopes
On the steeper slopes, especially around Osmington, there is more substantial hedges and hedgerow trees
Stone walls are used in parts (Bride Valley)


FG KeyChar:
•	The Weymouth Lowlands are united by an underlying broad ridge and valley pattern. 
•	The Isle of Portland, which lies to the south, is a dramatic, wedge-shaped peninsula extending out sharply into the English Channel. 
•	It is linked to the mainland by Chesil Beach; a huge sweeping shingle ridge separated at its eastern end from the mainland by an elongated brackish tidal lagoon (The Fleet).

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The Weymouth Lowlands are united by an underlying broad ridge and valley pattern. 
•	The Isle of Portland, which lies to the south, is a dramatic, wedge-shaped peninsula extending out sharply into the English Channel. 
•	It is linked to the mainland by Chesil Beach; a huge sweeping shingle ridge separated at its eastern end from the mainland by an elongated brackish tidal lagoon (The Fleet).


FG KeyChar:
•	The majority of the area is treeless, although there are some valley woodlands and plantations in the west.

Edited_KeyChars:
Majority of the area is treeless
Blocks of deciduous woodland on valley sides, primarily in the west
Distinctive tree groups around settlements and individual farmsteads
Hedgerow trees around Osmington


Edited_KeyChars:
Iron age hillfort ramparts and Neolithic barrows.


Edited_KeyChars:
Coastal grasslands with gorse and bramble scrub and remnant calcareous grassland
Significant reed beds behind Chesil Beech and along the coast


FG KeyChar:
•	Pasture is the predominant land use in the Marshwood Vale, on the Powerstock Hills and on the steeper slopes of the greensand ridges and hills.  Arable cultivation predominates on shallower land and in the broad Brit valley.

Edited_KeyChars:
Pasture predominates in Marshwood Vale, on the Powerstock Hills and on the steeper slopes of the Greensand ridges and hills
Arable cultivation predominates in the broad Brit valley


FG KeyChar:
•	Settlement comprises small hamlets and many large farmsteads, linked by winding lanes, often with hedgebanks.  Older traditional buildings are built of limestone or Ham Hill Stone.

Edited_KeyChars:
Older traditional buildings built of limestone or Ham Hill Stone


FG KeyChar:
•	The coastline has a remote, varied character, with small valleys separating prominent headlands; landslips leaving dramatic stepped slopes; sheer amber-coloured cliffs and pebble beaches.

Edited_KeyChars:
Coastline of a remote and varied character, with small valleys separating prominent headlands
Landslips leaving dramatic stepped slopes
Sheer amber-coloured cliffs
Pebble beaches


FG KeyChar:
•	The rhythmic pattern of this landscape is defined by its strong but varied network of hedgerows and mature hedgerow trees. Hedgerows are typically low and well trimmed on the greensand ridges, overgrown on the steeper slopes and dense but well managed in the vale.

Edited_KeyChars:
Rhythmic pattern of this landscape defined by its strong but varied network of hedgerows
Hedgerows typically low and well trimmed on the Greensand ridges, overgrown on the steeper slopes and dense but well managed in the vale.


FG KeyChar:
•	The classic bowl-shaped clay vale of Marshwood is surrounded by steep ridges and headlands of Upper Greensand.  Towards the coast, the greensand has been eroded to form clusters of hills, each with a distinctive summit.  
•	To the east, the flat Brit river valley is enclosed by the complex, small-scale landscape of conical oolitic limestone hills surrounding the village of Powerstock.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The classic bowl-shaped clay vale of Marshwood is surrounded by steep ridges and headlands of Upper Greensand.  Towards the coast, the greensand has been eroded to form clusters of hills, each with a distinctive summit.  
•	To the east, the flat Brit river valley is enclosed by the complex, small-scale landscape of conical oolitic limestone hills surrounding the village of Powerstock.


JM KeyChar:
•	Many important historic landscape features occur in this area including concentrations of prehistoric barrows and hillforts, extensive strip lynchets, moated sites and castles.

Edited_KeyChars:
Barrows forming prominent skyline features on the Greensand hills
Iron Age hillforts like Lambert's Castle, Coney's Castle and Pilsdon Pen
Prehistoric settlement sites in the valleys


FG KeyChar:
•	Unimproved grasslands, wet flushes and marshy areas are found along the springlines at the valley sides and there are prominent patches of heathland within mosaics of bracken, gorse and acid grassland on the ridges and steeper greensand slopes.

Edited_KeyChars:
Unimproved grasslands, wet flushes and marshy areas found along the springlines at the valley sides
Prominent patches of heathland within mosaics of bracken, gorse and acid grassland on the ridges and steeper Greensand slopes


Edited_KeyChars:
•	Settlement comprises small hamlets and many large farmsteads, linked by winding lanes, often with hedgebanks.  Older traditional buildings are built of limestone or Ham Hill Stone.


FG KeyChar:
•	The classic bowl-shaped clay vale of Marshwood is surrounded by steep ridges and headlands of Upper Greensand.  Towards the coast, the greensand has been eroded to form clusters of hills, each with a distinctive summit.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The classic bowl-shaped clay vale of Marshwood is surrounded by steep ridges and headlands of Upper Greensand.  Towards the coast, the greensand has been eroded to form clusters of hills, each with a distinctive summit.


FG KeyChar:
•	The Marshwood Vale has a distinctive scattering of mature hedgerow oak trees, with narrow ribbons of woodland along the many streams; elsewhere woodlands and copses are confined to steeper slopes, with larger conifer plantations on the northwest borders of the area, where it merges with the Blackmore Vale.

Edited_KeyChars:
Distinctive scattering of mature hedgerow oak trees
Narrow ribbons of woodland along the many streams
Elsewhere woodlands and copses confined to steeper slopes
Larger conifer plantations on the north west borders of the area, where it merges with the Blackmore Vale


FG KeyChar:
•	Although there is a mixture of arable, the dominant landcover is grassland, ranging from improved pastures in valley bottoms to rough pasture on steep hillsides.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mixed farming with arable
Grassland is the dominant landcover with improved pastures in valley bottoms and  rough pasture on steep hillsides  
Tributaries of the Brue, Parrett and Yeo form an intricate pattern of valleys with remnant wet grasslands


FG KeyChar:
•	Building materials are varied, although local Ham Hill stone is most characteristic of the area, reflected in visually dominant churches.  Other construction materials include cream and pink coloured limestone, sandstones, timber, thatch and more recently, brick.

Edited_KeyChars:
Building materials are varied
Local Ham Hill stone most characteristic
Other construction materials include cream and pink limestones, sandstones, timber, thatch and, more recently, brick


FG KeyChar:
•	Tributaries of the Brue, Parrett and Yeo drain from the scarp slopes cutting an intricate pattern of irregular hills and valleys.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Tributaries of the Brue, Parrett and Yeo drain from the scarp slopes cutting an intricate pattern of irregular hills and valleys.


FG KeyChar:
•	Whilst hedges are non existent or low in the south west, they are thick with substantial hedgebanks elsewhere.  On higher ground there are scattered areas of dry stone walls.

Edited_KeyChars:
Hedges non-existent or low in the south west
Thick hedgerows with substantial earthbanks elsewhere
On limestone ridges scattered areas of dry stone walls


FG KeyChar:
•	This is a diverse landscape of wide valley bottoms, hills, ridge tops and combes united by scarps of Jurassic limestone and sandstone ranging from 50 to 150m AOD.
•	The soils are largely calcareous clays and brown earths with small areas of stagnogleys.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	This is a diverse landscape of wide valley bottoms, hills, ridge tops and combes united by scarps of Jurassic limestone and sandstone ranging from 50 to 150m AOD.
•	The soils are largely calcareous clays and brown earths with small areas of stagnogleys.


FG KeyChar:
•	Prominent features include the prehistoric hill forts of South Cadbury and Ham Hill and houses such as Montacute, Barrington Court and Dillington House built from the Elizabethan period onwards.  Their surrounding parklands of lime, oak and beech are conspicuous features in the landscape.

Edited_KeyChars:
Prominent prehistoric hill forts of South Cadbury and Ham Hill 
Houses such as Montacute, Barrington Court, Sherborne Castle, and Dillington House built from the Elizabethan period onwards, with surrounding  parklands of lime, oak and beech forming conspicuous features in the landscape


Edited_KeyChars:
Remnant areas of lowland meadows
Along the most southerly edge of the NCA chalk escarpments support remnant areas of calcareous grasslands
Remnant areas of fen in river valleys


FG KeyChar:
•	Although the area is well settled, there are few villages or towns of any size.  Most settlements are located in the valleys, close to watercourses with farmsteads on spring lines.  Winding minor lanes, link the settlements to higher ground.  
•	Larger settlements include the market towns of Sherborne and Yeovil – the latter having grown to a significant size, largely due to its industrial sector.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Although the area is well settled, there are few villages or towns of any size.  Most settlements are located in the valleys, close to watercourses with farmsteads on spring lines.  Winding minor lanes, link the settlements to higher ground.  
•	Larger settlements include the market towns of Sherborne and Yeovil – the latter having grown to a significant size, largely due to its industrial sector.


FG KeyChar:
•	This is a diverse landscape of wide valley bottoms, hills, ridge tops and combes united by scarps of Jurassic limestone and sandstone ranging from 50 to 150m AOD.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	This is a diverse landscape of wide valley bottoms, hills, ridge tops and combes united by scarps of Jurassic limestone and sandstone ranging from 50 to 150m AOD.


FG KeyChar:
•	Small woods, copses and scrub are most frequent on the steep ridges and in deep combes.  There are some coniferous plantations, semi natural ancient woodlands, remnant orchards with poplar shelter belts, and streamside willow pollards and alder, predominately in the vales.

Edited_KeyChars:
Small woods including semi-natural ancient woodlands, copses and scrub frequent on steep ridges and in deep combes
Scattered small coniferous plantations
Remnant orchards with poplar shelter belts
hedgerow trees found on the limestone hills and on the Yeovil Sands
Streamside willow pollards and alder, predominately in the vales


FG KeyChar:
•	The majority of the character area is under improved pasture, with some horticulture in the south west.  Pig rearing is becoming increasingly common on the plateau.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mainly improved pasture with some pig rearing on plateau
Areas of rough grazing on the plateau and Bleadon Hills
Some horticulture in south west (the Strawberry Belt)
Floodplain under intensive arable cultivation


FG KeyChar:
•	Buildings are constructed of red conglomerate, grey limestone and pale grey Doulting Stone.  Most older Mendip buildings are modest cottages in rough, exposed stone with almost no detailing of windows and doorways.

Edited_KeyChars:
Limestone and conglomerate in buildings give a unified character
Most older buildings in rough, exposed stone with little detailing


FG KeyChar:
•	Natural surface water is almost absent on the plateau, aside from where recently abandoned mine workings have developed as ponds.  At the foot of the plateau springs emerge as the source of the Cheddar Yeo and Axe.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Natural surface water is almost absent on the plateau, aside from where recently abandoned mine workings have developed as ponds.  At the foot of the plateau springs emerge as the source of the Cheddar Yeo and Axe.


FG KeyChar:
•	There is a mixture of enclosure.  Hedgerows are the dominant field boundary of the Character Area but with stone walls on the plateau and some of the eastern slopes.

Edited_KeyChars:
Hedgerows are main field boundary type, often outgrown on the south western slopes
Limestone walls on the plateau and some of the eastern slopes defining rectilinear fields
Floodplain areas divided by ditches and hedgerows including irregular fields


FG KeyChar:
•	An open limestone plateau with karst features including complex underground caves and river systems gives the area a unique character.  Sandstone outcrops form prominent features.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	An open limestone plateau with karst features including complex underground caves and river systems gives the area a unique character.  Sandstone outcrops form prominent features.


FG KeyChar:
•	There are many industrial archaeological sites, reflecting the past lead, coal and cloth industries.  The plateau has an outstanding assemblage of prehistoric features such as burial mounds and hill forts.

Edited_KeyChars:
Many relics of past lead, coal and cloth industries
Outstanding prehistoric features such as burial mounds and hillforts on plateau
Historic parkland with mature trees


FG KeyChar:
•	The area is characterised by unimproved limestone grassland on the plateau slopes, open moorland in the north, marshy land in the valley bottoms, including some neutral unimproved meadows and damp woodlands, and ‘gruffy ground’ left from the lead industry which has revegetated to form important semi-natural habitats.

Edited_KeyChars:
Unimproved limestone grassland and karst features on plateau 
Open heathland/ moorland in north
Marshy land in valley bottoms, including some neutral unimproved meadows
‘Gruffy ground’ left from the lead industry which has revegetated to form important semi-natural habitats


FG KeyChar:
•	Villages are concentrated at the foot of the plateau slopes.  Elsewhere, settlement is scattered.  Major transport routes such as the M5 and A38 cut through the area.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Villages are concentrated at the foot of the plateau slopes.  Elsewhere, settlement is scattered.  Major transport routes such as the M5 and A38 cut through the area.


FG KeyChar:
•	The Mendip Hills are a chain of prominent limestone hills extending inland from the coast and rising up sharply from the surrounding lowlands.
•	Dramatic gorges, cliffs and escarpment slopes surround the plateau.  Further west, land breaks into individual hills.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The Mendip Hills are a chain of prominent limestone hills extending inland from the coast and rising up sharply from the surrounding lowlands.
•	Dramatic gorges, cliffs and escarpment slopes surround the plateau.  Further west, land breaks into individual hills.


FG KeyChar:
•	The plateau and hilltops are largely treeless, except for a few old ash pollards and wind-shaped shelterbelts and conifer plantations.  The slopes and valleys surrounding the plateau have a wide range of woodlands forming an attractive mosaic with open land and other land uses.

Edited_KeyChars:
Plateau and hilltops largely treeless except for old ash pollards and wind-shaped shelterbelts
Slopes and valleys with wide range of woodlands in mosaic with other land uses
Damp woodland in valley bottoms
Small groups of willow in the Yeo floodplain
Hedgerow trees more common in the east
Orchards on the outskirts of  Loxton


FG KeyChar:
•	Most of the area lies below high tide level and the water level of the main river systems and is susceptible to flooding.
•	Rivers draining into the Levels and Moors include the Axe, Brue and Parrett.  Before the drainage schemes of the late 17th Century there was widespread sea and river flooding.  Current drainage relies on gravity pumps removing excessive backlogs of water.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Most of the area lies below high tide level and the water level of the main river systems and is susceptible to flooding.
•	Rivers draining into the Levels and Moors include the Axe, Brue and Parrett.  Before the drainage schemes of the late 17th Century there was widespread sea and river flooding.  Current drainage relies on gravity pumps removing excessive backlogs of water.


Edited_KeyChars:
Dunes with a thicket of sea buckthorn, storm gravel beaches and mudflats along the margins of Bridgewater Bay
Areas of salt marsh


FG KeyChar:
•	The strong chequer-board pattern of the ‘rhynes’ or ditches reflects a planned landscape reclaimed from wetland, initiated in the 13th Century with the construction of raised causeways and further major reclamation undertaken in the late 17th Century.

Edited_KeyChars:
Strong chequer-board pattern from reclaimed land from the 13th to 17th century
Boundaries on the Levels and Moors are generally  deep, wide, wet rhynes
On drier land hedge boundaries vary in condition


FG KeyChar:
•	Extensive peat extraction, particularly in the Brue Valley to the east, gives rise to a more complex landscape of excavations and re-colonising scrub with ‘reclaimed’ nature reserves adding further variety.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Extensive peat extraction, particularly in the Brue Valley to the east, gives rise to a more complex landscape of excavations and re-colonising scrub with ‘reclaimed’ nature reserves adding further variety.


Edited_KeyChars:
Rich archaeological remains on the peat moors


FG KeyChar:
•	Pockets of semi-natural unimproved grasslands, wet meadows, fen, mire and reed beds are highly characteristic and underline the area’s wetland character, as does the emergent vegetation of the rhynes.
•	Extensive peat extraction, particularly in the Brue Valley to the east, gives rise to a more complex landscape of excavations and re-colonising scrub with ‘reclaimed’ nature reserves adding further variety.

Edited_KeyChars:
Pockets of semi-natural unimproved grasslands, wet meadows, fen, mire and reed beds


FG KeyChar:
•	A strong planned element is also evident in towns and villages, with buildings running along single streets e.g. Langport and surrounded by strip fields.
•	Settlements on the edge of the Levels include Weston super Mare and Bridgwater and the M5 is a significant feature.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	A strong planned element is also evident in towns and villages, with buildings running along single streets e.g. Langport and surrounded by strip fields.
•	Settlements on the edge of the Levels include Weston super Mare and Bridgwater and the M5 is a significant feature.


FG KeyChar:
•	The area ranges from peat moors, clay levels, inland ‘burtles’ or gravel beds to the mudflats, storm gravel beaches and dune belt fringing the edge of Bridgwater Bay.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The area ranges from peat moors, clay levels, inland ‘burtles’ or gravel beds to the mudflats, storm gravel beaches and dune belt fringing the edge of Bridgwater Bay.


FG KeyChar:
•	Many parts of the Levels and Moors are treeless, although groups of pollarded willow fringe the islands and ridges of higher ground and mark the lines of rhynes.

Edited_KeyChars:
Largely treeless although isolated small woodlands
Groups of pollarded willow on islands and following the banks of rhynes
Hedgerow trees (ash and oak)
Orchards a particular feature of the land at the edge of the levels


FG KeyChar:
•	The landcover is dominated by improved pasture supporting dairying, with localised withy beds.

Edited_KeyChars:
The landcover is dominated by improved pasture supporting dairying
Increasing areas of arable on higher ground
Localised withy beds


FG KeyChar:
•	Building on the open Moors and Levels is restricted to occasional 19th Century or more recent farmsteads mainly in brick or occasional Blue Lias with clay, pantile roofs and thatch.

Edited_KeyChars:
19th Century or more recent farmsteads mainly in brick or occasional Blue Lias with clay, pantile roofs and thatch


FG KeyChar:
•	Reflecting the history of reclamation, roads are sinuous and narrow following the line of old seawalls, or straight and slightly raised.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Reflecting the history of reclamation, roads are sinuous and narrow following the line of old seawalls, or straight and slightly raised.


FG KeyChar:
•	Although Blue Lias is the dominant building material, there are a variety of other materials such as oolite, sandstone and conglomerate, contrasting with many 19th Century buildings which are constructed in brick and pantile.  Tall church towers are evidence of Medieval wealth, St Michael’s on Glastonbury Tor, being the most visible landmark.

Edited_KeyChars:
Blue Lias is main traditional building material, with oolite, sandstone and conglomerate


FG KeyChar:
•	Major rivers such as the Brue, Axe and Parrett, rise on surrounding ground and cut through the Mid Somerset Hills.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Major rivers such as the Brue, Axe and Parrett, rise on surrounding ground and cut through the Mid Somerset Hills.


FG KeyChar:
•	Hedgerows, typically containing a wide range of species and hedgerow trees are common dividing small, irregular fields except where there are planned settlements.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mostly small, irregular fields divided by species rich hedges
Some arable fields may be larger
Ditches in areas of floodplain grazing marsh  in the river valleys


FG KeyChar:
•	The underlying geology is of late Triassic and early Jurassic grey clay and limestone overlaid by red Mercia Mudstone.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The underlying geology is of late Triassic and early Jurassic grey clay and limestone overlaid by red Mercia Mudstone.


FG KeyChar:
•	Pasture tends to be the main landcover with remnant areas of calcareous and neutral grasslands.

Edited_KeyChars:
Remnant areas of calcareous and neutral grasslands


FG KeyChar:
•	Whilst small towns and villages like Somerton and Street lie in sheltered sites, other settlements like Meare, Wedmore and Wookey lie on island rising out of the wetlands or at the wetland edge with characteristic tracks (droves) linking these settlements with the traditional summer grazing provided by the Levels and Moors.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Whilst small towns and villages like Somerton and Street lie in sheltered sites, other settlements like Meare, Wedmore and Wookey lie on island rising out of the wetlands or at the wetland edge with characteristic tracks (droves) linking these settlements with the traditional summer grazing provided by the Levels and Moors.


FG KeyChar:
•	The Mid Somerset Hills are a series of distinctive low hills, ridges and islands dividing the Somerset Moors and Levels.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The Mid Somerset Hills are a series of distinctive low hills, ridges and islands dividing the Somerset Moors and Levels.


FG KeyChar:
•	Whilst woodlands of ash and maple are a common feature on the ridge tops and steeper side slopes, orchards are a particular characteristic of lower land at the boundary of the Levels and Moors, close to settlements.

Edited_KeyChars:
Ash and maple woodlands most common on ridges and side slopes
Mature hedgerow trees of ash and oak and areas of succering elm
Frequent small orchards on lower land


Edited_KeyChars:
Permanent pasture is the main landcover with significant areas of arable


Edited_KeyChars:
Range of archaeological features on grassland and arable
Parklands with estate woodland


FG KeyChar:
•	Open heathland characterises the rounded summits of the northern hills, providing rough grazing.  Below the hilltops, mixed farming is predominant.

Edited_KeyChars:
Open heathland grazing on rounded summits of northern hills
Mixed farming predominant elsewhere
Beneath summits a predominantly pastural landscape (mainly improved but with some unimproved)
Rough grassland on the scarp
Arable running along ridgelines


FG KeyChar:
•	The local vernacular building style varies due to the rich diversity of locally available building materials.

Edited_KeyChars:
Local vernacular building style varies due to  rich diversity of locally available building materials


FG KeyChar:
•	The mixed geology creates spring lines where water reaches less permeable layers.  Streams cut down the scarp to form deep, incised combes.  Long, broad valleys with streams flowing to the Vale of Taunton characterise land to the east.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The mixed geology creates spring lines where water reaches less permeable layers.  Streams cut down the scarp to form deep, incised combes.  Long, broad valleys with streams flowing to the Vale of Taunton characterise land to the east.


FG KeyChar:
•	Former deer parks and designed parklands are a characteristic landscape feature.
•	Beech hedgebanks  bound the rectangular fields around the edge of the open plateau and on the lower agricultural land in the south.  Mixed hedgerows are used elsewhere, and stone-faced banks or earth banks are used within the combes.

Edited_KeyChars:
Beech hedgebanks bound rectangular fields around edge of open plateau and on lower ground in the south (many outgrown - see woodland and trees)
Mixed hedgerows elsewhere
Stone-faced banks or earth banks within the combes


FG KeyChar:
•	 The northern end is a high plateau of Devonian sandstone cut by deep combes while in the south the landscape is more undulating, made up of Devonian slates with limestone.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	 The northern end is a high plateau of Devonian sandstone cut by deep combes while in the south the landscape is more undulating, made up of Devonian slates with limestone.


FG KeyChar:
•	Bronze Age burial mounds, barrows, standing stones and stone circles are surviving relics of the prehistoric landscape and important landscape features.  Ridge and furrow is also visible on the moorland.

Edited_KeyChars:
Bronze Age burial mounds, barrows, standing stones and stone circles
Ridge and furrow is visible on  moorland
Former deer parks and designed parklands a distinctive feature


FG KeyChar:
•	The extensive heathlands and sessile oak woodlands are important semi-natural habitats.  Rhododendron is abundant in the valleys.

Edited_KeyChars:
Extensive moorland heaths (with transitions between upland and lowland heath affected by bracken and rhododendron invasion)
Unimproved grasslands on combe sides


FG KeyChar:
•	Settlement is sparse, consisting of isolated farms, hamlets or small villages located along the spring line or tucked into the narrow combes and valleys.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Settlement is sparse, consisting of isolated farms, hamlets or small villages located along the spring line or tucked into the narrow combes and valleys.


FG KeyChar:
•	The Quantock Hills are a discrete landform with a prominent and rounded profile.
•	 The northern end is a high plateau of Devonian sandstone cut by deep combes while in the south the landscape is more undulating, made up of Devonian slates with limestone.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The Quantock Hills are a discrete landform with a prominent and rounded profile.
•	 The northern end is a high plateau of Devonian sandstone cut by deep combes while in the south the landscape is more undulating, made up of Devonian slates with limestone.


FG KeyChar:
•	The broad hilltops and plateau are largely treeless.  The steep valleys and lower slopes are well wooded with semi natural broadleaved woodland and forestry plantations.

Edited_KeyChars:
Broad hilltops and plateau largely treeless
Steep valleys and lower slopes covered with semi-natural ancient  broadleaved woodland  Rhododendron abundant in the valleys
Highly distinctive outgrown beech hedgebanks planted in the 19th century, now forming lines of  mature beech that define the field pattern


FG KeyChar:
•	The heather and grass moorlands are used for rough grazing with pasture on the lower slopes.  There are some localised areas of arable.

Edited_KeyChars:
Heather and grass moorlands used for rough grazing
Large enclosures of rough grazing around the moorland fringe
Improved pasture on lower slopes
Wet grasslands on valley floors
Localised areas of arable


FG KeyChar:
•	Farmsteads are built mainly of local slate and shale rubble, sometimes whitewashed.  A variety of local stone is used in the villages, along with cob and brick, with slate roofs.

Edited_KeyChars:
Farmsteads mainly of local slate and shale rubble, sometimes whitewashed
Also some cob and brick with slate roofs


FG KeyChar:
•	The plateau is deeply incised by short rivers sometimes cascading as waterfalls over the high coastal slopes and cliffs.  Steep sided valleys in the south form the headwaters of the Barle, Quarm and Exe rivers.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The plateau is deeply incised by short rivers sometimes cascading as waterfalls over the high coastal slopes and cliffs.  Steep sided valleys in the south form the headwaters of the Barle, Quarm and Exe rivers.


FG KeyChar:
•	Rectilinear patterns of 19th Century enclosure extend high up to the moorland edge, bounded by beech-topped hedgebanks which have grown out to form wind-pruned lines of beech.  Elsewhere, older field patterns are enclosed by irregular hedges and stone walls.

Edited_KeyChars:
Rectilinear 19th century enclosures below moorland edge with beech-topped hedgebanks (many out-grown)
Older, irregular hedge and stone wall enclosures elsewhere


FG KeyChar:
•	The area is of high archaeological interest, with Bronze Age remains such as hill-forts, stone circles and barrows forming prominent features.

Edited_KeyChars:
High archaeological interest, including prominent hillforts, stone circles and barrows
Former deer parks on lower slopes


FG KeyChar:
•	Heather, blanket bog, grass heath and bracken dominate the moorlands with coastal and wet heath.

Edited_KeyChars:
Heather, blanket bog, grass heath and bracken on moorlands
Traditional moorland grazing by Exmoor ponies
Also coastal and wet heath
Species-rich valley grasslands with a tradition of hay meadow management


FG KeyChar:
•	The central moorlands are largely devoid of settlement.  Villages are mainly concentrated in valley bottoms, often sited around river crossing points.  Along the coastal edge there is a greater variety and density of settlement.  
•	Minehead, Dunster, Dulverton and Lynton are the main towns which serve the area.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The central moorlands are largely devoid of settlement.  Villages are mainly concentrated in valley bottoms, often sited around river crossing points.  Along the coastal edge there is a greater variety and density of settlement.  
•	Minehead, Dunster, Dulverton and Lynton are the main towns which serve the area.


FG KeyChar:
•	Exmoor is a diverse upland landscape, rising abruptly out of the surrounding lowlands.
•	A high and spectacular steeply sloping wooded coastline forms the northern edge of the area, fringing the Bristol Channel.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Exmoor is a diverse upland landscape, rising abruptly out of the surrounding lowlands.
•	A high and spectacular steeply sloping wooded coastline forms the northern edge of the area, fringing the Bristol Channel.


FG KeyChar:
•	Woodland, mostly ancient and oak-dominated, cloaks the steep coastal combes and inland valleys.  Former deer parks and conifer plantations are features of the lower slopes.

Edited_KeyChars:
Ancient oak-dominated woodland in steep coastal combes and inland valleys
Beech windbreaks (many outgrown hedgerows) on moorland plateau fringes
Alders and willows fringe river banks defining the course of rivers
Estates with field trees (and associated parkland) on lower slopes
Orchards a traditional features adjacent to farmsteads


Edited_KeyChars:
Very high coastal slopes and cliffs
Important sand dunes at Braunton Burrows


FG KeyChar:
•	Permanent grassland characterises the floodplain with arable, pasture, market gardening and orchards in the vales and pasture and arable on more undulating land.

Edited_KeyChars:
Permanent pasture characterises the Tone floodplain
Arable, pasture, market gardening and orchards in the vales 
Pasture and  arable on more undulating land


FG KeyChar:
•	Red sandstone buildings and perpendicular church towers of Triassic sandstone are prominent features in the landscape.

Edited_KeyChars:
Red sandstone buildings and perpendicular church towers of Triassic sandstone are prominent


Edited_KeyChars:
The land ends in low cliffs, mainly in Blue Lias, with exposed rock formations on the beaches


FG KeyChar:
•	The River Tone and its tributaries drains the area to the south, whilst to the north Doniford Stream fed by tributaries arising from the Quantocks and Brendon Hill, drains into the sea at Watchet.  To the east many streams drain off the Quantock dip slopes and flow into the River Parrett.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The River Tone and its tributaries drains the area to the south, whilst to the north Doniford Stream fed by tributaries arising from the Quantocks and Brendon Hill, drains into the sea at Watchet.  To the east many streams drain off the Quantock dip slopes and flow into the River Parrett.


FG KeyChar:
•	Woodland cover is generally low, although there are many hedgerow trees.
•	Whilst some fields systems were enclosed from the Medieval period, common pastures on the edge of the Vale and on the floodplains were enclosed during the 18th and 19th Century.
•	The thick hedgerows (and hedgebanks on higher ground) are species rich usually dominated by hazel with a mix of other woody species such as dogwood, holly and blackthorn.  The hedgerows were also managed as a source of wood.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mainly small/medium sized fields in a rectilinear pattern bound by thick hedgerows


FG KeyChar:
•	The topography can be divided into four distinct areas: the floodplain, a gentle low vale, underlain by mudstones and clay, a more elevated, undulating vale underlain by sandstones and mudstones and the open windswept coast with low cliffs to the north.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The topography can be divided into four distinct areas: the floodplain, a gentle low vale, underlain by mudstones and clay, a more elevated, undulating vale underlain by sandstones and mudstones and the open windswept coast with low cliffs to the north.


FG KeyChar:
•	Whilst some fields systems were enclosed from the Medieval period, common pastures on the edge of the Vale and on the floodplains were enclosed during the 18th and 19th Century.
•	A number of Iron Age hillforts are located on higher ground.

Edited_KeyChars:
Limited medieval field systems
Iron age hillforts 
Estate woodlands associated with large houses


FG KeyChar:
•	The area is densely settled with a dispersed pattern of hamlets and farms linked by winding lanes.
•	The main settlements which include Wellington, Taunton, the western edge of Bridgwater and Minehead have a strong visual influence on landscape character.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The area is densely settled with a dispersed pattern of hamlets and farms linked by winding lanes.
•	The main settlements which include Wellington, Taunton, the western edge of Bridgwater and Minehead have a strong visual influence on landscape character.


FG KeyChar:
•	Woodland cover is generally low, although there are many hedgerow trees.
•	The area was once characterised by cider apple orchards, supporting the local cider industry.  The few old orchards that have survived are scattered thorough the landscape.  Modern bush orchards do not have the same visual impact as the older orchards.

Edited_KeyChars:
Generally low woodland cover
Many hedgerow  trees
Within Tone floodplain willow and alder found along water courses
Mixture of historic and modern orchards


Edited_KeyChars:
Blocks of low lying wet pasture and scrub
Small remnants of species-rich semi-natural grassland


FG KeyChar:
•	A complex pattern of rivers  -  the Axe, Sid, Otter and Yarty - flows southward whilst the Fivehead River flows to the north east.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	A complex pattern of rivers  -  the Axe, Sid, Otter and Yarty - flows southward whilst the Fivehead River flows to the north east.


FG KeyChar:
•	Field boundaries throughout the area are defined by either hedgerows or hedgebanks.
•	A strong rectilinear pattern of 18th Century enclosure and straight roads characterises the plateau which contrasts with the small-scale Medieval enclosures of the slopes and vale bottoms.

Edited_KeyChars:
Hedgerows or hedgebanks throughout often with associated ditches on poorly drained soils
Strong rectilinear pattern of 18th century enclosure on plateau
Small medieval enclosures on slopes and vale bottoms


FG KeyChar:
•	Whilst the Upper Greensand of the upper plateaus and ridges gives rise to poor, slightly acidic soil, the river valleys consist of fine loams and silts.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Whilst the Upper Greensand of the upper plateaus and ridges gives rise to poor, slightly acidic soil, the river valleys consist of fine loams and silts.


FG KeyChar:
•	A strong rectilinear pattern of 18th Century enclosure and straight roads characterises the plateau which contrasts with the small-scale Medieval enclosures of the slopes and vale bottoms.
•	Bronze Age barrows are found predominately between Gittisham Hill and Black Down with Iron Age Hill forts both on the coast and inland including, Castle Neroche.

Edited_KeyChars:
Bronze Age barrows and Iron Age Hillforts both on the coast and inland including Castle Neroche
Remnant areas of parkland associated with larger estates
Small water features a common feature in this often ill-drained landscape


FG KeyChar:
•	A mosaic of lowland and wet heathland, neutral/acidic and species rich grassland, wet and ancient oak ash woodland, are characteristic of the area with extensive coastal salt marshes in the Axe floodplain.

Edited_KeyChars:
Lowland and wet heathland vulnerable to loss
Remnant areas of  neutral/acidic and species-rich grassland


FG KeyChar:
•	Settlement on higher ground is sparse with farm buildings following straight enclosure roads.  Elsewhere settlements lie mainly along the spring lines at the foot of escarpments or at river crossing points.
•	The Character Area includes the towns of Honiton, Chard, Axminster and the coastal towns of Lyme Regis, Seaton and Sidmouth.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Settlement on higher ground is sparse with farm buildings following straight enclosure roads.  Elsewhere settlements lie mainly along the spring lines at the foot of escarpments or at river crossing points.
•	The Character Area includes the towns of Honiton, Chard, Axminster and the coastal towns of Lyme Regis, Seaton and Sidmouth.


FG KeyChar:
•	The dramatic open, heathy windswept scarp slopes and plateaus up to 300m AD in the north fall southwards to sheltered lush valleys and ridges.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The dramatic open, heathy windswept scarp slopes and plateaus up to 300m AD in the north fall southwards to sheltered lush valleys and ridges.


FG KeyChar:
•	A well wooded appearance dominates the area, created by wooded scarp slopes, shelterbelts and avenues, and coniferous and deciduous plantations of beech, oak and pine, willow-dominated carr woodland on valley spring lines, and hedgerow trees and copses.
•	Traditional orchards were once a key characteristic of the southern half of the Character Area and remnants still remain.

Edited_KeyChars:
Wooded scarp slopes with ancient oak-ash woodland
Shelterbelts, copses, avenues, plantations of beech, oak, pine
Willow-dominated carr on valley spring lines
Mature hedgerow trees, often beech and scattered in-field trees largely of oak
Remnant traditional orchards in southern half of area


FG KeyChar:
•	Although low intensity mixed livestock farming dominates the Character Area there has been an increase in arable farmland on lower valley sides and floors.

Edited_KeyChars:
Low intensity mixed livestock farming dominates
Increase in arable farmland on lower valley sides and floors
Much lifestyle farming


FG KeyChar:
•	There is a wealth of archaeological remains including prehistoric field systems, drovers’ tracks and ridgeways, burial mounds, earthworks, and Iron Age hillforts.

Edited_KeyChars:
Wealth of archaeological remains including prehistoric field systems, drovers’ tracks and ridgeways, burial mounds, earthworks, and Iron Age hillforts
In Tamar valley strong associations with mining industries
Small parklands scattered across the landscape


FG KeyChar:
•	At its northern edge, the area merges with the mainly pastoral Dartmoor fringe, where patches of heathland are present.
•	Wider valleys, such as the Dart, have floodplain pasture, marsh, willow and alder.
•	There are large expanses of tidal water, saltmarsh and mudflats extending far inland, spectacular sandstone, slate and limestone cliffs, and long sandy beaches.

Edited_KeyChars:
Patches of moorland/heathland along the Dartmoor fringe in the north
clifftop coastal heathland in the south
Floodplain pasture and marsh / fen in wider valleys, such as the Dart
Remnant pockets of semi-natural grasslands


FG KeyChar:
•	Isolated out barns in open fields are characteristic of the area.
•	Villages are sited in sheltered valley locations; towns at ria heads or mouths.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Isolated out barns in open fields are characteristic of the area.
•	Villages are sited in sheltered valley locations; towns at ria heads or mouths.


FG KeyChar:
•	Landform is a much-dissected plateau where steep valleys separate intricate but smooth rounded hills.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Landform is a much-dissected plateau where steep valleys separate intricate but smooth rounded hills.


FG KeyChar:
•	The steep slopes of the upper valleys and rias are heavily wooded, principally with oak, woodland often extending right down to the water’s edge.
•	Clumps of Monterey pine are distinctive in coastal areas such as Torbay.

Edited_KeyChars:
Steep slopes of upper valleys and rias heavily wooded mainly with oak - woodland down to the water's edge
Distinctive coastal clumps of Monterey pine and holm oak eg near Torbay
Field trees associated with areas of estate planting
Floodplain willow and alder
Orchards a distinct feature of the Tamar valley and around individual farmsteads


FG KeyChar:
•	Land use is mixed – mainly pasture and arable but with important localised areas of horticulture.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mixed land use – mainly pasture (largely improved) and arable
Important localised areas of horticulture
Areas of wet pasture in valleys and rough grassland and improved rough grazing  on higher ground


FG KeyChar:
•	Traditional buildings are of slate and granite, often whitewashed and with slate roofs.

Edited_KeyChars:
Traditional buildings of slate and granite


FG KeyChar:
•	This is surrounded by a rugged coastline - exposed and windwept to the north with steep cliffs providing a backdrop to huge sweeping sandy beaches exposed at low water and often backed by dramatic sand dune systems.  
•	By contrast, the south coast is more sheltered with numerous small sandy coves huddled between cliff promontories and more major headlands.
•	The traditional settlement pattern is of scattered farmsteads and hamlets.  Modern buildings are often out of keeping with the local vernacular.  Coastal settlements such as Newquay are expanding as tourist centres, often extending onto the higher ground around the sheltered coves, increasing their adverse visual impact.

Edited_KeyChars:
Steep, rugged cliffs providing backdrop to huge sweeping sandy beaches and sand dune systems
More sheltered south coast with small sandy coves between cliff promontories and more major headlands
Small areas of salt marsh associated with the estuaries


FG KeyChar:
•	On the north coast short, deeply-etched valleys cut through to the sea, often with streams spilling over the cliffs as waterfalls.  
•	Conversely, along the south coast, the slow geological sinking of the coastline has resulted in a landscape of drowned valleys (rias) with wide estuaries and ‘inland seas’ set within wood-clad valley sides and a concentration of designed parklands.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	On the north coast short, deeply-etched valleys cut through to the sea, often with streams spilling over the cliffs as waterfalls.  
•	Conversely, along the south coast, the slow geological sinking of the coastline has resulted in a landscape of drowned valleys (rias) with wide estuaries and ‘inland seas’ set within wood-clad valley sides and a concentration of designed parklands.


FG KeyChar:
•	Within the landscape are varying field patterns, both ancient and as a result of 17th and 18th Century enclosure, largely bounded by Cornish hedges  or hedgerows.

Edited_KeyChars:
Small-scale Medieval field enclosures in valleys and inland away from the main plateau areas
Large rectilinear fields on  plateau tops and along the coast 
Fields largely bounded by Cornish hedges often largely devoid of shrub cover on the coast and in windswept plateau areas
Broad overgrown hedges on valley sides


FG KeyChar:
•	A gently undulating slate plateau forms the ‘backbone’ of the area, dipping gently to the south with its highest point close to the north coast.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	A gently undulating slate plateau forms the ‘backbone’ of the area, dipping gently to the south with its highest point close to the north coast.


FG KeyChar:
•	Within the landscape are varying field patterns, both ancient and as a result of 17th and 18th Century enclosure, largely bounded by Cornish hedges  or hedgerows.
•	The area has important archaeological and industrial-archaeological sites, including the well-preserved remains of prehistoric castles, and relics of the china clay, tin and copper industries.

Edited_KeyChars:
Historic field patterns
Important  industrial archaeology, including relics of china clay, tin and copper industries (part of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site)
Numerous prehistoric and Medieval earthworks form subtle features in the landscape  
Important parks and gardens, especially around southern rias


FG KeyChar:
•	Open grasses and heath line the coastline in fragmented sections.  There are also areas of heath and scrub on the open plateau, with hedgebanks often taking on a heathy character which significantly extends the visual influence of this vegetation type.

Edited_KeyChars:
Open grasses and coastal heath with significant areas of wind-pruned scrub in fragmented sections
Areas of heath and scrub on open plateau
Extensive areas of grassy marshes, wet heath and willow woodland in shallow valleys
important wetland habitats (primarily reed beds) where  upper reaches of estuaries have silted


FG KeyChar:
•	The traditional settlement pattern is of scattered farmsteads and hamlets.  Modern buildings are often out of keeping with the local vernacular.  Coastal settlements such as Newquay are expanding as tourist centres, often extending onto the higher ground around the sheltered coves, increasing their adverse visual impact.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The traditional settlement pattern is of scattered farmsteads and hamlets.  Modern buildings are often out of keeping with the local vernacular.  Coastal settlements such as Newquay are expanding as tourist centres, often extending onto the higher ground around the sheltered coves, increasing their adverse visual impact.


FG KeyChar:
•	There are numerous broadleaved wooded valleys throughout the area, varying greatly in size.  There is limited tree cover on the exposed plateau and cliff tops.

Edited_KeyChars:
Numerous (often ancient) broadleaved woodlands in valleys, especially fringing estuaries 
Limited tree cover on exposed plateau and cliff tops
Hedgerow trees scattered throughout the agricultural landscape in some parts of this NCA, as in the Fowey Ria
Traditional orchards clustered around farmsteads


FG KeyChar:
•	Common grazing of the moor by sheep, cattle and ponies is widespread, while some areas suffer from overgrazing, others are undergrazed.
•	Pasture dominates the enclosed land, some of which has been improved and contrasts with surrounding areas.  Beef and cattle have substituted for dairy farming.

Edited_KeyChars:
Common grazing of moor and rough grasslands by sheep, cattle and ponies
Enclosed land mainly pasture and rush pasture, some improved (beef and dairy farming)


FG KeyChar:
•	Many older buildings are constructed in granite, with granite roofs and some slate hangings.  Other important features include clapper bridges, crosses, standing stones and stone stiles.

Edited_KeyChars:
Older buildings in granite, with granite roofs and some slate hangings
Clapper bridges, crosses, standing stones and stone stiles distinctive characteristics


FG KeyChar:
•	The head waters of streams and rivers are characterised by shallow valleys but from the edge of the granite they form deep valleys with cascades and gorges.  
•	The area has a number of man-made reservoirs.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The head waters of streams and rivers are characterised by shallow valleys but from the edge of the granite they form deep valleys with cascades and gorges.  
•	The area has a number of man-made reservoirs.


FG KeyChar:
•	There is an even proportion of open and ringfenced moorland created by farming hamlets in the medieval period and by small farms in the 18th and 19th Century.
•	There is a striking difference between the irregular shaped ancient enclosures and the regular pattern of parliamentary enclosures.

Edited_KeyChars:
Open and ringfenced moorland associated with medieval farming hamlets and small 18th and 19th century farms
Contrasting small irregular ancient enclosures on the moorland fringe and regular parliamentary enclosures
Marked by Cornish hedges often topped with little more than gorse


FG KeyChar:
•	Soils on the Moor are acidic, predominately gravely and peaty whilst those on the fringes are well drained acid brown earths capable of cultivation.
•	Slates, shales and ores created from the formation of the granite intrusion have resulted in extensive mineral workings, including tin mining, china clay extraction and granite quarries.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Soils on the Moor are acidic, predominately gravely and peaty whilst those on the fringes are well drained acid brown earths capable of cultivation.
•	Slates, shales and ores created from the formation of the granite intrusion have resulted in extensive mineral workings, including tin mining, china clay extraction and granite quarries.


FG KeyChar:
•	There is an even proportion of open and ringfenced moorland created by farming hamlets in the medieval period and by small farms in the 18th and 19th Century.
•	The Moor has a high concentration of important historic features including the remains of abandoned Neolithic, Bronze Age and Medieval enclosures, settlements and relics of a ritual landscape.

Edited_KeyChars:
High concentration of important historic features including the remains of abandoned Neolithic, Bronze Age and Medieval enclosures, settlements and relics of a ritual landscape


FG KeyChar:
•	Distinctive habitats include wet heaths, dry grassland, valley bogs, crags, extensive areas of semi natural grassland and gorse scrub, as well as woodland and rivers.

Edited_KeyChars:
Extensive areas of acidic grassland and gorse scrub on the open moor with some areas  suffering from overgrazing, others undergrazed
Valley bottoms with a mosaic of wet heath, valley mire, acid grassland and willow carr
Localised traditional hay meadows


FG KeyChar:
•	Settlements on the sparsely populated open moorland are linked by open, unenclosed tracks, whilst villages, hamlets and farmsteads of recent, industrial origin tend to lie on the moorland fringes and valleys linked by winding, sunken lanes.  Farming patterns, overlaid by miners’ small holdings account for the dispersed and complex pattern of settlement and piecemeal enclosure.
•	Other prominent features are the disused aerodrome at Davdistow and a windfarm at Cold Northcott near St Clether.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Settlements on the sparsely populated open moorland are linked by open, unenclosed tracks, whilst villages, hamlets and farmsteads of recent, industrial origin tend to lie on the moorland fringes and valleys linked by winding, sunken lanes.  Farming patterns, overlaid by miners’ small holdings account for the dispersed and complex pattern of settlement and piecemeal enclosure.
•	Other prominent features are the disused aerodrome at Davdistow and a windfarm at Cold Northcott near St Clether.


FG KeyChar:
•	Bodmin Moor is an irregular granite plateau with poor surface drainage, cut by rivers and surrounded by a softer more settled landscape.  Rising from the plateau are high rocky tors and clitter slopes such as Brown Willy at 420 AD.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Bodmin Moor is an irregular granite plateau with poor surface drainage, cut by rivers and surrounded by a softer more settled landscape.  Rising from the plateau are high rocky tors and clitter slopes such as Brown Willy at 420 AD.


FG KeyChar:
•	While the exposed uplands are treeless, the valleys and moorland edge offers shelter to deciduous woodlands, some of ancient origin.  There are also small copses and shelterbelts around farmsteads.
•	There are large coniferous plantations on higher land.

Edited_KeyChars:
Treeless exposed uplands
Deciduous woodlands, some of ancient origin, around moorland edge and in valleys including some ancient oak coppice on valley sides
18th and 19th Century deciduous plantations in the north east
Small copses and shelterbelts around farmsteads


FG KeyChar:
•	Small enclosures within the moorlands and around their edges contain pasture or rough grassland while pasture dominates within the valleys. Arable cultivation and market gardening is confined to a few sheltered spots.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mostly pastoral farming 
Some arable and market gardening


FG KeyChar:
•	Older buildings are almost universally built of granite with slate roofs and some have slate hanging.  On the more sheltered sites and better land, modern farm buildings tend to dominate.

Edited_KeyChars:
Older buildings are almost universally built of granite with slate roofs and some have slate hanging.


FG KeyChar:
•	Along its southern boundary is a rugged coastline with sandy beaches.

Edited_KeyChars:
Rugged coastline with beaches and coastal heath (covered under semi-natural habitats)


Note: the map for the NCA does not include a coastline


FG KeyChar:
•	Water contributes significantly to the character of the area, with the white china clay wastelands enhanced by the turquoise or green waters of flooded clay pits.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Water contributes significantly to the character of the area, with the white china clay wastelands enhanced by the turquoise or green waters of flooded clay pits.


FG KeyChar:
•	Off the high ground, irregular fields, enclosed by Cornish hedges , stone walls and hedgerows, lie in complex patterns while, in places, old field systems have been enlarged, and are more regular in shape.
•	The hedgebanks are largely treeless but on lower more sheltered ground trees become more common, while sheltered valleys contain a wide variety of scrub and woodland.

Edited_KeyChars:
Irregular fields enclosed by Cornish hedges or stone walls
Enlarged fields in some places with boundary removal


FG KeyChar:
•	Pylons, electricity lines and a variety of industrial works feature strongly in the landscape.

Edited_KeyChars:
Remnant medieval strip field systems and hill forts
Mature woodland and trees as part of parkland


FG KeyChar:
•	The central uplands mainly consists of a mixture of dry and wet heath.

Edited_KeyChars:
Semi-natural habitats are dry and wet heath and gorse scrub 
Small areas of species-rich grassland and fen


FG KeyChar:
•	The traditionally dispersed settlement pattern has been augmented by roadside development and the enlargement of hamlets and small villages.  The Eden Project, a major tourist attraction, is located on the southern fringes of the Character Area.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The traditionally dispersed settlement pattern has been augmented by roadside development and the enlargement of hamlets and small villages.  The Eden Project, a major tourist attraction, is located on the southern fringes of the Character Area.


FG KeyChar:
•	This is a unique landscape of china clay extraction, where a lunar landscape of flat-topped and older conical waste heaps and flooded pits dominate, surrounded by remnants of once extensive and exposed, windswept, heather moorland.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	This is a unique landscape of china clay extraction, where a lunar landscape of flat-topped and older conical waste heaps and flooded pits dominate, surrounded by remnants of once extensive and exposed, windswept, heather moorland.


FG KeyChar:
•	Trees have also been planted as clumps and shelterbelts around farmsteads.
•	The hedgebanks are largely treeless but on lower more sheltered ground trees become more common, while sheltered valleys contain a wide variety of scrub and woodland.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mixed woodland found on valley sides
Willow carr woodland in wetter areas (valley bottoms)
Cornish hedges largely treeless
Mature woodland as part of parkland


FG KeyChar:
•	Small enclosures within the moorlands and around their edges contain poor quality pasture or rough grassland supporting dairy farming.  There is some horticultural land on the gentler more fertile lower slopes.

Edited_KeyChars:
Moorland pasture and rough grassland
Horticultural land on lower slopes


FG KeyChar:
•	Older buildings are constructed of local granite with slate roofs and some slate hangwalls.  In the more fertile areas, modern farm buildings dominate.

Edited_KeyChars:
Older buildings constructed of local granite with slate roofs and some slate hangwalls
Modern buildings in fertile areas


FG KeyChar:
•	The northern half of the island is open heath, intersected by only three stone walls which run across the whole width of the plateau.  The southern half of the island consists of small fields enclosed by stone walls or wire fencing.

Edited_KeyChars:
Open in north with few stone walls as boundaries
In south small fields enclosed by stone walls or wire fences


FG KeyChar:
•	A small, isolated island with distinctive flat-topped granite landform, steeply sloping sides and vertical cliffs.  The south-eastern peninsular is comprised of Devonian slates.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	A small, isolated island with distinctive flat-topped granite landform, steeply sloping sides and vertical cliffs.  The south-eastern peninsular is comprised of Devonian slates.


FG KeyChar:
•	Lundy has a rich archaeological heritage with remains of settlements dating back to c1500BC still visible above ground at the northern end of the island.  Other examples include burial cairns and standing stones, early Christian memorial stones, Celtic field systems, and Second World War anti-aircraft trenches.  The remains of the 13th Century Marisco Castle are a prominent landmark.

Edited_KeyChars:
Rich archaeological heritage with remains of settlements from 1500BC
Other remains from prehistory to WW2
Remains of the 13th Century Marisco Castle are a prominent landmark


FG KeyChar:
•	Patchy scrub and maritime grassland cover the cliffs and adjacent steep slopes on the more sheltered eastern coast.  The windward west coast is more rugged, steep and largely bare of vegetation.  The central plateau is dominated by dry heathland vegetation, with some areas of dry heath/acid grassland mosaic, and patches of bracken.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mainly dry heathland with areas of acid grassland and patches of bracken
Patchy scrub and maritime grassland on the coast


FG KeyChar:
•	There is only one settlement, in the south of the island.  It comprises a small group of farm buildings, cottages, a shop and an inn, together with a church, hotel and the remains of older buildings.  It is also the location of the landing stage for visitors.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	There is only one settlement, in the south of the island.  It comprises a small group of farm buildings, cottages, a shop and an inn, together with a church, hotel and the remains of older buildings.  It is also the location of the landing stage for visitors.


FG KeyChar:
•	A small, isolated island with distinctive flat-topped granite landform, steeply sloping sides and vertical cliffs.  The south-eastern peninsular is comprised of Devonian slates.
•	It forms a prominent landmark when viewed from the mainland.  Views from the open plateau over the sea are extensive, giving a strong sense of isolation.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	A small, isolated island with distinctive flat-topped granite landform, steeply sloping sides and vertical cliffs.  The south-eastern peninsular is comprised of Devonian slates.
•	It forms a prominent landmark when viewed from the mainland.  Views from the open plateau over the sea are extensive, giving a strong sense of isolation.


FG KeyChar:
•	There is little tree cover, owing to its exposed nature.


Edited_KeyChars:
The few buildings are of locally quarried granite with slate roofs


Edited_KeyChars:
Scrub and maritime grassland on cliffs and steep slopes in the east
More rugged and steep and mostly bare of vegetation in the west


# xx_Tbl_Overview_Assessment_before_spellcheck

Benefiting:
woodland management and protection; management of hedgerows; retention of a mixed, pastoral character; wet grasslands; retention and restoration of historic farm buildings; archaeology on arable and grass; removal of archaeological features from cultivation; management of lowland species-rich grasslands and hay meadows; and conservation and management of salt marsh and sand dunes.

Limiting:
woodland and hedgerow creation and regeneration (identified as objectives for this landscape); management of stone walls (a distinctive landscape feature); reinforcement of field patterns in arable areas; retention and management of rough pasture; and management/restoration of lowland heathland (no uptake).

Comments:
ES is having a strongly positive effect overall.  This NCA includes most of the Northumberland Coast AONB.  ELS as the main driver in relation to hedgerows, pastoral character, and archaeology on grassland, while HLS is more influential in relation to wet grassland, removal of archaeology from cultivation, and semi-natural and coastal habitats.  Both ELS and HLS contribute positively in relation to woodland and historic buildings.  Improved uptake of options relating to woodland creation and management of stone walls would be of particular landscape benefit


Benefiting:
woodland management, protection and regeneration; management and restoration of stone walls; retention of mixed/pastoral character, rough pasture and historic farm buildings; archaeology on arable, grass and moorland; maintenance and restoration of lowland raised bog and moorland; and traditional cattle grazing.

Limiting:
management and restoration of stone walls (a key boundary element); mixed stocking; restoration of historic farm buildings; removal of archaeological features from cultivation; and retention and management of historic parkland.

Comments:
ES is having a strongly positive impact on this landscape, which lies partly within Northumberland National Park.  ELS is the main influence on field boundaries, agricultural grasslands, historic buildings and archaeology on grass, while HLS primarily affects archaeology on arable.  Both ELS and HLS contribute to management of semi-natural woodlands and moorland.  There would be further significant landscape benefits if the uptake of ES options for stone walls  and parkland could be improved.


Benefiting:
semi-natural woodlands; management of hedgerows, ditches and agricultural grasslands; retention and restoration of historic farm buildings; archaeology on arable and grass; removal of archaeological features from cultivation; and moorland management and traditional grazing.

Limiting:
protection and renewal of in-field and hedgerow trees; creation of new hedgerow lengths; management and restoration of stone walls; reinforcement of arable field patterns; mixed stocking; diversity of winter arable landscape; and retention and management of parkland.

Comments:
ES is having a strongly positive impact overall on this landscape on the edge of Northumberland National Park.  ELS is the main driver in relation to field boundaries, low input grassland, archaeology on grass, and moorland cattle grazing; while HLS is more influential in relation to wet and rough grasslands, maintenance of historic farm buildings, archaeology on arable, and upland heath.  Improved uptake of options for in-field and hedgerow trees, stone walls, arable land and parkland would yield landscape benefits.


Benefiting:
woodland management and protection; hedgerow management and restoration; low input and rough grassland; retention and restoration of historic farm buildings; archaeology on grass and moorland; and maintenance and restoration of moorland and traditional cattle grazing on moorland.

Limiting:
management and restoration of stone walls; management of upland species-rich grassland and hay meadows; and rewetting of blanket bog.

Comments:
ES is making a strongly positive contribution to this landscape, which lies mainly within Northumberland National Park.  ELS is the main driver in relation to woodland protection, low input grassland, archaeology on grassland and moorland, and moorland cattle grazing; while HLS is most influential in terms of moorland restoration.  The contribution of ES to landscape objectives is not as great as might be expected, with uptake of measures relating to characteristic stone walls and blanket bog in particular offering scope for improvement.


Benefiting:
woodland management; low input, wet and rough grassland; retention of historic farm buildings; archaeology on grassland and moorland; management of hay meadows; maintenance and restoration of moorland; and traditional cattle grazing on moorland.

Limiting:
woodland and tree protection and regeneration; management and restoration of field boundaries including characteristic stone walls; restoration of historic farm buildings; and re-wetting of blanket bog.

Comments:
ES is having a positive impact on this NCA, which lies partly within Northumberland National Park.  ELS is the main driver in relation to low input and wet grasslands, historic farm building maintenance, archaeology, and cattle grazing on moorland, while HLS has more influence on woodland management, rough grasslands and hay meadows.  Both ELS and HLS contribute to maintenance and restoration of moorland.  Greater uptake of measures for tree and woodland protection, stone walls, and re-wetting of blanket bog would be beneficial.


Benefiting:
woodland and tree protection and management; management and restoration of hedgerows and banks; retention of historic carm buildings; archaeology on arable and grass; management and retention of water features and ponds; and management of fen, marsh and swamp, salt marsh and sand dunes.

Limiting:
management of bankside trees; hedgerow creation; management of characteristic ditches, dykes and stone walls; management of agricultural grasslands for landscape objectives; historic buildings restoration; removal of archaeological features from cultivation; and management of lowland heath.  There may be a negative landscape impact from fencing of watercourses in this NCA.

Comments:
ES is having a positive effect overall on the landscape of this NCA, which includes the Solway Coast AONB.  ELS is most influential in relation to woodland protection, in-field trees, hedges and banks, maintenance of traditional farm buildings, and archaeology on grass; while HLS contributes most to woodland management and restoration, and management of water features, lowland raised bog and coastal habitats.  Overall ES is not significantly benefiting field boundaries or agricultural land use, with potential for improved uptake in these areas.


Benefiting:
woodland management; management and restoration of field boundaries generally; low input grassland; retention of historic farm buildings; archaeology on grass; management and restoration of species-rich grassland, lowland heath and fen, reed and bog; and conservation and management of salt marsh and sand dunes.

Limiting:
hedgerow creation; protection of woodland and in-field/ hedgerow trees; retention and management of wet and rough pastures; restoration of historic farm buildings; and retention and management of parkland.

Comments:
ES is having a strongly positive effect on the landscape overall.  ELS is contributing in relation to field boundaries, low input grassland and historic building restoration.  However, HLS is generally more influential and is an important driver of change in terms of woodland management, archaeology on grass, water features, semi-natural habitats and coastal features.  Improved uptake of options for protection of woodland and hedgerow trees; wet and rough grasslands; and parklands could yield further benefits.


Benefiting:
woodland management and regeneration; protection of in-field trees; hedgerow, ditch and bank management and restoration; retention of low input and rough grassland; historic farm buildings retention and restoration; archaeology on grassland and moorland; management of parkland/ wood pasture;  and management of species-rich grassland, hay meadows and moorland.

Limiting:
woodland protection; protection and renewal of hedgerow trees; management and restoration of stone walls; archaeology on arable land; and rewetting of blanket bog.  In addition, the relatively high uptake of deer fencing potentially has a negative landscape effect.

Comments:
ES is having a strongly positive effect on this landscape which lies at the heart of the Lake District National Park.  ELS is influential in respect of in-field trees, hedgerows, ditches and banks, low input grassland, historic farm building maintenance, archaeology on grassland, and moorland grazing, while HLS is the main driver in terms of woodland management and restoration, rough grazing, parkland/wood pasture, most semi-natural habitats and moorland restoration.  There is scope for improved uptake of options for hedgerow trees, stone walls, and rewetting of blanket bog in particular.


Benefiting:
woodland management, protection and regeneration; protection of in-field trees; management of hedgerows, ditches and stone walls; low- input grassland; retention of historic farm buildings; archaeology on arable and grass; and management of species-rich grassland and heathland.

Limiting:
management of bankside trees; renewal of mature hedgerow trees; creation of new hedgerow lengths; retention of rough grassland; and restoration of historic farm buildings.

Comments:
ES is making a strongly positive contribution to this landscape, which falls partly within the North Pennines AONB.  ELS is the main influence on woodland protection, in-field trees, hedges, ditches and stone walls, low input grass, historic farm building retention, and archaeology on grass.  HLS is the key driver for woodland management and succession and for management of parkland, species-rich grassland and lowland heath.  There could be further benefits from improved uptake of measures for renewal of hedges and hedgerow trees, retention of rough grassland, and farm building restoration.


Benefiting:
Woodland management, protection and regeneration; protection of in-field trees; management and restoration of field boundaries; retention of low input, wet and rough grassland; retention and restoration of historic farm buildings; archaeology on grassland and moorland; management of parkland and a range of semi-natural habitats; and cattle grazing on moorland.  There is good uptake against almost every objective.

Comments:
ES is having a strongly positive impact on this landscape, which lies mainly within the North Pennines AONB.  Targeting appears to be extremely effective.  ELS is contributing most relation to woodland protection, in-field trees, field boundaries, low input and wet grassland, historic buildings maintenance, archaeology on grassland, and cattle grazing on moorland, while HLS has greater influence on woodland management and regeneration, rough grassland, historic buildings restoration, parkland and semi-natural habitats.  Possible areas for improvement are protection and renewal of hedgerow trees and rewetting of blanket bog.


Benefiting:
woodland protection; management of hedgerows, ditches and stone walls; retention and management of low input, rough and wet grasslands; maintenance of historic farm buildings; archaeology on grass;  and cattle grazing on moorland commons.

Limiting:
woodland management; protection of in-field and hedgerow trees; creation of new hedgerow lengths; historic farm building restoration; archaeology on arable; and management of parklands, species-rich grasslands, hay meadows and moorland.

Comments:
ES is having a positive effect on this NCA, which lies partly within Northumberland National Park.  Field boundaries and agricultural grasslands in particular are benefiting but benefits to other landscape elements are more limited.  ELS is the main driver in relation to woodland protection, hedgerows, ditches, stone walls, historic farm buildings, archaeology on grass and cattle grazing on moorland; while HLS principally contributes in terms of rough grassland retention and management.  Increased uptake of measures for woodland management, in-field and hedgerow trees, archaeology on arable, and management of parklands would be of particular benefit in this landscape.


Benefiting:
hedgerow and ditch management; retention of mixed/pastoral character; archaeology on grassland; removal of archaeological features from cultivation; restoration of lowland heathland; and cattle grazing on moorland.

Limiting:
most other landscape elements, including woodland and trees, stone walls, overwintering stubbles, mixed stocking, historic buildings, archaeology on arable, parkland, and water features.

Comments:
ES is making a positive contribution to the landscape, albeit at a relatively low level.  ELS is the main driver of change, influencing hedgerow and ditch management, low input grassland, archaeology on grassland and moorland grazing in particular.  HLS is making a modest contribution to retention of parkland and lowland heath in the landscape.  Priorities for increased uptake are woodland management and protection, in-field and hedgerow trees, stone walls, and - perhaps especially - parkland.


Benefiting:
management of hedgerows; archaeology on grass removal of archaeology from cultivation; and management of small areas of wet grassland, species-rich grassland, wetland habitat and sand dunes.

Limiting:
woodland management and retention and management of low input grassland.  Most other relevant landscape objectives have little or no uptake.

Comments:
ES is having a modest positive impact on this urban fringe landscape, which has also been heavily affected by coal mining.  ELS is contributing to management of hedgerows and archaeology on grass, while HLS has influenced management of woodlands and wet grasslands, removal of archaeology from cultivation, and management of small areas of remnant semi-natural habitat and sand dunes.  However uptake levels are generally low.  Improved uptake of options for creation, renewal or restoration of landscape features such as semi-natural woodlands, hedgerow trees, hedgerows, parkland and water features would be of particular benefit in this relatively degraded landscape.


Benefiting:
hedgerow management and restoration; archaeology on grass; and restoration of remnant grassland and lowland heath.

Comments:
ES is having a neutral effect on this urban/urban fringe landscape, which has also been affected by coal mining.  ELS is contributing to management of hedgerows, low input grassland and archaeology on grass, while HLS has influenced management of woodlands, species-rich grasslands and lowland heath, albeit at a low level.  Uptake levels are generally low, presumably reflecting the urban context at least in part.  Improved uptake of options for hedgerow trees, stone walls, archaeology on arable and parkland would be of most benefit.


Benefiting:
some limited semi-natural woodland regeneration; management and restoration of hedgerows; and retention and management of archaeology on arable and grass.

Limiting:
most other relevant ES options, although there is some limited uptake of measures for low input and rough grassland,  species-rich grassland and field ponds.  There is little or no uptake at all of several key options, including management of woodland and stone walls, creation of new hedgerow lengths, and management of parkland.

Comments:
ES is having a neutral impact on the landscape of this NCA which includes urban and urban fringe land.  ELS is having some effect in terms of hedgerow management, low input grassland, and archaeology on grass; and HLS in terms of woodland regeneration, rough grassland, archaeology on arable, and species-rich grassland, but uptake generally is low.  Improved uptake and better targeting, especially in relation to  woodlands, stone walls, new hedgerows and parkland, would be beneficial.


Benefiting:
management and restoration of hedgerows, ditches and stone walls; low input grassland; retention of historic farm buildings; archaeology on grass; and moorland cattle grazing.

Limiting:
woodland management and protection; hedgerow trees; removal of archaeological features from cultivation; management of water features; and management of upland hay meadows and lowland heathland.  There is no uptake at all for parkland.

Comments:
ES is having a positive effect on this landscape, which includes a small part of the North Pennines AONB.  ELS is the key influence, contributing to management of hedgerows, ditches and stone walls, low input grassland, historic farm buildings, archaeology on grass and moorland cattle grazing.  HLS is having a much more limited impact, mainly affecting semi-natural habitats.  Improved uptake, especially of options for woodland, hedgerow trees and parkland, would be beneficial.


Benefiting:
most of the relevant ES objectives, including woodland management, protection, creation and regeneration; management of in-field trees, hedgerows; stone walls, low input, wet and rough grassland; historic farm buildings maintenance; archaeology on grass; management of species-rich grasslands, hay meadows and moorland; and cattle grazing on moorland.

Limiting:
historic farm building restoration; archaeology on moorland; and retention and management of parkland.

Comments:
ES is having a strongly positive effect on the landscape in this NCA, which is proposed for inclusion in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, although surprisingly, the uptake of options for the area's exceptional built and historic landscape features is less strong than for other landscape themes (possibly due to the effect of other schemes outside ES).  ELS is the key driver in relation to protection of woodland and in-field trees; management of stone walls; low input and wet grasslands; historic farm buildings maintenance; management of moorland; and cattle grazing on moorland.  HLS is the main influence on woodland management and creation; rough grassland; and species-rich grassland and hay meadows.  Greater uptake of options for historic farm building restoration and parkland would be beneficial.


Benefiting:
management of woodlands, stone walls, low input grassland, rough pasture, historic buildings, and archaeology on grass; management and/or restoration of small areas of wood pasture, species-rich grassland and upland hay meadows; and maintenance and restoration of moorland.

Limiting:
woodland protection and creation; in-field/hedgerow tree protection; maintenance of historic farm buildings and cattle grazing on moorland.  ES is having no impact on restoration of historic farm buildings; archaeology on moorland; and blanket bog rewetting, which are relevant objectives for this NCA.

Comments:
ES is having a positive effect overall on this relatively small NCA which is proposed for inclusion in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.  ELS is contributing to retention and management of stone walls, low input grassland, historic farm buildings maintenance, archaeology on grass, and moorland management; while HLS influences woodland management, rough pasture, wood pasture, species-rich grassland and upland hay meadows, and moorland restoration.  Greater uptake of measures for woodland protection, cattle grazing on moorland, and blanket bog rewetting, would be particularly helpful to the landscape.


Benefiting:
semi-natural woodland regeneration; protection of in-field trees; extension of traditional orchards; management and restoration of hedgerows and the highly characteristic stone walls;  retention and management of pastures including rough pasture; and retention of historic farm buildings, archaeology on grassland, parkland' wetland habitats, traditional cattle grazing, and salt marsh.

Limiting:
woodland management and protection; creation of new or replacement hedgerows;  restoration of historic farm buildings;  and management of species-rich grassland, hay meadow and moorland.

Comments:
Total area of ES uptake of benefit to landscape =  20980ha   61%ELS  24%UELS   15%HLS 
ES is having a positive impact overall with ELS as the main driver in relation to in-field trees, hedgerows, stone walls, pastures, historic buildings, archaeology on grassland, and moorland.  HLS is influential in relation to parkland and wood pasture, rough pasture, species-rich grassland and wetlands.  The limited impact of ES overall on woodlands would benefit from increased uptake.


Benefiting:
scrub regeneration; management or restoration of traditional orchards, hedgerows, ditches and dykes and the highly characteristic limestone walls; conservation management of rough pasture; retention of historic farm buildings and archaeology on grass; and management of parkland and wood pasture, species-rich grassland, wetlands and salt marsh.

Limiting:
broadleaved woodland management and protection; and retention of pastures and traditional mixed grazing.

Comments:
Total area of ES uptake of benefit to landscape =  8960ha   60%ELS  40% HLS 
ELS is the main driver in relation to hedgerows, ditches, walls,  mixed stocking, historic farm buildings, and archaeology on grass.  HLS is more influential in relation to scrub, orchards, rough pasture, parkland and species-rich grassland, wetland, and coastal salt marsh habitats.  Increased uptake of measures for ditches would be helpful.


Benefiting:
woodland management and regeneration; protection of in-field trees; management of stone walls and hedgerows; low input, wet and rough grasslands; mixed stocking; retention and restoration of historic buildings; archaeology on grass; management of parkland, upland species-rich grassland, hay meadows and moorland; and cattle grazing on moorland.

Limiting:
woodland protection; removal of archaeological features from cultivation; and rewetting of blanket bog.

Comments:
ES is having a strongly positive effect across all themes in this National Park landscape.  ELS is making the strongest contribution in respect of in-field trees, stone walls and hedgerows; low input and wet grassland; mixed stocking; historic buildings maintenance; archaeology on grassland and moorland; and cattle grazing on moorland.  HLS is the main driver for woodland management and regeneration; and management of parkland and species-rich grassland.  Both ELS and HLS contribute significantly to management of rough grazing, hay meadows and moorland.  Potential improvements might include increased uptake of measure for woodland protection, removal of archaeological features from cultivation, and rewetting of blanket bog.


Benefiting:
protection of in-field  trees; management of hedgerows, ditches, stone walls and wet grassland; historic farm building retention; archaeology on grass; management of ponds; species-rich grassland and hay meadows; management of moorland; and cattle grazing on moorland.

Limiting:
woodland management and protection; winter arable landscape; low input and rough grassland; historic farm building restoration; removal of archaeology from cultivation; management of parkland; and management of fen, marsh and swamp.  The uptake of options for woodland and parkland management is especially low.

Comments:
ES is having a positive effect overall on this landscape, which lies partly within the Nidderdale AONB.  ELS is the principal influence on in-field trees, hedgerows, ditches, stone walls, historic farm buildings, archaeology on grassland, and cattle grazing on moorland; while HLS mainly affects wet grassland, water features and semi-natural habitats.  Improved uptake of options for agricultural grasslands and for woodland and parkland management would be beneficial.


Benefiting:
retention and management of traditional orchards, hedgerows, ditches, wet grasslands and historic farm buildings; and archaeology on arable and grass.

Limiting:
most other relevant objectives for this landscape.  There are some low level benefits in terms of management of in-field trees, ditches and stone walls; reinforcement of field patterns in arable areas; low input grassland; removal of archaeological features from cultivation; and management of parkland, fen and reedbed; but there is no uptake at all of coastal options.

Comments:
ES is having a neutral impact overall on this landscape which includes extensive urban and urban fringe land, although there are some localised positive effects.  ELS is contributing in terms of management of hedges, ditches and historic farm buildings and archaeology on grass; while HLS has supported management of orchards, wet grassland and archaeology on grassland.  However there is considerable scope for improved uptake and targeting of many options, notably those for woodlands, in-field trees, ditches, stone walls, overwintering stubbles, parklands and coastal features.


Benefiting:
hedgerow and ditch management; retention of historic farm buildings; and archaeology on grass.

Limiting:
management of stone walls; low input and wet grassland; the arable landscape; archaeology on arable; removal of archaeological features from cultivation; management of parkland; and fen habitats.

Comments:
ES is having a neutral impact on this landscape.  ELS benefiting management and retention of hedgerows, ditches, historic farm buildings and archaeology on grass, and also having some limited effect on protect on of woodland, in-field trees and low input grassland.  HLS is having little influence apart from some low-level benefit to wet grassland and fen habitats.  Greater uptake of relevant ES options across the board would be helpful, with woodland management, hedgerow tree, arable and parkland options offering the greatest potential landscape benefits.


Benefiting:
woodland management and regeneration; protection of in-field trees; management of hedgerows, ditches and stone walls; low input grassland; historic farm building maintenance and restoration; archaeology on grass and moorland; management of species-rich grassland and moorland; and moorland cattle grazing.

Limiting:
woodland protection; retention and management of rough pasture; archaeology on arable; removal of archaeological features from cultivation; management of parkland, fen and reedbed.  It is having no impact at all on rewetting of blanket bog or management of sand dunes.

Comments:
ES is having a strongly positive effect on the landscape of this NCA, which is mainly within North York Moors National Park, although the effects are not strongly positive on all themes.  ELS is the main driver in respect of in-field trees, hedgerows, ditches and stone walls, low input grassland, historic farm buildings, archaeology on grassland and moorland; and moorland cattle grazing; while HLS primarily influences management of woodland, species-rich grassland, and moorland.  Improved uptake of options for archaeology on arable, parkland, fen, and sand dunes would be beneficial.


Benefiting:
management of hedgerows and ditches; low input grassland; historic farm building maintenance; and archaeology (all relevant aspects).

Limiting:
management and protection of woodland and in-field trees; hedgerow planting; management of ditches and stone walls; the arable landscape; retention and management of wet grasslands and traditional mixed stock grazing; historic farm building restoration; and management of parklands and wetlands, both of which are distinctive landscape features.  There is no uptake of coastal options.

Comments:
ES is having a low level positive effect on the landscape overall.  ELS is contributing to management of hedgerows and ditches, low input grassland and maintenance of farm buildings; and HLS is having a low-level influence on wet grasslands.  Both schemes contribute to the strongly positive effect on archaeology.  However uptake of other options, especially those for woodlands, the arable landscape, parklands and wetlands, shows room for improvement.


Benefiting:
management and creation of hedgerows; low input grassland; historic farm building maintenance and restoration; archaeology on grass; removal of archaeological features from cultivation; retention and management of water features, species-rich grassland and lowland heath.

Limiting:
woodland and trees generally; stone walls; reinforcement of field patterns on arable; overwintering stubbles; management of rough grassland, archaeology on arable, and parkland.

Comments:
ES is having a positive impact on this landscape overall.  ELS is the main driver in relation to hedgerows, low input grassland, historic farm buildings, and archaeology on grass, while HLS contributes in terms of management of rough grassland, removal of archaeological features from cultivation, and management of water features, species-rich grassland and lowland heath.  Improved uptake of options for woodland and trees, arable land, and parkland would be most beneficial


Benefiting:
hedgerow management; wet grassland management; maintenance of historic farm buildings; archaeology on grass; removal of archaeological features from cultivation; management of historic parkland, water features, species-rich grassland, lowland heath and fen.

Limiting:
woodland and in-field trees; management of traditional orchards; creation of new hedgerows; ditches; reinforcement of field patterns on arable; low input grassland; and archaeology on arable.  ES is having almost no impact on stone walls, diversity of the winter arable landscape, or mixed stocking.

Comments:
ES is having a positive impact overall with ELS as the main driver in relation to hedgerows, historic farm buildings, archaeology on grassland and removal of archaeological features from cultivation.  HLS is influential in relation to wet grassland, parkland, water features and semi-natural habitats, making an important contribution in this landscape.  Greater uptake, particularly of options for woodland and trees, overwintering stubble and mixed stocking would strengthen landscape benefits.


Benefiting:
hedgerow management; low input grassland; maintenance of historic farm buildings and archaeology generally.

Limiting:
woodland management; protection of in-field trees; management of stone walls; and retention and management of wet, rough grassland and species-rich grassland.  It is having almost no effect in terms of creation of new hedgerow lengths; diversification of the winter arable landscape; or management of parkland and fen.

Comments:
ES is having a positive effect overall on the landscape of this small NCA which lies mainly within the Howardian Hills AONB, although uptake of relevant options, especially HLS options, often appears poor.  ELS is influential in relation to hedgerow management, low input grassland, historic farm buildings and archaeology but HLS is generally having a very limited impact.  Improved targeting and uptake of measures for woodland management, new hedgerow lengths, overwintering stubbles, retention of wet, rough and species-rich grasslands and management of parkland would benefit this landscape.


Benefiting:
protection of infield trees; management of hedgerows, ditches, archaeology on grass and water features; and management of species-rich grassland, and lowland hay meadows.

Limiting:
woodland protection and management; stone walls; agricultural land use generally; historic farm buildings; archaeology on arable and removal of archaeological features from cultivation; and management of parkland and wetland.

Comments:
Total area of ES uptake of benefit to landscape = 5571ha   75%ELS  25% HLS
ES is having a neutral impact on this landscape overall.  ELS is most influential in relation to in-field trees, hedgerows, ditches and archaeology on grassland, while HLS has benefited ponds, species-rich grasslands and hay meadows.  Greater uptake of options for woodlands, stone walls, archaeology on arable, and parkland would be especially beneficial to this landscape.


Benefiting:
management of hedgerows, rough pasture, archaeology on grass, wetland habitats and saltmarsh.

Limiting:
in-field trees, ditches,  improved pastures, traditional stock grazing, historic farm building retention and species-rich grasslands - but at very low levels.  It is having no impact at all on characteristic stone walls or historic farm building restoration.

Comments:
Total area of ES uptake of benefit to landscape =  1532ha   47%ELS  53% HLS
ES is having a positive effect overall on this small NCA which includes substantial urban areas.  However on many themes there is very limited ES uptake and its effect on the landscape is relatively small.  ELS is contributing to the management of hedgerows; and HLS to the management of archaeology on grass, rough pasture, and salt marsh.  Greater uptake of options for ditches, stone walls, pastoral character and mixed stock grazing would be beneficial.


Benefiting:
hedge management; the retention of historic farm buildings; the retention and management of archaeology under arable and grassland; and the management of salt marsh.

Limiting:
woodland management and protection of field trees; the planting of new hedgerow lengths to replace lost sections; the management and restoration of ditches and the use of wide buffer strips in arable to reinforce field pattern; the retention and conservation management of permanent pasture and wet grassland; the restoration of historic farm buildings; the retention and management of parkland and small ponds; and the management and restoration of species-rich grassland, the remnant raised lowland bogs that defined the landscape before the advent of land drainage, and sand dunes

Comments:
Total area of ES uptake of benefit to landscape = 2,837 ha    64%ELS   36% HLS
ES is having a neutral effect overall.  The ELS uptake focuses on protection of field trees; the management of boundary features and the use of wide buffer strips;  the management of pasture with low inputs; and the conservation of archaeology  and the maintenance of historic farm buildings.  HLS brings the conservation management of woodland and wet grasslands; a contribution to the conservation of archaeological features; and the management and restoration of semi-natural habitats - primarily salt marsh. The NCA would benefit from significantly higher levels of uptake that strengthen field boundaries (conservation management of ditches and the use of wide buffer strips in arable) and the restoration of lowland raised bog habitat and characteristic small ponds.


Benefiting:
protection of in-field trees; management of hedgerows, ditches and stone walls; management of wet and rough grassland; maintenance of historic farm buildings; archaeology on grass; management of species-rich grassland, hay meadow and moorland; and cattle grazing on moorland.

Limiting:
woodland management and protection; low input grassland; mixed stocking; restoration of historic farm buildings; and rewetting of blanket bog.  There is almost no uptake of options for parkland, a key landscape resource in this area.

Comments:
ES is having a positive effect overall on this landscape, around half of which falls within the Forest of Bowland AONB.  ELS is making a strong contribution in terms of in-field trees, hedgerows, ditches, stone walls, wet grassland, historic farm buildings, archaeology on grass, and cattle grazing on moorland; while HLS principally affects rough and semi-natural grassland and moorland.  Improved uptake of options for woodland management and protection and for parkland would bring additional benefits.


Benefiting:
most of the relevant landscape objectives, including those relating to woodland, hedgerows, stone walls, agricultural grasslands, retention of historic farm buildings, archaeology, species-rich grassland and hay meadow, and moorland.

Limiting:
mixed stocking and rewetting of blanket bog.  It is having no impact on restoration of historic farm buildings.

Comments:
ES is having a strongly positive effect overall on this landscape, which lies within the Forest of Bowland AONB.  ELS is the main driver in relation to woodland protection, stone walls and hedgerows, low input and wet grassland, historic farm buildings, archaeology, haymaking and cattle grazing on moorland; while HLS contributes positively to woodland restoration and regeneration, rough grazing and semi-natural habitats.  Both targeting and uptake are good, with some scope for increased uptake of options for blanket bog and farm buildings restoration.


Benefiting:
protection of in-field trees; management of stone walls, wet grassland and historic farm buildings; and cattle grazing on moorland.

Limiting:
woodland management and protection; hedgerows; low input grassland; archaeology; and semi-natural habitats; and no impact at all on parkland although this is a notable landscape element.

Comments:
ES is having a neutral effect overall on this NCA.  Uptake of many options is low, perhaps due in part to the NCA's urban fringe location.  ELS is having a positive effect on in-field trees, stone walls, wet grassland, historic farm buildings and cattle grazing on moorland, but HLS is having limited impacts.  Better targeting and uptake of other relevant options - perhaps especially those for woodlands and parklands, which are important structural landscape elements - would be helpful.


Benefiting:
woodland regeneration; management of stone walls (the key boundary type in this landscape); low input and rough grassland; archaeology on grass and moorland; management of hay meadow and moorland; and cattle grazing on moorland.

Limiting:
management and protection of woodland, in-field trees and hedgerows; maintenance and restoration of historic farm buildings; management of wet grassland, species-rich grassland and fen; and rewetting of blanket bog.

Comments:
ES is having a positive effect overall on the management of this landscape, which includes extensive areas of upland as well as significant urban development.  ELS is influencing the landscape in terms of stone walls (with capital works for restoration), low input grassland, archaeology on grass and moorland, and cattle grazing on moorland.  HLS is also making an important contribution, particularly to rough grazing, hay meadows and moorland restoration.  Somewhat unusually, ES has had little effect on historic farm buildings.  There appears to be scope for improved uptake and targeting of options for woodland, historic farm buildings, and rewetting of blanket bog (a key landscape element) in particular.


Benefiting:
management of stone walls; rewetting of blanket bog; and cattle grazing on moorland.

Limiting:
protection of in-field trees; hedgerow management; low input and rough grassland; archaeology on grass; and management of species-rich grassland.  For most other  relevant objectives and options, including woodland, historic farm buildings, archaeology on moorland, and moorland maintenance and restoration, ES is having almost no impact.

Comments:
ES is having a neutral effect overall in this NCA, which includes large areas of urban and urban fringe land.  Uptake of many options is very low although there are a few exceptions to this, notably stone walls and cattle grazing on moorland (ELS) and moorland rewetting (HLS).  There would be particular landscape benefits from greater uptake of options for protection and management of woodlands, hedgerows and moorland, which are important but vulnerable structural landscape elements.


Benefiting:
renewal of hedgerow trees; management of ditches; creation of new hedgerow lengths; retention and management of water features, lowland species-rich grassland and hay meadows (probably mainly in valleys), fen and reedbed and moorland.

Limiting:
protection of in-field trees, management of hedgerows, retention of historic farm buildings, archaeology and parkland.  It is having almost no impact on the management of woodlands, stone walls or agricultural land use elements.

Comments:
Total area of ES uptake of benefit to landscape = 4,944ha    30%ELS  7%UELS  63%HLS 
ES is having a neutral effect overall in this area where the agricultural landscape is heavily influenced by industrial and urban land uses.  Emphasis need to be on conservation of surviving agricultural landscape features and restoration/creation of new ones.  At present ES is generally having limited impact on this landscape due to very low uptake of most options.  The exceptions are ELS  hedgerow tree establishment, hedgerow planting and  ditch management; and the HLS options for semi-natural habitats, which show good uptake of appropriate options.  Greater attention to conservation and renewal of landscape structure (woodland and tree cover, field boundaries and historic farm buildings especially) would be helpful.


Benefiting:
some limited semi-natural woodland regeneration; management and restoration of hedgerows; conservation management of wet and rough  pastures; retention of historic farm buildings; removal of archaeological features from cultivation; and management of water features, species-rich grassland and lowland heathland.

Limiting:
woodland management and protection; in-field and hedgerow trees, which are important features in some areas; ditches and dykes; retention of permanent pastures; archaeology on grass; parklands; wetland habitats and coastal salt marsh.

Comments:
Total area of ES uptake of benefit to landscape = 7,723ha    58%ELS  42% HLS 
In this intensively farmed landscape, ES uptake is not always very high although ES is having a positive effect overall.  ELS is influencing hedgerows, agricultural grasslands, historic farm buildings and also fallow plots (which may have a negative landscape impact); while HLS is contributing in a modest way to woodland regeneration and management of archaeology, conservation management of wet and rough grasslands, water features and some semi-natural habitats.  Greater uptake of measures for in-field and hedgerow trees, ditches and dykes, semi-natural grasslands and wetlands would be beneficial.


Benefiting:
hedgerow and ditch management; low input grassland; maintenance of historic farm buildings; archaeology on grass; and management of water features.

Limiting:
woodland management; protection of in-field trees; management of ditches; reinforcement of field patterns in arable areas; management of wet grassland; removal of archaeological features from cultivation; and management of parkland and fen.  However it is having little or no impact on creation of new hedgerow lengths, diversity of the winter arable landscape, and management of salt marsh, all of which would be appropriate in this landscape.

Comments:
Overall ES is having some positive effect on this landscape.  It is delivering a wide range of benefits, but many of these are at a low level.  ELS is most influential in terms of hedgerow and ditch management, low input grassland, historic farm buildings and archaeology on grass; while HLS is the principal driver in relation to water features.  There would be benefit from improved uptake, perhaps especially of options for woodland and trees, new hedgerow lengths, and overwintering stubbles.


Benefiting:
woodland regeneration; management of rough grassland; removal of archaeology from cultivation; and management and restoration of salt marsh and sand dunes.

Limiting:
management of woodlands, hedgerows, ditches and low input and wet grassland; historic farm buildings maintenance; archaeology on arable and grass; and species-rich grassland and fen.  It is having little or no impact on arable landscape features; historic farm building restoration; and new coastal habitat creation.

Comments:
ES is having a positive impact overall on the landscape of this small and relatively heavily developed and intensively farmed coastal NCA.  ELS is influential in relation to historic farm buildings but HLS is a more important driver of change, significantly affecting woodland regeneration, rough (and to a lesser extent wet) grassland, removal of archaeology from cultivation, and management and restoration of salt marsh and sand dune.  Greater uptake of options for the arable landscape is perhaps the main area for improvement, although greater uptake of many other options would also be beneficial.


Benefiting:
management of hedges, ditches and characteristic wet grassland; maintenance of historic farm buildings; removal of archaeology from cultivation; and management of water features, species-rich grassland, salt marsh and sand dunes.

Limiting:
management of woodland and trees; creation of new hedgerows; low input grassland; historic farm building restoration; archaeology on arable and grass; and management and restoration of reed bed.  It is having almost no impact on woodland or hedgerow creation; or on the arable landscape (buffer strips and overwintering stubbles), even though this is primarily an arable landscape.

Comments:
Overall ES is having a positive effect on this landscape.  Both ELS and HLS have an important influence, with ELS mainly affecting hedgerows, ditches, historic farm buildings and removal of archaeology from cultivation while HLS influences wet and semi-natural grasslands, water features, sand dunes and salt marsh.  Improved uptake especially of options for woodland, hedgerow creation and the arable landscape would yield additional landscape benefits.


Benefiting:
woodland management; management and restoration of hedgerows and ditches; low input and rough grassland; retention and restoration of historic farm buildings; removal of archaeology from cultivation; and management of parkland and species-rich grassland.

Limiting:
management of bankside trees; reinforcement of field patterns in the arable landscape; overwintering stubbles; and archaeology on arable and grass.  It is having little or no impact on hedgerow creation; stone walls (characteristic of the northern scarp face); and management of remnant wetland habitats.

Comments:
ES is having a positive impact overall on the landscape of this area, much of which is in the Lincolnshire Wolds AONB.  The main structural landscape elements (including woodlands, hedgerows and parklands) are being retained and managed but there is less sign that ES is significantly affecting the arable landscape.  ELS is contributing to hedgerow and ditch management, low input grassland and historic farm buildings; but HLS is probably more influential, facilitating retention and management of woodland, rough and semi-natural grassland, and parkland, as well as encouraging removal of archaeology from cultivation.  Greater uptake of options for hedgerow creation, stone walls and the arable landscape would be beneficial.


Benefiting:
semi-natural woodland regeneration; hedgerow and ditch management; low input, rough and wet grassland; maintenance of historic farm buildings; removal of archaeology from cultivation; and management of species-rich grassland.

Limiting:
management of woodland and in-field trees; renewal of hedgerow trees; management of riverside trees; management of ditches and dykes; reinforcement of field patterns in arable; overwintering stubbles; archaeology on arable and grass; and management of remnant fen and wetland habitats.  It is having little or no impact on new hedgerow planting.

Comments:
ES is having a positive effect overall on this mainly arable landscape, contributing to the retention and restoration of grasslands in particular.  While ELS is influences hedgerow and ditch management, low input grassland and historic farm buildings, HLS is the key driver in relation to woodland succession; management of wet, rough and semi-natural grassland; removal of archaeology from cultivation.  Greater uptake of options for management of woodland and trees,  for new hedgerow planting, and for archaeology on arable and grass would be especially helpful here.


Benefiting:
hedgerow and ditch management; maintenance of historic farm buildings; removal of archaeology from cultivation; and management of parkland, species-rich grassland and lowland heath.

Limiting:
woodland management; protection of in-field trees; renewal of hedgerow trees; management of ditches; reinforcement of field patterns in arable; retention of rough pasture; archaeology on arable and grass; and management of fen.  However it is having little or no impact on creation of new hedgerows; restoration of distinctive (but localised) stone walls; and overwintering stubbles.

Comments:
ES is having a relatively limited but positive impact on the landscape of this NCA, with ELS contributing mainly in terms of hedgerow and ditch management and historic farm buildings, while HLS is helping to take archaeology out of cultivation and benefiting parkland, species-rich grassland and lowland heath.  There is scope for improved targeting and uptake of a wide range of options, with protection of in-field trees, creation of new hedgerows, buffer strips, overwintering stubbles, and management and restoration of fen perhaps offering greatest benefit in this open, mainly arable landscape.  Greater uptake of options for archaeology on arable and grass is also desirable as there is an important archaeological resource.


Benefiting:
management of the small but significant resource of woodland and trees; management of ditches and dykes; reinforcement of field patterns using buffer strips; management of wet and rough grassland; retention of historic farm buildings; removal of archaeology from cultivation; and management of water features and salt marsh.

Limiting:
hedgerow tree renewal; management of distinctive bankside trees; traditional orchards; management of hedgerows; low input grassland; archaeology on arable and grass; management of species-rich grassland and fen.  It is having little or no impact on management of the NCA's distinctive banks, overwintering stubbles, and creation of new coastal habitats, all of which could benefit this landscape.

Comments:
ES is having a positive impact on most landscape themes despite this NCA's intensive arable character.  While ELS is affecting in-field tree retention, buffer strips, management of ditches, and retention of historic farm buildings, HLS is appears to be more influential, contributing to woodland management and succession, management of wet and rough grassland, removal of archaeology from cultivation, and management of water features and salt marsh.  Greater uptake of options for bankside trees, traditional orchards, earth banks, overwintering stubbles and new coastal habitats could bring further benefits.


Benefiting:
hedgerow, ditch and low input grassland management; historic farm building maintenance; removal of archaeology from cultivation; management of parkland and species-rich grassland.

Limiting:
woodland and trees generally; field boundaries other than hedges; buffer strips and overwintering stubbles, which would be appropriate in this mainly arable landscape; and archaeology on arable and grass; and no impact on restoration of historic farm buildings.

Comments:
ES is having some positive impact on this landscape, with ELS being the key influence on hedgerows, ditches, low input grassland, historic farm buildings, and HLS the main driver in relation to removal of archaeology from cultivation and management of parkland and species-rich grassland.  Additional landscape benefits could be achieved by targeting greater uptake of options for woodland and trees, new hedgerow lengths, ditches and stone walls, together with relevant arable options.


Benefiting:
management and restoration of hedgerows and ditches; use of wide buffer strips in arable to reinforce field pattern; conservation management of wet and rough pastures; maintenance of historic farm buildings; removal of archaeological  features from cultivation; and the conservation of parkland, species-rich grassland and lowland heathland.

Limiting:
woodland management; protection of field trees and renewal and management of bankside trees; management of traditional orchards; planting of new hedgerows; management and restoration of ditches; retention of overwintering stubbles and areas of pasture; restoration of historic farm buildings; conservation of archaeology under arable and grassland; and conservation of reed beds and hay meadows.

Comments:
Total area of ES uptake of benefit to landscape = 9,548ha    64%ELS   36% HLS
ES is having a positive effect overall.  The ELS uptake focuses on the management of boundary features and the use of wide buffer strips in arable helping to strengthen field pattern;  the retention of winter stubbles and the management of pasture; and makes a contribution to conservation of the archaeological resource and the maintenance of historic farm buildings.  HLS brings the management of woodland, traditional orchards and wet and rough pastures; the conservation of archaeological features; and the management and restoration of semi-natural habitats - primarily the management and restoration of species-rich grassland and lowland heathland. The NCA would benefit from greater uptake of options for the management of field and bankside trees; the retention of overwintering stubbles; the protection of the archaeological resource on arable and the conservation management of  species-rich grassland.


Benefiting:
woodland and hedgerow management; removal of archaeology from cultivation; and management of lowland heath.

Limiting:
protection of in-field trees; overwintering stubbles; low input, wet and rough grassland; historic farm building maintenance; and management of parkland and water features.  However it is having almost no influence on bankside trees; creation of new hedgerows; and archaeology on arable and grass, all of which would be relevant to this landscape.

Comments:
ES is having some positive effect overall in this NCA.  ELS is contributing in terms of hedgerow management and HLS is most influential in terms of woodland management, removal of archaeology from cultivation, and restoration of lowland heath.  There is considerable scope for improved uptake of other options.  Better targeting and uptake of wet grassland options (focused on the narrow floodplains) and parkland options (throughout) may offer the greatest potential landscape benefits.


Benefiting:
management of stone walls, parkland, species-rich grassland and hay meadows; and cattle grazing on moorland.

Limiting:
management of hedgerows; retention and management of low input, rough and wet grasslands; and maintenance of historic farm buildings.  In addition, there is very low uptake of options for woodland and trees, and moorland management and restoration and rewetting of blanket bog, suggesting little or no targeting of these measures.

Comments:
ES is having a neutral effect overall on the landscape of this NCA on the edge of the Peak District National Park.  A small number of options appear very well targeted, with good uptake, but uptake of the majority of relevant options is poor.  ELS is influencing management of stone walls and cattle grazing on moorland; while HLS is benefiting parkland (including restoration and creation) and species-rich grassland and hay meadow.  Improved uptake of relevant options for woodland, trees and moorland should be a priority.


Benefiting:
management of stone walls; low input and rough grassland; archaeology on moorland; management of parkland; and cattle grazing on moorland.

Limiting:
woodland management and protection; in-field trees; management of hedgerows, wet grasslands and historic farm buildings; archaeology on grassland and management of species-rich grassland, hay meadows and moorland.  It is having no effect on removal of archaeological features from cultivation or rewetting of blanket bog.

Comments:
ES is having a neutral impact on this mainly moorland landscape, which includes a large part of the Peak District National Park, with uptake of many of the relevant ES options being quite limited.  ELS is benefiting in-field trees (to a limited extent), stone wall restoration, low input grassland and archaeology on moorland; while the main effects of HLS are to help maintain rough grassland and parkland.  Greater uptake of relevant options across the board would be beneficial, with particular scope for improvement in relation to moorland management and restoration and rewetting of blanket bog


Benefiting:
management of woodland as well as stone walls, low input and rough grassland, historic farm buildings, archaeology on grass, small ponds, species-rich grasslands and hay meadows; and cattle grazing on moorland.

Limiting:
protection of woodland and in-field trees (the latter showing relatively high uptake); management of hedgerows; and restoration of historic farm buildings.  It is having no effect in terms of archaeology on arable land or removal of archaeology from cultivation.

Comments:
ES is having a positive effect overall on this landscape which falls mainly within the Peak District National Park.  ELS is the key driver of change in relation to in-field trees, stone walls, low input grassland, historic farm buildings, archaeology on grass and cattle grazing on moorland; with HLS principally affecting woodlands (management and restoration), rough grassland, archaeology on grass, ponds and species-rich grasslands.  There remains scope for improved uptake and targeting, perhaps especially in relation to woodland protection, restoration of stone walls and historic farm buildings, and archaeology.


Benefiting:
the management of woodland and successional areas; the conservation management of wet and rough grassland; the maintenance of traditional farm buildings; the conservation management of archaeology under grassland; the conservation and restoration of species-rich grassland; the management of upland hay meadows.

Limiting:
the protection of woodland from grazing animals; the management of hedgerows and stone walls; the management of permanent pasture under low inputs; the restoration of traditional farm buildings; the management of archaeology on moorland; the management and restoration of parkland; and the conservation and restoration of moorland and rewetting of blanket bog.

Comments:
Total area of ES uptake of benefit to landscape = 11,424ha   44% ELS  11%UELS  45% HLS
ES is having a positive effect overall on this landscape which lies mainly within the Peak District National Park.  The UELS uptake is associated with the management of upland hay meadows and the conservation management of moorland, The ELS uptake is made up of  options for the management of boundary features;  the management of the agricultural landscape (of which the management of permanent pasture  makes up the vast majority of the ELS uptake); and the conservation of the historic environment (200 ha); it also covers the grazing of moorland.    The HLS uptake is focused on woodland management; the management of wet and rough pastures and the management of archaeology; and the management and restoration of semi-natural habitats (primarily upland moorland).   Overall ES is helping maintain the structure of the landscape and some of its key elements but the NCA would benefit from greater uptake of options for the protection of woodlands; the restoration of parkland and the management and restoration of fen.


Benefiting:
management of species-rich grassland; and cattle grazing on moorland.

Limiting:
woodland protection; management of hedgerows, stone walls, low input and rough grassland; historic farm buildings maintenance; and management of hay meadows.  However it is having little or no impact on woodland management, historic farm buildings restoration, or on management of parkland and moorland.

Comments:
ES is having a very limited, neutral effect on the landscape of this mainly urban fringe NCA, with very low uptake of most relevant options.  ELS has some influence in terms of cattle grazing on moorland, while HLS supports the management of species-rich grassland, but otherwise ES influence on the landscape is slight.  Greater uptake especially of measures for woodland, hedgerow, stone wall and parkland management would be beneficial to the landscape


Limiting:
management of hedgerows, in-field trees, low input grassland and historic farm buildings, but at a very low level.

Comments:
This largely urban and urban fringe NCA has little land in agricultural use and the levels of uptake of relevant ES options are mainly low or negligible.  Only hedgerow management and low input grassland (both mainly ELS) show any significant uptake.  There is potential for improved uptake across the board, with particular scope to reinforce landscape structure through woodland and hedgerow management and planting, as well as parkland management and restoration.


Benefiting:
woodland regeneration; retention and management of small ponds; and management and restoration of fen, lowland raised bog and reedbed.

Limiting:
management of hedgerows and low input grassland; retention of historic farm buildings; and restoration of species-rich grassland.  There is little or no uptake of other relevant ES options.

Comments:
ES is having a neutral impact overall on this mainly urban and urban fringe landscape.  ELS is providing limited landscape benefits but HLS is contributing more significantly, in terms of semi-natural woodland regeneration; management of small ponds; and restoration of wetlands.  Greater uptake of options for hedgerow management and creation; and for retention and management of parkland would be beneficial in landscape terms.


Benefiting:
semi-natural woodland regeneration; management of wet grasslands; restoration of lowland heath; and management of sand dunes.

Limiting:
management of hedgerows, low input grassland and species-rich grassland, but no impact at all on many other relevant landscape objectives.

Comments:
ES is having a slight positive impact on this coastal landscape, much of which is urban or urban fringe land, although the areas of land affected are small.  ELS is having relatively little influence but HLS is benefiting semi-natural woodlands, wet grasslands, heathland restoration, and sand dunes.  Greater uptake of a wider range of relevant options would be beneficial.


Limiting:
hedgerow management, overwintering stubbles, low input grassland and historic farm buildings maintenance but at a very low level.

Comments:
This largely urban and urban fringe NCA has little land in agricultural use and many of the relevant ES options show no uptake at all, so ES impact is neutral overall.  What limited uptake there is all ELS;.  There appears to be no HLS targeting or uptake at all although stock figures suggest that there could be benefits, perhaps especially in respect of woodland and parkland management and restoration.  Greater uptake of ELS options for woodland and hedgerow management would also benefit the structure of this fragmented farmland landscape.


Benefiting:
management of hedgerows, restoration of lowland heath, and management of salt marsh.

Limiting:
woodland management; creation of new hedgerow lengths; protection of in-field trees; retention and management of low input and wet grassland; maintenance of historic farm buildings; and management of parkland and water features.

Comments:
ES is having a positive effect overall on the landscape of this NCA, much of which is urban and urban fringe land.  ELS is influencing hedgerow management and HLS lowland heath and salt marsh.  However many relevant options, including those for woodland management, historic farm buildings, and management of the area's characteristic parkland, water features and sand dunes, are little used and would benefit from better targeting and uptake.


Benefiting:
semi-natural woodland regeneration; hedgerow and ditch management; maintenance of historic farm buildings; and management of parkland, characteristic mossland habitats and salt marsh.

Limiting:
woodland management; protection of in-field trees; renewal of hedgerow trees; management of ditches; reinforcement of field patterns by buffer strips; overwintering stubbles; and low input grassland.  It is having no impact at all in terms of new hedgerow lengths, historic farm buildings restoration, and archaeology on arable.

Comments:
ES is having a positive effect overall on this landscape, which includes considerable urban and urban fringe land.  ELS is contributing in terms of management of hedgerows, ditches and historic farm buildings, while HLS is influential in terms of semi-natural woodland regeneration, parkland management, restoration of wetland (mainly lowland raised bog), and management of salt marsh.  Greater uptake of other relevant options, particularly those for woodland and arable land, would bring additional landscape benefit.


Benefiting:
protection of in-field trees; management and restoration of hedgerows, ditches and orchards; conservation management of wet and rough grasslands; retention and restoration of historic farm buildings; removal of archaeological features from cultivation; and retention and management of water features, ponds, species-rich grassland and wetland habitats.

Limiting:
woodlands, hedgerow tree renewal, agricultural land use, archaeology on arable and grass, parkland, and lowland heath.  Fencing along water courses also seems to have a negative impact locally.

Comments:
Total area of ES uptake of benefit to landscape = 19,822ha   57% ELS  43% HLS 
Many of the traditional, often ancient features within this landscape appear to be benefiting from ES in this intensively farmed landscape, creating a positive effect overall.  ELS is contributing in terms of protection of in-field trees and management of hedgerows, ditches and historic farm buildings, but is also giving rise to negative impacts from fencing along watercourses.  HLS is the main driver in relation to orchards, historic building restoration, removal of archaeology from cultivation, the conservation management of wet, rough and species-rich grasslands as well as wetlands.  A greater focus on hedgerow tree renewal, parkland and restoration of wetland habitats would further benefit the landscape.


Benefiting:
the protection of field trees and management of hedgerows; and the maintenance of traditional farm buildings.

Limiting:
the management and creation of woodland; the planting of new hedgerow lengths; the  management of permanent pasture with low inputs and the conservation management of small areas of rough grassland; the restoration of traditional farm buildings; the conservation of archaeology under arable cultivation and grassland; the conservation management of small ponds which are characteristic of this NCA; the management of species-rich grassland; the management and restoration of lowland heathland; and the management and restoration of fen, marsh and swamp vegetation on lower ground.

Comments:
Total area of ES uptake of benefit to landscape = 983ha   72% ELS  28% HLS
ES is having a positive effect on this landscape overall.  The small area of ES uptake reflects the small overall area of this NCA. ES is helping maintain the landscape structure by conserving hedgerows and protecting field trees.    The HLS uptake is focused on woodland management; the conservation management of rough grassland and the limited protection offered to archaeology in this NCA; and the limited management and restoration of semi-natural habitats.  The ELS uptake is made up of  options for the management of boundary features and trees and the management of permanent grassland.  The NCA would particularly benefit from higher levels of uptake for the  conservation and restoration of lowland heathland and the conservation of archaeology.


Benefiting:
woodland management, semi-natural woodland regeneration; hedgerow and rough grassland management; maintenance of historic farm buildings; archaeology on grassland; restoration of parkland; and management of species-rich grassland.

Limiting:
woodland and in-field tree protection; creation of new hedgerow lengths; low input grassland; and removal of archaeology from cultivation.  It is having no impact on historic farm building restoration.

Comments:
ES is having a positive effect overall on this rural landscape bordering the Welsh hills.  ELS is the main contributor to management of hedgerows and archaeology on grass; while HLS is the key driver of woodland management and regeneration, management of rough grassland, restoration of parkland, and maintenance and restoration of species-rich grassland.  Greater uptake of options for protection of woodland and in-field trees, creation of new hedgerow lengths and low input grassland, would benefit this landscape, where these elements have experienced some decline.


Benefiting:
woodland regeneration; protection of in-field trees; management of hedgerows; and management and restoration of species-rich grassland, hay meadows, fen and lowland heath.

Limiting:
woodland management and protection; establishment of new hedgerows and hedgerow trees; management of stone walls; low input, wet and rough grassland; maintenance of historic farm buildings; archaeology on grass; and management of parkland.

Comments:
ES is having a positive effect overall on this landscape, which includes considerable urban and urban fringe land, especially benefiting its semi-natural habitats.  ELS primarily influences protection of in-field trees and management of hedgerows, while HLS is fostering semi-natural woodland regeneration and management and restoration of species-rich grassland, hay meadows, fen and lowland heath.  ES is currently providing limited benefit in terms of grassland management, historic farm buildings, or historic environment. Increased uptake of relevant options under these themes would be helpful.  Wet grassland appears to be a key priority.


Benefiting:
the management of woodland and the maintenance of scrub as successional areas; the protection of field trees and coppicing of bankside trees; the management of traditional orchards; the management of hedgerows; the conservation management of permanent pasture, wet  and rough grasslands; the maintenance and restoration of traditional farm buildings; the conservation of archaeology under arable and grassland; the management and restoration of parkland; the conservation and management of large and small water features; the management and restoration of species-rich grassland; management of grassland by hay cutting; and the conservation management of moorland.

Limiting:
woodland protection and woodland creation; the conservation of stone walls; the management of the archaeological resource on moorland; and the management and restoration of lowland heathland (although this may be covered by the moorland uptake); and the management of fen and reedbeds.

Comments:
Total area of ES uptake of benefit to landscape = 28,140ha  44% ELS  10%UELS  45% HLS
This NCA has a very high level of ES uptake which benefit many aspects of the landscape, generating a strongly positive effect overall.  The HLS uptake is focused on woodland management  including the management of traditional orchards; the conservation management of wet and rough grasslands; the management of archaeology and parklands (together 1153 ha); and the management and restoration of semi-natural habitats (primarily upland moorland).  The ELS uptake is made up of  options for the management of boundary features and trees;  the management of the agricultural landscape (of which the management of permanent pasture makes up the vast majority of the ELS uptake); and the conservation of the historic environment (650 ha).  The UELS uptake is focused on moorland management and upland  haymaking. In this NCA (compared to other NCAs) there are noticeably very high levels of uptake for woodland management; the conservation of field trees (5,563 field trees); the coppicing of bankside trees; and the management of orchards and hedgerows helping conserve important landscape elements.


Benefiting:
protection of in-field trees; management of bankside trees, traditional orchards, hedgerows, rough grassland and historic farm buildings; removal of archaeology from cultivation; retention of water features; and management/ restoration/ creation of species-rich grassland and hay meadow, lowland heathland and fen.

Limiting:
woodland management; creation of new hedgerow lengths; management of stone walls; buffer strips; low input and wet grassland; archaeology on arable and grass; and management of parkland.  There is no uptake at all of options for protection of hedgerow trees or restoration of historic farm buildings.

Comments:
ES is having a positive impact on this landscape, although the benefits in terms of agricultural land use and historic environment are relatively limited, possibly due to intensive farming use.  ELS is a significant influence in terms of in-field trees, hedgerows, and historic buildings.  However HLS seems to be a more important driver of change, targeting and benefiting traditional orchards, rough grassland, removal of archaeology from cultivation, water features and a range of semi-natural habitats.  Capital works are also contributing significantly to management of characteristic bankside trees.  There remains scope for further landscape benefit, especially from increased uptake of relevant arable and grassland options, including those for archaeology.


Benefiting:
the management of scrub as successional areas; the management of hedgerows; the conservation of species-rich grassland and their management by hay cutting; and the restoration of lowland heathland and fen.

Limiting:
the management and creation of woodland; the protection of field trees and coppicing of bankside trees; the planting of new hedgerow lengths; the conservation management of ditches on the valley floors; the management of permanent pasture under low inputs; the maintenance and restoration of traditional farm buildings; and the management of archaeology under arable cultivation and grassland.

Comments:
Total area of ES uptake of benefit to landscape = 3,236ha  32% ELS  68% HLS
ES is having a positive effect overall on this landscape, which includes extensive urban and urban fringe land.  It has made a strong contribution to the conservation of the open heathlands of Cannock Chase but surrounding farmed landscapes generally have low levels of uptake.  HLS uptake is focused on woodland management; the conservation management of wet grasslands;  the limited protection offered to archaeology in this NCA; the conservation of  parklands; and particularly the management and restoration of semi-natural habitats (primarily the restoration of lowland heathland).  ELS uptake is making  a strong contribution to the management of hedgerows and is helping the retention of permanent grassland.  The NCA would particularly benefit from higher levels of uptake for the management  and creation of small woodlands off the Chase, and the  conservation of archaeology under arable and grassland.


Benefiting:
protection of in-field trees; management and extension of traditional orchards; management of hedges and ditches; retention of historic farm buildings; removal of archaeology from cultivation; management and restoration of parkland; creation of wood pasture; and management of water features, species-rich grassland and hay meadows.

Limiting:
woodland management; renewal of hedgerow trees; management of bankside trees; low input, wet and rough grassland; and archaeology on arable and grass.  There is negligible or no uptake of a wider range of relevant options for protection of hedgerow trees; management of stone walls; overwintering stubbles; historic farm building restoration; and management of lowland heath and wetland.

Comments:
ES is having a positive impact overall on this mainly rural landscape, although there is considerable scope to achieve further landscape benefit both through increased uptake and better targeting of relevant options.  ELS is influential in maintaining in-field trees, hedges, ditches and historic farm buildings, while HLS is helping to restore (or create) several characteristic landscape features, namely orchards, parkland, water features, wood pasture and species-rich grassland and hay meadow.  However ES currently has limited effect on woodlands, agricultural land use or conservation of the area's significant archaeological resource and uptake of relevant options in these areas could be improved.


Benefiting:
management of water features (wet gravel pits) only.

Limiting:
management of woodland, in-field and bankside trees, hedgerows; buffer strips;  low input and wet grasslands; archaeology on arable and grass; and species-rich grassland and wetland.  It is having negligible or no impact on other relevant indicators.

Comments:
ES impact is assessed as neutral overall, possibly due to a combination of the relatively urban context and intensively farmed character of this landscape.  Uptake is low across the board and there is considerable scope for improved uptake and targeting.  Increased uptake of options for the area's highly distinctive riparian trees and wet meadows would probably yield the greatest immediate benefit.  Greater uptake of options for hedgerows, arable land and archaeology would also be helpful.


Benefiting:
management of hedgerows, rough and wet grassland, archaeology on grass, parkland (a key element in this landscape) and semi-natural grassland.

Limiting:
woodland management; protection of in-field trees; low input grassland; and historic farm building maintenance.  It is having little or no influence on some key landscape elements including in-field trees, hedgerow trees, arable land and historic farm buildings.

Comments:
ES is having a positive effect overall on this relatively small and rural NCA although a limited range of landscape elements is being affected.  ELS is benefiting hedgerow management; but HLS is probably more influential, benefiting rough and wet grasslands, archaeology on grass, parkland and wood pasture, and species-rich grassland.  Greater uptake of options for in-field trees, hedgerow trees, arable land and historic farm buildings would bring further landscape benefits.


Benefiting:
hedgerow management; archaeology on grass; and management of species-rich grassland.

Limiting:
woodland management; protection of in-field trees;  and low input grassland.  It is having little or no impact on other relevant options.

Comments:
ES is having a neutral effect overall on this small NCA which includes considerable urban and urban fringe land.  ELS is providing benefits in terms of management of hedgerows and archaeology on grass, and HLS is maintaining and restoring small areas of species rich grassland but otherwise uptake is low and benefits few.  Greater uptake of options for management of woodland, in-field trees and parkland is likely to be beneficial.


Benefiting:
hedgerow management; maintenance of historic farm buildings; archaeology on grassland; and removal of archaeology from cultivation.

Limiting:
protection of in-field trees; buffer strips on arable land; low input and wet grassland; historic farm building restoration; archaeology on arable; and management of parkland and species rich grassland.  There is little or no uptake of other relevant ES options including options for management of woodland and trees.

Comments:
ES is having a positive landscape impact overall on this mainly rural landscape, albeit at a fairly low level.  ELS is helping to maintain hedgerows, historic farm buildings and archaeology on grass, while HLS contributes mainly to the removal of archaeology from cultivation.  Landscape priorities appear to include greater uptake of relevant options for woodland and trees, arable land, and parkland.


Benefiting:
management of hedgerows and stone walls; archaeology on grass; and management of small but characteristic areas of species-rich grassland and lowland heathland.

Limiting:
protection of in-field trees; low input and rough grassland; maintenance of historic farm buildings; and management of parkland; and little or no impact on woodland management or wetland habitats.

Comments:
ES is having a neutral effect overall on this small and partly urban NCA.  ELS is contributing to the management of both hedgerows and distinctive stone walls, and is also benefiting archaeology on grassland; while HLS is helping to maintain species-rich grassland and lowland heathland.  However other key landscape features, notably the area's woodlands and its important ancient trees and parklands, would benefit from increased uptake and improved targeting of relevant options.


Benefiting:
hedgerow management; management of wet grassland; removal of archaeology from cultivation; and management of parkland and species-rich grassland.

Limiting:
woodland management and protection; protection of in-field trees; coppicing of bankside trees; buffer strips on arable; low input and rough grassland; management of historic farm buildings; archaeology on arable and grass; and remnant wetland habitats.  A relatively high uptake of fallow plots may be having some negative impact on this landscape.

Comments:
ES is having a modest positive effect overall on the landscape of this NCA.  ELS is providing benefits in terms of hedgerow management; both ELS and HLS are contributing to the removal of archaeology from cultivation; and HLS is helping to manage and restore wet grassland, parkland and species-rich grassland.  However uptake in many other areas - especially woodland - falls below threshold.  Increased uptake of relevant options for woodland and archaeology would be most beneficial.


Benefiting:
management of bankside trees, hedgerows and ditches; low input, wet and rough grassland; maintenance of historic farm buildings; archaeology on grass; removal of archaeology from cultivation; and management of parkland and species-rich grassland.

Limiting:
woodland management; protection of in-field trees; creation of new hedgerow lengths; buffer strips; archaeology on arable; and management of lowland hay meadow.  It is having little or no impact in terms of woodland creation; hedgerow tree protection and renewal; restoration of distinctive drystone walls; overwintering stubbles; or restoration of historic farm buildings.  There may be some negative impact from high fallow plots, which are potentially disruptive to landscape patterns, especially in rolling landscapes such as this, where the plots may be widely visible.

Comments:
ES is having a positive effect overall on this limestone landscape, with clear benefits to most landscape themes except woodland and trees.  ELS is helping to maintain hedgerows, ditches, low input grassland, historic farm buildings and archaeology on grassland.  HLS is contributing to the removal of archaeology from cultivation and the management and restoration of parkland and wet pasture as well as semi-natural and species-rich grasslands.  Capital works to bankside trees are also beneficial.  Better targeting and uptake of options for woodlands and in-field and hedgerow trees as well as drystone walls are landscape priorities.


Benefiting:
hedgerow management and creation; ditch management; reinforcement of field patterns by buffer strips; management of wet and rough grassland; maintenance of historic farm buildings; removal of archaeology from cultivation; and management and/or restoration of parkland, species-rich grassland and lowland heathland.

Limiting:
management of woodland and trees generally; overwintering stubbles; low input grassland; archaeology on arable and grass; and management of wetland.  There is no uptake at all of options for hedgerow trees or historic farm buildings restoration.

Comments:
ES is having a positive impact overall on this intensively farmed landscape which falls partly within the Norfolk Coast AONB.  Many measures, especially those for field boundaries, are well-targeted and show good uptake, but some other options, especially those for woodland and trees, arable land and improved grassland, are much less strongly represented.  ELS  is the main driver in respect of field boundaries and maintenance of historic farm buildings, while HLS affects wet and rough grassland, removal of archaeology from cultivation, and management of parkland and water features.  Greater uptake of options for woodland and field trees and for management of the area's significant archaeological resource would appear to be priorities.


Benefiting:
management of hedgerows, management and creation of rough pasture, and conservation of wet grasslands, water features, and reedbed.

Limiting:
woodland management, retention of historic farm buildings, salt marsh and sand dunes; and little or no impact on ditches and dykes and restoration of historic farm buildings.

Comments:
Total area of ES uptake of benefit to landscape = 1077ha   -% ELS  100% HLS
ES is having a positive effect overall on this small, linear, mainly coastal NCA that is mainly within the Norfolk Coast AONB.  However there is very limited stock of many landscape elements and results are therefore hard to interpret.  ELS makes a positive contribution to the retention and management of hedgerows; while HLS contributes to the management and creation of rough coastal grassland and the conservation management of wet grasslands; management of water features and locally to conservation of reedbed.  Improved uptake of options for salt marsh and sand dunes would be beneficial as these are key landscape elements.


Benefiting:
woodland management and restoration; hedgerow management; creation of new hedgerow lengths; management of ditches; management of rough grassland; maintenance of historic farm buildings; removal of archaeology from cultivation; and management of parkland, water features, species-rich grassland, hay meadows and lowland heathland.

Limiting:
protection of in-field trees; reinforcement of field patterns by buffer strips; overwintering stubbles; retention and management of low input and wet grasslands; archaeology on arable and grass; and management of wetlands.  It is having no impact on protection and renewal of hedgerow trees or on restoration of historic farm buildings; and fallow plots may be giving rise to some negative landscape impact locally.

Comments:
ES is having a positive effect overall on this landscape which lies partly within the Norfolk Coast AONB.  It is bringing strong benefits to field boundaries and semi-natural habitats but having more limited influence on agricultural lands use.  ELS is benefiting hedgerows, ditches and historic farm buildings, while HLS is supporting woodland management and restoration, rough grassland, removal of archaeology from cultivation, and management of parkland, water features, species-rich grassland and hay meadows and lowland heath.  Greater targeting and uptake of measures for field and hedgerow trees, low input and wet grassland, archaeology, and wetland management would bring further benefits.


Benefiting:
management of hedgerows and ditches; retention and management of low input, wet and rough grassland; maintenance of historic farm buildings; removal of archaeology from cultivation; and management of species rich grassland.

Limiting:
woodland management; protection of in-field trees; renewal of hedgerow trees; creation of new hedgerow lengths; management of banks; overwintering stubbles; and management of wetlands.  ES is having no effect at all on archaeology on arable; management of parkland; management of sand dunes; or creation of new coastal habitats although all of these are important and relevant objectives for this landscape.

Comments:
ES is having a slight positive effect overall on this small and disparate NCA on the edge of the Norfolk Broads (including a small part of the Norfolk Coast AONB), although any positive effects on woodland and trees, the historic environment or the coast are extremely limited.  ELS is contributing to the retention and management of hedgerows, ditches, low input grassland and historic farm buildings.  HLS is influential mainly in respect of wet, rough and semi-natural grassland.  Improved uptake of options for woodland and trees and for management of the area's distinctive earth banks, archaeology on arable, and characteristic coastal features would be most helpful here.


Benefiting:
semi-natural woodland regeneration; management of riparian trees, hedgerows and ditches and dykes; conservation of wet and rough grasslands; removal of archaeological features from cultivation; and the management of parkland, water features, lowland species-rich grassland and wetland.

Limiting:
woodland management, agricultural land use, historic farm buildings, archaeology on arable and grass, and sand dunes.

Comments:
Total area of ES uptake of benefit to landscape = 10170 ha   27% ELS  73% HLS 
ES is having a relatively positive impact on this landscape which lies at the heart of the Broads National Park.  ELS is primarily benefiting field boundaries; while HLS is assisting with semi-natural woodland regeneration, conservation management of wet and rough grasslands, removal of archaeology from cultivation, and management of parkland and water features.  Improved uptake of overwintering stubbles, measures aimed at retaining a mixed/pastoral character, and particularly the management of fen and reedbeds would be most beneficial to the character of this area.


Benefiting:
woodland management; the management of hedgerows; the conservation of wet and rough pasture; the conservation of archaeological features both on grass and under arable; the conservation of remaining areas of parkland; the conservation and restoration of water features, both large and small; and the management of characteristic reedbeds.

Limiting:
the management of remnant traditional orchards, the conservation management of ditches and dykes; the use of wide buffer strips to help define field pattern in areas under arable cultivation; the retention and management of a pastoral character;  the management of historic farm buildings; the management and restoration of semi-natural grasslands, salt marsh and the creation of new coastal habitats.

Comments:
Total area of ES uptake of benefit to landscape = 8449 ha   31% ELS  69% HLS 
ES is having some positive effect overall.  Any ES uptake in this area where farming sits close to areas of major urban expansion will be a good thing. HLS assists in the management of wet and rough grassland and coastal options and the management of semi-natural habitats.  Uptake overall is low especially in some of the options that would most benefit the key characteristics of this landscape.  Overall significantly higher levels of uptake would be  very beneficial for the conservation management of  the highly characteristic ditches and dykes and associated reed beds and the conservation management of salt marshes.


Benefiting:
the management of scrub as successional areas; the management of traditional orchards; the management of hedgerows and the planting of new hedgerow lengths to replace those lost in the past; the management of ditches and dykes; the management and restoration of wet grasslands; the conservation of Scheduled Monuments; the management and restoration of parkland; and the management and restoration of semi-natural species-rich grassland; lowland heathland and reed beds and fen.

Limiting:
woodland management; the protection of field trees and the coppicing of bankside trees; the management of permanent pasture with low inputs;  the maintence and restoration of traditional farm buildings;  the conservation  of archaeology under arable cultivation and grassland; and the conservation management of salt marsh and sand dunes.

Comments:
Total area of ES uptake of benefit to landscape = 4,844ha   32% ELS   68% HLS
ES is having a positive effect overall in this NCA, around half of which lies within the Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB.  In this NCA ES is strongly focused on the conservation of boundary features and semi-natural habitats, with a positive effect overall.  ELS is providing the main uptake for boundary features and tree protection and HLS for semi-natural habitats, especially the restoration of lowland heathland.  HLS also covers the  conservation management of wet grasslands and traditional orchards; and the management of archaeology and parklands (358 ha).   The NCA would particularly benefit from higher levels of uptake for the  conservation of archaeology under arable and grassland and  the conservation management of coastal habitats, fen and reedbed.


Benefiting:
semi-natural woodland regeneration; traditional orchards; management and creation of hedgerows; management of ditches and dykes; reinforcement of field patterns by buffer strips; retention and management of wet and rough grasslands; maintenance of historic farm buildings; removal of archaeology from cultivation; management of parkland and water features; and management of small but characteristic species-rich grassland, lowland heathland and fen habitats.

Limiting:
management of woodland and in-field, hedgerow and bankside trees; low input grassland; historic farm building restoration; and archaeology on arable and grass.  It is having little or no impact on protection of hedgerow trees, management of banks, or overwintering stubbles, although all of these objectives are relevant to this landscape.  It may also be having some negative impact as a result of the relatively high uptake of fallow plots.

Comments:
ES is having a positive effect overall on this rural, intensively farmed landscape, with particular benefits to field boundaries and remnant semi-natural habitats but more limited benefits to woodland and trees.  ELS is helping to reinforce field boundaries and patterns and to maintain historic farm buildings; while HLS is influential in retention and management of traditional orchards, management of wet and rough grassland, removal of archaeology from cultivation, and management of parkland, water features and semi-natural habitats.  Further benefits could be achieved, especially by improved targeting and uptake of options for woodland management, in-field and hedgerow trees, and archaeology on arable and grass.


Benefiting:
management of traditional orchards; hedgerow management; creation of new hedgerow lengths; management of ditches; reinforcement of field patterns by buffer strips; management of wet and rough grassland; maintenance of historic farm buildings; removal of archaeology from cultivation; and management of parkland, water features, species-rich grassland, hay meadows and lowland heathland.

Limiting:
management of woodland, in-field trees and bankside trees; low input grasslands; archaeology on arable and grass; and management of wetlands.  It is having little or no impact on protection and renewal of hedgerow trees,  overwintering stubbles, or restoration of historic farm buildings; and fallow plots may be giving rise to some negative landscape impact locally.

Comments:
ES is having a positive effect overall on this mainly rural, intensively farmed landscape.  It is bringing strong benefits to field boundaries but having more limited influence on woodland and tree cover.  ELS is benefiting field boundaries and historic farm buildings, while HLS is supporting restoration and creation of traditional orchards, rough and wet grassland, removal of archaeology from cultivation, and management of parkland, water features, species-rich grassland and lowland heath.  Greater targeting and uptake of measures for trees and woodland,  overwintering stubbles, low input grassland, archaeology, and wetland management would bring further benefits.


Benefiting:
woodland regeneration; management of hedgerows, ditches, dykes and wet grassland; historic farm building restoration; removal of archaeology from cultivation; and management of water features, species-rich grassland and lowland heathland.

Limiting:
woodland management; in-field tree protection; reinforcement of field patterns using buffer strips; overwintering stubbles; low input and rough grassland; archaeology on arable and grass; and management of parkland and wetland.  It is having little or no impact on new hedgerow planting and a possible negative impact from relatively high uptake of fallow plots.

Comments:
ES is having a modest positive effect overall on the distinctive Breckland landscape, although  uptake is modest generally and therefore the scale of any benefits is limited.  ELS is contributing at a low level to management of hedgerows and ditches and maintenance of historic farm buildings.  HLS is facilitating regeneration of semi-natural woodlands, management of wet grassland (and hence conservation of floodplain grazing marsh, albeit at a low level), removal of archaeological features from cultivation, and management of water features and relatively small areas of semi-natural grassland and lowland heath.  Uptake could be improved across the board, and better targeting of measures for woodland management (especially the distinctive pine shelter belts), overwintering stubbles, archaeology on grass,  and management of parkland and wetland is likely to be most beneficial.


Benefiting:
the management of scrub, protection of in-field trees (2,518), conservation of traditional orchards, management of hedgerows and the planting of new hedgerow lengths, management of ditches in the river valleys, conservation of rough pasture, restoration of traditional farm buildings, conservation of Scheduled Monuments at risk, management of parkland, retention and management of large water features, and management and restoration of species-rich semi-natural grasslands.

Limiting:
the management of woodland and coppicing of bankside trees, retention of over-wintering stubbles, management of permanent pasture and wet grasslands, encouragement of mixed stocking (beneficial for the management of floodplain grazing marsh), maintenance of traditional farm buildings, and conservation of archaeology on arable and grassland.

Comments:
Total area of ES uptake of benefit to landscape = 8,704ha    46% ELS   54% HLS
 In this NCA overall level of uptake relative to the size of the NCA is quite low (with uptake equivalent to just 2.5% of the farmed area).  However, an emphasis on the management of boundary features and trees and targeting of other options means that the influence of ES is felt across the landscape having a POSITIVE landscape effect.  ELS uptake focuses on management of boundary features and trees, the agricultural landscape, and conservation of the historic environment (937 ha).  HLS uptake  focuses on woodland management including management of traditional orchards, management and restoration of wet and rough pasture, the management of archaeology and parklands (546 ha); and management and restoration of semi-natural habitats (primarily lowland species-rich meadows).  In addition, there is sufficient uptake of two option types that  have the potential to adversely affect the landscape if  in the wrong location - a high uptake of wide buffer strips, which in a landscape of small irregular fields may detract from the field pattern, and the uptake of fallow plots which, while very beneficial for certain bird species, may detract from the landscape where they can be viewed on a slope.  

The  NCA would particularly benefit from higher levels of uptake for the  management of small woodlands and shaws; the conservation of archaeology under arable and grassland and  the conservation management of wet grasslands and potentially fen.


Benefiting:
traditional orchards, hedgerows, conservation of Scheduled Monuments at risk.

Limiting:
woodlands, in-field, hedgerow and bankside trees,  hedgerow renewal, ditches, use of wide buffer strips to help define field boundaries, over-wintering stubbles, permanent pastures (low input) and wet and rough grasslands, retention and restoration of traditional farm buildings, conservation of archaeology on grassland and under cultivation, and conservation of parkland, species-rich grasslands, hay meadows and wetland habitats (fen and reed beds). Fallow plots may be having an adverse effect on the landscape if visible on slopes.

Comments:
In this rolling, open area of intensive arable production ES is having a NEUTRAL effect on the landscape - there are many missed opportunities.  HLS is assisting the management of woodland,  bankside trees and traditional orchards, the conservation of wet and rough grasslands, archaeology on grasslands and the small areas of parkland management and conservation of semi-natural habitats.  ELS is supporting the protection of trees, management of boundary features, wide buffer strips, low input grasslands and over-wintering stubbles, and conservation of archaeology on arable.  There are many aspects that would benefit from significantly higher levels of uptake including strengthening the field structure through restoration of deteriorating  boundary lengths and use of wide buffer strips, the conservation of permanent pasture and especially wet grasslands and the conservation of parkland, calcareous grasslands and wetland habitats.


Benefiting:
protection of infield trees and conservation of traditional orchards, management and renewal of hedgerows and wet ditches and the use of wide buffer strips to help define field pattern, conservation management of rough grassland, conservation of Scheduled Monuments at Risk, management of mineral workings for nature conservation and the conservation of species-rich grassland.

Limiting:
woodlands and the protection and renewal of hedgerow trees, over-wintering stubbles, permanent low input pasture and wet grasslands, maintenance and restoration of  traditional  farm buildings, conservation of archaeology on grassland and under cultivation, and conservation of parkland and wetland habitats. Arable plots may be having an adverse effect on the landscape if visible on sloping  ground.

Comments:
In this large-scale arable landscape ES is having a POSITVE effect on the landscape especially helping retain and excentuate boundary features (hedgerows and ditches) and maintaining the population of infield trees. HLS is helping woodlands and remaining areas of wet and rough grasslands, conservation of archaeology under cultivation and semi-natural habitats, including those of old mineral workings (sand and gravel and clay) .  Conversely ELS is assisting the management of trees, hedges and ditches and wide buffer strips that help define field pattern, over-wintering stubbles and permanent pasture (low input), and with HLS is helping conserve archaeology on grassland.  This NCA would particularly benefit from hedgerow tree regeneration and further restoration of hedgerows, greater focus on the conservation of remaining wet grasslands and wetland habitats, and the conservation of archaeology as well as retention of the remaining areas of permanent pasture.


Benefiting:
the management of hedgerows and permanent grassland, the conservation of archaeological sites on grassland, the conservation of Scheduled Monuments at risk, and the conservation of species-rich grasslands and their management through hay cutting.

Limiting:
the management and protection of woodland, the protection of field trees and the coppicing of bankside trees, the restoration and renewal of hedgerows, use of wide buffer strips in arable to help strengthen field pattern, the retention of winter stubbles to bring diversity to the winter landscape,  maintenance and restoration of traditional farm buildings, conservation of archaeology under cultivation and of parkland, and the management and restoration of fen and floodplain grazing marsh and of lowland heathland.

Comments:
Total area of ES uptake of benefit to landscape = 7,748ha    66% ELS   34% HLS
ES is having a POSITIVE effect on most landscape themes of these low lying clay vales largely under arable.  ELS uptake is made up of  options for the management of boundary features and trees,  the management of the agricultural landscape, and the conservation of the historic environment (547 ha).  HLS uptake is focused on woodland management,  conservation of wet grasslands,  conservation of archaeology and parklands (together covering 1104 ha of uptake), and the management and restoration of semi-natural habitats (primarily lowland species-rich meadows and their management as hay meadows).  The  NCA would particularly benefit from higher levels of uptake for woodland management and parkland, regeneration of hedgerow trees, and particularly the conservation management of fen, of which 13,969 ha are identified as BAP Priority Habitat, and the 3007 ha of BAP floodplain grazing marsh.


Benefiting:
management of hedgerows, permanent pasture (low inputs) and rough grassland, over-wintering stubbles, conservation of Scheduled Monuments at risk, and conservation of species-rich grassland and heathland.

Limiting:
woodlands, hedgerow and infield trees including the regeneration of hedgerow trees, planting of new hedgerow lengths, over-wintering stubbles, wet grasslands, maintenance and restoration of traditional farm buildings, conservation of archaeology on arable and grassland, and conservation of parkland.

Comments:
ES is having a POSITIVE effect on the landscape of this NCA helping retain hedgerows and pastoral farming within this predominantly arable landscape.  HLS is assisting the management of woodlands, wet and rough grasslands, archaeology under cultivation, and the management of semi-natural habitats.  Conversely ELS is supporting the protection of infield trees, hedgerows, over-wintering stubbles, permanent pasture (low inputs), and the conservation of archaeology on grassland.  The NCA would particularly benefit from greater uptake of options for the restoration of hedgerows and particularly the protection of trees and the rejuvenation of hedgerow trees.  As in NCA 91 the very low uptake for parkland / wood pasture is surprising given their importance in this NCA - it is possible that this is covered by a combination of special projects, capital items, and the application of a combination of relevant ES options to these areas.


Benefiting:
hedgerow management, permanent pasture (low inputs), wet and rough grassland, retention of traditional farm buildings, protection of Scheduled Monuments at risk, restoration of species- rich grassland and management as traditional hay meadows.

Limiting:
woodlands, hedgerow and field trees and the rejuvenation of hedgerow trees, hedgerow renewal / planting of new lengths, restoration of traditional farm buildings, conservation of archaeology on grassland and arable, conservation of parkland, and conservation of wetland habitats

Comments:
ES is having a POSITIVE effect on this landscape with its mosaic of woodland, pasture and arable derived from Medieval hunting forests, especially  helping conserve the strong hedgerow pattern.  HLS is supporting the management of woodlands, rough and wet grasslands, parklands, the conservation of archaeology on arable and the management of semi-natural habitats.  ELS is assisting the conservation of hedgerows, hedgerow and field trees, pasture (low inputs), the retention of traditional agricultural buildings, and the conservation of archaeology on grassland.  In this NCA it is noticeable that field and especially hedgerow trees have low levels of uptake. Many hedgerow trees have been lost to Dutch elm disease and encouragement of a new generation of hedgerow trees would be especially beneficial as would the conservation of remaining ancient pollards.  It is possible that pollards are covered by Capital items, as may be the conservation of parklands and wood pasture, which have surprisingly low levels of uptake relative to their importance in this NCA.


Benefiting:
protection of in-field trees, management of hedgerows, retention of pastoral character, removal of archaeological features from cultivation, and management of species-rich grasslands and hay meadows.

Limiting:
woodlands, riparian trees, buffer strips (reinforcement of field patterns in arable), historic buildings, archaeology on arable and grass, and parkland.  ES seems to be having little or no impact on renewal of hedgerow trees and stone walls, or on the diversity of the arable landscape.

Comments:
Total area of ES uptake of benefit to landscape = 4,132 ha   72% ELS  28% HLS 
ES is having a POSITIVE effect on the landscape in this intensively farmed landscape.  The landscape is benefiting from ES in some important ways but not in others.  ELS is contributing to in-field tree protection, hedgerow management and pastoral character, while HLS is the main influence on removal of archaeology from cultivation and on species-rich grassland and hay meadows.  Greater uptake of options for woodland, hedgerow tree renewal, the arable landscape (buffer strips and overwintering stubbles) and parkland would be especially helpful.


Benefiting:
woodlands, parklands, hedgerows, permanent and rough grasslands, archaeology on grassland and protection of Scheduled Monuments at risk, and species-rich grasslands and hay meadows.

Limiting:
protection of woodland and in-field and hedgerow trees and the restoration of hedgerows and regeneration of hedgerow trees, use of wide buffer strips to help define field boundaries, over-wintering stubbles and the conservation of wet grasslands, the retention and restoration of traditional farm buildings, and the conservation of archaeology on arable.

Comments:
In this landscape of broad rolling ridges and secluded valleys with a quiet rural character ES is having a POSITIVE effect on the landscape helping manage its small woodlands and having a strongly positive effect on the management of hedgerows (well retained from a history of hunting) and the conservation of the characteristic ridge and furrow under grassland.  HLS is helping the management of woodland and parkland,  the conservation of wet and rough grasslands, the removal of archaeology from cultivation, and the conservation of semi-natural habitats.  ELS is primarily assisting the protection of trees,  management of hedgerows and provision of buffer strips, low inputs for permanent pasture, over-wintering stubbles, and with HLS is supporting the conservation of archaeology on grassland.  This landscape would particularly benefit from greater uptake of options for the restoration of hedgerows and especially the regeneration and protection of hedgerow and field trees that form a major component of the area's wooded character, the removal of remaining ridge and furrow from cultivation and the conservation of characteristic field ponds.


Benefiting:
the management of hedgerows and wet grassland, the conservation of archaeology on grassland and Scheduled Monuments at risk, and conservation of species-rich grassland.

Limiting:
woodland management, protection of woodland and in-field trees, coppicing of bankside trees, a and protection, hedgerow planting, use of wide buffer strips to help define field pattern, over-wintering stubbles, retention of permanent pastures (low inputs), maintenance and restoration of traditional farm buildings, conservation of archaeology under cultivation and parkland, and conservation of wetland habitats.

Comments:
ES is having a POSITIVE effect on most landscape themes in these low lying clay vales largely under arable. ELS is supporting the protection of trees, management of hedgerows, buffer strips, over-wintering stubbles, low input pastures, and the majority of archaeology on grassland and arable. HLS is supporting woodland management, bankside trees, wet grasslands, and the conservation of parkland and semi-natural habitats. The  NCA would particularly benefit from higher levels of uptake for woodland and parkland management, regeneration of hedgerow trees, use of wide buffer strips and  the conservation of fen.


Benefiting:
management and restoration of hedgerows, retention of pastoral character and wet grasslands, conservation of Scheduled Monuments at risk, and management of species-rich grassland and hay meadows.

Limiting:
woodlands, in-field trees, hedgerow trees, creation of hedgerows, arable field patterns, diversity of the arable landscape, farm buildings, archaeology on arable and grass, and parkland.

Comments:
Total area of ES uptake of benefit to landscape = 12,307ha   81% ELS  19% HLS 
This mixed farming landscape is benefiting from ES to some extent (identified as a POSITIVE effect).  ELS is contributing to hedgerow management and pastoral character; while HLS is the main influence on the management and restoration of wet grasslands, removal of archaeology from cultivation and on species-rich grassland and hay meadows.  Greater uptake of options for woodland, in-field and hedgerow trees, archaeology on grassland and parkland would be beneficial.


Benefiting:
woodland and orchards, hedgerows, wet and rough grassland, conservation of Scheduled Monuments at risk, and conservation of species-rich grassland and wetland habitats.

Limiting:
woodland and tree protection, regeneration of hedgerow trees and coppicing of bankside trees, hedgerow restoration / planting, low input grasslands, retention and restoration of traditional farm buildings, conservation of archaeology on grassland and arable, and conservation of parkland and traditional hay meadows

Comments:
In this intensive mixed agricultural landscape that retains a heathy character with extensive woodland within the influence of the West Midlands conurbation, ES is having a POSITIVE effect on the landscape.  It is particularly helping retain the woodland and  hedgerow structure.  In this NCA HLS is supporting woodlands, orchards and bankside trees, wet and rough grasslands, archaeology on arable (removing from cultivation) and semi-natural habitats; while ELS is supporting hedgerows and trees, low input grasslands and the management of archaeology on grassland.  This landscape would benefit from significantly greater uptake for the restoration of hedgerows and regeneration of hedgerow trees, as well as significantly greater  support for removing characteristic ridge and furrow from cultivation.


Benefiting:
the maintenance of scrub, protection of infield trees, management of traditional orchards and wet grassland, hedgerow management, management of large water features (likely to be associated with the major parklands of the NCA), management and restoration of species-rich grasslands, restoration of lowland heathland, and the management and restoration of fens.

Limiting:
woodland management and protection, coppicing of bankside trees, planting of new hedgerow lengths to replace important lengths that have been removed, management of permanent pasture with low inputs, conservation of  rough grasslands, maintenance and restoration of traditional farm buildings, conservation of archaeological sites under arable and grassland, management of parkland (a very strong feature of this landscape), and management of small field ponds that are also characteristic.

Comments:
Total area of ES uptake of benefit to landscape = 7,596ha   76% ELS   24% HLS
 ES is having a positive effect on this small-scale well-treed landscape but may not be addressing one of its key characteristics - parkland. ELS uptake is made up of  options for management of boundary features and trees (with Arden having a very large number of field trees (2,384) under option), management of the agricultural landscape, and conservation of the historic environment (347 ha).  HLS uptake is focused on woodland management  including the management of traditional orchards (where again there is a high level of uptake compared to other NCAs),  management of archaeology and parklands, and management and restoration of wet and rough pastures and semi-natural habitats (primarily lowland species-rich meadows and their management as hay meadows).  The  NCA would particularly benefit from higher levels of uptake for the  conservation of archaeology under agriculture, conservation management of small woodlands; and the conservation management of parkland.


Benefiting:
management of scrub as successional areas and of bankside trees, management and restoration of traditional orchards, management of hedgerows, maintenance and restoration of traditional farm buildings, management of wet and rough pasture, conservation of archaeological sites on arable and grassland, rewetting of small areas of blanket bog, and the introduction of mixed grazing on moorland.

Limiting:
the management and protection of woodland, protection of field trees, planting of new hedgerow lengths, management of permanent pasture (low inputs), conservation, management of archaeology on moorland. management and restoration of parkland, conservation of species-rich grasslands, hay meadows, lowland heathland, and upland moorland and management of fen.

Comments:
Total area of ES uptake of benefit to landscape = 9,877ha   48% ELS 10%UELS  42% HLS 
In this border area of upland hills and narrow valleys with transition from valley bottom intensive mixed farming to upland moorland, ES is having a STRONGLY POSITIVE effect on the landscape.   ELS uptake is helping conserve boundary features and trees ,management of the agricultural landscape.  It is also helping conserve archaeological sites, while 1330ha (15% of all uptake) is for mixed grazing on moorland.  HLS uptake is focused on woodland management, a range of agricultural options including management and restoration of wet and rough grassland, management of archaeological sites (77% of total archaeological options), and management and restoration of semi-natural habitats. This NCA would particularly benefit from higher levels of uptake for the management of semi-natural habitats (other than moorland) and parkland.


Benefiting:
bankside trees and orchards, hedgerows, retention of permanent pasture through low inputs, retention of traditional farm buildings, conservation of archaeology on grassland and Scheduled Monuments at risk, and the conservation of species-rich grasslands, upland hay meadows and moorland.

Limiting:
woodlands and in-field and hedgerow trees, hedgerow restoration/ planting, rough grassland and mixed stocking of pastures, restoration of traditional farm buildings, conservation of archaeology under arable cultivation, conservation of parkland and re-wetting of blanket bog.

Comments:
In this border landscape with a transition from the wide fertile Golden Valley in the east to a steep-sided moorland ridge in the west, ES is having a POSITIVE effect on the landscape, bringing benefit to all landscape themes and especially moorland habitats. It is also helping conserve traditional farm buildings.  HLS is primarily assisting woodlands, orchards, parklands and bankside trees, rough grasslands, and semi-natural upland habitats.  ELS is supporting  hedgerows and field and hedgerow trees, low input pasture, retention of traditional farm buildings, conservation of archaeology on grassland and upland moorland rough grazing. UELS is supporting characteristic upland hay meadows and cattle grazing on upland moorland / grassland.  This NCA would particularly benefit from higher levels of uptake for woodland management a protection, the renewal of hedgerows and hedgerow trees and the re-wetting of the large areas of blanket bog.


 Conservation.  ELS is assisting hedgerows and trees, low input grasslands and the retention of traditional farm buildings, while  ELS and HLS together are helping conserve the archaeological resource.   The main areas where ES could offer further support are in the management of woodlands, restoration of hedgerows and renewal of hedgerow trees (retaining the landscape structure) and potentially the further restoration of wet grassland along with conservation of permanent pasture in the river valleys.


Benefiting:
field trees and traditional orchards, coppicing of bankside trees, hedgerows, retention of permanent pasture, the retention and restoration of traditional farm buildings, conservation of  archaeology on grassland and conservation of Scheduled Monuments, as well as the conservation of species-rich grasslands.

Limiting:
woodlands, parkland, hedgerow trees, restoration of hedgerows, wet and rough grasslands, conservation of archaeology on grassland, and conservation of hay meadows.

Comments:
ES is assessed as having a STRONGLY POSITIVE effect on the landscape, unusually, bringing benefit to all landscape themes and notably having a strongly positive effect on traditional farm buildings.  Particularly beneficial is the support for traditional orchards (highly characteristic of the area)  and the significant restoration of the remnant areas of species-rich grassland. Options for pasture are also playing an important role in preserving permanent grassland on floodplains. HLS is primarily assisting woodlands, orchards, parklands and bankside trees, wet and rough grasslands, traditional farm building restoration and semi-natural habitat conservation.  ELS is assisting hedgerows and trees, low input grasslands and the retention of traditional farm buildings, while  ELS and HLS together are helping conserve the archaeological resource.   The main areas where ES could offer further support are in the management of woodlands, restoration of hedgerows and renewal of hedgerow trees (retaining the landscape structure) and potentially the further restoration of wet grassland along with conservation of permanent pasture in the river valleys.


Benefiting:
woodland management and the protection of infield trees, coppicing of bankside trees and the conservation of traditional orchards, hedgerow management, low input and rough pastures, the retention of traditional farm buildings, conservation of  archaeology on grassland, and the conservation of species-rich grassland and hay meadows.

Limiting:
protection of woodland and hedgerow trees and the  renewal of hedgerow trees, restoration of hedgerows (new planting), wet grasslands, restoration of traditional farm buildings, and the conservation of parkland.

Comments:
ES is assessed as having a POSITIVE effect on the landscape, unusually, bringing benefit to all landscape themes and especially benefitting the  conservation of woodlands, trees and traditional orchards (which have significant levels of uptake) and restoration of the small remaining areas of species-rich grassland. Options for permanent pasture are helping prevent reversion to arable. Here HLS is assisting woodland management, bankside trees and orchards, conservation management of rough grasslands and the conservation of species-rich grasslands.  ELS is focused on tree and hedgerow conservation,  low input pasture and mixed grazing, the retention of traditional buildings and, with HLS, is conserving archaeology on grassland.  The main areas where ES could offer further support is in the restoration of hedgerows and renewal of hedgerow trees (retaining the landscape structure) and potentially the restoration of small areas of wet grassland - these are identified in the landscape descriptions but are not identified as a BAP Priority Habitat in this NCA.  Grater attention to parklands would also be good.


Benefiting:
bankside trees and traditional orchards, hedgerow management, low input and rough pasture, conservation of archaeology on grass, and species -rich grasslands and hay meadows.

Limiting:
woodlands and in-field and hedgerow trees, planting of hedgerows, retention and restoration of traditional farm buildings and parkland.

Comments:
ES is assessed as having a POSITIVE effect on the landscape bringing benefit to nearly all landscape themes and especially benefitting the  conservation of traditional orchards and restoration of the small remaining areas of semi-natural habitat.  Here HLS is assisting traditional orchards and the coppicing of waterside trees, rough grasslands,  restoration of traditional buildings, and the conservation of archaeology on grassland and semi-natural habitats.  ELS focuses on the protection of field trees and the management of hedgerows and low input grasslands.  The NCA would benefit from options that reinforce field pattern - the restoration of hedgerows and regeneration of hedgerow trees, as well as greater attention on parklands.


Benefiting:
bankside trees, traditional orchards, management of hedgerows, permanent grassland with low inputs, management of archaeology on grassland, management and restoration of parkland, and management and restoration of species-rich grassland.

Limiting:
small woodlands, management of scrub as successional areas, protection of in-field trees and renewal of hedgerow trees, conservation of rough grassland, mixed grazing on permanent pasture, maintenance and restoration of traditional farm buildings, management of archaeology on arable, and conservation of lowland heathland.

Comments:
Total area of ES uptake of benefit to landscape = 2,347ha   41% ELS   59% HLS 
ES is having a POSITIVE effect on the landscape of this narrow ridge of rounded
hills, with hill forts, benefitting nearly all landscape themes. ELS uptake is assisting the management of boundary features and trees, management of the agricultural landscape, with small areas (28 ha) for the conservation of archaeology.  HLS uptake is focused on woodland management  including the management of traditional orchards, management of archaeology and parklands, and management and restoration of semi-natural habitats (primarily lowland species-rich meadows).  The  NCA would particularly benefit from higher levels of uptake relating to field trees, conservation of archaeology under cultivation, the conservation management of rough grassland and the management and restoration of lowland heathland on the hill tops.


Benefiting:
scrub as successional areas, traditional orchards, hedgerow management, archaeology on grassland, protection of Scheduled Monuments at risk, and the conservation and restoration of species-rich grassland and its management by hay cutting.

Limiting:
the management and protection of woodland,  protection of trees and coppicing of bankside trees,  permanent pasture with low inputs,  wet and rough grasslands, maintenance and restoration of traditional farm buildings, archaeology under cultivation, parkland, and  management and restoration of fen and reedbeds in river valleys.

Comments:
Total area of ES uptake of benefit to landscape = 3,048ha   65% ELS   35% HLS 
ES is having a POSITIVE effect overall on the landscape of this border area of rolling hills and lower reaches of the Wye, helping conserve the landscape structure.   ELS uptake is helping boundary features and trees, management of the agricultural landscape, while also assisting conservation of archaeological sites.  HLS uptake is focused on woodland management, wet and rough grasslands,  the management of archaeological sites (72% of total archaeological options), and the management and restoration of semi-natural habitats. This NCA would particularly benefit from higher levels of uptake for the management of small woodlands and parkland, the renewal of hedgerow trees and greater emphasis on the restoration of semi-natural habitats.


Benefiting:
traditional orchards and parkland / wood pasture, species-rich grassland, heathland and salt marsh (on the banks of the Severn).

Limiting:
woodland management and protection, field trees,  hedgerows and stone walls, low input, wet and rough grasslands, retention and restoration of traditional farm buildings, archaeology on grassland and under cultivation,  and management of hay meadows.

Comments:
The pattern of uptake in this NCA may be strongly influenced by the management of much of the core of the area (the statutory Forest) by the Forestry Commission and the presence of many small holdings which may not be registered agricultural holdings.  Notable are the low levels of uptake, in this predominantly small-scale pastoral landscape, for boundary features,  permanent pasture and the historic environment.  Here HLS is playing the primary role in the management of orchards, parkland / wood pasture and semi-natural habitats, as well as the conservation management of wet and rough grassland.  ELS is primarily contributing to the management of trees, boundary features, low input grasslands and archaeology on grassland.  Here it would be particularly  valuable to have increased uptake of options for the management of hedgerows and field boundaries and better coverage of  archaeological heritage.


Benefiting:
field and bankside trees and traditional orchards, hedgerows, restoration of traditional farm buildings, archaeology on grassland and protection of Scheduled Monuments, large and small water bodies, species-rich grassland and hay meadows, and estuarine salt marsh.

Limiting:
woodland and the protection and regeneration of hedgerow trees,  planting of new hedgerows,  wet ditches (rhines), low input, wet and rough pasture, retention of traditional farm buildings,    archaeology on arable, parklands, and the creation of new coastal habitats.  The NCA has high uptake of fallow plots in arable - these may have an adverse effect on the landscape if visible on a slope.

Comments:
Despite a long tradition of intensive agricultural management (the NCA includes the Vale of Evesham) ES is assessed as having a STRONGLY POSITIVE effect on the landscape.  This especially reflects that ES is conserving those features identified as central to the character of the NCA not least field and waterside trees and traditional orchards.  Here HLS  is helping to manage woodlands, riverside trees and traditional orchards and parkland, as well as  characteristic wet and rough grasslands, large and small water features and semi-natural habitats, along with archaeology under cultivation and the restoration of traditional farm buildings.  ELS on the other hand, is helping maintain the hedgerow network and population of field trees as well as low input grasslands and archaeology on grassland.  This NCA would particularly benefit from higher levels of uptake for wet grasslands and wetland habitats that reinforce the riverine character of this NCA, as well as restoration of hedgerows, especially those affected by Dutch elm disease.


Benefiting:
management of scrub, protection of in-field trees and coppicing of bankside trees, conservation of traditional orchards, management and planting / restoration of  hedgerows, management of the  highly characteristic limestone walls and also ditches, use of wide buffer strips to help define field boundaries, retention of permanent pasture (with low inputs), protection of Scheduled Monuments at risk, and conservation of species-rich grassland and hay cutting.

Limiting:
woodlands, overwintering stubbles, wet and rough grasslands, traditional water meadows,  maintenance and restoration of traditional farm buildings,  archaeology under cultivation and on grassland, parkland, and  lowland heathland and wetland habitats.

Comments:
Total area of ES uptake of benefit to landscape = 35497ha.   65% ELS   35% HLS 
ES is having a POSITIVE impact on this highly distinctive  AONB landscape, however, there is a notable split in the landscape themes with those for woodlands and trees, boundaries and semi-natural habitats showing a strongly positive effect and those for agricultural land use, buildings and the historic environment showing a neutral effect.  ELS uptake focuses on boundary features and trees (which includes a very high level of uptake for field trees (7619 trees), winter stubbles, permanent pasture (low inputs), and conservation of archaeology, while  HLS uptake focuses on woodlands, wet and rough grasslands, conservation of archaeology (59% of total archaeological uptake); and semi-natural habitats. This NCA would particularly benefit from higher levels of uptake for the conservation management of permanent and wet pastures, parkland and archaeological features under agricultural management.


Benefiting:
hedgerows (which have suffered significant reduction in length in the past), rough grasslands, conservation of Scheduled Monuments at risk, small  ponds, and neutral species-rich  riverside grasslands.

Limiting:
woodlands, parklands and orchards as well as, field, hedgerow and bankside trees (this is a significant missed opportunity with the loss of so many trees to Dutch Elm disease), hedgerow planting, ditches and wide  buffer strips that help define field pattern, over-wintering stubbles, permanent pasture (low inputs) and wet grasslands,  mixed stocking (that may benefit management of wet grasslands), traditional farm buildings, archaeology on arable and grassland, and conservation of hay meadows and wetland habitats. In addition,  significant lengths of riverside fencing and arable plots, if in the wrong location, could detract from the landscape.

Comments:
Total area of ES uptake of benefit to landscape = 20,728ha.   66%ELS 34% HLS
In this large NCA which has been affected by gravel extraction and the effects of Dutch elm disease, significant opportunities have been missed to enhance the landscape, with ES having a NEUTRAL effect on the landscape overall. Here ELS is the main influence on the landscape, although HLS is responsible for the management and restoration of wet and rough pasture and  species-rich grassland, as well as woodlands.  The NCA would benefit from higher levels of uptake across all aspects and especially in the encouragement of hedgerow trees, restoration of hedgerows and the use of wide buffer strips in arable to strengthen field pattern.  Equally, levels of uptake need to be higher to ensure the retention of a mixed landscape with permanent pasture and wet grasslands and associated wetland habitats and parklands, as well as the conservation of  archaeology on grassland and arable.


Benefiting:
hedgerows and species-rich grassland, as well as very small areas of fen and heath.

Limiting:
woodlands, parklands, hedgerows and field and hedgerow trees and the use of wide buffer strips to help define field pattern.  It is also having more limited impact on improved and rough grasslands, traditional farm buildings and the conservation of archaeology on grassland and arable.

Comments:
ES is having a NEUTRAL effect overall on this rural agricultural NCA stretching between Oxford and Swindon.  Uptake of many options is low compared to the size of the NCA, with ES only identified as having a positive effect on the landscape with respect to hedgerows and semi-natural habitats. The influence of HLS is primarily related to woodlands and parklands, rough grasslands and the conservation of semi-natural habitats. ELS is primarily influencing the conservation of field trees and hedgerows, the provision of buffer strips and low input grasslands while ELS and HLS are equally contributing to the conservation of archaeology on agricultural land.  This NCA would particularly benefit from greater uptake of options for the restoration and renewal of hedgerows (many are gappy) and hedgerow trees and the provision of wide grass buffer strips to help strengthen the field pattern, combined with greater uptake of parkland options and those for the conservation of archaeology.


Benefiting:
scrub management, hedgerows, wet and rough pasture,  restoration of traditional farm buildings, protection of Scheduled Monuments at risk,  and species-rich grassland, lowland heathland, and wetlands.

Limiting:
woodlands, infield, hedgerow and bankside trees, traditional orchards, planting of new hedgerow lengths, creation of wide buffer strips to strengthen field pattern, overwintering stubbles,  permanent pastures (with low inputs), wet grasslands, retention of traditional farm buildings,   archaeology on arable and grassland, parkland and wood pasture, and hay cutting.

Comments:
Total area of ES uptake of benefit to landscape = 10891ha   62%ELS   38% HLS 
ES is having a POSITVE effect overall on this well wooded chalkland landscape (much of which falls within the Chilterns AONB) although uptake is generally below threshold for woodland and trees and the historic environment.  ELS uptake is assisting  the management of boundary features and trees, winter stubbles, low input permanent pastures, and conservation of archaeology.  HLS uptake is focused on woodlands, wet and rough pasture, conservation of archaeology (36% of total archaeological uptake); and the management and restoration of semi-natural habitats. This NCA would particularly benefit from support for field and hedgerow trees and orchards, restoration of important hedgerow lengths, use of wide buffer strips, greater protection of archaeology, and management of parklands (if not separately covered under special projects and ES capital items).


Benefiting:
the protection of in-field trees and  conservation of orchards, wet ditches and rough grassland, the retention of small ponds and the conservation of species-rich grassland.

Limiting:
woodland and parkland management, protection and renewal of hedgerow trees and coppicing of bankside trees, management and renewal of hedges, winter stubbles, low input and wet grasslands and water meadows, protection and restoration of traditional farm buildings,  conservation of archaeology on arable and grassland, and hay meadows, heathland, wetland habitats and the small areas of salt marsh on the coastal boundaries of this NCA.

Comments:
ES is having a NEUTRAL effect overall on this NCA.  Uptake of many options is low, perhaps due in part to the NCA's strong urban influences, although much of the NCA remains under agricultural management.  HLS is the primary influence on the management of woodland, bankside trees, orchards and parklands, the management of wet and rough grasslands,  the conservation of archaeology on arable, as well as the conservation of semi-natural habitats and ponds. The primary influence of ELS is on the management of trees and boundary features, over-wintering stubbles and low input grasslands, and archaeology on grassland.  This NCA would particularly benefit from bringing the diverse small farm woodlands under management and the strengthening of hedgerow boundaries and associated hedgerow trees, along with the management of parkland / wood pasture and reinforcement of the semi-natural wetland character of the river valleys.


Benefiting:
wet grassland,  archaeology on grassland and management of Scheduled Monuments at risk, and  species-rich grassland, wetland habitats and sand dunes.

Limiting:
woodlands, trees, traditional orchards (this is a very low level of uptake relative to the strong orcharding tradition of the area), management and restoration of hedgerows and wet ditches, over-wintering stubble, low input permanent pasture, retention and restoration of traditional farm buildings, archaeology on arable, parklands, meadows and the conservation of heathland and salt marsh.

Comments:
Overall this NCA has relatively low levels of ES uptake, with its strong development pressures and intensive horticultural / arable production but ES is assessed as having a POSITIVE effect on the landscape.  ELS is assisting protection of trees and  management of boundary features, over-wintering stubbles, low input pastures, and the protection of archaeology, while HLS is assisting  woodlands, wet grasslands and  semi-natural habitats including those along the coast.    This NCA would particularly benefit from higher levels of uptake to support the management of small woodlands, the restoration management of hedgerows and wet drains, the restoration management of wetland habitats, heathland and salt marsh, and the restoration of traditional orchards and parkland, the former being an iconic feature of this landscape, as part of the former 'Garden of England'.


Benefiting:
the management of scrub, rough grassland, species-rich grassland and heathland.

Limiting:
small woodlands,  in-field, hedgerow and bankside trees, hedgerows and ditches, permanent pasture (low inputs),  wet grasslands, conservation of archaeology, parklands and small ponds, the retention of traditional farm buildings, and the conservation of fen.

Comments:
Overall uptake levels are low in this NCA with ES having a NEUTRAL  effect on the landscape, potentially reflecting its highly built-up character, although there are significant areas of common land.  Within this limited uptake HLS uptake is assisting the conservation of small woodlands,  rough grassland, parkland and semi-natural habitats.  ELS uptake is primarily influencing the management of trees, boundary features and low input grasslands.  As for the Thames Valley, in this urban edge NCA much of the land has now passed out of agricultural use making the landscape of the  areas of agriculture that remain all the more important.  This NCA would particularly benefit from greater  uptake of options  that encourage the restoration of gappy hedgerows and conservation and reinstatement of hedgerow trees including ancient pollards, the conservation of wet grasslands and small ponds and restoration of parkland and wood pasture, if not already covered by other special projects.


Benefiting:
management of successional areas, rough grassland, and species-rich grassland and heathland.

Limiting:
management and protection of woodland,orchards,field, hedgerow and bankside trees, parkland,  hedgerows and ditches, permanent pasture (low input) and wet grasslands, retention and restoration of historic farm buildings, protection of archaeology on agricultural land and  conservation of traditional hay meadows and wetland habitats.

Comments:
ES is having a NEUTRAL effect  with low levels of uptake in this urban edge landscape bisected by the M25 and with much past gravel extraction and waste tips.  Much of the land has now passed out of agricultural use making the landscape of the  areas of agriculture that remain all the more important.  Here ELS is primarily assisting field trees, boundary features, conservation of permanent pasture, and conservation of archaeology on farmland. HLS is the main influence on the management of woodland and coppicing of bankside trees, wet and rough grasslands, parkland and  semi-natural habitats.  This NCA would particularly benefit from greater  uptake of options  that encourage the management of small woodlands, restoration of hedgerows, reinstatement of hedgerow trees and restoration of traditional orchards (once a strong characteristic of this area),  wet grasslands and other wetland habitats, with hay cutting as appropriate,  and the restoration of parkland and wood pasture, if not already covered by other special projects.


Benefiting:
management of scrub, hedgerows and planting of new hedgerow lengths (important where remaining hedgerows have become very gappy), ditches,  wet and rough pasture, restoration of historic farm buildings,  archaeology under cultivation and on grassland, and conservation of  chalk grassland and wetland habitats.

Limiting:
small woodlands, infield, hedgerow and bankside trees, wide buffer strips helping define arable boundaries, overwintering stubbles, permanent pasture with low inputs, retention of historic farm buildings, and  conservation  of parkland.

Comments:
Total area of ES uptake of benefit to landscape = 17,155ha   66%ELS   34% HLS 
ES is having a POSITIVE effect on the landscape across all landscape themes other than woodlands and trees in this large-scale chalkland landscape, renown for its race horse training  and dominated by arable production, largely falling within the North Wessex Downs AONB. ELS uptake is made up of four main groups of options: those for boundary features,  winter stubbles, low input permanent pasture, and conservation of archaeology.  HLS uptake is focused on woodland management, wet and rough pastures, conservation of archaeology (25% of total archaeological uptake),  and the management and restoration of semi-natural habitats. This NCA would particularly benefit from higher uptake for the conservation of riverside and hedgerow trees in river valleys and the use of wide buffer strips to help define arable field boundaries in this very large scale landscape, encouragement of low input grasslands on scarp slopes, as well as the management of parklands if not covered by other special projects.


Benefiting:
hedgerows and ditches (in river valleys), restoration of traditional farm buildings,  archaeology on grassland, protection of Scheduled Monuments at risk, and the restoration of species-rich grassland.

Limiting:
woodlands, infield, hedgerow and bankside trees, planting of hedgerow lengths, stone walls,  low input and wet grasslands, retention of traditional farm buildings, archaeology under cultivation, and the conservation management of parkland and  wetland habitats.

Comments:
ES is having a NEUTRAL effect on this strongly rural low lying varied landscape, with generally low levels of uptake throughout but especially evident for woodlands and trees, agricultural land uses and traditional farm buildings.  Here  ELS is the main influence on field trees, permanent pastures (low inputs), rush pastures, and the conservation of archaeology. By comparison, HLS is the main influence on small woodland and bankside trees, parkland and semi-natural habitats.    The landscape of this NCA would particularly benefit from restoration of prominent hedgerow lengths, regeneration of hedgerow trees, maintenance of field walls and conservation management of wet grasslands and parklands assuming that these are not already covered by Special Projects, as well as the protection of any remaining areas of ridge and furrow under arable cultivation.


Benefiting:
in-field trees and orchards, hedgerows,  conservation management of wet grassland and archaeology on grassland, and the conservation of species-rich grassland

Limiting:
small  woodlands, protection and renewal of hedgerow trees, stone walls which are locally characteristic on the limestone,  management of rough and low input pasture, retention of traditional farm buildings, conservation of archaeology on arable and of parkland / wood pasture, and the conservation of hay meadows and wetland habitats.

Comments:
In this highly varied area of ridges and valleys under the urban influence of Bristol, ES is having a POSITIVE effect  across all landscape themes other than that for traditional agricultural buildings.  ELS is assisting the conservation of tree and boundary features,  low input grasslands and the conservation of archaeology, while HLS is aiding the management of woodland and traditional orchards, wet and rough grassland, parkland, and the conservation management of semi-natural habitats.    The NCA would particularly benefit from increased uptake of options for small woodlands, stone walls, hedgerow tree re-establishment where characteristic of vale landscapes, and the conservation management of rough grassland and parkland  - the latter characteristic of the south and west where the woodlands and mature and exotic trees bring a distinctive local character.


Benefiting:
management of scrub, infield trees and traditional orchards, hedgerows and the planting of new hedgerows (a very high level  compared to many other NCAs), wet and rough pasture, protection of the archaeological resource under cultivation, and management and restoration of semi-natural species rich grasslands, heathland, fen and salt marsh.

Limiting:
small woodlands, bankside trees, the ditches of the valley floors, wide buffer strips in arable to help accentuate the field pattern of larger fields, over-wintering stubbles, permanent pasture (low inputs), retention and restoration of historic farm buildings, management of archaeological sites on  grassland and of parkland.

Comments:
Total area of ES uptake of benefit to landscape = 12,751 ha.  54%ELS    46% HLS 
On these chalk downs that trace the southern edge of London and commuter towns to west and east and make up parts of both the Surrey Hills and Kent Downs AONBs, ES is having a POSITIVE effect on the landscape, with ES particularly benefitting field patterns and boundaries and the conservation of semi-natural habitats, especially characteristic chalk grassland. Here HLS is the primary scheme for the conservation of woodland and orchards, wet and rough grasslands,  for two-thirds of the uptake relating to archaeological conservation, parkland, and the conservation of semi-natural habitats.  ELS is the scheme primarily covering the protection of field trees, management of boundary features and the farmed landscape,  conservation of certain aspects of the archaeological resource. This NCA would particularly benefit from higher levels of uptake for  the management of small farm woods, the use of wide buffer strips to help define larger arable field boundaries, conservation of archaeology on grassland, and the management of  parklands, if not covered by other special projects.


Benefiting:
scrub,  in-field and bankside trees, orchards, wet ditches within river valleys combined with wet and rough grasslands - a highly valued feature of the river valleys,  restoration of traditional farm buildings,  parkland / wood pasture, and archaeology on arable, the conservation of water features and species-rich grassland,  and the large-scale restoration of lowland heathland.

Limiting:
the management and protection of small woodlands,  hedgerow trees, conservation of the highly characteristic hedgerow pattern, permanent pasture with low inputs, the management of archaeology on grassland and the conservation of Scheduled Monuments at Risk, the conservation management of fen and swamp vegetation in  the river valleys and on heathlands, and the management of coastal salt marshes (identified by Land Cover Map) and sand dunes.

Comments:
ES is having a POSITIVE effect on the landscape of this well wooded and heavily populated Greensand ridge with extensive areas of remaining heathlands that falls partly within the South Downs National Park and Surrey Hills and Kent Downs AONBs.  It is notable though that ES is not having a discernible effect on the conservation of the characteristic small-scale field pattern. Here HLS makes the major contribution to the management of woodlands, orchards and coppicing of bankside trees, wet and rough grasslands, parklands and large and small water features, and the management of semi-natural habitats including the very significant restoration of lowland heathland.  ELS makes the primary contribution to the protection of woodlands and trees, management of boundary features, permanent pasture with low inputs, and the conservation of archaeology.  This NCA would particularly benefit from higher levels of uptake for the management of small woodlands, hedgerows and conservation and renewal of hedgerow trees, as well as the conservation of archaeology on grassland and of wetland habitats.


Benefiting:
protection of infield trees (many of which are ancient) and management of bankside trees,  hedgerows, wet and rough pasture,  conservation of archaeology under arable cultivation,  restoration of parkland/ wood pasture, retention and management of large water features, and  restoration of lowland heathland and fen.

Limiting:
woodland management and protection, renewal of hedgerow trees, management of traditional orchards, permanent pasture  with low inputs, retention and restoration of traditional farm buildings, conservation of archaeological sites on grassland, small ponds,  and conservation of species-rich grassland  and its management by hay cutting.

Comments:
Total area of ES uptake of benefit to landscape = 12,541 ha  60%ELS    40% HLS 
ES is having a POSITIVE effect on this low-lying, rural, well-wooded,  pastoral landscape.  It is  having an especially positive effect on conserving its pastoral character and its archaeology and parklands / wood pasture.  Here ELS is primarily responsible for the management / conservation of field trees and hedgerows, management of the agricultural landscape, and roughly 40% of the archaeological conservation.  The uptake of HLS on the other hand, primarily covers management of woodland, rough and wet pasture, 60% of archaeological conservation, and management and restoration of parkland and semi-natural habitats.  In this NCA higher levels of ES uptake would be particularly beneficial for management of the many small woodlands and remaining orchards, regeneration of hedgerow trees, conservation and restoration of remnant species-rich pastures and management by hay cutting, and conservation of the highly characteristic field ponds.


Benefiting:
infield trees and bankside trees, wet ditches in the river valley floodplains,  wet and rough grasslands (including semi-improved grasslands), conservation of archaeology on grassland, and conservation restoration of semi-natural habitats including species-rich grasslands, heathlands and the wetland habitats of the river floodplains.

Limiting:
small woodlands, protection and regeneration of hedgerows and hedgerow trees, traditional orchards, permanent pasture with low inputs, hay cutting and mixed stocking, retention and restoration of traditional farm buildings, conservation of archaeology on arable, and conservation of characteristic parkland and wood pasture and small field ponds.

Comments:
In this distinctive Medieval landscape of small irregular fields, shaws and interlinking small woodlands falling within the High Weald AONB, ES is having a POSITIVE effect on the landscape.  This especially relates to the conservation and  restoration of species-rich grasslands and heathlands (including the large expanse of Ashdown Forest) although it is notable that ES is having a limited effect on conserving the highly characteristic dense hedgerow pattern. HLS is the primary influence on the management of woodlands and orchards and the coppicing of bankside trees, the management of wet and rough grasslands, and the conservation parklands / wood pasture, ponds, hay meadows and semi-natural habitats. Conversely ELS is the primary influence on the protection of woodland and trees, management of boundary features, low input pasture and archaeology on grassland.  The NCA would particularly benefit from increased uptake of options for the management of small woodlands, hedgerows, regeneration of hedgerow trees, hay meadows and parklands /wood pasture- in the latter case these may already be covered by separate Management Plans with uptake of a suite of options rather than the specific parkland options.


Benefiting:
woodland protection, conservation of traditional orchards, hedgerows, low input, wet and rough pastures, archaeology on grassland, water bodies and species-rich grassland, and the conservation management of salt marsh and sand dunes.

Limiting:
woodland management and the protection of in-field trees, conservation management of dykes and water filled ditches, use of wide buffer strips helping reinforce field pattern in this largely open arable landscape, winter stubbles, mixed stocking, retention and restoration of traditional farm buildings, conservation of archaeology under cultivation, and conservation of heathland and wetland habitats (reed beds and fen).

Comments:
ES is having a POSITIVE effect on this open drained coastal landscape largely under arable cropping.  In particular ES is helping retain remaining areas of permanent pasture and especially wet and rough pastures and  important coastal sand dunes.  HLS is primarily supporting the management of woodlands and orchards, wet and rough pastures, water features,  and the conservation of  terrestrial and coastal semi-natural habitats.  ELS is helping the protection of woodland and trees, management of boundary features, overwintering stubbles and low input pastures and support for mixed stocking.  The management of archaeology on grassland and the creation of wide buffer strips is shared between ELS and HLS, with ELS having roughly two-thirds of the uptake in both cases.  This NCA would particularly benefit from higher levels of uptake for the conservation management of ditches and rhynes and reed bed and fens, as well as the use of wide buffer strips to help define field boundaries.


Benefiting:
low input permanent pasture, highly characteristic wet grasslands and mixed stocking,  and conservation of the very small areas of species-rich semi-natural grassland and the creation of reed bed.

Limiting:
woodland management, protection of trees, management of hedgerows and ditches, rough grassland, and the retention and restoration of traditional farm buildings, potentially including 'lookers' huts.

Comments:
Total area of ES uptake of benefit to landscape = 3,351 ha   48%ELS   52% HLS 
ES is assessed as having a NEUTRAL effect  on this open, drained, coastal pastoral landscape.  This partly reflects that some of the landscape themes are less relevant to this small NCA which, for example, has a very small archaeological resource.  Importantly ES is addressing the most important aspect of this landscape - conserving the areas of coastal grazing marsh.  Here ELS is primarily helping  field trees, and conservation management of hedgerows, ditches and low input pastures, while HLS is most strongly associated with the management and restoration of the highly characteristic wet grazing marshes and other semi-natural habitats.   This NCA would particularly benefit from greater uptake for the conservation management of wet ditches and reed beds, helping excentuate the area's  strong wetland associations.


Benefiting:
small woodland and scrub management, protection of infield trees (particularly associated with the major estates of the western downs), management of hedgerows, wet grasslands of the valleys and rough pasture of steeper slopes, restoration of historic buildings, conservation of archaeology on farmland, of large water features (again likely to be associated with the large estates), and the major restoration of chalk grasslands and rare of rare chalk heath.

Limiting:
woodland protection, coppicing of riverside trees, planting of new hedgerow lengths,  conservation management of wet ditches on valley floors,  wide grass buffer strips on arable  to help define field pattern, over-wintering stubbles, permanent low input pasture, retention of  traditional buildings, restoration of parkland, and the conservation of wetland habitats and the small areas of salt marsh and vegetated shingle banks within the Cuckmere Estuary.

Comments:
Total area of ES uptake of benefit to landscape = 28,375ha   54%ELS  46% HLS 
In this chalk downland landscape, forming part of the South Downs National Park, high levels of ES uptake are having a STRONGLY POSITIVE effect on the landscape. especially in respect of Semi-natural Habitats, the Historic Environment, and the conservation of wet and rough grasslands.  Here HLS is  supporting woodland management, wet and rough pasture, restoration of agricultural buildings,  just under half of the uptake for conservation of archaeology, parkland, and all options for  semi-natural habitats, both terrestrial and on the coast.  Conversely ELS is the main scheme supporting the management of field boundaries and field trees, arable options, and just over half of the uptake for the conservation of archaeology. Future priorities for ES uptake will be set out in the South Downs Management Plan.


Benefiting:
hedgerows, wet grasslands, large water bodies (gravel pits that form the largest areas of freshwater in the area), and small areas of semi-natural grassland, coastal heathland, and  reedbeds and salt marsh.

Limiting:
woodland management, protection of in-field trees, conservation management of wet ditches, use of wide buffer strips to help define field boundaries, over-wintering stubbles,  permanent pasture with low inputs, retention and restoration of traditional farm buildings, management of archaeology on grassland and parkland, conservation of characteristic small ponds, hay cutting of grasslands and the conservation of fen and sand dunes for which the small area of uptake does not reflect their importance to the area, for example, sand dunes at the mouth of Chichester Harbour and Littlehampton.

Comments:
Total area of ES uptake of benefit to landscape = 2262ha   34% ELS  66% HLS
Overall levels of ES uptake are low reflecting the highly urbanised character of the coastal plain, although ES is having a POSITIVE effect on the landscape, which includes the Chichester Harbour AONB.  ELS options largely relate to the protection of field trees, management of boundary features, and management of the wider agricultural landscape. Conversely HLS largely supports conservation of archaeology, management of woodlands on higher ground, conservation of wet grasslands, and the conservation of semi-natural habitats both on the coast and inland.  This landscape would particularly benefit from conservation management of wet ditches, use of wide buffer strips to give stronger definition to field boundaries, and greater management and restoration of coastal habitats and especially sand dunes, which are suffering from coastal squeeze.


Benefiting:
management of woodland, hedgerows, wet and rough pasture, conservation of  archaeology under arable cultivation, retention and management of large and small water bodies, and the conservation of semi-natural habitats (particularly chalk grassland) and the management of salt marsh.

Limiting:
woodland protection, infield and hedgerow trees, traditional orchards, new hedgerow planting,   management of low input permanent pasture,  retention of traditional farm buildings,  conservation of archaeology on grassland, parklands and remnant areas of wood pasture, and hay meadow management.

Comments:
Total area of ES uptake of benefit to landscape = 4,435 ha   33% ELS 67% HLS 
ES is having a POSITIVE effect on this highly varied AONB island landscape bringing particular benefit to field boundaries and semi-natural habitats.  HLS is the primary scheme for woodland, orchards,  and wet and rough grassland management, aspects of archaeological conservation, parklands, and semi-natural habitats, including those along the coast.  ELS primarily covers the management of hedgerows and trees, the agricultural landscape, and aspects of archaeological conservation. The NCA would benefit from increased uptake of options for regeneration of hedgerow trees where they are characteristic, hedgerow planting where important lengths have been lost, and the management of parkland and wood pasture, if not already covered by special projects, as well as conservation of the small areas of salt marsh suffering from coastal squeeze.


Benefiting:
scrub and wet grassland, management of water bodies (likely to be gravel workings) and small ponds, restoration of species-rich grassland and heathland restoration and the  restoration and management of wetland habitats.

Limiting:
management of woodland and protection and replacement of field and hedgerow trees (both essential characteristics of this landscape), coppicing of bankside trees, management of hedgerows and wet ditches, permanent pasture with low inputs,  traditional water meadow, retention and restoration of traditional farm buildings, parkland and conservation of salt marsh on the lower reaches of the main rivers entering Southampton Water.

Comments:
This is a well wooded and treed landscape similar to the enclosed lands of the New Forest and  crossed by the lush lower valleys of the Test, Itchen and Meon,  ES is assessed as having a NEUTRAL effect on the landscape potentially reflecting the strong urban pressures within the area, crossed by the M27 and M3 and affected by the outward expansion of Southampton,  Eastleigh and Havant. 
Here HLS makes up the majority of the uptake  for woodland, parkland / wood pasture  and scrub management, wet grasslands and water meadows and the conservation management of semi-natural habitats and water features including small ponds.  ELS makes up the majority of uptake for trees and boundary features, and permanent pasture with low inputs.  This NCA would particularly benefit from increased uptake for the conservation management of hedgerows (that define the small-scale character of this landscape) and drainage ditches, the protection and regeneration of hedgerow trees, and further uptake of options for traditional water meadows (expanding on the significant uptake that has already been achieved), and conservation of salt marsh at the mouth of the river estuaries and suffering from coastal squeeze.


Benefiting:
scrub management (likely to be for the control of scrub on heathland and in valley wetlands),  management of ditches / dykes in river valleys, conservation of archaeology on arable, conservation of water features, and conservation and restoration of species-rich grassland and especially heathland.

Limiting:
woodland management, in-field and hedgerow trees, regeneration of hedgerow trees, coppicing of bankside trees, hedgerow management, permanent low input, wet and rough pastures, retention and restoration of traditional farm buildings, conservation of archaeology on grassland and parkland / wood pasture, and the conservation of fen and other wetland habitats.

Comments:
Overall ES is having a NEUTRAL effect on this distinct area of unenclosed heathland and coniferous forestry.  Uptake of many options is low potentially reflecting the strong urban influences of Newbury, Bracknell, Camberley, Aldershot, Ascot, Farnborough and Woking, linked by major transport routes (the M3, M4, M25, and A34). Nevertheless, ES is having a strongly positive effect on the NCA's heathland character.  Here HLS makes up the majority of the uptake  for woodland  and scrub management, bankside trees, wet and rough grasslands and the conservation  of semi-natural habitats (especially heathland), and water features and parklands.  ELS covers the protection of trees, management of boundary features and permanent pastures, including rush pastures and the conservation of archaeology on arable - the conservation of archaeology on grassland is roughly split between ELS and HLS.  In this NCA there would be significant gains for the landscape if greater emphasis were placed on the uptake of options for hedgerow management and renovation, the conservation and regeneration of hedgerow and field trees, and especially the protection of ancient pollards,  There would also be benefit in greater emphasis on the management of wet grassland, fens and other wetland habitats in the river valleys.


Benefiting:
infield and riverside trees, management of hedgerows, use of wide grass buffer strips in arable  to help define field pattern, conservation of wet and rough grasslands, archaeology on grassland and arable, and conservation of small ponds and remaining areas of semi-natural chalk grassland.

Limiting:
protection and management of small woodlands, hedgerow planting, management of ditches in the river valleys, over-wintering stubbles, retention of low input permanent pasture (significant that 50% of area under this option type is under the more rigorous options for very low inputs),   retention and restoration of traditional water meadows and conservation of valley fens and reed beds, retention and restoration of traditional farm buildings, and conservation of parkland.

Comments:
Total area of ES uptake of benefit to landscape = 13,281 ha   68% ELS  32% HLS 
ES is having a POSITIVE effect on the landscape of this large-scale rolling chalk downland dominated by arable cropping, with strongly positive effects for Field Boundaries, the Historic Environment and Semi-natural Habitats.  Significant parts of this NCA fall within the South Downs National Park and North Wessex Downs AONB.  Here HLS makes up the majority of uptake  for woodland  management, parklands, wet grasslands  and semi-natural habitats,  as well as committing over 1000ha to archaeological conservation.  Conversely ELS is the main scheme for field boundaries, conservation management of arable cropping and permanent pasture and over half of the area committed to the conservation of archaeology.  This NCA would particularly  benefit from higher levels of uptake for hedgerow restoration of important lengths (many are very gappy), management of parklands and conservation management of the water meadows, wet grasslands and fens of the valley floors.


Benefiting:
the significant areas of restoration and management of wood pasture, semi-natural habitats especially extensive areas of lowland heathland and species-rich grassland restoration, and the  management of salt marsh on the coast.  Also the coppicing of bankside trees and the conservation management of wet pasture.

Limiting:
areas of woodland and trees (other than wood pasture) with all of the main forest enclosures under the management of the Forestry Commission.  ES is equally having more limited impact on field boundaries, field and hedgerow trees,  on areas of improved permanent and rough pasture and on the maintenance and restoration of traditional farm buildings the management of archaeology under grassland, and the management of wetland habitats.

Comments:
Total area of ES uptake of benefit to landscape = 26,679ha   6%ELS    94% HLS
In this NCA, which largely falls within the New Forest National Park, ES is having a POSITIVE effect on the landscape. The high levels of HLS uptake for the restoration and management of wood pasture and restoration of lowland heathland and species-rich grassland is very noticeable, as are the very significant areas managed as wet grasslands  (for breeding waders) although greater uptake of HD10 / 11 for the management and restoration of traditional water meadows would be beneficial in the Avon valley.   There is much greater reliance, however, on ELS options on the enclosed lands that surround the Open Forest and significantly lower levels of uptake.  Improved uptake in these areas would be beneficial to help conserve and strengthen the pattern of small woodlands and hedged enclosures with many hedge and field trees that provide context to the Open Forest.


Benefiting:
management of hedgerows, retention of permanent and rough pasture,  conservation of the archaeological resource under arable cropping and on grass, and the management of reed beds.

Limiting:
management and protection of woodland, protection of field trees and coppicing of bankside trees, planting of hedgerows, creation of wide buffer strips to help define field pattern, winter stubbles, conservation  of wet grasslands, conservation and restoration of traditional water meadows in the Avon Valley, retention and restoration of traditional farm buildings, conservation of parklands and associated water bodies, and the management/ restoration/ creation of calcareous grasslands.

Comments:
Total area of ES uptake of benefit to landscape = 23,268 ha   72%ELS    28% HLS
In this very large-scale, open, downland landscape, falling partly within the Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs AONB,  ES is having a POSITIVE effect  on the landscape overall and a very positive effect on the historic environment (including the Stonehenge and Avebury WHS).  However, with the largest area of internationally important semi-natural chalk grassland in Western Europe, it is noticeable that levels of uptake for this habitat are low (relative to its total area).   In this NCA ELS is the dominant scheme overall, assisting the management of the agricultural landscape and the management of the archaeological resource, as well as the  conservation management of hedgerows. Conversely, HLS is the primary scheme for the management of woodlands and of rough and wet grasslands and semi-natural habitats.  

 The real opportunity in this NCA is for very significantly greater levels of uptake for the conservation of species-rich grassland, combined with the use of wide buffer strips to strengthen field boundaries across arable areas and potentially greater areas of over-wintering stubbles. There would also be significant merit in conserving and strengthening the character of the distinct river valleys especially through greater uptake of wet grassland  and wetland options and greater support for the conservation of traditional water meadows.


Benefiting:
protection of infield trees, management of traditional orchards, hedgerows, rough pasture, archaeology on grassland,  large and small water features, and conservation of species-rich grasslands and hay meadows.

Limiting:
management and protection of woodlands, protection and renewal of hedgerow trees and coppicing of bankside trees, management of ditches,  low input and wet pastures, retention and restoration of traditional farm buildings, conservation of archaeology on arable, and management of parkland.

Comments:
In this rich, pastoral, remote and intensely rural area, that falls partly within the Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs AONB, ES is assessed as having a POSITIVE effect  across nearly all landscape themes, and a strongly positive effect on Semi-natural Habitats. Here  ELS is the main influence on the protection of woodlands and hedgerow and field trees, boundary features, rush pastures and permanent pasture with low inputs, while HLS is the primary influence on the management of woodland, rough grasslands, and semi-natural habitats.    The conservation  of archaeology on grassland is roughly split between ELS and HLS.  Particular aspects that would benefit the landscape are higher levels of uptake for renewal of hedgerow trees (mainly oak)and management of small woodlands combined with greater uptake for wet grassland options to strengthen the character of the river valleys and for parklands if not covered by other special projects.


Benefiting:
protection of in-field trees, management of scrub, traditional orchards, hedgerows, low input pastures, archaeology on grassland and arable and the protection of Scheduled Monuments at risk, and conservation of species-rich grassland and restoration of lowland heathland (along the NCA boundary with the Dorset Heaths), as well as management of wetland habitats.

Limiting:
management and protection of woodland,  the protection and renewal of hedgerow trees, planting of hedgerow lengths,  use of buffer strips to help define field pattern, overwintering stubbles, wet grasslands and conservation of traditional water meadows, retention and restoration of traditional farm building, conservation of parkland and management of traditional hay meadows.

Comments:
ES is having a POSITIVE effect on the landscape overall and a strongly positive effect on Field Patterns, the Historic Environment and Semi-natural Habitats of this large scale rolling chalkland landscape with intimate hidden valleys and a strong estate land feel.  The majority of the NCA falls within the Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs  AONB and a smaller part in the Dorset  AONB. Here HLS is the main influence on the landscape  with regard to the management of woodland, scrub, orchards and parkland and wood pasture, wet and rough grasslands, and  the maintenance and restoration of semi-natural habitats.  ELS is the main influence on protection of trees,  management of hedgerows and use of wide buffer strips, low input grasslands, and the conservation management of archaeology on grassland and arable.  In this NCA the landscape would particularly benefit from higher levels of uptake for restoration of important hedgerow lengths and wide buffer strips in arable, combined with greater uptake of wet grassland and water meadow options in the river valleys to strengthen their distinct character, and greater uptake of parkland options, although these may be covered by other Special Projects.


Benefiting:
the extensive areas of lowland heathland that are being managed and restored, areas of floodplain and rough pasture and  lowland fen marsh that are being managed appropriately and along the coast the areas of sand dune and saltmarsh that have been brought under appropriate management.  ES is also supporting active woodland management and the management of scrub, as well as the conservation of archaeology on grassland.

Limiting:
the conservation management of field boundaries, protection and renewal of hedgerow trees, retention of mixed / pastoral character, management and restoration of traditional water meadows, and the retention and restoration of farm buildings.

Comments:
Total area of ES uptake of benefit to landscape = 10,714 ha  19%ELS    81% HLS

In this strongly heathland landscape with a heathland core surrounded by transitional farmland, ES is having a POSITIVE effect on the landscape overall and a strongly positive effect on the restoration of heathland and coastal habitats but it is noticeable that levels of uptake are less influential on the landscape of the surrounding agricultural areas.  In this NCA HLS is the main influence on the landscape with the high levels of HLS uptake for the restoration and management of lowland heathland and species-rich grasslands, as well as the management of woodland, conservation of wet and rough grasslands, and coastal sand dunes and salt marshes around the fringes of Poole Harbour.  ELS provides the main support for trees and boundary features, permanent pastures, and conservation of archaeology on grassland.  Notable opportunities for greater uptake relate to the  management and restoration of historic water meadows (HD10 / 11) in the river valleys along with greater support for hedgerow management and restoration and regeneration of hedgerow trees to help maintain  and enhance the small-scale nature of the surrounding farmland.


Benefiting:
woodlands and hedgerows, retention of a mixed/ pastoral character supported by permanent pastures with low inputs and rough pasture, as well as management of parklands  and significant areas of the highly characteristic calcareous grassland and remnant areas of lowland heath and acid grassland.

Limiting:
protection of woodlands, conservation of field trees (in the Corfe Vale), planting of new hedgerows, management of stone walls, retention and restoration of traditional agricultural buildings, and archaeology under arable cultivation and on grassland.  While the NCA has an internationally important coastline management needs fall largely outside the scope of ES.

Comments:
Total area of ES uptake of benefit to landscape = 3,752 ha  41%ELS    59% HLS
In this exceptionally diverse AONB landscape, strongly influenced by the mix of underlying geology and with a dramatic coast of international geological importance, ES is having a POSITIVE effect on the landscape, especially with regard to conservation of calcareous grasslands. HLS is the primary scheme for woodland management, conservation of semi-natural habitats, rough grasslands and parklands, as well as the restoration of the characteristic  stone walls; while ELS is the primary scheme for the management of hedgerows and walls, conservation of permanent pasture through low inputs,  and management of archaeology  on arable and grassland.  The NCA would particularly benefit from increased uptake of  options for the management and restoration of stone walls and the protection and regeneration of hedgerow trees, as well as conservation of reedbeds and other wetland habitats along seepage lines.


Comments:
According to Genesis there is NO uptake of ES on the Isle of Portland


Benefiting:
management and protection of woodland and scrub, management of hedgerows and rough pasture, maintenance and restoration of species-rich grassland and management of reedbeds.

Limiting:
protection of in-field and hedgerow trees, conservation of characteristic stone walls, management of low input permanent and wet grasslands, retention and restoration of traditional farm buildings,  conservation of archaeology on grassland, and management of coastal salt marsh.

Comments:
in this rural mixed agricultural landscape that overlies a broad ridge and valley landscape backing Chesil Beach and the Jurassic Coast, ES is having a positive effect on this landscape, and a strongly positive effect on Semi-natural habitats. This NCA lies partly within the Dorset AONB.  Here 
HLS is the primary driver for the management of woodland and scrub, wet and rough pasture, and the conservation of semi-natural habitats.  ELS is assisting the hedgerow trees, stone walls,  and management of low input grasslands.  The low archaeological uptake is evenly distributed between ELS and HLS. The NCA would particularly benefit from increased support for the restoration of hedgerows, conservation of stone walls, restoration of wet grasslands within the river valleys and conservation of salt marsh.


Benefiting:
management of woodlands and orchards, hedgerows, permanent pasture with low inputs,   species-rich grasslands, traditional hay cutting, and very small areas for restoration of lowland heathland.

Limiting:
in-field, hedgerow and bankside trees, management of rough pasture, the retention and restoration of traditional farm buildings, conservation of archaeology on grassland,  and the conservation of wetland habitats.

Comments:
ES is having a positive effect on this small-scale pastoral landscape of interlinking small woodlands, copses and hedgerows set within a bowl-shaped clay vale surrounded by ridges and headlands of Upper Greensand.  Lying entirely within the Dorset AONB,  ES is particularly benefitting semi-natural habitats and is helping maintain the network of woodlands and hedgerows and underlying pastoral character.
HLS is the primary driver for the management of woodland and orchards and coppicing of bankside trees, management of rough grassland and conservation of semi-natural habitats.  ELS is the primary driver for  the protection of trees, management of hedgerows and low input pastures, and  conservation of archaeology on  grassland.  This NCA would particularly benefit from greater uptake of options for the restoration of hedgerows to ensure their longevity and the protection and regeneration of hedgerow and field trees, the decline of which would lead to a radical change in the character of the landscape.


Benefiting:
management of woodland (where uptake is particularly high), in-field trees and traditional orchards, hedgerows, parkland which is highly characteristic of the area, species-rich meadows and calcareous grasslands.

Limiting:
establishment of hedgerow trees and coppicing of bankside trees, maintenance of dry stone walls and repair of hedge earth banks, permanent pasture with low inputs,  wet and rough grasslands,  retention and restoration of traditional farm buildings, conservation of archaeology on grassland and  arable, traditional hay meadows, and conservation fens.

Comments:
ES is having a POSITIVE effect on this rural mixed agricultural landscape of broad ridges separating sheltered clay vales.  It is particularly noticeable that ES is having a strongly positive effect on the  management of small woodlands, trees and orchards that provide an important framework to this landscape. HLS is the primary driver for the management of  woodlands, orchards and bankside trees, management of rough grassland, parkland, and conservation of semi-natural habitats; while  ELS is the primary driver for the protection of in-field trees and the management of boundary features,  low input pastures, rush pasture, and conservation of archaeology on grassland and arable.  This NCA would particularly benefit from greater uptake of options for the establishment of hedgerow trees, maintenance and restoration of stone walls, and restoration of wet grasslands within the river valleys.


Benefiting:
woodland management, management of traditional orchards, hedgerows and highly characteristic limestone walls of higher ground, retention of pastoral character  through options for permanent pasture and rough grassland, conservation of archaeology on grassland and conservation of Scheduled Monuments at risk, parklands, and conservation of semi-natural limestone grasslands,   potentially remnant neutral grassland meadows, and restoration of lowland heathland.

Limiting:
protection of woodland and in-field trees, management of ditches on the valley floors, retention  and restoration of traditional farm buildings,  and conservation of archaeology under arable cultivation.

Comments:
Total area of ES uptake of benefit to landscape = 6,855 ha  57%ELS    43% HLS
ES is having a POSITIVE effect overall on the landscape of this distinctive chain of prominent limestone hills with rare karsk features, part of which falls within the Mendips AONB. Notably ES is having a strongly positive effect on Field Patterns, the Historic Environment and Semi-natural Habitats.  Here HLS primarily influences woodland management, rough grasslands and semi-natural habitats and important aspects of archaeology, while ELS is the primary influence on management of the wider agricultural landscape (especially the management of hedgerows, walls and of low input grasslands) and the conservation of the wider archaeological resource.  Greater uptake for the conservation of hedgerow and field trees could be beneficial.


Benefiting:
woodland management, coppicing of bankside trees and management of traditional orchards, management of hedgerows, wet and rough grasslands (the area of wet grasslands under option is significant (nearly 4,000ha) but small compared to the total area of BAP floodplain grazing marsh of over 43,000ha), management of archaeology on grassland and conservation of Scheduled Monuments at risk, and management of species-rich grassland,  hay meadows and salt marsh.

Limiting:
protection of in-field and hedgerow trees and the renewal of hedgerow trees, conservation management of the characteristic rhynes, low input permanent pasture, retention and restoration of historic buildings, conservation  of archaeology on arable, and the conservation of wetland habitats and sand dunes.

Comments:
In this unique area of rivers and wetlands, artificially drained, irrigated and modified to allow productive farming ES is having a POSITIVE effect on the landscape across nearly all themes
HLS  is the primary driver for the management of woodland and orchards, wet and rough grasslands,  conservation of archaeology on arable, and management of semi-natural habitats and hay meadows.  ELS is the primary driver for the management of trees and boundary features, low input pastures and archaeology on grassland.  Although this NCA has high levels of uptake of options for wet grasslands it would benefit from significantly higher levels (recognising the very large area covered by this BAP Priority Habitat - in excess of 40,000ha), along with increased conservation management of the rhynes and the extensive wetland habitats (fens, reedbeds and lowland raised bog).


Benefiting:
management of woodland and parkland, hedgerows and ditches, protection of Scheduled Monuments, and management of species-rich grasslands and hay meadows.

Limiting:
protection of woodlands and hedgerow and field trees and establishment of hedgerow trees,  management of traditional orchards, low input and wet permanent pasture, retention and restoration of traditional farm buildings, protection of archaeology on arable and grassland, and  conservation of lowland raised bog.

Comments:
On these small-scale mixed farming hills that once had very significant orchard areas, ES is having a POSITIVE effect on the landscape overall and on most landscape themes. HLS is the primary driver for the management of woodland and orchards,  wet grasslands (in the river valleys) and the management of parkland and semi-natural habitats and hay meadows.  ELS is the primary driver for the protection of field and hedgerow trees, the management of field boundaries, low inputs to permanent pasture, and  management of archaeology on grassland and arable.  Here the landscape  would particularly benefit from higher levels of uptake for the protection and establishment of hedgerow trees, management of traditional orchards, and the retention of permanent pasture.


Benefiting:
management of permanent pasture, highly characteristic parklands and estates, and conservation of moorland.

Limiting:
woodland management, conservation management of individual trees (especially the beech lines),  management / restoration of earth banks which are an important boundary feature,  management of hedgerows,  locally characteristic traditional orchards,  rough grassland, retention and restoration of traditional farm buildings,  conservation of archaeology on  grassland and  moorland, and conservation of species-rich grassland.

Comments:
Total area of ES uptake of benefit to landscape = 1,583 ha  40%ELS  15%UELS  45% HLS
In this distinctive AONB landscape of open moorland hills and small-scale farmland divided by distinctive outgrown beech hedges, ES is having a NEUTRAL effect on the landscape.  This is reflected in low levels of ES uptake.  Here HLS is primarily supporting the management of parkland, moorland and other semi-natural habitats while ELS assists low input pastures and management of boundary features and trees.  However, while there has been significant uptake  of moorland and parkland options (both key characteristics of the landscape) there have been surprisingly low levels of uptake for some of the other highly distinctive characteristics of this landscape, most notably the ancient woodlands, conservation of the outgrown beech lines and supporting earth banks,  management of the distinctive archaeological resource on moorland and elsewhere and management of semi-natural grassland and remnant traditional orchards.  It may be that the beech lines / hedgebanks and other key characteristics are covered by some form of special project.


Benefiting:
management of traditional orchards and scrub,  retention of field pattern defined by characteristic hedges and hedgebanks, retention of the pastoral character of the enclosed landscape and the continued management of hay meadows and rough pasture,  retention and restoration of historic farm buildings, increased visibility of archaeological sites on moorland, and the management and restoration of moorland, species-rich grasslands and the sand dunes at Braunton Burrows.

Limiting:
woodland protection and management, protection of field trees, management of characteristic riverside trees in the valleys,  stone walls, wet pasture, management of parklands and archaeology on arable and grassland, and the re-wetting of blanket bog.

Comments:
Total area of ES uptake of benefit to landscape = 53,006ha   50%ELS  17%UELS  33% HLS
in this National Park landscape ES is having a STRONGLY POSITIVE effect  on the landscape. The  very high levels of overall uptake in part reflect the co-location of moorland options. HLS uptake is the dominant scheme for archaeology, the management of rough and wet pastures and semi-natural habitat restoration; while ELS has  the higher levels of uptake for trees, field boundary options and the conservation management of improved grasslands; while UELS contributes significantly to the management of upland habitats and moorland.  While there are already high levels of uptake it would be good if there was increased uptake for the management of small woodlands and protection of field trees, conservation of stone walls and archaeology on grassland and arable, management of parkland (if not covered under Special Projects), and the re-wetting of blanket bog.


Benefiting:
management of hedgerows, conservation of Scheduled Monuments at risk,  and management and restoration of species-rich grassland.

Limiting:
management of woodland, protection of infield and hedgerow trees, establishment of hedgerow trees, coppicing of bankside trees and management of traditional orchards, management of low input, wet and rough pastures, retention and restoration of traditional farm buildings,  conservation of archaeology on arable and grassland, management of parkland, hay meadows  and  management of wetland habitats.

Comments:
Overall this rural vale has a low level of ES uptake reflecting a similar pattern to that in the adjacent Quantock Hills, resulting in ES having a NEUTRAL effect on the landscape.  HLS is the primary driver for the management of woodland, orchards and parkland, the conservation  management of wet and rough grasslands and management of archaeology on arable and grassland, and the management of species-rich grasslands.  ELS is the primary driver for management of hedgerows and trees and low input permanent pasture.  Overall this NCA would benefit from considerably greater levels of ES uptake across all landscape themes and especially for the protection and regeneration of characteristic hedgerow trees, conservation of traditional orchards, retention of pastures and especially wet pastures in the river valleys, and management of parklands and hay meadows.


Benefiting:
protection of field trees and management of traditional orchards and parkland /wood pasture,  management of hedgerows and earthbanks,  management and restoration of lowland heathland and semi-natural grasslands and hay meadows, low input pastures, conservation of archaeology on grassland and conservation of Scheduled Monuments at Risk.

Limiting:
management and protection of woodland, hedgerow and bankside  trees, management of ditches (common in the river valleys), wet and rough grasslands, small ponds, archaeology on arable, salt marsh in the Axe Estuary, and retention and restoration of traditional farm buildings.

Comments:
Total area of ES uptake of benefit to landscape = 8,358 ha   71%ELS   29% HLS
The predominant uptake throughout is through ELS, although HLS is the main influence on the management of lowland heathland and species-rich semi-natural grassland, hay meadows, wet and rough grasslands and small woodlands, orchards and parkland.  The relatively limited uptake figures compared to the still traditional character of the landscape may reflect that many of the once small dairy farms of the area have now passed into amenity uses which are no longer registered agricultural holdings (as in the similar landscape of the High Weald in the South East of England).  Nevertheless, ES is having a POSITIVE landscape effect across most landscape themes.  Overall, the landscape would particularly benefit from greater uptake of ES for the management of small woodlands, regeneration of hedgerow trees and management of bankside trees - helping conserve the small-scale landscape framework,  and the conservation management of wet and rough grasslands, and small ponds.


Benefiting:
management of scrub, protection of infield trees, management of traditional orchards,  hedges, ditches of the floodplains and the highly characteristic Devon hedgebanks,  conservation of archaeology on grassland and protection of Scheduled Monuments, conservation of species-rich grasslands and significant restoration of lowland heathlands, and management of small areas of  saltmarsh and sand dunes along the coast.

Limiting:
management and protection of woodland, protection and establishment of hedgerow trees and the coppicing of riverside trees, management of low input, wet and rough pastures, retention and restoration of traditional farm buildings, conservation of archaeology under cultivation, and management of parkland and traditional hay meadows

Comments:
In this hilly, small-scale landscape, with steep valleys and winding sunken lanes and red soils, opening out to floodplains and saltmarshes at the coast, ES is having a POSITIVE effect on the landscape, with strongly positive effects on Field Boundaries and Semi-natural Habitats. 
HLS supports the management of woodlands, scrub and orchards, management of wet and rough pastures, removal of archaeology from cultivation, management of parkland,  and the conservation of hay meadows and semi-natural and coastal habitats.  Conversely ELS is primarily responsible for the conservation of trees and field boundaries, management of permanent and rush pastures, and conservation of archaeology on grassland. Adding to the existing levels of ES uptake, it  would be beneficial if ES could do more for the conservation  of permanent, wet and rough pastures,  hay meadows and the management of small woodlands and regeneration of hedgerow trees, helping maintain the pastoral character and strong landscape framework.


Benefiting:
management of scrub, protection of infield trees and management of traditional orchards,  management of hedgerows and characteristic hedge banks, management of rush pasture (Culm grassland), retention and restoration of historic buildings, conservation of archaeology on grassland and protection of Scheduled Monuments from damage, conservation of species-rich grassland that may also include areas of Culm grassland,  mixed grazing on moorland and lowland hay meadows.

Limiting:
woodland management and protection, protection and renewal of hedgerow trees, low input and rough pastures, conservation of archaeology on arable, management of parkland, conservation  of lowland heathland, management of upland hay meadows, as well as the management of coastal salt marshes and sand dunes.

Comments:
In this deeply rural marginal landscape ES is having a POSITIVE effect on the landscape across all landscape themes other than the coast, and a strongly positive effect on Field Boundaries and Semi-natural Habitats. HLS is assisting the management of woodland, scrub and orchards, rough grasslands,  historic farm building restoration, conservation of archaeology under cultivation,  parkland and semi-natural habitats.  ELS is assisting management of boundary features, low input and rush pasture, and conservation of archaeology on grassland.  Looking forward this NCA would particularly benefit from greater uptake of options for woodland and parkland management and the regeneration of hedgerow trees, combined with those options that assist with the habitat mosaics associated with Culm grassland, recognising its very strong associations with this area, as well as support for coastal salt marsh, sand dunes and coastal heaths.


Benefiting:
management of woodland, scrub and traditional orchards, management of hedgerows and earthbanks, rough and low input pastures / mixed stocking, conservation of archaeology on moorland, parklands,  conservation of species-rich grassland and hay meadows, and the  conservation of moorland.

Limiting:
protection of woodland and in-field trees,  regeneration of hedgerow trees, conservation of highly characteristic stone walls and  wet grasslands, retention and restoration of traditional buildings,  conservation of archaeology on grassland, and the rewetting  of blanket bog.

Comments:
ES is having a POSITIVE effect on this National Park landscape, especially its pastoral character  and the conservation of semi-natural habitats. HLS is making the primary contribution towards the management of woodlands, orchards and parkland,  and semi-natural habitats.  UELS is the primary driver for the conservation of boundaries (with ELS), the management of rough grasslands, maintaining the visibility of archaeology on moorland, the continuation of upland hay cutting and support for cattle grazing on moorland, while ELS plays the primary role in the conservation of field trees and boundaries (with UELS),  management of low input and rush pasture, mixed stocking and the conservation of archaeology on grassland.  In the future the landscape would particularly benefit from greater uptake of options for the establishment of hedgerow trees and management of characteristic stone walls.  It would also benefit from greater uptake of options for the conservation  of archaeology on grassland and re-wetting of blanket bog.


Benefiting:
traditional orchards and parkland,  hedges and hedgebanks and creation of new hedgerow lengths, management of permanent, wet and rough pasture, restoration of  traditional farm buildings,  conservation of archaeology on arable and grassland and semi-natural grasslands, lowland heathland, and moorland cattle grazing (on the fringes of Dartmoor), combined with  conservation of small areas of saltmarsh along the estuaries and sand dunes along the coast.

Limiting:
management and protection of woodland, in-field and riverside trees, hay meadows, retention of traditional farm buildings, management of wetlands, and restoration of moorland on the Dartmoor fringes.

Comments:
Total area of ES uptake of benefit to landscape =  16,856 ha   63%ELS  6%UELS   31% HLS  
In this AONB landscape of rounded hills and intimate valleys and a spectacular coast and ria harbours, ES is having a STRONGLY POSITIVE  effect on the landscape, especially in respect of four of the landscape themes. HLS is assisting the management of woodlands, orchards and parklands,  the management of wet and rough pastures,  conservation of archaeology, restoration of traditional buildings and conservation of semi-natural and coastal habitats.  Conversely ELS is primarily responsible for field boundaries, permanent and rush pastures, and retention of historic buildings. UELS underpins the moorland options.  The main additional areas where ES could benefit the landscape is in the management of woodlands and field trees and in support for hay meadows.


Benefiting:
scrub management, field trees, traditional orchards, hedgerows and especially highly characteristic Cornish hedge, archaeology on grassland, conservation of Scheduled Monuments at risk,  semi-natural grasslands, coastal and inland heathlands, reedbeds, and the  areas of salt marsh and  sand dune along the coast.

Limiting:
management and protection of woodland, protection and regeneration of hedgerow trees, low input, wet and rough pasture, traditional agricultural  buildings, archaeology on  arable, parkland, and lowland hay meadows.

Comments:
Total area of ES uptake of benefit to landscape = 17,506 ha   71%ELS    29% HLS  
Across this large NCA that covers the majority of Cornwall and includes areas of the Cornwall AONB, ES is having a POSITIVE effect on the landscape overall , and  a strongly positive effect on Field Boundaries and Semi-natural Habitats including those of the Coast.  ELS is the dominant influence: primarily relating to permanent grassland management and the management of trees and boundaries.  Nevertheless, HLS is assisting woodlands, rough and wet grasslands, archaeology  and the management of semi-natural habitats including those of the coast.  In this NCA the landscape would benefit from greater management of small woodlands, protection and especially regeneration of hedgerow trees, encouragement of hay meadows, greater conservation management and restoration of rough and wet grasslands, and the conservation of parklands if not already covered by other special projects.


Benefiting:
woodlands, Cornish 'hedges'; retention of the pastoral character of the enclosed landscape, management of rough pasture and the management and restoration of moorland and species-rich grasslands.

Limiting:
protection of woodland from grazing animals, hedgerows, wet grasslands, retention and restoration of traditional farm buildings, protection of all aspects of the archaeological resource, and the re-wetting of blanket bog.

Comments:
Total area of ES uptake of benefit to landscape =  17,654ha   69%ELS  21%UELS   10% HLS  
ES is having a POSITIVE effect  on the landscape of this remote, exposed upland moorland block most of which lies within the Cornwall AONB.  ES is having a strongly positive effect on the pastoral character of the enclosed landscape and also on the open moorland.  HLS options dominate for woodland management and aspects of semi-natural habitat conservation and management of rough pasture, with UELS contributing to moorland management; whereas ELS uptake dominates for all other aspects.  Notably absent are significant levels of ES uptake for archaeological options in this important ritual landscape, although these may be covered separately by HAP and OES special projects  (capital items under HLS).  The NCA would also benefit from increased uptake of the supplement for the rewetting of blanket bog and hay cutting of semi-natural enclosed grasslands.


Benefiting:
small woodlands, hedgerows, stone walls and earth banks and  characteristic Cornish hedges,  parkland that is characteristic of the southern ria coastal areas, species-rich grassland, lowland heath - the most characteristic semi-natural habitat of this NCA, including coastal heath.

Limiting:
willow carr in valley bottoms, pasture with low inputs, wet grassland and rush pasture, rough grasslands, retention and restoration of historic buildings, and archaeology on grasslands.

Comments:
In this unique landscape of china clay extraction and surrounding small-scale agriculture, with heathland tops, ES is having a POSITIVE effect on the landscape, with a strongly positive effect on Filled Patterns.  ELS options focus on the maintenance of field boundaries, low input pasture and  rush pastures; while HLS focuses on small woodlands, wet and rough grassland, parkland and semi-natural habitats, especially lowland heathland.  This NCA would benefit from higher levels of uptake for permanent, wet and rough grasslands and archaeology on grassland.


Benefiting:
hedgerows and banks / Cornish hedges, wet grasslands and heathland if being carefully targeted on areas of BAP Priority  Habitat.

Limiting:
woodland, willow scrub in river valleys, low input and rough permanent pasture, retention of historic farm buildings, archaeology on grassland and arable, parkland, species-rich grasslands and  heathland.

Comments:
Overall uptake of ES is low in this small NCA which has had a long history of mining.  There is little uptake of HLS, especially evident in the limited uptake for semi-natural habitats, and uptake of ELS is also limited.  The NCA would especially benefit from increased uptake of options for archaeology (recognising that the area lies within the on grassland and the management of heathland and species-rich grasslands.


Benefiting:
hedgerows, walls and stone-faced hedgebanks (Cornish hedges),  rough grassland and semi-natural habitats, including the heathlands of the clifftops and plateau and species-rich grassland.

Limiting:
woodlands, appropriate management of the pastoral landscape, conservation of the traditional built environment and of the internationally important archaeological resource.

Comments:
Total area of ES uptake of benefit to landscape =  2,877ha   42%ELS  58% HLS  
On this rugged granite plateau that forms the western toe of England,  ES is having a POSITIVE effect  on the landscape, especially in respect of Field Boundaries and Semi-natural Habitats - plateau and cliff-top heathlands and species-rich grasslands.  ELS options focus on boundary features and permanent pastures, while HLS uptake relates to woodlands (very little uptake),  rough grasslands and semi-natural habitats where ES is having a significant effect.  The lack of options for the conservation of the internationally important archaeology of this NCA is noticeable. This could be because the area is covered by a Special Project(s)(OES) or Historical and Archaeological Features Protection (HAP), both capital items.  These have not been covered by this analysis as the Genesis database does not reveal the details of these options.  If archaeology is not covered, this is a very noticeable omission.


Benefiting:
management of woodlands, hedgerows and hedgebanks Cornish 'hedges', rough pasture, archaeological resource on both arable and grassland, and species- rich grassland and lowland heathland.

Limiting:
fencing woodlands, retention of pasture, retention and restoration of traditional farm buildings,   management and restoration of fen and reedbed habitats in the river valleys and sand dunes on the coast.

Comments:
Total area of ES uptake of benefit to landscape = 2,666 ha   45%ELS   55% HLS

On this most southerly point of England formed of a heathland plateau with incised valleys and dramatic coastline, ES is having a STRONGLY POSITIVE effect on the landscape, especially Woodlands, Field Boundaries, the Historic Environment and Semi-natural Habitats.  HLS options form the main uptake for woodlands, conservation of archaeology and semi-natural habitats and rough grassland; while ELS  uptake dominates boundary features, conservation measures in the agricultural landscape and the maintenance of traditional farm buildings.  Notably the largest area under a single option type is for the conservation of lowland heathland covering 830 hectares. The NCA would benefit from increased uptake of options for very low input permanent pasture to help conserve the pastoral landscape and greater uptake of options for the conservation of fen habitats in the river valleys and sand dunes on the coast.


Benefiting:
retention of a pastoral character,  rough pasture, retention of historic farm buildings and management of species-rich grassland and lowland heathland.

Limiting:
stone walls (although there has been significant uptake for repair under capital items), and  management of archaeological features on grassland.

Comments:
On this small island in the Bristol channel ES is having a POSITIVE effect on the landscape and especially the management of pastures, traditional buildings, and semi-natural habitats. Lundy is managed entirely under HLS only agreement(s) and options.  There  could be benefit in bringing more wall lengths under option and providing significantly greater support for protecting the important archaeological resource - it is possible that this is covered under a special project.


# zTbl_Options

Option_Name:
Non payment option - permanent grassland for Article 13


Option_Name:
Difficult site supplement for bracken and scrub control


Option_Name:
Mechanical bracken control – area payment


Option_Name:
Mechanical bracken control – base payment


SubTheme:
Restoration / creation of ditches and dykes


Option_Name:
Hedgerow management on both sides of a hedge


Option_Name:
Combined hedge and ditch management (incorporating EB3 Enhanced hedgerow management)


Option_Name:
Earth bank management on both sides NEW in 2010


Option_Name:
Earth bank management on one side NEW in 2010


Option_Name:
Hedgerow management on one side of a hedge


Option_Name:
Stone-faced hedgebank management on both sides


Option_Name:
Stone-faced hedgebank management on one side


Option_Name:
Combined hedge and ditch management (incorporating EB1 Hedgerow management)


Option_Name:
Combined hedge and ditch management (incorporating EB2 Hedgerow management)


Option_Name:
Protection of in-field trees on arable land


Option_Name:
Protection of in-field trees on grassland


Option_Name:
Establishment of hedgerow trees by tagging NEW in 2010


Option_Name:
Hedgerow tree buffer strips on cultivated land NEW in 2010


Option_Name:
Hedgerow tree buffer strips on grassland NEW in 2010


Option_Name:
Maintenance of weatherproof traditional farm buildings


Option_Name:
Take out of cultivation archaeological features currently on cultivated land

SubTheme:
Archaeological features taken out of cultivation


Option_Name:
Reduced-depth, non-inversion cultivation on archaeological features (minimum till)


Option_Name:
Management of scrub on archaeological features

SubTheme:
Management of archaeological sites under grassland


Option_Name:
Management of archaeological features on grassland


Option_Name:
6 m buffer strips on intensive grassland next to a watercourse NEW in 2010


Option_Name:
Supplement to add wildflowers to buffer strips and field corners


SubTheme:
Wider buffer strips in arable (4/6m-12m)


Option_Name:
2 m buffer strips on intensive grassland


Option_Name:
4 m buffer strips on intensive grassland


Option_Name:
6 m buffer strips on intensive grassland


Option_Name:
Buffering in-field ponds in improved permanent grassland


Option_Name:
6 m buffer strips on cultivated land next to a watercourse NEW in 2010


Option_Name:
Uncropped cultivated margins for rare plants


Option_Name:
Uncropped cultivated areas for ground-nesting birds on arable land NEW in 2010


Option_Name:
Reduced herbicide cereal crops followed by overwintered stubble NEW in 2010


Option_Name:
Extended overwintered stubble NEW in 2010


Option_Name:
Supplementary feeding in winter for farmland birds

SubTheme:
Bird Seed Mixes / Overwintering stubbles

Notes:
This option will have no landscape effect and can be applied with EF2 and / or EF22 i.e it is nvever an option that is applied by itself. Yet to be approved by EU


Option_Name:
ASD to Dec 2008 Wild bird seed mixture on set-aside land


Option_Name:
ASD to Dec 2008 Pollen + nectar flower mixture on set-aside land


SubTheme:
Management of crops/soil erosion options


Option_Name:
Wild bird seed mixture in grassland areas – has been replaced by EF2 Wild bird seed mixture


Option_Name:
ASD to Jan 2010 Wild bird seed mixture in grassland areas NR


Option_Name:
Nectar flower mixture in grassland areas – has been replaced by EF4 Nectar flower mixture


Option_Name:
Cereals for whole-crop silage followed by overwintered stubble


Option_Name:
Brassica fodder crops followed by over-wintered stubbles


Option_Name:
Management of high erosion risk cultivated land


Option_Name:
Enhanced management of maize crops to reduce soil erosion and run-off NEW in 2009


Option_Name:
Maintenance of watercourse fencing NEW in 2009


Option_Name:
Management of maize crops to reduce soil erosion


Option_Name:
In-field grass areas to prevent erosion and run-off NEW in 2010

SubTheme:
In-field grass options to prevent erosion


Option_Name:
12 m buffer strips for watercourses on cultivated land NEW in 2009


Option_Name:
Ryegrass seed-set as winter/spring food for birds

Notes:
No landscape effect. Yet to be approved by EU


SubTheme:
Natural resource protection / intensive grassland


Option_Name:
Permanent grassland with very low inputs


Option_Name:
Take field corners out of management in SDAs


Option_Name:
Permanent grassland with low inputs in SDAs


Option_Name:
Permanent grassland with very low inputs in SDAs


SubTheme:
Enclosed upland semi-natural/rough pasture management


Option_Name:
Crop protection management plan (pre-RDPE)


Option_Name:
Casting up supplement – hedge bank options


Option_Name:
Sheep Fencing -  newly restored boundary


Option_Name:
Post and wire fencing - newly restored boundary


Option_Name:
Grip blocking on difficult sites NEW in 2010


Option_Name:
Historical and archaeological feature protection

SubTheme:
Protection of historical and archaeological features


Option_Name:
Management of hedgerows of very high environmental value (both sides)

SubTheme:
Management of hedgerows of very high environmental value


Option_Name:
Management of hedgerows of very high environmental value (one side)


Option_Name:
Management of ditches of very high environmental value NEW in 2010


Option_Name:
Creation of woodland outside Severely Disadvantaged Areas


SubTheme:
C11. Woodland Livestock Exclusion Supplement


Option_Name:
Maintenance of wood pasture and parkland


Option_Name:
Restoration of wood pasture and parkland


Option_Name:
Maintenance of successional areas and scrub


Option_Name:
Restoration of successional areas and scrub


Option_Name:
Creation of successional areas and scrub


Option_Name:
Maintenance of high-value traditional orchards


Option_Name:
Maintenance of traditional orchards in production


Option_Name:
Hedgerow tree buffer strips on cultivated land


Option_Name:
Ancient trees in intensively managed grass fields


Option_Name:
Creation of woodland in Severely Disadvantaged Areas


Option_Name:
Maintenance of traditional water meadows

SubTheme:
Traditional water meadow management or restoration


Option_Name:
Restoration of traditional water meadows


Option_Name:
Take archaeological features out of cultivation


Option_Name:
Low depth, non-inversion cultivation on archaeological features


Option_Name:
Crop establishment by direct drilling (non-rotational)


Option_Name:
Arable reversion by natural regeneration


Option_Name:
Maintaining high water levels to protect archaeology

SubTheme:
Management of archaeological sites in wetland


Option_Name:
Maintenance of designed/engineered water bodies


Option_Name:
Floristically enhanced grass buffer strips (non-rotational)


Option_Name:
Enhanced strips for target species on intensive grassland


Option_Name:
Hedgerow supplement – removal of old fence lines


Option_Name:
Uncropped, cultivated margins for rare plants


Option_Name:
Enhanced wild bird seed mix plots (rotational or non-rotational)


Option_Name:
Uncropped cultivated areas for ground-nesting birds - arable


Option_Name:
Uncropped cultivated areas for ground-nesting birds - arable NR


Option_Name:
Unharvested, fertiliser-free conservation headland NR


Option_Name:
Reduced herbicide cereal crops followed by overwintered stubble


Option_Name:
Reduced herbicide cereal crops following overwintered stubble NR


Option_Name:
ASD to Dec 2008 Cultivated area for arable flora on setaside


Option_Name:
ASD to Dec 2008 Fallow plots for ground-nesting birds (setaside)


Option_Name:
ASD to Dec 2008 Reduced herbicide cereal crop preceding setaside


Option_Name:
ASD to Dec 2008 Unharvested conservation headland with setaside


Option_Name:
Cultivated fallow plots or margins for arable plants (rotational or non-rotaional)


Option_Name:
Cultivated fallow plots or margins for arable plants NR


Notes:
This will have no landscape effect - just a giant bird feeder!  Suggest we do not add it to any category or sub-category as it could go anywhere


Notes:
Not mentioned in the most up to date Handbook so a bit of a mystery


Option_Name:
ASD to Dec 2008 Pollen & nectar flower mixture on set-aside land


Option_Name:
ASD to Jan 2010 Wild bird seed mixture NR


Option_Name:
ASD to Jan 2010 Nectar flower mixture in grassland areas


Option_Name:
Brassica fodder crops followed by overwintered stubble


Option_Name:
Fodder crop management to retain or recreate an arable mosaic


Option_Name:
Fodder crop management to retain or re-create an arable mosaic


Option_Name:
Low-input spring cereal to retain or recreate an arable mosaic


Option_Name:
Low input spring cereal to retain or re-create an arable mosaic NR


Option_Name:
Reintroduction of conservation grazing to St Mary's


Option_Name:
Reintroduction of conservation grazing other than St Mary's


Option_Name:
Cropping restrictions on high erosion risk fields


Option_Name:
Arable reversion to unfertilised grassland to prevent erosion or run-off


Option_Name:
Arable reversion to grassland with low fertiliser input to prevent erosion or run-off

SubTheme:
Grassland creation to prevent erosion and encourage water infiltration and a reduction in nutrient leaching


Option_Name:
In-field grass areas to prevent erosion or run-off


Option_Name:
Preventing erosion or run-off from intensively managed, improved grassland


Option_Name:
Seasonal livestock removal on grassland with no input restriction


Option_Name:
12 m buffer strips for watercourses on cultivated land


Option_Name:
Maintenance of wet grassland for wintering waders and wildfowl

SubTheme:
Wet grassland management or restoration for  breeding waders  or wintering waders and wildfowl


Option_Name:
Restoration of wet grassland for breeding waders


Option_Name:
Restoration of wet grassland for wintering waders and wildfowl


Option_Name:
Creation of wet grassland for breeding waders

SubTheme:
Wet grassland creation for breeding waders  or wintering waders and wildfowl


Option_Name:
Creation of wet grassland for wintering waders and wildfowl


Option_Name:
Maintenance of grassland for target features

SubTheme:
Semi improved/rough grassland management or restoration


Option_Name:
Restoration of grassland for target features


Option_Name:
Creation of grassland for target features


Option_Name:
Maintenance of species-rich, semi-natural grassland

SubTheme:
Species-rich grassland management or restoration


Option_Name:
Restoration of species-rich, semi-natural grassland


Option_Name:
Creation of species-rich, semi-natural grassland


Option_Name:
Maintenance of wet grassland for breeding waders


Option_Name:
Supplement for management of heather, gorse and grass by burning, cutting or swiping

SubTheme:
L12. Supplement for management of heather, gorse and grass by burning, cutting or swiping


SubTheme:
L15. Seasonal livestock exclusion supplement


SubTheme:
Upland semi-natural/rough pasture management or restoration


Option_Name:
Upgrading Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Actaccess for cyclists/horses


Option_Name:
Upgrading Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act access for people with reduced mobility


SubTheme:
Lowland heathland management & restoration


Option_Name:
Restoration of forestry areas to lowland heathland


Option_Name:
Creation of lowland heathland from arable or improved grassland


Option_Name:
Creation of lowland heathland on worked mineral sites


Option_Name:
Supplement for extensive grazing on salt marsh

SubTheme:
P10. Supplement for extensive grazing on saltmarsh


Option_Name:
Salt marsh livestock exclusion supplement

SubTheme:
P11. Saltmarsh livestock exclusion supplement


Option_Name:
Creation of coastal vegetated shingle and sand dunes on grassland


Option_Name:
Creation of inter-tidal and saline habitat on arable land


Option_Name:
Creation of inter-tidal and saline habitat on grassland


Option_Name:
Creation of inter-tidal and saline habitat by non-intervention


Option_Name:
Maintenance of ponds of high wildlife value (less than 100 m2)


SubTheme:
Lowland raised bog management or restoration


Option_Name:
Maintenance of ponds of high wildlife value (more than 100 m2)


Option_Name:
Hedgerow restoration including laying, coppicing and gapping up


Option_Name:
Native breeds at risk grazing supplement

SubTheme:
R2. Native breeds at risk grazing supplement


Option_Name:
Hedgerow restoration includes laying, coppicing and gapping up


Option_Name:
Supplement for control of invasive plant species

SubTheme:
R4. Supplement for control of invasive plant species


Option_Name:
Hedgerow supplement – substantial pre-work


Option_Name:
Hedgerow supplement – top binding and staking


Option_Name:
Identification of orchard fruit tree varieties NEW in 2010


