# xx_Tbl_FG_JM_KeyChars_before_spellcheck

FG KeyChar:
•	Some small streams flow down the gills, extending from the centre of the area outwards.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Some small streams flow down the gills, extending from the centre of the area outwards.


FG KeyChar:
•	Pastures are bounded by stone walls, and confined to the lower areas, whilst the higher areas and moorland are largely unenclosed.

Edited_KeyChars:
Pastures bounded by stone walls in the lower areas
Higher areas and moorland largely unenclosed


FG KeyChar:
•	The hills have complex underlying geology which is resistant to erosion and has thus resulted in the hills having a smooth rounded shape.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The hills have complex underlying geology which is resistant to erosion and has thus resulted in the hills having a smooth rounded shape.


JM KeyChar:
•	Fells utilised since prehistoric times for summer grazing, peat, heather and bracken and continue to support commoning.  Medieval trackways and shielings can be found in many places, especially on the lower western slopes.

Edited_KeyChars:
Fells utilised since prehistoric times for summer grazing, peat, heather and bracken
Area continues to support commoning
Medieval trackways and shielings, especially on  lower western slopes


FG KeyChar:
•	In terms of semi-natural areas, the moorland is poorly drained and has blanket bog underlain by deep peat which forms an important habitat.  Most of the area is covered with acidic grassland.

Edited_KeyChars:
Heather moorland and blanket bog underlain by deep peat
Extensive acid grassland and bracken


Edited_KeyChars:
•	The area has few settlements due to the inaccessible and exposed landform.  There are limited, small hamlets and farmsteadings scattered across the area.  Traditional materials used are gritstone or sandstone with flagged roofs.


FG KeyChar:
•	Steep sided distinctive smooth hills and pronounced ridges and valleys and incised by a number of narrow inaccessible gills.  The hills have steep scree slopes and occasional waterfalls and crags, and they reach heights of 600m.
•	The River Lune Valley provides a contrast with the upland landscape of the Howgill Fells.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Steep sided distinctive smooth hills and pronounced ridges and valleys and incised by a number of narrow inaccessible gills.  The hills have steep scree slopes and occasional waterfalls and crags, and they reach heights of 600m.
•	The River Lune Valley provides a contrast with the upland landscape of the Howgill Fells.


FG KeyChar:
•	The area has very limited tree cover although there are some blocks of coniferous woodland on the lower slopes near Sedbergh.  Trees are prominent around villages and farmsteads and along water courses.

Edited_KeyChars:
Limited tree cover
Trees around villages and along watercourses
Some blocks of conifer woodland
Hedgerow and streamside trees in Lune valley


FG KeyChar:
•	A pastoral landscape, with improved undulating pastures and some areas being particularly well managed to provide a parkland character, particularly around the edges of the lakes (e.g. adjacent to Windermere and Coniston), on the valley bottoms and within estates.  Semi improved pasture with ridges and hollows.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mainly improved/ semi-improved undulating pastures


FG KeyChar:
•	Building materials include local limestone and slate (Silurian) in the south, and local sandstone elsewhere.

Edited_KeyChars:
Building materials of local limestone and slate (Silurian) in the south and local sandstone elsewhere
Redundant barns at risk


FG KeyChar:
•	Large lakes, including Lake Windermere and Coniston Water, streams and minor river valleys are characteristic features of the area.  Rivers are fast flowing over rocky beds.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Large lakes, including Lake Windermere and Coniston Water, streams and minor river valleys are characteristic features of the area.  Rivers are fast flowing over rocky beds.


FG KeyChar:
•	Field boundaries are generally dry stone walls (local sandstone, or limestone in the south) and field sizes in the lower areas are generally small to medium, increasing towards the east.

Edited_KeyChars:
Dry stone walls (local sandstone, or limestone in the south)
Small to medium size hedged fields in lower areas, increasing to east (hedgerow loss in Lune valley)


FG KeyChar:
•	Undulating low fells and ridges, together with 300m+ high rugged fells.  Underlying Silurian slates and shales contribute to the area’s gentler, undulating character and form.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Undulating low fells and ridges, together with 300m+ high rugged fells.  Underlying Silurian slates and shales contribute to the area’s gentler, undulating character and form.


FG KeyChar:
•	Historic field systems date from medieval times and there are several deer parks in the area. Sheep walks, established on the fells from the 13th century, are also historic landscape features.

Edited_KeyChars:
Historic medieval field systems, sheep walks and deer parks
Some areas of parkland  character, particularly around lakes, on valley bottoms and within estates


FG KeyChar:
•	The low fells include heathland, tarns and becks, small wetlands and mires, rough grassland and bracken. Undulating fields of species-rich grassland.

Edited_KeyChars:
Species-rich grassland
Heathland
Small lowland bogs, wetlands and mires
Traditional cattle grazing on moorland commons


FG KeyChar:
•	Settlement is largely in small hamlets and villages on the lower slopes, linked by a network of minor roads.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Settlement is largely in small hamlets and villages on the lower slopes, linked by a network of minor roads.


FG KeyChar:
•	Undulating low fells and ridges, together with 300m+ high rugged fells.  Underlying Silurian slates and shales contribute to the area’s gentler, undulating character and form.
•	Glacial erosion formed long, straight U-shaped valleys with lakes.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Undulating low fells and ridges, together with 300m+ high rugged fells.  Underlying Silurian slates and shales contribute to the area’s gentler, undulating character and form.
•	Glacial erosion formed long, straight U-shaped valleys with lakes.


FG KeyChar:
•	The area includes substantial woodland and large mature trees.  Small broadleaved and coniferous copses are found on the rugged fells and coniferous and broadleaved woodland on the small valley slopes and ridges.  At higher levels, tree cover is much more limited.

Edited_KeyChars:
Substantial woodland and large mature trees, including many in-field trees
Broadleaved woodland on the slopes and ridge
Small broadleaved copses on the fells - in need of protection and renewal
Tree cover more limited at higher levels
Remnant traditional orchards


FG KeyChar:
•	Sheep and cattle graze the coastal pasture and intertidal commons.  Lowland raised mires surrounding the limestone outcrops have been reclaimed for agriculture.  Rough grazing is a feature of the higher grounds on unimproved limestone grassland or rough fell vegetation.

Edited_KeyChars:
Coastal pasture and intertidal commons with sheep and cattle
Lowland raised mires reclaimed for agriculture
Unimproved rough grazing on limestone outcrops and fells


FG KeyChar:
•	The coastline consists of shifting intertidal sandflats and saltmarsh with minor channels and pools. Areas of scaurs and pebble patches, mudflats, sandy beaches, bedrock and pebble and shingle beaches are exposed at low tide.  The Rivers Leven and Kent flow into Morecambe Bay.

Edited_KeyChars:
Shifting intertidal sandflats, mudflats and saltmarsh with minor channels and pools
Sand, pebble and shingle beaches exposed at low tide


Edited_KeyChars:
•	The coastline consists of shifting intertidal sandflats and saltmarsh with minor channels and pools. Areas of scaurs and pebble patches, mudflats, sandy beaches, bedrock and pebble and shingle beaches are exposed at low tide.  The Rivers Leven and Kent flow into Morecambe Bay.


FG KeyChar:
•	Fields are generally enclosed by limestone walls or hedges.

Edited_KeyChars:
Fields generally enclosed by limestone walls or hedges
Ditches or dykes locally characteristic in low-lying areas such as Lyth valley


FG KeyChar:
•	The margins of Morecambe Bay have been formed by faulted outcrops of Lower Carboniferous limestone, forming upstanding blocks and bare limestone scars, pavements and cliffs.  Low limestone beaches are found at Arnside and Silverdale.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The margins of Morecambe Bay have been formed by faulted outcrops of Lower Carboniferous limestone, forming upstanding blocks and bare limestone scars, pavements and cliffs.  Low limestone beaches are found at Arnside and Silverdale.


FG KeyChar:
•	Historic features include burial mounds and stone circles on higher grounds, prehistoric settlements and enclosures on Birkrigg Common and medieval field patterns. Coppice woodlands are a further feature of the area which reflect past traditional management practices.

Edited_KeyChars:
Historic features that include burial mounds, stone circles, prehistoric settlements and enclosures and medieval field patterns
Stately homes set in parkland landscapes


FG KeyChar:
•	Semi natural areas include a mosaic of species rich grassland, limestone pavements, scrub, semi-natural coppice woodland, herb-rich grasslands, peaty fenlands and mosslands.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mosaic of species-rich grassland and limestone pavements
Peaty fenlands and mosslands - affected by drainage and scrub encroachment


FG KeyChar:
•	Settlements are generally dispersed and rural in character, having usually grown around large farmsteads.  
•	Larger centres include Grange-over-Sands, Arnside, Silverdale and Milnthorpe which have a seaside resort character, reflecting the growth in the use of the area for recreation from the 18th Century onwards.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Settlements are generally dispersed and rural in character, having usually grown around large farmsteads.  
•	Larger centres include Grange-over-Sands, Arnside, Silverdale and Milnthorpe which have a seaside resort character, reflecting the growth in the use of the area for recreation from the 18th Century onwards.


FG KeyChar:
•	Lower lying undulating pastoral areas are found between the hills and the coast, including a larger scale rolling landscape to the west and a smaller scale landscape of contrasts with the surrounding limestone hills to the east.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Lower lying undulating pastoral areas are found between the hills and the coast, including a larger scale rolling landscape to the west and a smaller scale landscape of contrasts with the surrounding limestone hills to the east.


FG KeyChar:
•	Some scrub and broadleaved woodland is found in the inland areas, with some areas of ancient and semi-natural woodland.   There are relatively few trees on the coast.

Edited_KeyChars:
Scrub and broadleaved woodland including ancient and semi-natural woodland and traditional coppice
Relatively few trees on the coast
Remnant traditional orchards (damsons in Lyth valley)


FG KeyChar:
•	Agriculture is based on upland sheep farming and cattle grazing.  Rough grazing on the upper hill slopes gives way to permanent pastures on the dales sides and hay meadows and silage fields on the more fertile dale floor.

Edited_KeyChars:
Upland sheep farming and cattle grazing
Rough grazing on upper hill slopes
Permanent pastures on dales sides
Hay meadows and silage fields on more fertile dale floors


FG KeyChar:
•	The dales are characterised by distinctive stone-built barns, often roofed with large slabs of stone.

Edited_KeyChars:
Distinctive stone-built barns, often roofed with stone slates


FG KeyChar:
•	There are few naturally occurring waterbodies, reflecting the predominance of limestone.  The principal exceptions occur where carboniferous rocks have been eroded away to reveal impermeable rocks below, such as at Malham Tarn.  Reservoirs and associated water gathering grounds influence the landscape in Nidderdale.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	There are few naturally occurring waterbodies, reflecting the predominance of limestone.  The principal exceptions occur where carboniferous rocks have been eroded away to reveal impermeable rocks below, such as at Malham Tarn.  Reservoirs and associated water gathering grounds influence the landscape in Nidderdale.


FG KeyChar:
•	Field boundaries comprise distinctive drystone walls, enclosing large, rectilinear fields on the higher fells and smaller, older and irregular fields within the dales and particularly around villages.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mainly drystone walls with some hedges at lower levels
Large, rectilinear fields on the higher fells
Smaller, older and irregular fields within the dales


FG KeyChar:
•	The Yorkshire Dales are underlain by Millstone Grit in the east, the Yoredale Series (comprising alternating limestone, sandstone and shales) in the north and west and Great Scar Limestone in the south and west.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The Yorkshire Dales are underlain by Millstone Grit in the east, the Yoredale Series (comprising alternating limestone, sandstone and shales) in the north and west and Great Scar Limestone in the south and west.


FG KeyChar:
•	This is an historic landscape with remnants of strip lynchet field systems and the sites of Norse settlements.  The networks of stone field boundaries, barns and lanes are perhaps the most visible components of the historic landscape. Extensive remains from the lead mining industry, and the Settle to Carlisle Railway with its famous Ribblehead viaduct, are also prominent historic features within the landscape.

Edited_KeyChars:
Neolithic and Bronze Age sites on high moorland
Remnant strip lynchet field systems and Norse settlement sites
Extensive remains of lead mining industry
Networks of stone field boundaries, field barns and green lanes
Some parkland landscapes in lower dales


FG KeyChar:
•	The fells comprise a mixture of heather moorland in the drier east and cotton grass bog in the wetter west.  In the south west, there are limestone outcrops in the form of pavements, scars and screes.

Edited_KeyChars:
Heather moorland in the drier east
Blanket bog in the wetter west
Alkaline-loving wild-flowers on limestone
Limestone pavements, scars and screes


FG KeyChar:
•	Although the area is predominantly rural in nature, it has a number of limestone and sandstone quarries.
•	Stone villages tend to be nucleated and focused on key transport routes and at bridging points.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Although the area is predominantly rural in nature, it has a number of limestone and sandstone quarries.
•	Stone villages tend to be nucleated and focused on key transport routes and at bridging points.


FG KeyChar:
•	The Millstone Grit gives rise to a plateau of high moorland.  The Yoredale Series gives rise to typically stepped profiles along dales sides.  The Great Scar Limestone gives rise to classic glacio-karst landscapes with limestone pavements, gorges, gills, scars, outcrops and cave systems.
•	The high moorland, which rises in places to over 600m AOD, contrasts with deep, glacially enlarged dales.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The Millstone Grit gives rise to a plateau of high moorland.  The Yoredale Series gives rise to typically stepped profiles along dales sides.  The Great Scar Limestone gives rise to classic glacio-karst landscapes with limestone pavements, gorges, gills, scars, outcrops and cave systems.
•	The high moorland, which rises in places to over 600m AOD, contrasts with deep, glacially enlarged dales.


FG KeyChar:
•	The Yorkshire Dales have limited tree cover.  Woodland tends to be limited to woods planted around villages and farmsteads to provide shelter, and sparse ancient and semi-natural woodlands on steeper slopes along gills and dalesides.

Edited_KeyChars:
Woodland tends to be limited
Woods planted around villages and farmsteads for shelter
Sparse ancient and semi-natural woodlands on steeper slopes and along gills


FG KeyChar:
•	The area is predominantly pastoral though some arable farming is found on lighter soils in the north and east of the area.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mainly pastoral
Rough grazing on moorland fringes
On river floodplains to east some arable with pasture on wetter land


FG KeyChar:
•	Villages, farms and larger settlements are built of local stone, complementing stone walls where they occur.  Most buildings are of Millstone Grit, but Magnesian Limestone is also used in the east.

Edited_KeyChars:
Most buildings of Millstone Grit
Also Magnesian Limestone in east


FG KeyChar:
•	Rivers such as the Tees, Ure, Nidd and Wharf are often important landscape features, flowing through broad, glacially widened valleys.  Smaller rivers, such as the Burn, Laver, Kex Beck and the Skell flow through steep sided valleys following courses cut by glacial meltwaters.  The River Washburn, a tributary of the Wharf, has been dammed to create a series of reservoirs.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Rivers such as the Tees, Ure, Nidd and Wharf are often important landscape features, flowing through broad, glacially widened valleys.  Smaller rivers, such as the Burn, Laver, Kex Beck and the Skell flow through steep sided valleys following courses cut by glacial meltwaters.  The River Washburn, a tributary of the Wharf, has been dammed to create a series of reservoirs.


FG KeyChar:
•	Field boundaries include stone walls on higher ground and hedges in lower areas.  Around villages, fields are often small, reflecting their medieval origins and the combination of dairy farming with textile weaving.  Fields on higher ground tend to be larger and more regular, dating from parliamentary enclosure.

Edited_KeyChars:
Stone walls on higher ground
Hedges in lower areas, ditches in floodplains
Fields on high ground larger and more regular
Fields on lower ground smaller and of medieval origin


FG KeyChar:
•	The Pennine Dales Fringe is underlain by resistant Millstone Grit which dips gently to the east, forming the eastern flank of the Pennines.  The flanks are dissected by a series of river valleys including those of the Tees, Ure, Nidd and Wharf.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The Pennine Dales Fringe is underlain by resistant Millstone Grit which dips gently to the east, forming the eastern flank of the Pennines.  The flanks are dissected by a series of river valleys including those of the Tees, Ure, Nidd and Wharf.


JM KeyChar:
•	In the north of this area, landscape patterns have been influenced by Roman settlement along Dere Street (A1).  Medieval abbeys and castles, packhorse and masonry bridges across the area’s many rivers, and country houses and parks (often former medieval deer parks) are distinctive historic landscape features.

Edited_KeyChars:
Roman settlement along Dere Street (A1)
Medieval abbeys and castles, packhorse and masonry bridges
Country houses and former medieval deer parks


FG KeyChar:
•	Semi-natural habitats are generally confined to the upper fringes in the north and west where improved grassland gives way to rough moorland grazing.

Edited_KeyChars:
Remnant species-rich semi-natural grassland and hay meadow
Some fen and moorland


FG KeyChar:
•	Catterick military camp, developed in the twentieth century, together with the ‘golf balls’ of the military installation at Menwith Hill, are prominent features.
•	The area has a number of small, historic market towns including Kirkby Malzeard, Middleham, Masham, Richmond and Barnard Castle, as well as the spa town of Harrogate.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Catterick military camp, developed in the twentieth century, together with the ‘golf balls’ of the military installation at Menwith Hill, are prominent features.
•	The area has a number of small, historic market towns including Kirkby Malzeard, Middleham, Masham, Richmond and Barnard Castle, as well as the spa town of Harrogate.


FG KeyChar:
•	The Pennine Dales Fringe is underlain by resistant Millstone Grit which dips gently to the east, forming the eastern flank of the Pennines.  The flanks are dissected by a series of river valleys including those of the Tees, Ure, Nidd and Wharf.
•	The area is generally orientated eastwards, the moorlands of the Pennines forming a physical and visual barrier to the east.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The Pennine Dales Fringe is underlain by resistant Millstone Grit which dips gently to the east, forming the eastern flank of the Pennines.  The flanks are dissected by a series of river valleys including those of the Tees, Ure, Nidd and Wharf.
•	The area is generally orientated eastwards, the moorlands of the Pennines forming a physical and visual barrier to the east.


FG KeyChar:
•	The area is comparatively well-wooded in contrast to the open landscapes to the west.  Woodland is found along valley slopes, in copses and plantations in the lower agricultural landscape and along hedgerows. Many of the larger coniferous and mixed woodlands are found on estates.  Some lower lying, arable areas in the north east of the area have lower levels of tree cover.

Edited_KeyChars:
Relatively well-wooded
Woodland along valley slopes and rivers and in small copses and plantations
Estate woodlands
Field boundary and hedgerow trees


FG KeyChar:
•	To the west is a broad area of open arable and mixed farmland, large in scale, with limited hedgerow trees of ash and sycamore.
•	To the north the land rises gently and is more undulating with permanent pastures and leys grazed by sheep and cattle.
•	To the south is an attractive, rolling, mixed farming landscape on the edge of the Vale of Mowbray and the North York Moors National Park.

Edited_KeyChars:
Open arable and mixed farmland to the west
Permanent pasture in the north
Mixed farming in the south
Wet floodplain grazing close to mouth of Tees


FG KeyChar:
•	Traditional buildings are generally of sandstone or brick with red pantiles.

Edited_KeyChars:
Traditional buildings are generally of sandstone or brick with red pantiles


FG KeyChar:
•	At the mouth of the River Tees are extensive mud flats, saltmarshes, wetlands, beaches and dunes such as Seal Sands, Cowpen Marshes and Seaton Sands.

Edited_KeyChars:
Extensive mud flats, saltmarshes, wetlands, beaches and dunes at mouth of River Tees


FG KeyChar:
•	Large-scale chemical and oil refining works, docks and other heavy industries along the estuary form a distinctive skyline, and transport and infrastructure corridors are also prominent.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Large-scale chemical and oil refining works, docks and other heavy industries along the estuary form a distinctive skyline, and transport and infrastructure corridors are also prominent.


FG KeyChar:
•	Skerne Carrs, near Sedgefield, is an extensive and distinctive area of essentially flat, peaty fenland and carrs with frequent watercourses.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Skerne Carrs, near Sedgefield, is an extensive and distinctive area of essentially flat, peaty fenland and carrs with frequent watercourses.


FG KeyChar:
•	Minor valleys and linear strips of open land extend as green corridors from rural farmland into the heart of the conurbation.
•	Field boundaries are hawthorn hedges, usually low-cut
•	The semi-regular patterns of old (17th century) enclosures have been fragmented by field amalgamation.

Edited_KeyChars:
Semi-regular patterns of old enclosures fragmented by field amalgamation
Other field boundaries hawthorn hedges, usually low-cut
Ditches and dykes in areas of fen and carr (Skerne Carrs)
Some stone walls


FG KeyChar:
•	This is a broad, low-lying plain of gently undulating or flat land on glacial clays, sands and gravels, with wide views to distant hills.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	This is a broad, low-lying plain of gently undulating or flat land on glacial clays, sands and gravels, with wide views to distant hills.


FG KeyChar:
•	The southern part of the area has a series of attractive Georgian market towns.

Edited_KeyChars:
Roman roads and fortifications
Deserted medieval villages and relic ridge and furrow especially around the carrs
Heavily wooded parkland and estates


Edited_KeyChars:
Flat, peaty fenland and carrs with frequent watercourses (Skerne Carrs area)


FG KeyChar:
•	There is a nucleated pattern of small green villages connected by winding lanes, and scattered farms.
•	The southern part of the area has a series of attractive Georgian market towns.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	There is a nucleated pattern of small green villages connected by winding lanes, and scattered farms.
•	The southern part of the area has a series of attractive Georgian market towns.


FG KeyChar:
•	This is a broad, low-lying plain of gently undulating or flat land on glacial clays, sands and gravels, with wide views to distant hills.
•	The meandering, slow-moving river Tees flows through the heart of the area, with distinctive incised meanders in its middle reaches.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	This is a broad, low-lying plain of gently undulating or flat land on glacial clays, sands and gravels, with wide views to distant hills.
•	The meandering, slow-moving river Tees flows through the heart of the area, with distinctive incised meanders in its middle reaches.


FG KeyChar:
•	Woodland cover is generally sparse, with exceptions such as the steep banks of the middle Tees and Leven, semi-natural woodland on heathy soils north of Billingham, and parkland and managed estates.
•	Orchards historically were important in the area south of the river Tees

Edited_KeyChars:
Narrow riparian woods of willow and alder, also ancient oak woods on steep river banks
Semi-natural estate and small farm woodlands
Hedgerow trees of oak, ash and sycamore
Orchards historically important south of River Tees


FG KeyChar:
•	Agriculture is a combination of arable and mixed dairy and cropping with some poultry and pig rearing.  Agriculture tends to be more intensive in the south and west.

Edited_KeyChars:
Arable and mixed dairy and cropping
Some poultry and pig rearing
More intensive in the south and west
Some wet grasslands along river corridors


FG KeyChar:
•	Farmsteads and cottages, which are frequently prominent in this open landscape, tend to be built in local brick with pantile roofs.

Edited_KeyChars:
Buildings mainly in local brick with pantile roofs


FG KeyChar:
•	The area includes the county town of Northallerton together with Thirsk.  Its lowland character means it has long been favoured as a transport route, and is crossed by the East Coast Mainline and the A1.  The area includes a number of active and disused airfields.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The area includes the county town of Northallerton together with Thirsk.  Its lowland character means it has long been favoured as a transport route, and is crossed by the East Coast Mainline and the A1.  The area includes a number of active and disused airfields.


FG KeyChar:
•	The area is drained by the River Swale and its tributaries the River Wiske and the Cod Beck.  These watercourses meander within narrower valleys in the north and broader floodplains in the south.  The rivers are sometimes confined within flood defence embankments, particularly in the lower lying southern part of the Vale.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The area is drained by the River Swale and its tributaries the River Wiske and the Cod Beck.  These watercourses meander within narrower valleys in the north and broader floodplains in the south.  The rivers are sometimes confined within flood defence embankments, particularly in the lower lying southern part of the Vale.


FG KeyChar:
•	Most fields are medium sized, though they tend to be larger in the south and west.  Boundaries are defined by low hedges or post and wire fences.

Edited_KeyChars:
Most fields medium sized, but larger in the south and west
Low hedges or post and wire fences
Ditches in valley bottoms


FG KeyChar:
•	The Vale of Mowbray is a low lying area underlain by Triassic sandstones and mudstones blanketed by a thick layer of glacial boulder clay with moraines and ridges of sands and gravels.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The Vale of Mowbray is a low lying area underlain by Triassic sandstones and mudstones blanketed by a thick layer of glacial boulder clay with moraines and ridges of sands and gravels.


FG KeyChar:
•	Unlike surrounding upland areas where change has been slow and many historic sites have survived, the Vale of Mowbray has comparatively few historic sites, reflecting the processes of enclosure and drainage that took place in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Edited_KeyChars:
Few historic sites due to 18th and 19th century enclosures and drainage
Some parklands


FG KeyChar:
•	Semi-natural habitats are few, tending to be limited to areas of riparian rough grazing, particularly in rivers’ more northerly sections.

Edited_KeyChars:
Semi-natural habitats are limited
Areas of riparian rough grazing


FG KeyChar:
•	Villages, which are often located on higher ground, tend to be linear in form.  Some have village greens and many have churches with spire or towers, providing landmarks in the wider landscape.
•	The area includes the county town of Northallerton together with Thirsk.  Its lowland character means it has long been favoured as a transport route, and is crossed by the East Coast Mainline and the A1.  The area includes a number of active and disused airfields.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Villages, which are often located on higher ground, tend to be linear in form.  Some have village greens and many have churches with spire or towers, providing landmarks in the wider landscape.
•	The area includes the county town of Northallerton together with Thirsk.  Its lowland character means it has long been favoured as a transport route, and is crossed by the East Coast Mainline and the A1.  The area includes a number of active and disused airfields.


FG KeyChar:
•	The area is flatter in the south and west (formed on glacial lake deposits) and more undulating in the east, marking the transition to the North Yorkshire Moors.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The area is flatter in the south and west (formed on glacial lake deposits) and more undulating in the east, marking the transition to the North Yorkshire Moors.


FG KeyChar:
•	Tree cover is generally sparse, comprising small woodlands (many associated with hunting) and a number of parklands.  The eastern part of the area is more wooded

Edited_KeyChars:
Tree cover generally sparse
Small copses, woodlands and parklands, especially in the east
In-field and hedgerow trees


FG KeyChar:
•	Agriculture comprises rough grazing on the higher moorlands, mixed, predominantly pastoral farming in the Dales and arable on the lighter soils of lower areas to the south.

Edited_KeyChars:
Rough sheep grazing on the higher moorlands
Sheep and cattle grazing on semi-natural and improved pastures in the dales
Arable along parts of the coast and to the south


FG KeyChar:
•	Most historic buildings are constructed in rubble limestone or dressed sandstone with red pantile or slate roofs.

Edited_KeyChars:
Historic buildings in rubble limestone or dressed sandstone with red pantile or slate roofs


FG KeyChar:
•	The upland reaches the coast to form one of the highest stretches of cliffs in England.  These cliffs are punctuated by sandy or rocky bays.   Most rivers flow south, east or north east, radiating out from the upland mass.

Edited_KeyChars:
Cliffs punctuated by sandy or rocky bays


Edited_KeyChars:
•	The upland reaches the coast to form one of the highest stretches of cliffs in England.  These cliffs are punctuated by sandy or rocky bays.   Most rivers flow south, east or north east, radiating out from the upland mass.


FG KeyChar:
•	The pattern of field boundaries varies across the area with a combination of stone walls in the Dales (smaller around villages, larger on the hillslopes) and hedges in lower areas.  Many have deteriorated and have been replaced or supplemented by fences.  The higher moorland areas are largely unenclosed.

Edited_KeyChars:
Stone walls in the upland dales; hedges and ditches in lower areas
Many hedges replaced or supplemented by fences
Higher moorland areas are largely unenclosed


FG KeyChar:
•	The area is underlain by sandstones and mudstones from the Middle Jurassic in the north and sandstones and limestone from the Upper Jurassic in the south.  Shales from the Lower Jurassic (with alum, jet and cement stone) are revealed along the coast and where rivers have eroded deep valleys.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The area is underlain by sandstones and mudstones from the Middle Jurassic in the north and sandstones and limestone from the Upper Jurassic in the south.  Shales from the Lower Jurassic (with alum, jet and cement stone) are revealed along the coast and where rivers have eroded deep valleys.


FG KeyChar:
•	The higher moorland represents the most extensive area of heather moorland in England and Wales.

Edited_KeyChars:
Semi-natural grasslands
Most extensive area of heather moorland in England and Wales
Fen and reedbed in some river valleys to east


FG KeyChar:
•	Within the upland dales and along the coast, settlement tends to be nucleated.  Elsewhere it is typically more dispersed with a scatter of farmsteads and roadside cottages.  Small fishing villages cling to steep valley sides.
•	The area includes industrial facilities such as the potash works at Boulby and the military communications infrastructure at Fylingdales.  Large caravan parks are found along the coast and tourism is an important part of the economy of settlements such as Whitby, Scarborough and Saltburn.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Within the upland dales and along the coast, settlement tends to be nucleated.  Elsewhere it is typically more dispersed with a scatter of farmsteads and roadside cottages.  Small fishing villages cling to steep valley sides.
•	The area includes industrial facilities such as the potash works at Boulby and the military communications infrastructure at Fylingdales.  Large caravan parks are found along the coast and tourism is an important part of the economy of settlements such as Whitby, Scarborough and Saltburn.


FG KeyChar:
•	The landform is dominated by a high moorland plateau which is tilted to the south, creating a steep escarpment along its northern edge and more gentle, though still pronounced slopes along the Vale of Pickering to the south.  The Cleveland Hills blend into the Hambledon Hills to the south and the North York Moors to the east.  Outlying hills to the north include the distinctive landmark of Roseberry Topping.
•	The high moorland is dissected by a series of dales, deepened by glacial meltwaters.  These dales are generally broad and sweeping but are steep sided in places.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The landform is dominated by a high moorland plateau which is tilted to the south, creating a steep escarpment along its northern edge and more gentle, though still pronounced slopes along the Vale of Pickering to the south.  The Cleveland Hills blend into the Hambledon Hills to the south and the North York Moors to the east.  Outlying hills to the north include the distinctive landmark of Roseberry Topping.
•	The high moorland is dissected by a series of dales, deepened by glacial meltwaters.  These dales are generally broad and sweeping but are steep sided in places.


FG KeyChar:
•	Whilst the higher moors are mainly treeless, broadleaf woodlands are found in the sheltered dales and lower areas to the south.  Extensive areas of coniferous plantations are located on the lower areas of moorland.

Edited_KeyChars:
Higher moors mainly treeless
Broadleaf woodlands in the sheltered dales and lower areas to the south
Field boundary trees in dales


FG KeyChar:
•	Agriculture reflects the difference in soils within the vale.  To the east, arable farming dominates, with large rectilinear fields enclosed by low hedges having been created as the wetlands were drained.  Pastures are found along some of the river floodplains.  The west is characterised by mixed farming with a higher proportion of pastures.

Edited_KeyChars:
Arable farming dominates in east, with pastures along river floodplains
Mixed farming in west with a higher proportion of pastures


FG KeyChar:
•	Traditional buildings are constructed of brick or sandstone imported from surrounding uplands.  Most historic buildings are roofed using pantiles, though many were originally thatched.

Edited_KeyChars:
Buildings of brick or sandstone from uplands
Most historic buildings roofed with pantiles


JM KeyChar:
•	The coastal landscape along the eastern edge of the area has a different character from the rest of the vale, with beaches, cliffs, short coastal stream valleys and the rock spit of Filey Brig.

Edited_KeyChars:
Cliffs, beaches and short coastal stream valleys


FG KeyChar:
•	There are relatively few urban or industrial influences on the landscape  The principal settlements include Pickering, Norton, Eastfield and Filey.  The Scarborough to York railway line crosses the area.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	There are relatively few urban or industrial influences on the landscape  The principal settlements include Pickering, Norton, Eastfield and Filey.  The Scarborough to York railway line crosses the area.


FG KeyChar:
•	Rivers include the River Derwent which flows south westwards along the Vale, cutting through the Howardian Hills to the south.  A series of tributaries drain higher ground to the north and west.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Rivers include the River Derwent which flows south westwards along the Vale, cutting through the Howardian Hills to the south.  A series of tributaries drain higher ground to the north and west.


FG KeyChar:
•	Field boundaries comprise a combination of low hedges and, particularly in lower parts of the eastern Vale, drained ditches and dykes.  Fences are common where hedges have declined or been lost.

Edited_KeyChars:
Large rectilinear fields
Fields mainly bounded by low hedges, stone walls, with drainage ditches and dykes in lowest areas
Fences where hedges have declined/disappeared


FG KeyChar:
•	Although the Vale of Pickering is underlain by Kimmeridge Clay, buried deeply beneath layers of glacial and fluvial clays and sands.  The flatter and more low lying areas, with peaty soils, are found in the eastern part of the Vale.  The western part is more undulating in nature with clay soils.  An area of glacial moraine along the coast forms a further area of undulating land.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Although the Vale of Pickering is underlain by Kimmeridge Clay, buried deeply beneath layers of glacial and fluvial clays and sands.  The flatter and more low lying areas, with peaty soils, are found in the eastern part of the Vale.  The western part is more undulating in nature with clay soils.  An area of glacial moraine along the coast forms a further area of undulating land.


FG KeyChar:
•	The Vale is rich in historic features including the remains of Mesolithic settlements where archaeological finds have been preserved in waterlogged conditions.  The Vale also includes Neolithic sites (earthen long barrows) and Bronze and Iron Age sites around the fringes.  Medieval sites include castles, fortified manor houses and churches, together with medieval strip fields.  17th and 18th century country houses and designed landscapes are also key features.

Edited_KeyChars:
Rich prehistoric features, often preserved in waterlogged conditions
Medieval sites including castles, fortified manors, churches and medieval strip fields
Historic linear springline settlements and burgage plots
17th and 18th century country houses and designed landscapes
History of 18th and 19th century drainage and enclosure


FG KeyChar:
•	Historic linear settlements are located above the flood level close to springs and shallow wells, with long thin burgage plots running back from the main street.  On the higher ground, settlement is a dispersed pattern of cottages, small hamlets and farmsteads.  Villages are linked by a network of straight roads and tracks.
•	There are relatively few urban or industrial influences on the landscape  The principal settlements include Pickering, Norton, Eastfield and Filey.  The Scarborough to York railway line crosses the area.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Historic linear settlements are located above the flood level close to springs and shallow wells, with long thin burgage plots running back from the main street.  On the higher ground, settlement is a dispersed pattern of cottages, small hamlets and farmsteads.  Villages are linked by a network of straight roads and tracks.
•	There are relatively few urban or industrial influences on the landscape  The principal settlements include Pickering, Norton, Eastfield and Filey.  The Scarborough to York railway line crosses the area.


FG KeyChar:
•	Woodland cover is limited in the lower lying eastern part of the Vale, but is more extensive in western areas and around the fringes with copses and more field boundary trees.

Edited_KeyChars:
Woodland cover limited in lower lying eastern part of the Vale
In western areas, copses, riparian trees and carr woodlands
Field boundary trees (oak, ash and holly) especially in west


FG KeyChar:
•	The fertile, chalky soils support mainly arable farming, though there are remnants of unimproved or semi-improved chalk grassland in steep side dry valleys defined by a hedge at the break of slope.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mainly arable farming
Some intensive livestock rearing
Rough grass on escarpment


FG KeyChar:
•	This is a generally lightly settled landscape with predominantly brick - but sometimes chalk and pantile - buildings, large scattered farmsteads on high ground, small villages in valleys, and small market towns at the fringes.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mainly brick and pantile buildings, but also some chalk


FG KeyChar:
•	Rivers and streams are few on the permeable in chalk, being limited to a number of short streams draining steep valleys along the escarpment and the Gypsey Race which runs through the Great Wolds Valley near Bridlington.  The Wolds rise from the Humber estuary in the south and form high chalk cliffs where they reach the coast at Flamborough Head.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Rivers and streams are few on the permeable in chalk, being limited to a number of short streams draining steep valleys along the escarpment and the Gypsey Race which runs through the Great Wolds Valley near Bridlington.  The Wolds rise from the Humber estuary in the south and form high chalk cliffs where they reach the coast at Flamborough Head.


FG KeyChar:
•	A combination of hedges and fences enclose large, regular shaped fields dating back to Parliamentary enclosure.

Edited_KeyChars:
Large, regular Parliamentary enclosures
A combination of hedges and fences
Some stone walls also


FG KeyChar:
•	The Yorkshire Wolds are underlain by Chalk with some small areas of Jurassic Rocks along their western fringe.  The chalk is reflected in the steep and prominent north and west facing escarpment and a more gently rolling, east and south facing dip slope.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The Yorkshire Wolds are underlain by Chalk with some small areas of Jurassic Rocks along their western fringe.  The chalk is reflected in the steep and prominent north and west facing escarpment and a more gently rolling, east and south facing dip slope.


JM KeyChar:
•	Notable historic landscape features include extensive evidence of prehistoric settlement, high concentrations of deserted medieval villages such as Wharram Percy, and large estates and parks such as Sledmere developed from the 18th century onwards.

Edited_KeyChars:
Extensive evidence of prehistoric settlement and deserted medieval villages
Many village ponds
Large estates and parks from 18th century onwards


Edited_KeyChars:
Remnants of unimproved or semi-improved chalk grassland in steep sided dry valleys
Remnant heath on fringes of area


Edited_KeyChars:
•	This is a generally lightly settled landscape with predominantly brick - but sometimes chalk and pantile - buildings, large scattered farmsteads on high ground, small villages in valleys, and small market towns at the fringes.


FG KeyChar:
•	The Yorkshire Wolds are underlain by Chalk with some small areas of Jurassic Rocks along their western fringe.  The chalk is reflected in the steep and prominent north and west facing escarpment and a more gently rolling, east and south facing dip slope.
•	This is a large-scale landscape with big skies and long views from the escarpment and plateaux which contrast with the more enclosed chalk valleys.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The Yorkshire Wolds are underlain by Chalk with some small areas of Jurassic Rocks along their western fringe.  The chalk is reflected in the steep and prominent north and west facing escarpment and a more gently rolling, east and south facing dip slope.
•	This is a large-scale landscape with big skies and long views from the escarpment and plateaux which contrast with the more enclosed chalk valleys.


FG KeyChar:
•	Woodland is limited in extent, particularly on the chalk.  Most woodland is confined to steeper slopes, including escarpments and on the hills formed from Jurassic rocks.  Woodland is also associated with historic parklands.  Most woodland is broadleaf.

Edited_KeyChars:
Broadleaved woodland, confined to steeper slopes (including escarpments) and estates
Mature linear shelterbelts and shelter planting around farmsteads
Some in-field and hedgerow trees


FG KeyChar:
•	Some areas of heathland remain on poorer, sandy soils where agricultural improvement has not occurred.  Some of these heathy areas have been afforested.  Washlands and hay meadows are found along the river floodplains.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mainly in arable cultivation
Floodplain areas traditionally grazed (often communally) but some now improved


FG KeyChar:
•	The Vale of York includes the floodplains of several major rivers, notably the Ouse, the Derwent and the Wharfe, but also the Ure, Nidd and Foss.  Most historic buildings are constructed in mottled brick with pantile roofs.

Edited_KeyChars:
Historic buildings mainly of mottled brick with pantile roofs


FG KeyChar:
•	The City of York provides a visual focus for the Vale.  Roads radiate from the city while the Minster provides a focal point for the surrounding area.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The City of York provides a visual focus for the Vale.  Roads radiate from the city while the Minster provides a focal point for the surrounding area.


Edited_KeyChars:
•	The Vale of York includes the floodplains of several major rivers, notably the Ouse, the Derwent and the Wharfe, but also the Ure, Nidd and Foss.  Most historic buildings are constructed in mottled brick with pantile roofs.


FG KeyChar:
•	Low, flailed and intermittent hedges enclose medium to large sized fields.  There are scattered field boundary trees.

Edited_KeyChars:
Medium to large sized fields
Low, flailed and intermittent hedges or drainage ditches
Floodplain areas largely unenclosed


FG KeyChar:
•	The solid geology of the Vale of York comprises Triassic sandstone and mudstone and Lower Jurassic mudstone completely buried beneath glacial till, sand, gravel and moraines. These moraines form a number of curving ridges across the Vale.  The northern part of the Vale is underlain by glacial clay, sand and gravel.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The solid geology of the Vale of York comprises Triassic sandstone and mudstone and Lower Jurassic mudstone completely buried beneath glacial till, sand, gravel and moraines. These moraines form a number of curving ridges across the Vale.  The northern part of the Vale is underlain by glacial clay, sand and gravel.


JM KeyChar:
•	Key historic landscape features include Roman remains, early timber frame buildings, designed parklands and fine masonry bridges.

Edited_KeyChars:
Floodplain management dating back to Roman period
Parliamentary enclosure landscape
Parkland and estates
Water features (unknown)


Edited_KeyChars:
Wetlands, washlands and hay meadows along river floodplains
Remnant heaths on moraines


FG KeyChar:
•	Settlements are distinctive with a linear form with buildings set back behind wide grass verges.  The Vale is scattered with large, brick built farmsteads.
•	The City of York provides a visual focus for the Vale.  Roads radiate from the city while the Minster provides a focal point for the surrounding area.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Settlements are distinctive with a linear form with buildings set back behind wide grass verges.  The Vale is scattered with large, brick built farmsteads.
•	The City of York provides a visual focus for the Vale.  Roads radiate from the city while the Minster provides a focal point for the surrounding area.


FG KeyChar:
•	Scattered small woods with more extensive conifer plantations are found on sandy soils, together creating the impression of more wooded farmland in some areas.

Edited_KeyChars:
Scattered small woods
Some larger ancient semi-natural woods
Riparian trees marking rivercourses
Scattered field boundary trees


FG KeyChar:
•	The area is predominantly under arable cultivation with some areas of pastures and improved grassland.  The latter are most common on steeper slopes and damper valley floors.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mainly arable cultivation
Some areas of pastures and improved grassland, especially on steeper slopes and damper valley bottoms


FG KeyChar:
•	Buildings are constructed in local limestone and sandstone with red pantile roofs.  The stones vary in colour from rich reds to pale creams.

Edited_KeyChars:
Buildings in local limestone and sandstone with red pantile roofs


FG KeyChar:
•	The area includes the headwaters of rivers draining the Vale of Pickering, to the east and the Vale of York to the west.  The river Derwent cuts a deep gorge through the hills to the south west of Malton.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The area includes the headwaters of rivers draining the Vale of Pickering, to the east and the Vale of York to the west.  The river Derwent cuts a deep gorge through the hills to the south west of Malton.


FG KeyChar:
•	Field boundaries are predominantly hedges with some fences and some areas of walls in higher areas.

Edited_KeyChars:
Field boundaries mainly hedges with some fences
Stone walls in higher areas


FG KeyChar:
•	The Howardian Hills are formed from the sandstones and mudstones of the Middle Jurassic period and the calcareous sandstone and limestone of the Upper Jurassic.  Numerous east west faults cross the hills, giving rise to irregular ridges and valleys.  Prominent scarps of limestone are notable features along the outermost ridges.  Glacial drift deposits contribute to the more undulating landform in the south and west.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The Howardian Hills are formed from the sandstones and mudstones of the Middle Jurassic period and the calcareous sandstone and limestone of the Upper Jurassic.  Numerous east west faults cross the hills, giving rise to irregular ridges and valleys.  Prominent scarps of limestone are notable features along the outermost ridges.  Glacial drift deposits contribute to the more undulating landform in the south and west.


FG KeyChar:
•	Historic sites date back the Bronze Age. 17th and 18th century enclosure created the straight sided, rectangular fields characteristic to the area. 18th century country houses and ornamental houses, such as Castle Howard, are key historic features.

Edited_KeyChars:
Prehistoric sites including Bronze Age and Roman
18th century country houses and associated designed landscapes


FG KeyChar:
•	Semi-natural habitats principally comprise areas of woodland and unimproved grassland.

Edited_KeyChars:
Remnant semi-natural grassland
Remnant fen, bog and reedbed


FG KeyChar:
•	Many villages are linear in form with wide verges forming village greens.  In other villages, houses are clustered around a single village green. The simplicity and scale of these villages contrasts with the grandeur of the area’s many stately homes.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Many villages are linear in form with wide verges forming village greens.  In other villages, houses are clustered around a single village green. The simplicity and scale of these villages contrasts with the grandeur of the area’s many stately homes.


FG KeyChar:
•	Varied patterns of woodland create a contrasting landscape, the principal contrast being between the sheltered valleys with their extensive areas of broadleaved woodlands and parkland landscapes, and the much more open plateau areas characterised by woodland blocks and large scale plantations.  Alder woodlands remain a feature of damper valley bottoms.

Edited_KeyChars:
Extensive broadleaved woodlands in valleys
Prominent hilltop trees, woodland blocks and plantations on plateaux
Alder woodland in damp valley bottoms
Field boundary trees


FG KeyChar:
•	Most of the farming in the area is intensive and arable.  Small areas of permanent pasture exist, especially on steeper slopes or in the narrow valley bottoms, comprising a characteristic component of the landscape.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mostly intensive arable
Distinctive small areas of permanent pasture on steeper slopes and in narrow valley bottoms


FG KeyChar:
•	The creamy white Magnesium Limestone is widely used in local buildings,occasionally combined with brick or stone cobbles, and the roofing material is commonly red pantiles.

Edited_KeyChars:
Creamy white Magnesian Limestone widely used locally, occasionally with brick or stone cobbles
Roofing material commonly red pantiles


FG KeyChar:
The ridge is cut in several places along its length by a series of rivers, some with dramatic river gorges, including Nidd Gorge at Knaresborough.  The waterbodies of recently restored mineral workings form a feature in the landscape south of Ripon.

Edited_KeyChars:
The ridge is cut in several places along its length by a series of rivers, some with dramatic river gorges, including Nidd Gorge at Knaresborough.  The waterbodies of recently restored mineral workings form a feature in the landscape south of Ripon.


FG KeyChar:
•	The field boundaries are usually low, flailed thorn hedges, although stone walls also occur in many places.  Hedges often follow the topography and serve to emphasise the smooth, rolling landform.  Hedgerow trees are relatively sparse which adds to the open character of farmed landscapes.

Edited_KeyChars:
Low, flailed thorn hedges with few hedgerow trees
Hedges that follow landform, emphasising smooth, rolling form
Ditches in valley bottoms
Stone walls also common


FG KeyChar:
•	The area is underlain by predominantly Magnesium Limestone geology which is covered in many places by drift deposits.  This forms an escarpment in the west and a gently dipping landform in the east.  Coal deposits are found in the west along with the associated spoil tips, mineral lines and stocking areas.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The area is underlain by predominantly Magnesium Limestone geology which is covered in many places by drift deposits.  This forms an escarpment in the west and a gently dipping landform in the east.  Coal deposits are found in the west along with the associated spoil tips, mineral lines and stocking areas.


FG KeyChar:
•	The landscape has been influenced by the Roman occupation, with Ermine Street and Dere Street forming the basis for much of the route of the modern A1.  Country houses and designed parklands along the ridge have an important influence on the landscape.

Edited_KeyChars:
Roman influence of Ermine Street and Dere Street, basis of much of modern A1
Country houses and designed parklands along the ridge
Water features - unknown but possibly farm ponds or features within parkland


FG KeyChar:
•	Semi-natural ancient woodlands are key habitats, found on the ridge, hill tops, steeper slopes and along small valleys.

Edited_KeyChars:
Remnant limestone grasslands at risk from agricultural intensification
Remnant valley wetlands


FG KeyChar:
•	The landscape has been influenced by the Roman occupation, with Ermine Street and Dere Street forming the basis for much of the route of the modern A1.  Country houses and designed parklands along the ridge have an important influence on the landscape.
•	The settlement pattern varies from large scattered farmsteads and small nucleated villages to larger towns on the plateau. The area is more heavily settled near Nottingham, where there is also a greater intensity of industrial activity. 
•	Limestone quarrying influences the landscape, especially in the central and southern parts of the ridge.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The landscape has been influenced by the Roman occupation, with Ermine Street and Dere Street forming the basis for much of the route of the modern A1.  Country houses and designed parklands along the ridge have an important influence on the landscape.
•	The settlement pattern varies from large scattered farmsteads and small nucleated villages to larger towns on the plateau. The area is more heavily settled near Nottingham, where there is also a greater intensity of industrial activity. 
•	Limestone quarrying influences the landscape, especially in the central and southern parts of the ridge.


FG KeyChar:
•	Woodland cover is significant - mainly due to the presence of a number of large country houses and their managed estates - with extensive areas of estate woodlands, plantations and game coverts.  There are also a number of semi-natural, sometimes ancient woodlands on the ridge, sometimes on hill tops or steeper slopes and also along small valleys.

Edited_KeyChars:
Extensive areas of estate woodland, plantation and game covert
Semi-natural/ ancient woodlands on ridge, hilltops and steeper slopes and along small valleys
In-field trees


FG KeyChar:
•	The inland plain comprises improved pasture which is grazed by dairy cattle.  The poorer draining clays and coastal marsh areas are grazed by cattle and sheep.  Drained areas of moss and coastal plain are under arable cultivation or intensive market gardening.

Edited_KeyChars:
Sheep and cattle grazing on poorly drained clays/ coastal marsh
Arable and market gardening on drained mosses/ coastal plain
Dairy cattle on improved pasture inland


FG KeyChar:
•	Most traditional buildings are constructed of red brick.

Edited_KeyChars:
Traditional buildings mainly of red brick


FG KeyChar:
•	Along the coast, the foreshore comprises extensive intertidal mudflats and sand banks, backed by saltmarsh with a seaward edge characterised by dendretic creeks and low cliffs
•	Caravan parks and other holiday related developments are found along the coast.

Edited_KeyChars:
Extensive intertidal mudflats and sand banks, backed by saltmarsh, dendritic creeks and low cliffs


FG KeyChar:
•	Trees are scarce in this low landscape, generally confined to low, often wind sculpted trees and bushes along field boundaries.  
•	The large rectilinear pastoral fields are defined by drainage ditches, low hedgerows and, in some higher areas, drystone walls.

Edited_KeyChars:
Large rectilinear pastures enclosed by drainage ditches and low hedgerows
Drystone walls in some higher areas


FG KeyChar:
•	The area is underlain by Triassic mudstones and sandstones which are buried beneath glacial deposits of boulder clay and marine alluvium.  A carboniferous Millstone Grit Sandstones outcrop is found at Heysham Head, creating cliffs and a rocky foreshore.  Drumlins characterise much of the area - drowned in places where they meet the coast.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The area is underlain by Triassic mudstones and sandstones which are buried beneath glacial deposits of boulder clay and marine alluvium.  A carboniferous Millstone Grit Sandstones outcrop is found at Heysham Head, creating cliffs and a rocky foreshore.  Drumlins characterise much of the area - drowned in places where they meet the coast.


FG KeyChar:
•	The area includes the former county town of Lancaster and the seaside town of Morecombe.  It also has a range of industrial influences including iron work, landfilling and the nuclear power station at Heysham.

JM KeyChar:
•	Historic landscape features include early churches, drainage works and canals.

Edited_KeyChars:
Historic landscape features that include early churches, drainage works and canals


FG KeyChar:
•	Most areas of moss have been drained and improved for agriculture, though some areas of moss, comprising raised mire, remain near Heysham and are valued semi-natural habitats.

Edited_KeyChars:
Some surviving areas of moss (raised mire) near Heysham


FG KeyChar:
•	The area includes the former county town of Lancaster and the seaside town of Morecombe.  It also has a range of industrial influences including iron work, landfilling and the nuclear power station at Heysham.
•	Caravan parks and other holiday related developments are found along the coast.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The area includes the former county town of Lancaster and the seaside town of Morecombe.  It also has a range of industrial influences including iron work, landfilling and the nuclear power station at Heysham.
•	Caravan parks and other holiday related developments are found along the coast.


FG KeyChar:
•	Trees are scarce in this low landscape, generally confined to low, often wind sculpted trees and bushes along field boundaries.

Edited_KeyChars:
Tree cover limited to low, often wind sculpted trees and bushes along field boundaries


FG KeyChar:
•	Medium to large fields form an open, large-scale agricultural landscape with a rich patchwork of lush pasture and arable land.  Localised areas of intensive market gardening provide seasonally varied colours and textures.

Edited_KeyChars:
Patchwork of lush pasture and arable land
Issue of loss of permanent and wet grassland
Seasonally varied colours and textures from market gardening


FG KeyChar:
•	Isolated brick farmsteads occur in rural areas.


FG KeyChar:
•	There is a high density of field ponds, salt marshes are prominent at the heads of estuaries and sand dunes occur along some sections of the coast.

Edited_KeyChars:
Salt marshes prominent at the heads of estuaries
Sand dunes along some sections of the coast


FG KeyChar:
•	The complex network of raised drainage ditches and dykes with localised reedbeds is a reminder of the area’s heritage of wetland reclamation.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The complex network of raised drainage ditches and dykes with localised reedbeds is a reminder of the area’s heritage of wetland reclamation.


FG KeyChar:
•	Designed landscapes associated with large houses are locally common in the south, where they provide enclosure in an otherwise open landscape.
•	A rectilinear network of lanes and tracks, usually without fences or hedges, subdivides the landscape.
•	Medium to large fields form an open, large-scale agricultural landscape with a rich patchwork of lush pasture and arable land.  Localised areas of intensive market gardening provide seasonally varied colours and textures.

Edited_KeyChars:
Medium to large rectilinear fields usually without fences or hedges
Issue of hedgerow neglect and removal
Complex network of raised drainage ditches and dykes


FG KeyChar:
•	It is thickly blanketed by glacial till, with poorly-drained peat-filled hollows that give rise to mosses and meres.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	It is thickly blanketed by glacial till, with poorly-drained peat-filled hollows that give rise to mosses and meres.


Edited_KeyChars:
Heritage of wetland reclamation
Designed landscapes associated with large houses locally common in south
Many meres and field ponds (former brick and marl pits) - at risk of drainage


FG KeyChar:
•	Designed landscapes associated with large houses are locally common in the south, where they provide enclosure in an otherwise open landscape.
•	Isolated brick farmsteads occur in rural areas.
•	Urban settlement is concentrated in the planned Victorian coastal resorts and inland towns.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Designed landscapes associated with large houses are locally common in the south, where they provide enclosure in an otherwise open landscape.
•	Isolated brick farmsteads occur in rural areas.
•	Urban settlement is concentrated in the planned Victorian coastal resorts and inland towns.


FG KeyChar:
•	This is a relatively flat and gently rolling plain, broken by isolated hills such as Parbold Hill, Beacon Park and Ashurst’s Beacon.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	This is a relatively flat and gently rolling plain, broken by isolated hills such as Parbold Hill, Beacon Park and Ashurst’s Beacon.


FG KeyChar:
•	There are extensive views across the plain, within which small to medium blocks of mixed woodland (wind-sculpted near coast) provide punctuation and vertical accents.

Edited_KeyChars:
Open landscape with prominent small to medium blocks of mixed woodland (wind-sculpted near coast) that are important landmarks
Occasional hedgerow trees


FG KeyChar:
•	Land use is mainly permanent, improved pasture for dairy and livestock farming.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mainly permanent, improved pasture for dairy and livestock
Wet valley grasslands
On higher ground, hay meadows and some rough grazing


FG KeyChar:
•	Traditional stone barns are commonplace on higher ground and are of stone with stone flag or slate roofs.

Edited_KeyChars:
Traditional barns made of stone with stone flag or slate roofs


FG KeyChar:
•	Meandering and commonly tree-fringed rivers with ox-bow lakes are prominent features within the landscape.
•	Meandering and commonly tree-fringed rivers with ox-bow lakes are prominent features within the landscape.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Meandering and commonly tree-fringed rivers with ox-bow lakes are prominent features within the landscape.
•	Meandering and commonly tree-fringed rivers with ox-bow lakes are prominent features within the landscape.


FG KeyChar:
•	Isolated country houses set in well-maintained formal parkland are typical of the area and may be enclosed by belts of woodland and estate fencing.
•	Metal railings around estate boundaries are characteristic of the southern and western edges of the Character Area.
•	Medium- to small-scale fields are defined by hedgerows with mature hedgerow trees, growth of which is particularly vigorous in the north. Dry stone walls are also common in some areas.

Edited_KeyChars:
Medium to small-scale fields
Dense hedgerows
Ditches in valley bottoms
Drystone walls in some areas, especially on higher ground
Characteristic metal railings around estate boundaries


FG KeyChar:
•	On the northern edge of the area drumlins are characteristic while on the south, strong, mounded outcrops or ‘reef knolls’ of limestone form distinct landscape features in the Ribble and Hodder valleys

Edited_KeyChars:
•	On the northern edge of the area drumlins are characteristic while on the south, strong, mounded outcrops or ‘reef knolls’ of limestone form distinct landscape features in the Ribble and Hodder valleys


FG KeyChar:
•	Isolated country houses set in well-maintained formal parkland are typical of the area and may be enclosed by belts of woodland and estate fencing.

JM KeyChar:
•	Country house estates, often with well wooded parkland, are commonplace.  Small mill settlements, lead mining remains and derelict lime kilns along the Ribble Valley are also characteristic features.

Edited_KeyChars:
Many archaeological sites, including Roman roads and motte and bailey castles
Country house estates with wooded parkland
Remains of mining and mill activities and settlement eg historic mills and bridges


FG KeyChar:
•	Semi-natural woodland, much of which is ancient, occurs on the main valley bottoms, side valleys and ridges, and is dominated by oak, ash and alder.
•	There are lush hay meadows and some rough grazing at higher elevations.

Edited_KeyChars:
Remnant semi-natural grasslands
Herb rich hay meadows 
Moorland and blanket bog on higher ground
Semi-natural acidic, neutral and wet grassland


FG KeyChar:
•	A network of winding hedge-lined country lanes connects small, often linear, villages, hamlets and scattered farmsteads, mostly in local stone.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	A network of winding hedge-lined country lanes connects small, often linear, villages, hamlets and scattered farmsteads, mostly in local stone.


FG KeyChar:
•	This is an undulating, rolling landscape with local variation created by numerous river valleys and by the moorland outliers of Beacon Fell, Longridge Fell and Pendle Hill on the south side of the area.
•	On the northern edge of the area drumlins are characteristic while on the south, strong, mounded outcrops or ‘reef knolls’ of limestone form distinct landscape features in the Ribble and Hodder valleys

Edited_KeyChars:
•	This is an undulating, rolling landscape with local variation created by numerous river valleys and by the moorland outliers of Beacon Fell, Longridge Fell and Pendle Hill on the south side of the area.
•	On the northern edge of the area drumlins are characteristic while on the south, strong, mounded outcrops or ‘reef knolls’ of limestone form distinct landscape features in the Ribble and Hodder valleys


FG KeyChar:
•	Semi-natural woodland, much of which is ancient, occurs on the main valley bottoms, side valleys and ridges, and is dominated by oak, ash and alder.

Edited_KeyChars:
Semi-natural woodland, much ancient, on valley bottoms, sides and ridges
Prominent beech stands
Tree-fringed rivers
Mature hedgerow trees


FG KeyChar:
•	The open, rolling heather moorland and blanket bog are managed for grouse shooting and grazed by sheep.

Edited_KeyChars:
Largely improved pasture grazed by sheep, with some cattle
Also wet and rough grassland


FG KeyChar:
•	Traditional farmhouses are generally of gritstone and typically shelter a barn under the same roof line (laithe houses).

Edited_KeyChars:
Traditional farmhouses generally of gritstone and typically share roof line with barn (laithe houses)


FG KeyChar:
•	These upland pastures are criss-crossed by dry stone walls and grazed mainly by sheep, with some cattle.
•	Regular enclosures on higher ground where commons were systematically subdivided; more irregular enclosures are found on the slopes where there is also a complex system of narrow lanes with occasional wide historic drove roads.

Edited_KeyChars:
Regular enclosures on higher ground
More irregular fields on slopes
Mainly drystone walls


FG KeyChar:
•	The dominant feature is the central upland core of Millstone Grit fells, with extensive tracts of heather moorland and blanket bog.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The dominant feature is the central upland core of Millstone Grit fells, with extensive tracts of heather moorland and blanket bog.


FG KeyChar:
•	In medieval times the Bowland Fells was part of the Royal Forest of Lancaster, the top providing hunting ground for wolves, with deer on lower slopes.

Edited_KeyChars:
Evidence of prehistoric settlement and land use
Part of medieval Royal Forest of Lancaster, hunting ground for wolves and deer
Industrial archaeology


FG KeyChar:
•	The moorland is ringed by enclosed, reclaimed moorland pasture with an attractive mosaic of woodland, unimproved meadows, pasture, marshes and streams.
•	High quality species-rich meadows can be found in the limestone areas to the east.

Edited_KeyChars:
Species-rich meadows in limestone areas to the east
Moorland with wet and dry heathland and acid grassland, managed for grouse shooting
Blanket bog, marshes and streams


FG KeyChar:
•	There is a scattered settlement pattern, with picturesque stone villages and strong unity of building materials, styles and village form.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	There is a scattered settlement pattern, with picturesque stone villages and strong unity of building materials, styles and village form.


FG KeyChar:
•	The large-scale, sweeping landform of the Bowland Fells is incised by narrow, wooded, intimate valleys and cloughs.
•	The dominant feature is the central upland core of Millstone Grit fells, with extensive tracts of heather moorland and blanket bog.
•	However, physical harshness is tempered by the compactness of the topographical unit and its proximity to settlement.
•	Steeply sloping, sculptural escarpments and exposed moorland tops contrast with the surrounding lush green valleys of the Lune, Ribble, Hodder and Wyre, to which they are linked by the wooded cloughs.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The large-scale, sweeping landform of the Bowland Fells is incised by narrow, wooded, intimate valleys and cloughs.
•	The dominant feature is the central upland core of Millstone Grit fells, with extensive tracts of heather moorland and blanket bog.
•	However, physical harshness is tempered by the compactness of the topographical unit and its proximity to settlement.
•	Steeply sloping, sculptural escarpments and exposed moorland tops contrast with the surrounding lush green valleys of the Lune, Ribble, Hodder and Wyre, to which they are linked by the wooded cloughs.


FG KeyChar:
•	Steeply sloping, sculptural escarpments and exposed moorland tops contrast with the surrounding lush green valleys of the Lune, Ribble, Hodder and Wyre, to which they are linked by the wooded cloughs.
•	Extensive coniferous plantations occur to the south-east and east of the area.
•	Small copses shelter the area’s isolated farmhouses.

Edited_KeyChars:
Semi-natural clough woodlands
Small copses sheltering farms
Extensive conifer plantations to the east and south-east


FG KeyChar:
•	There are remnants of agricultural land, fragmented by industry and scattered development.

Edited_KeyChars:
Improved and semi-improved pasture for sheep, dairy and cattle grazing
Remnant floodplain meadows and wet pastures
Agricultural land fragmented by industry and development


FG KeyChar:
•	The area’s many Victorian stone buildings and terraces are well-integrated into the landscape.
•	There is a strong industrial heritage associated with the textile industry, and redundant mill buildings, mill lodges and ponds are common.


FG KeyChar:
•	The towns of Blackburn, Accrington and Burnley give the area an intensely urban character, and numerous communication routes, including the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and the M65 motorway, run along the valleys.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The towns of Blackburn, Accrington and Burnley give the area an intensely urban character, and numerous communication routes, including the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and the M65 motorway, run along the valleys.


FG KeyChar:
•	Field boundaries are regular to the west and irregular to the east, but are generally degraded around urban areas.
•	They are formed by hedges with few hedgerow trees, and by stone walls and post and wire fences at higher elevations.

Edited_KeyChars:
Field boundaries regular to west and irregular to the east, degraded around urban areas
Low-cut hedges at lower elevations
Gritstone walls and wire fences higher up


FG KeyChar:
•	It lies within a broad trough underlain by coal measures, which provided the basis of for early industrialisation.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	It lies within a broad trough underlain by coal measures, which provided the basis of for early industrialisation.


FG KeyChar:
•	Numerous large country houses with associated parklands occur, particularly on the northern valley sides away from major urban areas.
•	There is a strong industrial heritage associated with the textile industry, and redundant mill buildings, mill lodges and ponds are common.

Edited_KeyChars:
Numerous large country houses with designed parklands particularly to north
Textile industry heritage of mills, mill lodges and ponds


FG KeyChar:
•	Most land is pasture, with areas of acid and neutral grassland, flushes and mires.

Edited_KeyChars:
Areas of acid and neutral grassland, flushes and mires
Hay meadows with rushes and gorse on higher ground
Heather moorland on hill tops


FG KeyChar:
•	The broad valley of the river Calder and its tributaries runs north-east to south-west between the backdrops of Pendle Hill and the southern Pennines.
•	This visually contained landscape would once have shared many characteristics with the rural valley of the river Ribble to the north but is now mainly urban.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The broad valley of the river Calder and its tributaries runs north-east to south-west between the backdrops of Pendle Hill and the southern Pennines.
•	This visually contained landscape would once have shared many characteristics with the rural valley of the river Ribble to the north but is now mainly urban.


FG KeyChar:
•	The local honey-coloured limestone is used in traditional domestic, civic and farm buildings throughout the area and in the south the yellowish local Collyweston slate is used for roofing, while in the north it is replaced by red pantiles.

Edited_KeyChars:
Traditional buildings of honey-coloured limestone
Yellow Collyweston slate roofs in south and red pantile in north


FG KeyChar:
•	The original west-east drainage pattern was altered following the deposition of glacial till. The East and West Glen Rivers now meander south-westwards to a confluence below Bourne; the River Welland flows due west through Stamford towards the Wash and the River Witham rises on the higher land to the west and flows northwards to the Vale of Belvoir.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The original west-east drainage pattern was altered following the deposition of glacial till. The East and West Glen Rivers now meander south-westwards to a confluence below Bourne; the River Welland flows due west through Stamford towards the Wash and the River Witham rises on the higher land to the west and flows northwards to the Vale of Belvoir.


FG KeyChar:
•	Hedgerow cover is variable, but the majority of field hedgerows are well managed with a good scattering of mature hedgerow oak and ash trees.  To the south the local limestone is intermittently used in eroding field stone walls.

Edited_KeyChars:
Variable hedgerows, mainly well managed
Some limestone walls in south in need of restoration
Ditches and dykes in river valleys


FG KeyChar:
•	The area is underlain by limestones, which support shallow, well-drained calcareous loams, but there are also areas of slowly permeable and seasonally waterlogged clayey soils, developed on glacial till.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The area is underlain by limestones, which support shallow, well-drained calcareous loams, but there are also areas of slowly permeable and seasonally waterlogged clayey soils, developed on glacial till.


FG KeyChar:
•	There are a number of fine houses with well managed designed parkland landscapes which have a strong influence on local landscape character, eg Burghley House, Grimsthorpe, Woolsthorpe Manor and Stoke Rochford Hall.
•	This is an archaeologically rich area, containing ancient trackways.

Edited_KeyChars:
An archaeologically rich area, containing ancient trackways
Many well managed designed parklands


FG KeyChar:
•	Aside from the ancient woodlands noted above, many of the river valleys have species-rich meadows and grassland on wide enclosure road verges.

Edited_KeyChars:
River valleys with species-rich meadows
Species-rich grassland on wide enclosure road verges


FG KeyChar:
•	The Kesteven Uplands have a dispersed settlement pattern, comprising small traditional villages which are evenly distributed throughout the area.  Exceptions are the line of settlements along the edge of the Fens to the east and the cluster of larger villages around Stamford.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The Kesteven Uplands have a dispersed settlement pattern, comprising small traditional villages which are evenly distributed throughout the area.  Exceptions are the line of settlements along the edge of the Fens to the east and the cluster of larger villages around Stamford.


FG KeyChar:
•	The land rises progressively from the edge of the Fens in the east, to the fringes of the Leicestershire Wolds in the west. The landform also becomes more undulating to the west so that the rolling topography becomes a series of low hills between 400-600m.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The land rises progressively from the edge of the Fens in the east, to the fringes of the Leicestershire Wolds in the west. The landform also becomes more undulating to the west so that the rolling topography becomes a series of low hills between 400-600m.


FG KeyChar:
•	The area is 6.6% wooded with a variety of ancient and commercial woodlands mingling with parklands.  There is a concentration of numerous medium-sized semi-natural and ancient oak/ash woodlands on the higher land between the East and West Glen Rivers.

Edited_KeyChars:
Variety of ancient and commercial woodlands
Numerous medium-sized semi-natural and ancient oak/ash woodlands on higher land
Mature oak and ash trees
Bankside trees (unknown but probably willow pollards)


FG KeyChar:
•	Dominant impression throughout the landscape is of a large-scale geometric 18th century landscape of large rectangular fields containing extensive arable cropping and some areas of mixed farming.

Edited_KeyChars:
Extensive arable cropping
Some areas of mixed farming
More intimate, pastoral character in river valleys to west and north
Wet meadows in valley bottoms
Remnants of rough grassland


FG KeyChar:
•	Rivers are more prominent western and northern part of the landscape where they forge a more intimate, pastoral character.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Rivers are more prominent western and northern part of the landscape where they forge a more intimate, pastoral character.


FG KeyChar:
•	Tall, well-trimmed hawthorn hedges occur throughout and often contain mature hedgerow trees, predominantly oak and beech.  Hedges are often flanked by wide verges.
•	Dominant impression throughout the landscape is of a large-scale geometric 18th century landscape of large rectangular fields containing extensive arable cropping and some areas of mixed farming.

Edited_KeyChars:
Large scale geometric 18th century landscape of large rectangular fields
Tall, well trimmed hawthorn hedges throughout
Fields sometimes enclosed rows of Scots pine
Ditches on lower ground


FG KeyChar:
•	Mainly consisting of the shallow dip slope of a low chalk escarpment sloping west to east.  Often referred to as the Good Sands due to fertility of the versatile light soils.
•	Separated from the coastal strip along the Wash by an outcrop of lower greensand.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Mainly consisting of the shallow dip slope of a low chalk escarpment sloping west to east.  Often referred to as the Good Sands due to fertility of the versatile light soils.
•	Separated from the coastal strip along the Wash by an outcrop of lower greensand.


FG KeyChar:
•	Dominant impression throughout the landscape is of a large-scale geometric 18th century landscape of large rectangular fields containing extensive arable cropping and some areas of mixed farming.
•	Dominated by vast estates – unifying and bringing a well-managed quality to the landscape.

Edited_KeyChars:
Prehistoric barrows, earthworks and tumuli
Many vast, well-managed estates with associated parklands
Small lakes (former gravel workings)


JM KeyChar:
•	Key habitats include lowland heath, dry acid grassland and meadows; calcareous grassland; river corridors; and drainage ditches (with reeds and rushes).

Edited_KeyChars:
Pockets of remnant lowland heath important to character
Meadows, calcareous grassland and dry acid grassland river corridors
Drainage ditches and wetlands with reeds and rushes


FG KeyChar:
•	Dominated by vast estates – unifying and bringing a well-managed quality to the landscape.
•	The great houses of the big estates – Holkham, Sandringham, Houghton and Raynham are features but often concealed by tree belts fringing their parkland.
•	Villages are widely spaced and often set around village greens or occasionally ponds such as at Great Massingham.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Dominated by vast estates – unifying and bringing a well-managed quality to the landscape.
•	The great houses of the big estates – Holkham, Sandringham, Houghton and Raynham are features but often concealed by tree belts fringing their parkland.
•	Villages are widely spaced and often set around village greens or occasionally ponds such as at Great Massingham.


FG KeyChar:
•	A large scale landscape of rolling upland terrain and plateau offering long views.
•	For the most part very open with a seemingly ‘high’ and remote character.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	A large scale landscape of rolling upland terrain and plateau offering long views.
•	For the most part very open with a seemingly ‘high’ and remote character.


FG KeyChar:
•	Significant areas of woodland and plantation on the area of Greensand in the west.  
•	There are a number of Parkland landscapes with high amounts of tree cover.
•	Scots pine rows are striking field boundary features.
•	Tall, well-trimmed hawthorn hedges occur throughout and often contain mature hedgerow trees, predominantly oak and beech.  Hedges are often flanked by wide verges.

Edited_KeyChars:
Significant areas of woodland and plantation in the west
Poplar shelterbelts and tree belts fringing parklands
Small areas of wet and birch woodland
Mature oak and beech hedgerow trees
Scots pine rows and belts forming striking boundary features


FG KeyChar:
•	There are some small areas of arable and pasture (where extensive areas have been drained to create freshwater grazing marshes, reedbeds and some arable land) but the abiding impression is a landscape of sand and mud.

Edited_KeyChars:
Some small areas of arable and pasture where land has been reclaimed


FG KeyChar:
•	Lack of settlements and roads on the coastal marshes but distinctive brick and flint villages with landmark flint churches and occasional windmills are strung along the coast road (A149).

Edited_KeyChars:
Distinctive brick and flint villages with landmark flint churches
Occasional windmills along the coast road


FG KeyChar:
•	A coastal landscape of great variety and texture – including intertidal mudflats, sand dunes, shingle banks, saltmarsh, reedbeds, tidal creeks and harbours. This is therefore an unusual part of Norfolk in not being given over entirely to agriculture.

Edited_KeyChars:
Great variety and texture – intertidal mudflats, sand dunes, shingle banks, saltmarsh, tidal creeks and harbours


FG KeyChar:
•	Low, gappy hawthorn hedges and drainage ditches (with their associated reeds) define field boundaries.

Edited_KeyChars:
Low, gappy hawthorn hedges and drainage ditches (with associated reeds) define field boundaries


Edited_KeyChars:
•	A coastal landscape of great variety and texture – including intertidal mudflats, sand dunes, shingle banks, saltmarsh, reedbeds, tidal creeks and harbours. This is therefore an unusual part of Norfolk in not being given over entirely to agriculture.


JM KeyChar:
•	Evidence of historic use of the coastal marshes is widespread, but generally not visible in the landscape today except for some intertidal features such as wrecks and fish traps and early timber quays and jetties.  Flint churches and occasional windmills are landmark features.

Edited_KeyChars:
Historic use of the coastal marshes
Some intertidal features such as wrecks and fish traps and early timber quays and jetties
Archaeological resource under grassland


Edited_KeyChars:
•	Lack of settlements and roads on the coastal marshes but distinctive brick and flint villages with landmark flint churches and occasional windmills are strung along the coast road (A149).


FG KeyChar:
•	A coastal landscape of great variety and texture – including intertidal mudflats, sand dunes, shingle banks, saltmarsh, reedbeds, tidal creeks and harbours. This is therefore an unusual part of Norfolk in not being given over entirely to agriculture.
•	Separated from inland areas of different landscape character by the north face of Cromer Ridge and the coast road (A149) which act as a dividing line.
•	There is almost no transition zone between character areas e.g. between this extremely low-lying marine landscape and the higher arable land of North West Norfolk (76).

Edited_KeyChars:
•	A coastal landscape of great variety and texture – including intertidal mudflats, sand dunes, shingle banks, saltmarsh, reedbeds, tidal creeks and harbours. This is therefore an unusual part of Norfolk in not being given over entirely to agriculture.
•	Separated from inland areas of different landscape character by the north face of Cromer Ridge and the coast road (A149) which act as a dividing line.
•	There is almost no transition zone between character areas e.g. between this extremely low-lying marine landscape and the higher arable land of North West Norfolk (76).


FG KeyChar:
•	The Holkham estate is significant for the shelterbelts of pine trees that protect the park and give vertical definition to the edge of the enormous sandy beach beyond.

Edited_KeyChars:
Woodland largely confined to enclosed valleys and streamsides


FG KeyChar:
•	Long-settled agricultural character interspersed with woodland and heath.  Formerly mixed agricultural land use with sheep on lighter land an cattle on heavy but now it is predominantly under arable cultivation. 
•	Cereals now dominate with break crops of sugarbeet and oilseed rape.

Edited_KeyChars:
Formerly mixed agriculture, with cattle on heavier land and sheep on lighter land
Now mainly arable cereal farming with break crops of sugarbeet and oilseed rape
River valleys traditionally wide, lush and pastoral


JM KeyChar:
•	The coastal landscape of unconsolidated low cliffs and coastal dune formations is undergoing continued marine erosion.  The drainage pattern mainly flows south away from the sea, leaving the area vulnerable to marine flooding.

Edited_KeyChars:
Coastal landscape of unconsolidated low cliffs
Marine erosion evident


FG KeyChar:
•	The river valleys provide limited contrast but many are tree lined on the slopes or planted with poplar on the valley floor. The unplanted valleys are wide, lush and pastoral with water meadows divided by reed-filled dykes.
•	Sand and gravel extraction along the Wensum has produced lakes with reeded margins in places.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The river valleys provide limited contrast but many are tree lined on the slopes or planted with poplar on the valley floor. The unplanted valleys are wide, lush and pastoral with water meadows divided by reed-filled dykes.
•	Sand and gravel extraction along the Wensum has produced lakes with reeded margins in places.


FG KeyChar:
•	Some areas are densely planted with mixed hedges and hedgerow oaks. Sunken lanes and mixed hedges are a feature of the Cromer Ridge.
•	Fields are variable in size – small- scale irregularity of early enclosure giving way in many areas to larger more regular patterns (particularly in the west).

Edited_KeyChars:
Variable field size
Irregular early enclosures, enlarged and more regular particularly in the west
Dense mixed hedgerows in some areas, notably Cromer ridge
Ditches and dykes on valley floors


FG KeyChar:
•	Large number of small to medium size 18th century estates with more parkland to the north of the River Wensum and a notable parkland belt between the Rivers Wensum and Bure.

Edited_KeyChars:
Significant archaeological resource, mainly on arable land
Notable amount of parkland on country estates
Water features unknown (probably former gravel workings)


FG KeyChar:
•	Some remnant areas of heathland that have not been reclaimed for agriculture e.g. along the Cromer Ridge and in the west reflecting the lighter soils.
•	The river valleys provide limited contrast but many are tree lined on the slopes or planted with poplar on the valley floor. The unplanted valleys are wide, lush and pastoral with water meadows divided by reed-filled dykes.

Edited_KeyChars:
Tracts of heathland particularly on lighter sandier soils towards the coast
Meadows with reed-filled dykes on valley floors


FG KeyChar:
•	Large number of small to medium size 18th century estates with more parkland to the north of the River Wensum and a notable parkland belt between the Rivers Wensum and Bure.
•	An area of dispersed villages and isolated farmhouses within a complex minor road network. The settlement pattern is denser to the south of the river Wensum.  The holiday resorts of Cromer and Sheringham occur on the coast.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Large number of small to medium size 18th century estates with more parkland to the north of the River Wensum and a notable parkland belt between the Rivers Wensum and Bure.
•	An area of dispersed villages and isolated farmhouses within a complex minor road network. The settlement pattern is denser to the south of the river Wensum.  The holiday resorts of Cromer and Sheringham occur on the coast.


FG KeyChar:
•	Bounded to the north by Coastal Cliffs, that face out onto the North Sea, and to the north-west by the Cromer Ridge with its steep northern slope and more gentle southern face.
•	Surrounding the Cromer Ridge are outlying spurs and hills.  Elsewhere the landform is variable with some flat areas, minor undulations, a more rolling landform (where the river valleys occur e.g. Wensum and Yare).

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Bounded to the north by Coastal Cliffs, that face out onto the North Sea, and to the north-west by the Cromer Ridge with its steep northern slope and more gentle southern face.
•	Surrounding the Cromer Ridge are outlying spurs and hills.  Elsewhere the landform is variable with some flat areas, minor undulations, a more rolling landform (where the river valleys occur e.g. Wensum and Yare).


FG KeyChar:
•	Relatively well-wooded for East Anglia with a variety of woodland types: mixed woodland or pasture woodlands (oak and beech) on heavier soils and conifers on the lighter sands.  Mixed woodland occurs on the valley slopes and poplar plantations are a feature of the valley floor. Woods are variable in size but extensive.

Edited_KeyChars:
Extensive mixed woodland on valley slopes
Pasture woodlands of oak and beech on heavier soils; conifers on lighter sands
Poplar plantations on valley floors
Some areas with hedgerow oaks


FG KeyChar:
•	Comprising both arable and pastoral land. Due to soil fertility, the area has been subject to extensive post-war agricultural rationalisation.

Edited_KeyChars:
Amond the most fertile farming areas in the country
Both arable and pastoral land
Some wet and rough pasture


FG KeyChar:
•	Strong vernacular style of domestic and agricultural buildings reinforced by use of flint and red brick and roofs typically characterised by thatch or pantiles.
•	Isolated, prominent flint churches – either round-towered Saxo-Norman or medieval wool churches.

Edited_KeyChars:
Buildings of flint and red brick with thatch or pantiles roofs


FG KeyChar:
•	Influence of the sea can be seen in the sparse vegetation of the northern coastal strip.
•	Collection of settlement along the coast, including the sea-side resort of Great Yarmouth, with the town of North Walsham forming the only substantial settlement inland.

JM KeyChar:
•	Dunes and sea wall coastal defences, characterised by extensive remains of WWII anti-invasion defences, particularly at Winterton-on-Sea, as well as earlier Roman defences at Caister-on-Sea.

Edited_KeyChars:
Extensive dunes systems
Some areas of coastal marsh


FG KeyChar:
•	Moderately elevated irregular limestone ridge giving way to a series of isolated steep-side tabular hills in the east, rising above the surrounding clay vales.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Moderately elevated irregular limestone ridge giving way to a series of isolated steep-side tabular hills in the east, rising above the surrounding clay vales.


FG KeyChar:
•	Extensive woodland cover, particularly in the west, including blocks of ancient woodland (mainly oak, ash, birch) and coniferous plantation (mainly larch) along the ridge.

Edited_KeyChars:
Extensive woodland cover, particularly in the west, including blocks of ancient woodland (mainly oak, ash, birch)
Coniferous plantation (mainly larch) along the ridge
Regularly spaced mature hedgerow trees


FG KeyChar:
•	There are many surviving areas of semi-open common land on the plateau.

Edited_KeyChars:
Open, intensively farmed arable fields in many areas
Arable landscape affected by loss of winter stubble
Pasture along river corridors
Areas of rough pasture associated with steeper slopes and commons


FG KeyChar:
•	A network of small fields ancient hedges, often characterises steep ground. The agricultural landscape features hedges, trees and small woodlands.

Edited_KeyChars:
Network of small fields with ancient hedges on steep ground
Larger, more regular hedged fields in other areas


FG KeyChar:
•	A formation of Chalk hills and plateau with a prominent escarpment and extensive dip slope with numerous dry valleys.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	A formation of Chalk hills and plateau with a prominent escarpment and extensive dip slope with numerous dry valleys.


FG KeyChar:
•	A network of ancient green lanes and tracks, including the Ridgeway, links numerous archaeological sites and settlements.

Edited_KeyChars:
Network of ancient green lanes and tracks, including the Ridgeway
Numerous archaeological sites
Grand country houses and designed landscapes


FG KeyChar:
•	There are remnants of chalk downland on the escarpment and valley sides with extensive areas of downland invaded by scrub.

Edited_KeyChars:
Chalk grassland and downland on escarpment and valley sides (often invaded by scrub)
Remnant acid grassland on semi-open common land on plateau
Small outliers of heathland and acid grasslands on commons
Small areas of flower-rich wet meadows in river valleys


FG KeyChar:
•	Settlement consists of scattered villages and farmsteads, some of medieval origin, displaying consistent use of traditional building materials including flint, brick and clay tiles.
•	A network of ancient green lanes and tracks, including the Ridgeway, links numerous archaeological sites and settlements.
•	Frequent grand country houses and designed landscapes occupy prominent positions on sloping valley sides.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Settlement consists of scattered villages and farmsteads, some of medieval origin, displaying consistent use of traditional building materials including flint, brick and clay tiles.
•	A network of ancient green lanes and tracks, including the Ridgeway, links numerous archaeological sites and settlements.
•	Frequent grand country houses and designed landscapes occupy prominent positions on sloping valley sides.


FG KeyChar:
•	Extensive areas of woodland, dominated by beech on the plateau, and ‘hanging’ woodlands in the valleys, make the Chilterns one of the most wooded lowland landscapes in England.

Edited_KeyChars:
Extensive beech  woodlands on plateau and ‘hanging’ woods
Small ancient woodlands and hedgerow and in-field trees on farmland
Pollarded willows, alders and other trees along river courses
Traditional orchards


Edited_KeyChars:
Farmsteads, some of medieval origin, traditionally of flint, brick and clay tiles


FG KeyChar:
•	A varied land use pattern comprising a mix of arable and pasture land.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mixed farming, with arable land predominating on the Hertfordshire plateaux, parts of the London Clay lowlands and Essex heathlands
Grasslands characteristic of river valleys throughout with remnant areas of wet grasslands
Horticulture and market gardening found on the light, sandy soils of former heaths in Essex, particularly around Colchester, along with orchards


FG KeyChar:
•	Rivers and streams including the broad valleys of the major rivers Ver, Colne and Lea flow through the landscape.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Rivers and streams including the broad valleys of the major rivers Ver, Colne and Lea flow through the landscape.


FG KeyChar:
•	Field boundaries are varied and contrast from areas of well-hedged landscape across the Essex Wooded Hills and Ridges to low and gappy across the heathlands.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mainly small to medium sized rectangular fields but also significant areas of small irregular fields as in the Essex Wooded Hills and Ridges
Areas of well-hedged landscape across the Essex Wooded Hills and Ridges and parts of Hertfordshire
Low and gappy hedgerows across the former heathlands of Essex
Wet ditched common in river valleys


FG KeyChar:
•	A mixed landscape consisting of four distinct sub-areas; the Hertfordshire Plateau and River Valleys, Essex Wooded Hills and Ridges, London Clay Lowlands and the Essex Heathlands.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	A mixed landscape consisting of four distinct sub-areas; the Hertfordshire Plateau and River Valleys, Essex Wooded Hills and Ridges, London Clay Lowlands and the Essex Heathlands.


FG KeyChar:
•	Notable medieval and later historic homes are a feature.

Edited_KeyChars:
Substantial legacy of Prehistoric funerary monuments and settlement sites, visible as both crop marks and earthworks
Extraordinarily rich evidence of Prehistoric and early historic settlement pattern in the London Clay lowlands including extensive Roman and Saxon settlement
Essex heathlands offer evidence including territorial earthworks such as Iron Age hillforts
Ponds are a common characteristic of this NCA
Colchester was Britain’s earliest urban settlement and first Roman capital 
Landscape parklands surrounding 16th- and 17th-century rural
Estates and country houses built for London merchants are a particular feature in Hertfordshire


FG KeyChar:
•	Areas of unimproved acid grasslands, heath and fen add texture to the landscape.

Edited_KeyChars:
Areas of unimproved acid grasslands, heath and fen add texture to the landscape


FG KeyChar:
•	Woodland cover is extensive across the Hertfordshire Plateau and the Essex Wooded Hills and Ridges. Smaller intimate tree-lined valleys provide a strong contrast through un-wooded areas.

Edited_KeyChars:
The pattern of woodlands is varied across the NCA
Considerable ancient semi-natural woodland in Hertfordshire and parts of Essex, including many small farm woodlands
Significant areas of wood pasture and pollarded veteran trees e.g. in Broxbourne Woods
Frequent hedgerow trees (oak, sweet chestnut, holly, field maple) Elm also once common in places
Tree lined rivers
Apple orchards once a highly characteristic feature of those parts of Essex lying within this NCA


Edited_KeyChars:
Buildings are of timber with brownish red plain tiled roofs, with white weatherboarding typical


Edited_KeyChars:
This NCA is separated from the North Sea and Thames Estuary by a narrow strip of coastal marshes which form part of the Greater Thames Estuary (i.e. falling outside the NCA)


FG KeyChar:
•	Intensively cropped arable fields to the west with a greater density of horticulture and orchards to the east.  Pasture is very limited.
•	Rectangular, regular field patterns defined by crops.

Edited_KeyChars:
Intensively cropped arable fields on rich loamy soils to the west with a greater density of horticulture and orchards to the east
Pasture very limited with small areas of damp grassland e.g. in the Lydden Valley and along the coast


FG KeyChar:
•	Traditional buildings include oast houses.

Edited_KeyChars:
High concentrations of pre-1750 farmstead buildings
Aisled barns - timber frame and weatherboard with brick and plain tile roofs
Oast houses associated with the hop industry found on some farms


JM KeyChar:
•	This area includes, in the east, the extensive, flat Wantsum and Lower Stour river and coastal marshes, as well as coastal flats at Sandwich.

Edited_KeyChars:
Generally a heavily developed coastline
Coastal and valley marshes characteristic of undeveloped areas e.g. in the Lower Stour and around Sandwich and Worth where  small-scale marshes border sand dunes and coastal mudflats


FG KeyChar:
•	Sparse hedgerow pattern with some shelterbelt planting around settlement and farmsteads.
•	To the east, poplar and alder shelter hedges form a distinctive boundary feature.
•	Rectangular, regular field patterns defined by crops.

Edited_KeyChars:
Regular, rectangular field pattern with sparse and gappy hedgerows 
Hedgerows mainly of  poplar and alder in the east
Intricate pattern of drainage ditches in the Wantsum Channel and Lower Stour Marshes


FG KeyChar:
•	Low and gently undulating landscape characterised by high quality, fertile loam soils.  To the east Thanet is a geological outlier of the chalk.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Low and gently undulating landscape characterised by high quality, fertile loam soils.  To the east Thanet is a geological outlier of the chalk.


FG KeyChar:
•	Traditional buildings include oast houses.
•	Historic features include Roman roads and defences at Reculver and Richborough.
•	Historic parklands characterise the junction between the plain and the chalk
•	Canterbury is a settlement of significant historical interest with notable buildings and cultural associations.

Edited_KeyChars:
Evidence  from a range of periods including Paleolithic remains, Bronze Age barrows and an Iron Age hillfort
Lynchets representing Bronze Age cultivation found on Thanet
Distinctive Roman remains throughout the area, notably the Roman Saxon shore forts at Richborough and Reculver
Many surviving historical features reflect the area's important role in maritime defence - important
sequence of coastal defences ranging from the Roman forts, 16th century
castles and WWII defences
Historic parklands characterise the junction between the plain and the chalk


FG KeyChar:
•	Extensive areas of ancient woodland on higher ground at Blean, plus grazing marsh at transition to Character Area 81: Greater Thames Estuary.

Edited_KeyChars:
Heathland at Dartford
Small patches of unimproved grasslands  e.g. in the  Lydden Valley
Fen vegetation on alluvial and peat soils
 chalk grassland on cliffs.


FG KeyChar:
•	Dispersed settlement pattern with significant urban centres at Sandwich, Canterbury, Faversham, Sittingbourne and Dartford and the Medway Towns, plus seaside towns along the Thanet coast.
•	Canterbury is a settlement of significant historical interest with notable buildings and cultural associations.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Dispersed settlement pattern with significant urban centres at Sandwich, Canterbury, Faversham, Sittingbourne and Dartford and the Medway Towns, plus seaside towns along the Thanet coast.
•	Canterbury is a settlement of significant historical interest with notable buildings and cultural associations.


FG KeyChar:
•	Open, often treeless landscape with occasional scattered small woodlands - extensive areas of woodland limited to the distinct sub-area area around Blean.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mainly treeless with occasional scattered small woodlands
Extensive areas of ancient  woodland limited to the distinct sub-area around Blean in the far East - the close proximity of woodlands to the sea creates a distinctive sense of place, unique within the
context of the Kent landscape
Some shelterbelt planting around settlement and farmsteads
To the east, poplar and alder shelter hedges form a distinctive boundary feature
Area with a long association with orchards (part of the Garden of England)


FG KeyChar:
•	A predominantly pastoral landscape dominated by fields of permanent pasture.
•	A number of large areas of estate land and landscaped parks, particularly along the river valleys, are now intensively farmed.

Edited_KeyChars:
A predominantly pastoral landscape dominated by permanent pasture
Remnant wet meadows within river valleys (Mole and Wey)
Some areas of arable on open floodplain and larger fields to the east of Guidford


FG KeyChar:
•	Characterised by small mixed holdings with brick-built farms.
•	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.

Edited_KeyChars:
brick and flint and half timbered buildings


FG KeyChar:
•	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:
•	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 gentle lowland character reinforced by two rivers, the Mole and the Wey and river tributaries which meander through flat farmed landscapes towards the Thames.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	A gentle lowland character reinforced by two rivers, the Mole and the Wey and river tributaries which meander through flat farmed landscapes towards the Thames.


FG KeyChar:
•	A landscape pattern comprising small or medium-sized, farmed, uneven fields.
•	Field boundaries varying from thin, straight, pure hawthorn hedges on flatter land and wider, irregular, mixed-species hedgerows on more undulating land.

Edited_KeyChars:
Field boundaries vary from thin (often degraded and gappy) straight, pure hawthorn hedges on flatter land to wider, irregular, mixed-species hedgerows and shaws on more undulating land
Ditches in river valleys


FG KeyChar:
•	Stithians Reservoir and a number of smaller reservoirs are distinctive features in the landscape while the southern slopes of the area are drained by rivers and streams, forming long, gentle valleys.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Stithians Reservoir and a number of smaller reservoirs are distinctive features in the landscape while the southern slopes of the area are drained by rivers and streams, forming long, gentle valleys.


FG KeyChar:
•	The central open moorland is surrounded by patterns of both irregular ancient fields and rectilinear 18th and 19th Century enclosures dominated by Cornish hedges  made from moorland boulders.

Edited_KeyChars:
Patterns of irregular ancient fields and rectilinear fields from enclosure
Bounded by Cornish hedges made from moorland boulders


FG KeyChar:
•	Soils are thin, acidic and poor reflecting the underlying geology.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Soils are thin, acidic and poor reflecting the underlying geology.


FG KeyChar:
•	The central open moorland is surrounded by patterns of both irregular ancient fields and rectilinear 18th and 19th Century enclosures dominated by Cornish hedges  made from moorland boulders.
•	There is a Neolithic settlement at Carn Brea.  Granite walls, crosses, standing stones and stone stiles are other characteristic landscape features. Remnants of the 19th Century mining industry abound.

Edited_KeyChars:
Neolithic settlement at Carn Brea
Many granite walls, crosses, standing stones and stone stiles
Remnants of the 19th Century mining industry abound


FG KeyChar:
•	Moorland dominates the granite plateau with poor surface drainage resulting in boggy mires. The valleys, often marked by heaps of mining spoil, have abundant wetland carr scrub.

Edited_KeyChars:
Moorland with boggy mires dominates the plateau
Abundant wetland carr scrub in the valleys


FG KeyChar:
•	The traditional settlement pattern of dispersed hamlets and farmsteads on lower ground, is overlain by miners’ cottages and small mining villages.  This dispersed pattern has been augmented by recent developments, often out of keeping with the local vernacular style.  Settlements are linked by narrow, winding lanes, or straight lanes which follow field boundaries.  The main A394 crosses the area from Helston to Penryn, and the A39 bounds the area to the east.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The traditional settlement pattern of dispersed hamlets and farmsteads on lower ground, is overlain by miners’ cottages and small mining villages.  This dispersed pattern has been augmented by recent developments, often out of keeping with the local vernacular style.  Settlements are linked by narrow, winding lanes, or straight lanes which follow field boundaries.  The main A394 crosses the area from Helston to Penryn, and the A39 bounds the area to the east.


FG KeyChar:
•	The area is dominated by bleak uplands with exposed granite outcrops offering long views over the surrounding open landscape.
•	Undulating landform dissected by small streams radiates from the highest points of granite.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The area is dominated by bleak uplands with exposed granite outcrops offering long views over the surrounding open landscape.
•	Undulating landform dissected by small streams radiates from the highest points of granite.


FG KeyChar:
•	Trees and woodland are generally uncommon, reflecting the exposure and use of timber by the mining industry.  Wet willow woods are characteristic of the shallow valleys on higher ground while semi-natural deciduous woodlands occur on the deeper valley sides off the higher ground.

Edited_KeyChars:
Woodland generally uncommon
Semi-natural deciduous woodlands in deeper valleys
Wet willow woods in shallow valleys


FG KeyChar:
•	Pasture dominates land off the moorland and supports mixed farming, with dairying on the lower lying areas.  Market gardening has grown significantly in the last 20 years.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mainly improved pasture supporting mixed farming (dairying, beef, sheep)
Recent growith in market gardening (new potatos and bulb growing)
Local areas of rough and damp grazing in the valleys


FG KeyChar:
•	Older buildings are granite with slate roofs and some slate hung walls.  Modern farm buildings now dominate over the traditional farm buildings on the more sheltered and agriculturally productive land.

Edited_KeyChars:
Older buildings of granite with slate roofs and some slate hung walls
Along the north coast scattered granite farmsteads of prehistoric or early medieval origin
Traditional farm buildings falling out of use


FG KeyChar:
•	The coast is characterised by spectacular sea cliffs and coves, with coastal valleys.

Edited_KeyChars:
Spectacular sea cliffs and coves, with coastal valleys


FG KeyChar:
•	Minor roads, lanes and tracks form a complex irregular network over the landscape within a framework of more direct routes radiating out from Penzance.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Minor roads, lanes and tracks form a complex irregular network over the landscape within a framework of more direct routes radiating out from Penzance.


FG KeyChar:
•	Streams wind through the higher ground and cut down sharply in their lower reaches.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Streams wind through the higher ground and cut down sharply in their lower reaches.


FG KeyChar:
•	Off the moorland, the area is characterised by small or medium sized fields divided by hedgebanks or characteristic ancient Cornish hedges , many of ancient origin.

Edited_KeyChars:
Off the open moorland small or medium sized fields divided by hedgebanks or characteristic ancient Cornish hedges
Along the north coast a maze of thousands of prehistoric field enclosures of irregular shapes and small size, enclosed by a network of stone walls and massive Cornish hedges


FG KeyChar:
•	An exposed open windswept granite plateau forms the core of the area, with boulder strewn slopes and long views across the Atlantic and into the Cornish heartland.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	An exposed open windswept granite plateau forms the core of the area, with boulder strewn slopes and long views across the Atlantic and into the Cornish heartland.


FG KeyChar:
•	There is a high concentration of prehistoric monuments of international significance, well preserved remains of prehistoric settlements, and the remains of past industrial activities such as mining and quarrying.

Edited_KeyChars:
A high concentration of prehistoric monuments of international significance
Well-preserved remains of prehistoric settlements and evidence of ancient fortifications, such as Iron Age cliff castles 
Significant remains of industrial activities such as mining and quarrying (lying within the World Heritage Site)


FG KeyChar:
•	The central plateau is dominated by unimproved grassland and moorland, with extensive coastal heathlands along cliff tops.

Edited_KeyChars:
Central plateau dominated by unimproved grassland and moorland / heathland
Wet heath and grassy marsh
Extensive coastal heathlands along cliff tops


FG KeyChar:
•	The traditional settlement pattern is of dispersed hamlets and farmsteads with villages of mainly recent industrial origin occupying the most sheltered sites.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The traditional settlement pattern is of dispersed hamlets and farmsteads with villages of mainly recent industrial origin occupying the most sheltered sites.


FG KeyChar:
•	Woodlands are limited to the valleys, with scrub filled valleys on the coast.

Edited_KeyChars:
An open windswept plateau largely devoid of trees and woodland
Linear wooded valleys, with woodland cover increasing where the valleys deepen along the coast
Scrub filled valleys on the coast


FG KeyChar:
•	On more fertile soils fields are rectangular while in the valleys small, irregular shaped ancient fields are enclosed by traditional Cornish hedges .
•	A mosaic of enclosed pasture with rough grazing fringes the plateau while more productive land is dominated by pasture, with some arable.

Edited_KeyChars:
On fertile soils, rectangular fields
In valleys, small, irregular shaped ancient fields enclosed by traditional Cornish hedges (stone-faced hedgebanks)


FG KeyChar:
•	Bronze Age barrows on the downs, ancient trackways, and prehistoric defended farming settlements (rounds) form important landscape features.

Edited_KeyChars:
Bronze Age barrows on downs
Ancient trackways, and prehistoric defended farming settlements (rounds)


FG KeyChar:
•	Heathland with heather and moorland grasses dominates the plateau while remaining fragments of cliff top heathland also survive, in the past providing common grazing.  The majority of both cliff top and moorland heath forms part of the Lizard National Nature Reserve.

Edited_KeyChars:
Heathland with heather and moorland grasses on plateau 
Localised areas of fen and reedbed in river valleys
Fragments of cliff top heathland that in the past provided common grazing


FG KeyChar:
•	Settlement pattern is dispersed and linked by minor lanes, with ancient hamlets and farmsteads concentrated in the valleys and main settlements along the coastline.
•	Tourism-led development around the coastline is often out of keeping with the local vernacular style.  The wind farm and BT Earth station on Goonhilly Down break up the skyline and are dominant features in an otherwise remote and wild landscape.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Settlement pattern is dispersed and linked by minor lanes, with ancient hamlets and farmsteads concentrated in the valleys and main settlements along the coastline.
•	Tourism-led development around the coastline is often out of keeping with the local vernacular style.  The wind farm and BT Earth station on Goonhilly Down break up the skyline and are dominant features in an otherwise remote and wild landscape.


FG KeyChar:
•	The area is dominated by a gently undulating exposed heathland plateau (downs) cut by narrow river valleys.
•	Off the plateau is a more sheltered, gently rolling landscape with small valleys and derelict coastal quarries.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The area is dominated by a gently undulating exposed heathland plateau (downs) cut by narrow river valleys.
•	Off the plateau is a more sheltered, gently rolling landscape with small valleys and derelict coastal quarries.


FG KeyChar:
•	Recent conifer plantations disrupt the generally treeless plateau.  Stunted patches of woodland cover are found in the steep valleys which dissect the moorland.  Small woodlands and copses occupy the more sheltered valleys on the lower lying land.

Edited_KeyChars:
Generally treeless plateau
Stunted patches of woodland cover in steep moorland valleys
Small woodlands and copses in more sheltered valleys on lower-lying land
Larger semi-natural woodlands and areas of  invasive species such as rhododendron, pine and laurel in the more sheltered north


FG KeyChar:
•	A mosaic of enclosed pasture with rough grazing fringes the plateau while more productive land is dominated by pasture, with some arable.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mosaic of enclosed pasture with rough grazing fringes plateau
More productive land dominated by pasture with some arable


FG KeyChar:
•	Traditional buildings are simple, constructed of local stone and thatch.
•	Tourism-led development around the coastline is often out of keeping with the local vernacular style.  The wind farm and BT Earth station on Goonhilly Down break up the skyline and are dominant features in an otherwise remote and wild landscape.

Edited_KeyChars:
Traditional buildings simple, constructed of local stone and thatch


FG KeyChar:
•	The surrounding coastline is rugged and geologically complex with caves, enclosed bays and skerries.

Edited_KeyChars:
Rugged and geologically complex coast with caves, enclosed bays,  skerries and sand dunes


Edited_KeyChars:
Coastal sand dune, dune pastures and maritime heath.


FG KeyChar:
•	Buildings are of a distinctive granite vernacular.

Edited_KeyChars:
Buildings are of a distinctive granite vernacular.


FG KeyChar:
•	A unique pattern of small bulb fields enclosed by evergreen hedges (Escallonia, Euonymus, Pittosporum and Hebe) intermixed with areas of pasture enclosed by stone walls.

Edited_KeyChars:
Small bulb field enclosed by evergreen hedges. Ancient areas of pasture enclosed by stone walls.


FG KeyChar:
•	Low, lying granite islands which are dominated by the sea.
•	Many uninhabited islands and offshore rocks, forming complex seascapes.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Low, lying granite islands which are dominated by the sea.
•	Many uninhabited islands and offshore rocks, forming complex seascapes.


FG KeyChar:
•	Outstanding prehistoric monuments including chambered barrows and standing stones of the late Neolithic/early Bronze Age.
•	Forts and castles are a prominent feature on areas of higher ground.

Edited_KeyChars:
Outstanding prehistoric monuments including chambered barrows and standing stones and forts and castles.


FG KeyChar:
•	Open, unenclosed areas of maritime heath and grassland fringe the islands, now often dominated by gorse and bracken.

Edited_KeyChars:
Areas of maritime heath and acid grassland, with gorse and bracken. Coastal sand dune, dune pastures and wetlands.


FG KeyChar:
•	Hughtown on St. Mary’s forms the principal settlement with small hamlets and solitary farmhouses elsewhere.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Hughtown on St. Mary’s forms the principal settlement with small hamlets and solitary farmhouses elsewhere.


FG KeyChar:
•	Low, lying granite islands which are dominated by the sea.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Low, lying granite islands which are dominated by the sea.


FG KeyChar:
•	Largely treeless and windswept, part from occasional pine shelterbelts, notably on Tresco, and elm sheltering in the valleys of St. Mary’s.

Edited_KeyChars:
Largely treeless with occasional pine and elm shelterbelts. Small orchards in places.


Edited_KeyChars:
Many bulb fields with areas of pasture and grass ley.


FG KeyChar:
•	Open heathland on the plateau is grazed by sheep and goats.  The southern half of the island supports a mixture of arable cultivation and pasture.

Edited_KeyChars:
Heath on the plateau grazed by sheep and goats
Mixture of arable and pastoral farming in the south


FG KeyChar:
•	Small, often ancient, woodlands of oak, alder and sycamore extend along narrow, steep-sided cloughs on the valley sides, for example at Priestley Clough and Spurn Clough and in the Darwen valley.

Edited_KeyChars:
Small, often ancient, woodlands in cloughs and on valley sides
Mature floodplain oak and ash trees


FG KeyChar:
•	The main agricultural use is sheep grazing with improved grasslands on the valley floor, unimproved grassland on the valley sides and rough or moorland grazing on the upper slopes and moorland.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mainly sheep grazing, with some cattle
Improved grasslands on the valley floor
Unimproved grasslands on the valley sides
Rough or moorland grazing on the upper slopes


FG KeyChar:
•	Buildings are constructed in local gritstone with slate roofs.

Edited_KeyChars:
Buildings are constructed in local gritstone with slate roofs


FG KeyChar:
•	More recent influences include reservoirs, quarries (many now disused), transmission masts and windfarms.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	More recent influences include reservoirs, quarries (many now disused), transmission masts and windfarms.


FG KeyChar:
•	The area is crossed by a series of rivers including the Rivers Wharfe, Aire and Calder, together with many smaller tributaries such as the Irwell.  Reservoirs have been formed in the some of the upland valleys.  The Leeds and Liverpool Canal passes through the Aire Valley.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The area is crossed by a series of rivers including the Rivers Wharfe, Aire and Calder, together with many smaller tributaries such as the Irwell.  Reservoirs have been formed in the some of the upland valleys.  The Leeds and Liverpool Canal passes through the Aire Valley.


FG KeyChar:
•	Stone walls enclose small to medium sized fields.

Edited_KeyChars:
Small to medium sized fields
Mainly enclosed by stone walls, sometimes in poor condition
Hedges in some areas at lower levels
Open and unenclosed on moorland plateaux


FG KeyChar:
•	Most of the Southern Pennines are underlain by Millstone Grit.  Layers have eroded at different rates, creating distinctive terraced landscape of plateaux and escarpments.  Isolated beds of sandstone form mesa-shaped hills across the area.  Coal measures are found over a much smaller area, and a narrow band of Carboniferous Limestone occurs in the north west. 
•	Soils reflect local deposits of boulder clay, sands and gravels and the creation of extensive areas of blanket bogs that cover the moorland summits.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Most of the Southern Pennines are underlain by Millstone Grit.  Layers have eroded at different rates, creating distinctive terraced landscape of plateaux and escarpments.  Isolated beds of sandstone form mesa-shaped hills across the area.  Coal measures are found over a much smaller area, and a narrow band of Carboniferous Limestone occurs in the north west. 
•	Soils reflect local deposits of boulder clay, sands and gravels and the creation of extensive areas of blanket bogs that cover the moorland summits.


FG KeyChar:
•	Although the area includes prehistoric and Roman remains, 18th and 19th century influences are clearly seen in the pattern of villages, enclosures, commons, packhorse trails, canals and textile mills in many of the valleys and on parts of the moors.

Edited_KeyChars:
Prehistoric remains
Influential 18th and 19th century industrial heritage
Commons, packhorse trails, canals, textile mills, mining relics and water supply reservoirs
Relic 'miner-farmer' landscapes in some areas


FG KeyChar:
•	Semi-natural habitats on the open moorland and moorland fringe include blanket bog, mores, acid flashes, unimproved grasslands and wooded cloughs.

Edited_KeyChars:
Grass and heather moorland
Blanket bog
Unimproved grasslands and remnant hay meadows
Wetland habitats on valley floors


FG KeyChar:
•	Many settlements are of industrial origin, deriving power from rivers for the textile industry.  Mineral working and engineering led to the further expansion of settlements such as Keighly.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Many settlements are of industrial origin, deriving power from rivers for the textile industry.  Mineral working and engineering led to the further expansion of settlements such as Keighly.


FG KeyChar:
•	Most of the Southern Pennines are underlain by Millstone Grit.  Layers have eroded at different rates, creating distinctive terraced landscape of plateaux and escarpments.  Isolated beds of sandstone form mesa-shaped hills across the area.  Coal measures are found over a much smaller area, and a narrow band of Carboniferous Limestone occurs in the north west.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Most of the Southern Pennines are underlain by Millstone Grit.  Layers have eroded at different rates, creating distinctive terraced landscape of plateaux and escarpments.  Isolated beds of sandstone form mesa-shaped hills across the area.  Coal measures are found over a much smaller area, and a narrow band of Carboniferous Limestone occurs in the north west.


FG KeyChar:
•	Woodland is concentrated in a number of steepside valleys (cloughs) and on the slopes of the larger valleys.  Elsewhere, woodland is limited, particularly on the more open and elevated parts of the area.

Edited_KeyChars:
Woodland concentrated in cloughs and on the slopes of the larger valleys, often ancient
Some willow scrub on abandoned farmland
Shelter plantings around farmhouses
Some in-field trees
Elsewhere trees and woodland limited


FG KeyChar:
•	Agriculture reflects the west to east transition, with rough grazing and pastoral farming in the west giving way in places to arable cultivation in the east.  The influence of large urban areas is evident in the retreat of farming in some areas and the development of horse grazing and other activities in its place.

Edited_KeyChars:
Rough grazing and pastoral farming in the west
Arable cultivation in the east
Sheep, beef and some dairying


FG KeyChar:
•	Traditional buildings are constructed in local sandstone and millstone.

Edited_KeyChars:
Traditional buildings in local sandstone and millstone grit


FG KeyChar:
•	Much of the area is significantly influenced by urban areas, with transport infrastructure, residential areas, industry and quarries present in most parts of the area.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Much of the area is significantly influenced by urban areas, with transport infrastructure, residential areas, industry and quarries present in most parts of the area.


FG KeyChar:
•	Rivers are a formative feature in the landscape, having cut the narrow valleys that dissect the hills and allowed the development of the textile industry.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Rivers are a formative feature in the landscape, having cut the narrow valleys that dissect the hills and allowed the development of the textile industry.


FG KeyChar:
•	Field boundaries are marked by stone walls in the higher west and hedges in the lower east.  Most fields are small or medium sized with some unenclosed rough grazing and upland pastures on higher land to the west.

Edited_KeyChars:
Most fields small or medium sized
Some unenclosed rough grazing and upland pastures
Stone walls in the higher west
Hedges in the lower east
Decline of field boundaries in urban fringe areas


FG KeyChar:
•	This area is underlain by carboniferous strata.  Coarse grained sandstone bed (gritstones) interbedded with softer siltstones and mudstones dominate the area creating smooth hills and plateaux.  In the east, the Millstone Grit is overlain by beds of sandstone, siltstone and mudstone of the Coal Measures.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	This area is underlain by carboniferous strata.  Coarse grained sandstone bed (gritstones) interbedded with softer siltstones and mudstones dominate the area creating smooth hills and plateaux.  In the east, the Millstone Grit is overlain by beds of sandstone, siltstone and mudstone of the Coal Measures.


FG KeyChar:
•	Historic features reflect the pattern of industrialisation with older woollen mills and associated settlements (including enclosures) being supplemented by the mills, canals, railways and linear industrial settlements that are found in the area’s narrow valleys.

Edited_KeyChars:
Bronze Age and Roman sites and old packhorse routes on moorland
Industrial heritage, including woollen mills, canals and railways in valleys
Some parkland


FG KeyChar:
•	Semi-natural habitats include moorland areas and some broadleaved woodlands.

Edited_KeyChars:
Remnant grassland, moorland and blanket bog habitats


FG KeyChar:
•	The constraining influence of the landform, together with the early influence of transport by canal and rail, resulted in a linear pattern of development within the valleys and larger industrial centres such as Bradford, Sheffield and Huddersfield.
•	Much of the area is significantly influenced by urban areas, with transport infrastructure, residential areas, industry and quarries present in most parts of the area.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The constraining influence of the landform, together with the early influence of transport by canal and rail, resulted in a linear pattern of development within the valleys and larger industrial centres such as Bradford, Sheffield and Huddersfield.
•	Much of the area is significantly influenced by urban areas, with transport infrastructure, residential areas, industry and quarries present in most parts of the area.


FG KeyChar:
•	This area is underlain by carboniferous strata.  Coarse grained sandstone bed (gritstones) interbedded with softer siltstones and mudstones dominate the area creating smooth hills and plateaux.  In the east, the Millstone Grit is overlain by beds of sandstone, siltstone and mudstone of the Coal Measures.
•	The area is highest in the west, marking the transition from the Pennine Moorlands to lower ground in the east.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	This area is underlain by carboniferous strata.  Coarse grained sandstone bed (gritstones) interbedded with softer siltstones and mudstones dominate the area creating smooth hills and plateaux.  In the east, the Millstone Grit is overlain by beds of sandstone, siltstone and mudstone of the Coal Measures.
•	The area is highest in the west, marking the transition from the Pennine Moorlands to lower ground in the east.


FG KeyChar:
•	Treecover is comparatively sparse overall, though framework of hedgerow trees and small woods, together with more extensive woodlands on some of the steeper valley slopes, creates the impression of a well wooded landscape.

Edited_KeyChars:
Tree cover sparse overall
Network of hedgerow trees and small woods
More extensive broadleaved woods on valley slopes


FG KeyChar:
•	Coal measures give rise to generally poor quality soils that support grazing.  Permanent pasture is dominant to the west where dairy farms predominate.  To the east, and on lower ground the land tends to be of better quality and arable crops and improved grassland are more common.  Horse grazing is common around urban fringes.

Edited_KeyChars:
Grazing on poor quality soils (coal measures)
Permanent pasture and dairying to west
Arable and improved grass to east on lower, better quality land
Horse grazing around urban fringes


FG KeyChar:
•	Older buildings are built in local sandstone and Millstone Grit.  Nineteenth century industrial and urban development is of brick and slate.

Edited_KeyChars:
Older buildings of local sandstone and Millstone Grit


FG KeyChar:
•	The influence of large urban areas is evident in the retreat of farming in some areas and the presence of degraded pasture, gappy hedges and broken fences.  Transport routes, including motorways, add further urban influences to the surrounding landscape.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The influence of large urban areas is evident in the retreat of farming in some areas and the presence of degraded pasture, gappy hedges and broken fences.  Transport routes, including motorways, add further urban influences to the surrounding landscape.


FG KeyChar:
•	Several major rivers cross the area, including the Aire, Calder, Dearne, Rother, Don and Erewash, carving broad valleys. They often tend to be obscured by industrial development along them.  Subsidence flashes and lagoons are present in some areas.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Several major rivers cross the area, including the Aire, Calder, Dearne, Rother, Don and Erewash, carving broad valleys. They often tend to be obscured by industrial development along them.  Subsidence flashes and lagoons are present in some areas.


FG KeyChar:
•	Field sizes, boundaries and shapes are highly variable.  They range from thick, well-maintained hedges with ash and oak trees, to close-cropped or neglected hawthorn hedges.  Holly is found in some of the older hedges.

Edited_KeyChars:
Variable field sizes, boundaries and shapes
Old, thick, well-maintained hedges with holly in some areas
Close-cropped or neglected hawthorn hedges in other areas
Ditches in valley bottoms


FG KeyChar:
•	This area is underlain by Coal Measures comprising mudstone with beds of sandstone and many seams of coal.   The area lies below 300 metres AOD, contrasting with the neighbouring areas of the Peak District and Pennine fringes.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	This area is underlain by Coal Measures comprising mudstone with beds of sandstone and many seams of coal.   The area lies below 300 metres AOD, contrasting with the neighbouring areas of the Peak District and Pennine fringes.


FG KeyChar:
•	Historic features include churches, country houses and follies, together with the extensive industrial archaeology and associated settlements dating back to 19th century industrialisation. 
•	Industrial development, much of it based on the exploitation of coal and steel, has had a profound influence on this landscape.  There is widespread evidence of past and present industrial activity in the form of mine buildings, former spoil tips and iron and steel plants.

Edited_KeyChars:
Churches, country houses and follies
Extensive industrial archaeology associated with 19th century industrialisation
Water features unknown but probably mixture of farm/estate ponds and industrial features such as mill ponds and subsidence flashes


FG KeyChar:
•	Semi-natural habitats include open water, wetlands (including subsidence flashes), grassland and remnant heaths and woodlands.

Edited_KeyChars:
Open water, washlands and wetlands (including subsidence flashes)
Remnant heaths


FG KeyChar:
•	In addition to major industrial areas such as Sheffield and the Lower Don Valley, there are many smaller mining and manufacturing settlements.
•	The influence of large urban areas is evident in the retreat of farming in some areas and the presence of degraded pasture, gappy hedges and broken fences.  Transport routes, including motorways, add further urban influences to the surrounding landscape.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	In addition to major industrial areas such as Sheffield and the Lower Don Valley, there are many smaller mining and manufacturing settlements.
•	The influence of large urban areas is evident in the retreat of farming in some areas and the presence of degraded pasture, gappy hedges and broken fences.  Transport routes, including motorways, add further urban influences to the surrounding landscape.


FG KeyChar:
•	Treecover is variable but generally low.  There has been woodland planting associated with the South Yorkshire Community Forest.

Edited_KeyChars:
Variable but low tree cover
Hedgerow and in-field trees of oak and ash in some areas, important in relatively open landscape
Woodland planting in South Yorkshire Community Forest


FG KeyChar:
•	Most of the area is intensively farmed with predominantly root crops and cereals and livestock farming of pigs, poultry, beef cattle and dairy herds.  This is one of the most productive areas of the UK

Edited_KeyChars:
Mainly intensively farmed for root crops, cereals and livestock (pigs, poultry, beef and dairy)
Some areas of small scale pastoral agriculture eg Isle of Axholme


FG KeyChar:
•	The local buildings are constructed from red ‘Barton’ brick and red pantiles, though slate is found in the north.  More recent development uses a range of materials including orange bricks.

Edited_KeyChars:
Traditional buildings of red ‘Barton’ brick and red pantiles (or slate in north)


FG KeyChar:
•	There are also larger more industrial centres like Goole and Selby together with motorways, roads, embankments and power stations which impact on the flat, open landscape.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	There are also larger more industrial centres like Goole and Selby together with motorways, roads, embankments and power stations which impact on the flat, open landscape.


FG KeyChar:
•	The area contains a number of often navigable rivers of the Aire, Derwent, Don, Idle, Ouse, Trent Torne and Went which drain into the Humber and the artificial waterways of the Aire and Calder Navigation and Selby Canal.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The area contains a number of often navigable rivers of the Aire, Derwent, Don, Idle, Ouse, Trent Torne and Went which drain into the Humber and the artificial waterways of the Aire and Calder Navigation and Selby Canal.


FG KeyChar:
•	The fields are usually divided by dykes, with few hedges and field trees.

Edited_KeyChars:
Fields usually divided by dykes with few hedges or field trees (remaining hedges often degraded)
Localised areas with small, thickly hedged fields eg Isle of Axholme


FG KeyChar:
•	This low lying, flat landscape is formed by drift deposits which overlie the bedrock of mudstone occupying the area of the former Lake Humber which was impounded by ice blocking the Humber gap.  There are higher ridges of sandstone or mudstone and also moundy glacial deposits.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	This low lying, flat landscape is formed by drift deposits which overlie the bedrock of mudstone occupying the area of the former Lake Humber which was impounded by ice blocking the Humber gap.  There are higher ridges of sandstone or mudstone and also moundy glacial deposits.


FG KeyChar:
•	Historic influences on the landscape largely relate to early attempts at drainage of the marshes, dating back to the 17th century.  Prominent features include drainage dykes.

Edited_KeyChars:
Many features associated with drainage of the marshes 17th century onwards
Remnants of ridge and furrow and parklands with old trees in Isle of Axholme


FG KeyChar:
•	The Ings are alluvial flood meadows which are important for their wetland vegetation and as habitats for wintering and migrating birds.  There are some areas of remnant heathland and there are also some areas of neutral grassland on clay soils which are of wildlife importance.  The remnant raised mires on peat deposits are also of great importance.

Edited_KeyChars:
Areas of neutral grassland on clay soils
Important wetlands (alluvial flood meadows or ings)
Remnant raised mires on peat deposits
Remnant heathlands


FG KeyChar:
•	Settlement is scattered across the area and is traditionally located on the higher ground out of reach of the floods.  Many villages tend to be strung out along roads and there are larger, nucleated villages, and small market towns.
•	There are also larger more industrial centres like Goole and Selby together with motorways, roads, embankments and power stations which impact on the flat, open landscape.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Settlement is scattered across the area and is traditionally located on the higher ground out of reach of the floods.  Many villages tend to be strung out along roads and there are larger, nucleated villages, and small market towns.
•	There are also larger more industrial centres like Goole and Selby together with motorways, roads, embankments and power stations which impact on the flat, open landscape.


FG KeyChar:
•	Woodland cover is restricted in extent except in the areas of sandy soils to the north and south where remnant birch and oak woods and extensive conifer plantations occur.

Edited_KeyChars:
Generally limited woodland cover
Remnant oak and birch woodland and conifers on sandy soils to north and south
Localised areas with mature hedgerow oaks eg Isle of Axholme


FG KeyChar:
•	The area is predominantly arable farmland but some pasture occurs and intensive indoor pig rearing is significant.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mainly arable farmland
Some pasture and floodplain grazing marsh
Intensive indoor pig rearing


FG KeyChar:
•	Local buildings are commonly constructed from brick and pantiles.  Limestone is also used in some buildings and near the coast the distinctive Holderness ‘cobbles’ appear.

Edited_KeyChars:
Local buildings of brick and pantile with some limestone
Near coast distinctive Holderness ‘cobbles’


JM KeyChar:
•	The coast itself is characterised by low boulder clay cliffs, rapidly eroding into the sea.

Edited_KeyChars:
Low boulder clay cliffs, rapidly eroding into the sea
Some salt marsh


FG KeyChar:
•	The character area is predominantly rural although there are urban fringe influences on the landscape around Hull with housing, industry, roads and pylons.  The coastal landscape around Bridlington and Hornsea is influenced by holiday homes and caravan parks.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The character area is predominantly rural although there are urban fringe influences on the landscape around Hull with housing, industry, roads and pylons.  The coastal landscape around Bridlington and Hornsea is influenced by holiday homes and caravan parks.


FG KeyChar:
•	The area contains the River Hull, which flows from north to south, and the valley has a broad indistinct and shallow form.  The proximity of the coast and Humber estuary has an important influence on the landscape.  The Driffield and Leven Canal is also an important feature.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The area contains the River Hull, which flows from north to south, and the valley has a broad indistinct and shallow form.  The proximity of the coast and Humber estuary has an important influence on the landscape.  The Driffield and Leven Canal is also an important feature.


FG KeyChar:
•	Fields are often divided by ditches especially on the floodplain of the River Hull and by hedges on higher ground.

Edited_KeyChars:
Large regular fields, with smaller enclosures around settlements
Fields divided by ditches on floodplain
Hedges on higher ground, affected by loss and deterioration
Some stone walls


FG KeyChar:
•	The Holderness landscape is formed by superficial drift deposits overlying chalk below.  Glacial till covers much of the area and gradually increases in thickness towards the coast and forms hummocky coastal terrain and soft clay cliffs.  There are a number of glacial landforms such as hummocky terrain, kettle holes, drumlins and moraine-like ridges.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The Holderness landscape is formed by superficial drift deposits overlying chalk below.  Glacial till covers much of the area and gradually increases in thickness towards the coast and forms hummocky coastal terrain and soft clay cliffs.  There are a number of glacial landforms such as hummocky terrain, kettle holes, drumlins and moraine-like ridges.


FG KeyChar:
•	Early settlers cleared the area of trees and early drainage of the area took place in the 18th century.  Much of the land was enclosed prior to Parliamentary Enclosure.

Edited_KeyChars:
History of 18th century drainage
Much land enclosed prior to Parliamentary enclosure
Meres
Some parkland


FG KeyChar:
•	Semi natural vegetation only remains in small fragments and although marshland and meres were once common Hornsea Mere is the largest surviving example.  There is some unimproved neutral grassland on the bolder clays.

Edited_KeyChars:
Fragments of marshland and mere
Some unimproved neutral grassland on the boulder clays


FG KeyChar:
•	Settlement is usually on higher ground and often surrounded by smaller fields.  Hamlets and villages are widely dispersed, some are closely packed and nucleated and others are strung out along roads.  Farmsteads are usually large and widely dispersed.
•	The character area is predominantly rural although there are urban fringe influences on the landscape around Hull with housing, industry, roads and pylons.  The coastal landscape around Bridlington and Hornsea is influenced by holiday homes and caravan parks.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Settlement is usually on higher ground and often surrounded by smaller fields.  Hamlets and villages are widely dispersed, some are closely packed and nucleated and others are strung out along roads.  Farmsteads are usually large and widely dispersed.
•	The character area is predominantly rural although there are urban fringe influences on the landscape around Hull with housing, industry, roads and pylons.  The coastal landscape around Bridlington and Hornsea is influenced by holiday homes and caravan parks.


FG KeyChar:
•	There is limited woodland cover varying in extent and distribution.  Most is of recent origin, with a limited occurance of ancient woodland.

Edited_KeyChars:
Woodland limited
Most woodland of recent origin (shelterbelts and farm woodlands)
Some ancient woodland
Hedgerow trees


FG KeyChar:
•	Outside of the urban areas the main land cover is arable farmland although some grassland remains and is grazed by cattle.

Edited_KeyChars:
Arable with some grassland and rough grassland grazed by cattle


FG KeyChar:
•	Traditional buildings are built of soft red brick and red pantiles, they sometimes include cobbles nearer to the coast.

Edited_KeyChars:
Traditional buildings of soft red brick and red pantiles
Sometimes cobbles near to the coast


FG KeyChar:
•	The Spurn peninsula is a sand and shingle spit extending out between the Humber and the North Sea.
•	Coastal reclamation, dating back to the 17th century, has made a great impact on the rural landscape.  This involved cutting drainage channels, enlarging watercourses, constructing flood protection berms and installing sophisticated sluice and pumping systems.  The practice of warping was also introduced and warping drains still remain as a feature in the landscape.
•	The City of Hull, the Humber Bridge and various industrial installations are the main examples of building and settlement in the Humber Estuary.  Along the coast there are some lighthouses, concrete sea defences and coastal buildings on the Spurn peninsula.

Edited_KeyChars:
Historical coastal reclamation
Spurn peninsula is a sand and shingle spit
Relict areas of salt marsh, marshy grassland and mudflats


FG KeyChar:
•	The disused Barton clay pits contain open water and lie below the Humber Bridge and the open water.  Their  reedbeds and other wetland vegetation are of value for birds.
•	Coastal reclamation, dating back to the 17th centrury, has made a great impact on the rural landscape.  This involved cutting drainage channels, enlarging watercourses, constructing flood protection berms and installing sophisticated sluice and pumping systems.  The practice of warping was also introduced and warping drains still remain as a feature in the landscape.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The disused Barton clay pits contain open water and lie below the Humber Bridge and the open water.  Their  reedbeds and other wetland vegetation are of value for birds.
•	Coastal reclamation, dating back to the 17th centrury, has made a great impact on the rural landscape.  This involved cutting drainage channels, enlarging watercourses, constructing flood protection berms and installing sophisticated sluice and pumping systems.  The practice of warping was also introduced and warping drains still remain as a feature in the landscape.


FG KeyChar:
•	The field boundaries are predominantly formed by dykes, drains and embankments.

Edited_KeyChars:
Dykes, drains and embankments
Some hedges


FG KeyChar:
•	Coastal reclamation, dating back to the 17th centrury, has made a great impact on the rural landscape.  This involved cutting drainage channels, enlarging watercourses, constructing flood protection berms and installing sophisticated sluice and pumping systems.  The practice of warping was also introduced and warping drains still remain as a feature in the landscape.

Edited_KeyChars:
Historic coastal reclamation with drainage channels, enlarging watercourses, flood protection berms and sluice and pumping systems


FG KeyChar:
•	There are a few relict areas of salt marsh and reedbeds along the tidal channels which cross the drained marshes and there is also some remaining marshy grassland.  The mudflats in the estuary are of international importance as feeding areas for birds.
•	The disused Barton clay pits contain open water and lie below the Humber Bridge and the open water.  Their  reedbeds and other wetland vegetation are of value for birds.

Edited_KeyChars:
Reedbeds and other wetland vegetation around disused clay pits
Remnant species-rich grassland


FG KeyChar:
•	Settlement pattern is restricted to drier land and villages and hamlets lie mainly in adjacent areas like Holderness.
•	The City of Hull, the Humber Bridge and various industrial installations are the main examples of building and settlement in the Humber Estuary.  Along the coast there are some lighthouses, concrete sea defences and coastal buildings on the Spurn peninsula.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Settlement pattern is restricted to drier land and villages and hamlets lie mainly in adjacent areas like Holderness.
•	The City of Hull, the Humber Bridge and various industrial installations are the main examples of building and settlement in the Humber Estuary.  Along the coast there are some lighthouses, concrete sea defences and coastal buildings on the Spurn peninsula.


FG KeyChar:
•	Flat, low-lying landscape created when ice blocked the mouth of the estuary.  The landscape is bordered by high flood banks.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Flat, low-lying landscape created when ice blocked the mouth of the estuary.  The landscape is bordered by high flood banks.


FG KeyChar:
•	Woodland cover is relatively sparse but there are a few blocks of medium sized, regularly shaped deciduous woodland, which are particularly prominent in the flat, open and uniform farmed landscape.

Edited_KeyChars:
Sparse woodland cover
Some blocks of medium sized, regularly shaped deciduous woodland


FG KeyChar:
•	A predominantly open, medium-scale agricultural landscape, with mixed arable farmland on the Middle Marsh to the west and smaller farm units with traditional drained pastures and some vegetable crops on the Outmarsh to the east.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mixed arable farmland, including cereals, to the west
Drained pasture with some vegetable crops to the east
Occasional wet pastures


FG KeyChar:
•	Specific areas of the coast are managed for nature conservation, notably between Saltfleet and Theddlethorpe.  South of Saltfleet Haven there is an ancient calcareous dune system and at Gibraltar Point more extensive dunes and saltmarshes.

Edited_KeyChars:
Ancient calcareous dune system
Extensive dunes and saltmarshes


FG KeyChar:
•	A complex series of rivers and small streams drain eastwards towards the sea.  Some are natural water courses (eg The Great Eau and Waithe Beck, while others rely on a network of man-made brackish drainage ditches.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	A complex series of rivers and small streams drain eastwards towards the sea.  Some are natural water courses (eg The Great Eau and Waithe Beck, while others rely on a network of man-made brackish drainage ditches.


FG KeyChar:
•	The Middle Marsh comprises regular rectilinear fields bounded by occasional hedgerows, which increase in density towards the edge of the Wolds.  The Outmarsh is devoid of hedgerows.

Edited_KeyChars:
Regular rectilinear fields
Occasional hedgerows in the west, but issue of hedgerow loss
Brackish drainage ditches in the east


FG KeyChar:
•	The Middle Marsh is underlain by glacial tills which produce slowly permeable, seasonally waterlogged fine loams which are ideal for cereals.  Mixed with the clay tills are localised areas of outwash gravels.  The Outmarsh is composed of marine alluvium and has deep clayey soils.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The Middle Marsh is underlain by glacial tills which produce slowly permeable, seasonally waterlogged fine loams which are ideal for cereals.  Mixed with the clay tills are localised areas of outwash gravels.  The Outmarsh is composed of marine alluvium and has deep clayey soils.


FG KeyChar:
•	Traces of ridge and furrow are found throughout the Outmarsh and there is evidence of ancient salt works at Castle Hills, Tetney and Somercotes.

Edited_KeyChars:
Traces of ridge and furrow
Evidence of ancient salt works
Water features unknown (possibly related to salt works)


FG KeyChar:
•	There is a dispersed settlement pattern throughout the area, with a concentration of larger settlements along the coast, including seaside resorts, theme parks, bungalows, caravan parks and industry.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	There is a dispersed settlement pattern throughout the area, with a concentration of larger settlements along the coast, including seaside resorts, theme parks, bungalows, caravan parks and industry.


FG KeyChar:
•	A flat coastal plain, rising gradually towards the west where there is a more undulating landscape at the foot of the Lincolnshire Wolds.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	A flat coastal plain, rising gradually towards the west where there is a more undulating landscape at the foot of the Lincolnshire Wolds.


FG KeyChar:
•	Woodland and hedge cover is sparse, but increases westwards towards the foot of the Wolds, particularly close to settlements. Wooded open farmland occurs at Claythorpe and Brocklesby on the fringes of the Wolds.

Edited_KeyChars:
Sparse woodland cover
Small woodlands inland at foot of Wolds
Shelter plantings around buildings and settlements
Some in-field and hedgerow trees in inland areas


FG KeyChar:
•	Most land throughout the area is in arable use with large, rectilinear parliamentary enclosure fields, enclosed by clipped hawthorn hedges (although older enclosures do occur in parts).

Edited_KeyChars:
Mostly arable and some mixed farming
Some pasture in valleys of south west
Rough pasture and scrub on the north-west scarp


FG KeyChar:
•	There is a sparse settlement pattern of small, nucleated villages – building materials reflect the diverse underlying geology.

Edited_KeyChars:
Diverse underlying geology reflected in buildings
Claxby Ironstone and Tealby Limestone in the north
Brick in the south


FG KeyChar:
•	Hedgerows accentuate the rolling landform and tops are marked by prominent clumps of trees, often mature beech.
•	Most land throughout the area is in arable use with large, rectilinear parliamentary enclosure fields, enclosed by clipped hawthorn hedges (although older enclosures do occur in parts).

Edited_KeyChars:
Mainly large, rectilinear fields with hawthorn hedgerows
Also some areas of older enclosure with mixed hedgerows
Ditches in valley bottoms
Some localised dry stone walls on scarp


FG KeyChar:
•	This rolling upland landscape is dominated by a west-facing chalk escarpment, extensively moulded by glacial and periglacial action.
•	The escarpment takes a simple form in the north, where the plateau top has light chalky soils and the scarp face is clothed with scrub woodland and pasture.
•	On the plateau top, deep glacial meltwater channels form dramatic, steep sided dry valleys within the chalk, often lined with beech hanger woodlands.
•	Further south the scarp form is more complex, with exposed ironstones, limestones and sandstones (the latter giving rise to acid soils) and glacial till.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	This rolling upland landscape is dominated by a west-facing chalk escarpment, extensively moulded by glacial and periglacial action.
•	The escarpment takes a simple form in the north, where the plateau top has light chalky soils and the scarp face is clothed with scrub woodland and pasture.
•	On the plateau top, deep glacial meltwater channels form dramatic, steep sided dry valleys within the chalk, often lined with beech hanger woodlands.
•	Further south the scarp form is more complex, with exposed ironstones, limestones and sandstones (the latter giving rise to acid soils) and glacial till.


FG KeyChar:
•	Minimal settlement on the ridgetops, a string of springline villages along the foot of the western scarp and larger settlements such as Sleaford and Metheringham to the east of the dipslope.  Sited on the ridgetop, Lincoln Cathedral is a dominant landmark throughout the area.
•	Active and redundant airfields along the top of the Edge.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Minimal settlement on the ridgetops, a string of springline villages along the foot of the western scarp and larger settlements such as Sleaford and Metheringham to the east of the dipslope.  Sited on the ridgetop, Lincoln Cathedral is a dominant landmark throughout the area.
•	Active and redundant airfields along the top of the Edge.


FG KeyChar:
•	A large-scale ‘upland’ escarpment broadly divided into north and south by the River Witham which cuts through the ‘Edge’ at Lincoln.  The straight sharp western scarp, known as the ‘Cliff’ is a distinctive feature along most of the edge, sometimes with a secondary lower scarp of ironstone.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	A large-scale ‘upland’ escarpment broadly divided into north and south by the River Witham which cuts through the ‘Edge’ at Lincoln.  The straight sharp western scarp, known as the ‘Cliff’ is a distinctive feature along most of the edge, sometimes with a secondary lower scarp of ironstone.


FG KeyChar:
•	Tree cover is variable.  The drier arable upland areas are relatively open, with shelterbelts along roads and tracks; to the east a more irregular field pattern includes more hedgerows and small semi-natural woodlands; and to the north the coversands support a mosaic of conifer plantations and oak/birch woodlands.

Edited_KeyChars:
Fairly open with prominent individual oak and ash trees
Some small semi-natural oak/birch woodlands
Shelter plantings around villages, especially to east


FG KeyChar:
•	The majority of the area is an open, arable or mixed farmland landscape with a deeply rural character; but the heavier clays of the Belvoir Vale have a greater predominance of permanent pasture.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mainly open, arable or mixed farmland
More permanent pasture on heavier clays of vales at risk of drainage and improvement


FG KeyChar:
•	There are frequent nucleated settlements which often have prominent church spires and red brick houses roofed with pantiles.


FG KeyChar:
•	The character area is dominated by the slow, but powerful River Trent, which falls at a slight gradient and meanders very gradually through a broad shallow valley.  The Trent, and other rivers in the area, are relatively inconspicuous in the wider landscape.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The character area is dominated by the slow, but powerful River Trent, which falls at a slight gradient and meanders very gradually through a broad shallow valley.  The Trent, and other rivers in the area, are relatively inconspicuous in the wider landscape.


FG KeyChar:
•	Thorn hedges between arable fields are often gappy and well trimmed; there are few hedgerow trees.

Edited_KeyChars:
Rectilinear field patterns
Sparse and well trimmed hedgerows in large-scale arable areas
Smaller fields and denser hedgerows in pastoral areas
Ditches in the vales


JM KeyChar:
•	The open field system has left numerous traces in this landscape, notably at Laxton; and remnant ridge and furrow can be seen in the vales.  Great country house parks and gardens (some former medieval deer parks) are a feature of the Trent Valley around Newark, with smaller estates and parklands in the Vale of Belvoir.

Edited_KeyChars:
Remnant open fields
Prominent historic ridge and furrow at risk from agricultural  intensification
Country house parks and gardens (some with medieval deer parks)


FG KeyChar:
•	Pastures along watercourses, particularly the Trent washlands, have some species-rich grassland habitats, but these are generally isolated and rare in the character area.

Edited_KeyChars:
Remnant species-rich grasslands, especially in washlands
Localised remnant acid grasslands and heaths


Edited_KeyChars:
•	There are frequent nucleated settlements which often have prominent church spires and red brick houses roofed with pantiles.


FG KeyChar:
•	The vales have a gently undulating landform, with shallow ridges dropping down gently to broad river valleys.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The vales have a gently undulating landform, with shallow ridges dropping down gently to broad river valleys.


FG KeyChar:
•	There are generally few woodlands, but tree cover becomes more frequent towards the west of the area between Nottingham and Southwell, where there are many small linear ancient oak/ash woodlands, and on the broad ridge immediately to the west of Lincoln.

Edited_KeyChars:
Generally few woodlands, many poorly managed
Many small linear ancient oak-ash woodlands along streams and on ridges to the west
Hedgerow trees provide main tree cover in vales
Riparian trees including willow pollards in Trent washlands
Localised traditional orchards


FG KeyChar:
•	The extensive historic estates and parklands of the Dukeries dominate the central; western area, south west of Worksop, but there are also small prominent pockets of estate land amidst the arable fields of the northern part of the area.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mainly arable farming
Narrow pastoral floodplains


FG KeyChar:
•	Local buildings are of sandstone, with older buildings of red brick and pantile.

Edited_KeyChars:
Local buildings of sandstone, red brick and pantile


FG KeyChar:
•	Surface water is scarce on the porous sandstones and river valleys occur where water courses have cut down through the sandstone to form narrow pastoral floodplains which are often in sharp contrast to the surrounding arable land.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Surface water is scarce on the porous sandstones and river valleys occur where water courses have cut down through the sandstone to form narrow pastoral floodplains which are often in sharp contrast to the surrounding arable land.


FG KeyChar:
•	Elsewhere the large rectilinear arable fields are devoid of tree cover and are enclosed by trimmed thorn hedgerows.

Edited_KeyChars:
Large rectilinear fields devoid of trees and enclosed by trimmed thorn hedgerows
Some smaller enclosures  in east


FG KeyChar:
•	The majority of the area is underlain by permeable Sherwood Sandstone and has an undulating character with dry valleys (sculpted by glacial activity) and narrow river valleys.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The majority of the area is underlain by permeable Sherwood Sandstone and has an undulating character with dry valleys (sculpted by glacial activity) and narrow river valleys.


FG KeyChar:
•	The extensive historic estates and parklands of the Dukeries dominate the central; western area, south west of Worksop, but there are also small prominent pockets of estate land amidst the arable fields of the northern part of the area.
•	The remnants of the coal industry are often conspicuous and include disused mines, pit heaps, old railway lines and mining settlements.

Edited_KeyChars:
Extensive historic estates with ornamental parklands throughout
Narrow man-made lakes along river valleys
Remnants of the coal industry evident


FG KeyChar:
•	The area’s strong heathland character is often evident at roadsides and along woodland edges, where there are patches of bracken, gorse and broom.

Edited_KeyChars:
Extensive areas of unenclosed heath, with bracken, gorse and broom


FG KeyChar:
•	Settlements on the Sherwood heaths are scattered farming villages which were expanded in the 20th century to become mining settlements.  In the Dukeries there are a few nucleated estate villages and in the north a dispersed pattern of scattered villages, hamlets and isolated farmsteads.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Settlements on the Sherwood heaths are scattered farming villages which were expanded in the 20th century to become mining settlements.  In the Dukeries there are a few nucleated estate villages and in the north a dispersed pattern of scattered villages, hamlets and isolated farmsteads.


FG KeyChar:
•	The former forests and wastes retain extensive woodland cover, particularly secondary oak-birch broadleaved woodland and conifers.
•	The area’s strong heathland character is often evident at roadsides and along woodland edges, where there are patches of bracken, gorse and broom.

Edited_KeyChars:
Extensive woodland cover, particularly secondary oak-birch broadleaved woodland and pine plantation
Ancient stag-headed oaks
Alder and willow carrs in the river meadowlands
Few hedgerow trees


FG KeyChar:
•	This area is dominated by pastoral farming, together with rough grazing on the highest land and some arable on better soils in the valleys.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mainly pastoral farming with sheep and dairy cattle
Rough grazing on the highest land
West pasture and some arable in the valleys


FG KeyChar:
•	The dominant building material is local gritstone although limestone and red brick are found in localised areas.

Edited_KeyChars:
Dominant building material is local gritstone with some limestone and red brick


FG KeyChar:
•	Many small streams and rivers, with dense tree cover, dissect the area.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Many small streams and rivers, with dense tree cover, dissect the area.


FG KeyChar:
•	There is a variable field pattern that is usually enclosed by hedgerows on lower ground and by dry gritstone walls on the moorland fringe.

Edited_KeyChars:
Variable field patterns
Fields usually enclosed by hedgerows on lower ground
Dry gritstone walls on the moorland fringe


FG KeyChar:
•	This is an area of undulating, rising ground underlain by bands of Carboniferous sandstone and mudstone with occasional outliers of Carboniferous limestone.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	This is an area of undulating, rising ground underlain by bands of Carboniferous sandstone and mudstone with occasional outliers of Carboniferous limestone.


FG KeyChar:
•	There is a rich industrial heritage in the area, particularly associated with the mills along the Derwent Valley.

Edited_KeyChars:
Rich industrial heritage, particularly associated with mills along the Derwent Valley
Some estate and parkland landscapes


FG KeyChar:
•	There are some patches of unimproved grassland and hay meadows in the valleys and rough grassland and heathland remnants on the enclosed moorlands.

Edited_KeyChars:
Localised acid and calcareous grassland
Unimproved grassland and hay meadows in valleys
Heathland remnants with bracken and gorse


FG KeyChar:
•	There is a dispersed settlement pattern of isolated farmsteads and small villages.
•	The area includes the small towns of Wirksworth, Belper and Duffield and the western fringes of Chesterfield.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	There is a dispersed settlement pattern of isolated farmsteads and small villages.
•	The area includes the small towns of Wirksworth, Belper and Duffield and the western fringes of Chesterfield.


FG KeyChar:
•	Broadleaved woodlands are scattered throughout the area, and large blocks are associated with the steep valley slopes.

Edited_KeyChars:
Broadleaved, often ancient, woodlands scattered throughout the area
Large woodland blocks on steep valley slopes and along rivers
Hedgerow trees important on lower ground


FG KeyChar:
•	Grouse shooting and sheep grazing dominate the wild, semi-natural open moors.
•	Dairy farming with some beef cattle is typical in the sheltered valleys around the margins to the plateaux.

Edited_KeyChars:
Dairy farming with some beef cattle in valleys
Grouse shooting and sheep grazing on moors
Valley sides a mosaic of improved, wet and rough grassland


FG KeyChar:
•	Traditional buildings are built and detailed in local 'gritstone', and are often solitary or in a compact cluster.

Edited_KeyChars:
Traditional buildings in local gritstone


FG KeyChar:
•	Fast-flowing streams run through the incised cloughs.
•	Several of the broader valleys have been flooded to form reservoirs.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Fast-flowing streams run through the incised cloughs.
•	Several of the broader valleys have been flooded to form reservoirs.


FG KeyChar:
•	The moorland tops are largely unenclosed, with occasional gritstone walls dividing the moors.
•	The moorland fringes and valley slopes are enclosed by dry gritstone moors, and hedgerows enclose fields in the valley bottoms.

Edited_KeyChars:
Dry gritstone walls on moorland fringes and valley slopes
Hedgerows in valley bottoms


FG KeyChar:
•	The area forms a sharply defined high plateau that is underlain by Millstone Grit, giving rise to rounded hill summits and rocky outcrops and prominent linear edges.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The area forms a sharply defined high plateau that is underlain by Millstone Grit, giving rise to rounded hill summits and rocky outcrops and prominent linear edges.


JM KeyChar:
•	The many visible historic landscape features include prehistoric stone circles, cairnfields, barrows and hillforts as well as early coal mining remains.

Edited_KeyChars:
Prehistoric remains on moors
Roman roads and packhorse routes
Parkland and estate landscapes
Victorian reservoirs


FG KeyChar:
•	There are wide expanses of unenclosed heather and grass moorland on the rolling upland plateaux.

Edited_KeyChars:
Wide expanses of heather and grass moorland
Extensive peat deposits and blanket bog
Flower-rich meadows in valleys


FG KeyChar:
•	The agricultural landscape is predominantly arable with some pasture in the valleys and fruit farms and market gardening on lighter land.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mainly arable
Some improved and rough pasture in the valleys
Fruit farms and market gardening on lighter land


Edited_KeyChars:
Very small areas of coastal salt marsh (area has little coast)


FG KeyChar:
•	Other features from this period are Georgian manors and parkland, shelterbelt and avenue tree plantings, and broad drove roads created to provide grazing for sheep en route to the coastal marshes.
•	Most land throughout the area is in arable use with large, rectilinear parliamentary enclosure fields, enclosed by clipped hawthorn hedges (although older enclosures do occur in parts).
•	The area is rich in archaeological remains, including ancient trackways, tumuli along the scarp and a strong concentration of deserted medieval villages – many make a visible contribution to landscape character.

Edited_KeyChars:
Rich in archaeology including ancient trackways, tumuli, deserted medieval villages and moated sites
Historic manor parkland and estates


FG KeyChar:
•	In the south-west the broader valleys of the rivers Lymn and Bain have valley marshes, acid mires, alder carr and tree-lined watercourses.

Edited_KeyChars:
In the southwest valley marshes, acid mires and alder carr
Isolated chalk grassland and species-rich roadside verges


Edited_KeyChars:
•	There is a sparse settlement pattern of small, nucleated villages – building materials reflect the diverse underlying geology.


FG KeyChar:
•	This rolling upland landscape is dominated by a west-facing chalk escarpment, extensively moulded by glacial and periglacial action.
•	The escarpment takes a simple form in the north, where the plateau top has light chalky soils and the scarp face is clothed with scrub woodland and pasture.
•	On the plateau top, deep glacial meltwater channels form dramatic, steep sided dry valleys within the chalk, often lined with beech hanger woodlands.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	This rolling upland landscape is dominated by a west-facing chalk escarpment, extensively moulded by glacial and periglacial action.
•	The escarpment takes a simple form in the north, where the plateau top has light chalky soils and the scarp face is clothed with scrub woodland and pasture.
•	On the plateau top, deep glacial meltwater channels form dramatic, steep sided dry valleys within the chalk, often lined with beech hanger woodlands.


FG KeyChar:
•	On the plateau top, deep glacial meltwater channels form dramatic, steep sided dry valleys within the chalk, often lined with beech hanger woodlands.
•	Hedgerows accentuate the rolling landform and tops are marked by prominent clumps of trees, often mature beech.
•	In the south-east the chalk is masked in boulder clay on the edge of the Middle Marsh that lies to the east – here there are ancient oak and ash woodlands.

Edited_KeyChars:
Scrub woodland on scarp face
Beech hanger woodland in dry valleys
Prominent tree clumps, shelterbelt and avenue plantings, often mature beech, on ridgetop
Ancient oak-ash woodland in south-east
Wet alder carr woodlands and tree-lined watercourses in south-west
Otherwise sparsely wooded


FG KeyChar:
•	A regular pattern of medium-sized arable fields interspersed with pasture on heavy clays; variations include pre-enclosure hay meadows and pasture near Wragby, and the drained open flatlands to the north of Brigg.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mainly arable
Wet and rough pasture and meadows on areas of heavy clay


FG KeyChar:
•	Traditional building materials are predominantly brick and limestone from the adjoining Lincolnshire Edge.

Edited_KeyChars:
Traditional buildings in brick and limestone from the adjoining Lincolnshire Edge


FG KeyChar:
•	The River Ancholme has been ‘improved’ to form a straight course from Bishopbridge to Ferriby Sluice on the Humber.  The watercourse is fed by a series of becks up to Brigg and then by the drained carrs.  To the south Barings Eau and the River Bain drain into the River Witham.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The River Ancholme has been ‘improved’ to form a straight course from Bishopbridge to Ferriby Sluice on the Humber.  The watercourse is fed by a series of becks up to Brigg and then by the drained carrs.  To the south Barings Eau and the River Bain drain into the River Witham.


FG KeyChar:
•	Hedgerows enclose most fields – most are hawthorn, but they are often more diverse at a distance from the road and those linking the limewoods are particularly dense with a rich variety of flora.
•	The area is rich in ridge and furrow and deserted medieval villages such as Spridlington and Goltho.

Edited_KeyChars:
Regular, medium sized rectilinear fields
Mainly hawthorn hedgerows
Some older mixed hedgerows
Ditches and dykes in lower lying areas


FG KeyChar:
•	A broad low lying and very gently undulating vale underlain by seasonally waterlogged loams and clay, grading to deeper calacareous loams towards Horncastle and the Lincolnshire Wolds.
•	By contrast there are deep acidic soils on the wind blown coversands which have accumulated on the eastern vale against the scarp of the Wolds at Elsham and Market Rasen and near Woodhall Spa and Coningsby.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	A broad low lying and very gently undulating vale underlain by seasonally waterlogged loams and clay, grading to deeper calcareous loams towards Horncastle and the Lincolnshire Wolds.
•	By contrast there are deep acidic soils on the wind blown coversands which have accumulated on the eastern vale against the scarp of the Wolds at Elsham and Market Rasen and near Woodhall Spa and Coningsby.


FG KeyChar:
•	The area is rich in ridge and furrow and deserted medieval villages such as Spridlington and Goltho.

Edited_KeyChars:
Rich in ridge and furrow and deserted medieval villages
Some parkland


FG KeyChar:
•	Remnants of lowland heath (eg at Martin Moor near Woodhall Spa and Willingham Woods near Market Rasen) and the Lincolnshire Limewoods between Bardney and Wragby are the most important semi-natural habitats in the vale.

Edited_KeyChars:
Remnants of lowland heath, with acid grassland and gorse
Occasional wetlands on the fen borderlands


FG KeyChar:
•	Sparse nucleated settlements throughout the area linked by straight east-west roads with abrupt right-angled turns.  Enclosure roads with exceptionally wide verges and enclosing hedgerows are characteristic of the vale.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Sparse nucleated settlements throughout the area linked by straight east-west roads with abrupt right-angled turns.  Enclosure roads with exceptionally wide verges and enclosing hedgerows are characteristic of the vale.


FG KeyChar:
•	Woodland cover is variable; there is little on the central and northern clays, but there are extensive conifer plantations on the coversands and large blocks of ancient lime woodland between Wragby and Bardney.

Edited_KeyChars:
Little woodland on clays
Conifer blocks on coversands
Large blocks of ancient lime woodland between Wragby and Bardney
Remnant carr woodland, copses and willows
Hedgerow trees often important


FG KeyChar:
•	Towards the eastern edge of the dip slope the landscape pattern is more enclosed, with dense hedgerows, hedgerow trees and some grazed pastures as there is a transition to the heavier clay soils of the Lincolnshire Vale.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mainly arable with some field vegetables
Some rough grassland


FG KeyChar:
•	Roman roads and ancient trackways such as Ermine Street follow north-south routes.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Roman roads and ancient trackways such as Ermine Street follow north-south routes.


FG KeyChar:
•	The higher land of the Edge is devoid of streams, but there is a springline along the foot of the western scarp where the limestone meets the clay.  The River Witham cuts through the scarp at Lincoln.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The higher land of the Edge is devoid of streams, but there is a springline along the foot of the western scarp where the limestone meets the clay.  The River Witham cuts through the scarp at Lincoln.


FG KeyChar:
•	Tree cover is variable.  The drier arable upland areas are relatively open, with shelterbelts along roads and tracks; to the east a more irregular field pattern includes more hedgerows and small semi-natural woodlands; and to the north the coversands support a mosaic of conifer plantations and oak/birch woodlands.
•	The light calcareous soils of the broad ridgetop and shallower slopes support an open landscape of rectilinear arable fields with sparse hedgerows, shelterbelts and discontinuous rubble limestone walls.
•	Towards the eastern edge of the dip slope the landscape pattern is more enclosed, with dense hedgerows, hedgerow trees and some grazed pastures as there is a transition to the heavier clay soils of the Lincolnshire Vale.

Edited_KeyChars:
Large rectilinear fields with low thorn hedgerows on the northern edge
Large open fields with no hedgerows on the coversands
Some ditches and dykes in valley bottoms
Occasional discontinuous rubble limestone walls


FG KeyChar:
•	A large-scale ‘upland’ escarpment broadly divided into north and south by the River Witham which cuts through the ‘Edge’ at Lincoln.  The straight sharp western scarp, known as the ‘Cliff’ is a distinctive feature along most of the edge, sometimes with a secondary lower scarp of ironstone.
•	To the north an area of windblown coversands creates an acidic sandy landscape of open heath, conifers, oak and birch woods.  The coversands wrap over the cliff and extend into a low lying area between Scunthorpe and Gainsborough.
•	The light calcareous soils of the broad ridgetop and shallower slopes support an open landscape of rectilinear arable fields with sparse hedgerows, shelterbelts and discontinuous rubble limestone walls.
•	Towards the eastern edge of the dip slope the landscape pattern is more enclosed, with dense hedgerows, hedgerow trees and some grazed pastures as there is a transition to the heavier clay soils of the Lincolnshire Vale.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	A large-scale ‘upland’ escarpment broadly divided into north and south by the River Witham which cuts through the ‘Edge’ at Lincoln.  The straight sharp western scarp, known as the ‘Cliff’ is a distinctive feature along most of the edge, sometimes with a secondary lower scarp of ironstone.
•	To the north an area of windblown coversands creates an acidic sandy landscape of open heath, conifers, oak and birch woods.  The coversands wrap over the cliff and extend into a low lying area between Scunthorpe and Gainsborough.
•	The light calcareous soils of the broad ridgetop and shallower slopes support an open landscape of rectilinear arable fields with sparse hedgerows, shelterbelts and discontinuous rubble limestone walls.
•	Towards the eastern edge of the dip slope the landscape pattern is more enclosed, with dense hedgerows, hedgerow trees and some grazed pastures as there is a transition to the heavier clay soils of the Lincolnshire Vale.


FG KeyChar:
•Minimal settlement on the ridgetops, a string of springline villages along the foot of the western scarp and larger settlements to the east of the dipslope.  Sited on the ridgetop, Lincoln Cathedral is a dominant landmark throughout the area.
•	Active and redundant airfields along the top of the Edge.

Edited_KeyChars:
•Minimal settlement on the ridgetops, a string of springline villages along the foot of the western scarp and larger settlements to the east of the dipslope.  Sited on the ridgetop, Lincoln Cathedral is a dominant landmark throughout the area.
•	Active and redundant airfields along the top of the Edge.


FG KeyChar:
•	To the north an area of windblown coversands creates an acidic sandy landscape of open heath, conifers, oak and birch woods.  The coversands wrap over the cliff and extend into a low lying area between Scunthorpe and Gainsborough.
•	Tree cover is variable.  The drier arable upland areas are relatively open, with shelterbelts along roads and tracks; to the east a more irregular field pattern includes more hedgerows and small semi-natural woodlands; and to the north the coversands support a mosaic of conifer plantations and oak/birch woodlands.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mosaic of conifer plantations and oak/birch woodlands on coversands
Shelterbelts and small woodlands
Some hedgerow trees in the north


FG KeyChar:
•	Rich and varied agricultural land use including wide range of arable, root crops, bulbs, vegetable and livestock.  Horticultural glasshouses are a feature.

Edited_KeyChars:
Rich agricultural use including cereals, roots, vegetables, bulbs, glasshouses and livestock
Grazing and grassland traditionally along embankments and around settlements


FG KeyChar:
•	Traditional built form strongly influences the landscape, particularly historic cathedrals and churches such as at Ely and Boston.
•	Due to soil shrinkage a number of agricultural buildings are now derelict – standing at alarming angles or shored up.


FG KeyChar:
•	Marshes directly adjacent to the Wash exhibit an exceptionally open aspect (broken only by sea walls).  Occurring at the coast are river outfall structures, tidal saltmarshes and mudflats.

Edited_KeyChars:
Tidal salt marshes and mudflats adjacent to the Wash


FG KeyChar:
•	A distinct hierarchy of rivers, drains and ditches strongly influences the strong dominant rectilinear/geometric landscape patterning and is a consistent feature of the area (consisting embanked rivers above the level of the surrounding land, roddons, major high level drains and washes).

Edited_KeyChars:
•	A distinct hierarchy of rivers, drains and ditches strongly influences the strong dominant rectilinear/geometric landscape patterning and is a consistent feature of the area (consisting embanked rivers above the level of the surrounding land, roddons, major high level drains and washes).


Edited_KeyChars:
Strong rectilinear geometric pattern of rivers, drains and ditches, often embanked
Few hedges except in pockets of enclosed fenland and furthest inland areas (but still significant stock)


FG KeyChar:
•	Soils over the coastal and central fens are rich, fertile calcareous and silty.  Further inland soils are defined by dark, friable fen peat.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Soils over the coastal and central fens are rich, fertile calcareous and silty.  Further inland soils are defined by dark, friable fen peat.


FG KeyChar:
•	Although seemingly monotonous, there is considerable variation from fen to fen (amount of settlement, landscape scale and pattern) reflecting settlement history.

Edited_KeyChars:
Remains from a range of periods
Early settlement, historic drainage systems, sea defences and salterns
Water features


FG KeyChar:
•	Predominantly cultivated with little semi-natural land remaining. Remnants of relic wet areas are rare exceptions e.g. Wicken, Woodwalton and Holme.

Edited_KeyChars:
Remnant wetland areas - wet fenland and wash grasslands


FG KeyChar:
•	Although seemingly monotonous, there is considerable variation from fen to fen (amount of settlement, landscape scale and pattern) reflecting settlement history.
•	Settlement pattern varies – medium to large clusters around main towns with medieval pattern of north-south drove lines occurring at the coast and fen edge.
•	Long straight roads are typical.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Although seemingly monotonous, there is considerable variation from fen to fen (amount of settlement, landscape scale and pattern) reflecting settlement history.
•	Settlement pattern varies – medium to large clusters around main towns with medieval pattern of north-south drove lines occurring at the coast and fen edge.
•	Long straight roads are typical.


FG KeyChar:
•	Large scale, flat, open landscape with extensive vistas to level horizons.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Large scale, flat, open landscape with extensive vistas to level horizons.


FG KeyChar:
•	Woodland cover is sparse.  There are occasional avenues to roads.  Elsewhere isolated trees have marked significance.  
•	Shelterbelts including poplar and willow occur as do leylandii hedges around farmsteads.
•	There are numerous orchards around the Wisbech area.

Edited_KeyChars:
Sparse woodland cover
Occasional avenues and shelterbelts including willow and poplar, often along watercourses
Isolated trees of marked significance
Numerous orchards in Wisbech area


FG KeyChar:
•	The light calcareous soils of the broad ridgetop and shallower slopes support an open landscape of rectilinear arable fields with sparse hedgerows, shelterbelts and discontinuous rubble limestone walls.
•	Towards the eastern edge of the dip slope the landscape pattern is more enclosed, with dense hedgerows, hedgerow trees and some grazed pastures as there is a transition to the heavier clay soils of the Lincolnshire Vale.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mostly arable fields
Some mixed pasture for grazing, especially to east


FG KeyChar:
•	Roman roads and ancient trackways such as Ermine Street and High Dyke follow north-south routes with one significant east-west route, Salter’s Way. Green lanes occur throughout the southern area.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Roman roads and ancient trackways such as Ermine Street and High Dyke follow north-south routes with one significant east-west route, Salter’s Way. Green lanes occur throughout the southern area.


FG KeyChar:
•	The higher land of the Edge is devoid of streams, but there is a springline along the foot of the western scarp where the limestone meets the clay.  The River Slea follows the distinctive valley of the Ancaster Gap to the north of Grantham.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The higher land of the Edge is devoid of streams, but there is a springline along the foot of the western scarp where the limestone meets the clay.  The River Slea follows the distinctive valley of the Ancaster Gap to the north of Grantham.


Edited_KeyChars:
Mainly open, rectilinear arable fields 
Fields enclosed by sparse hedgerows
Some limestone walls, and ditches on lower ground
More irregular fields for grazing (generally to east) have denser hedgerows


FG KeyChar:
•	A large-scale ‘upland’ escarpment broadly divided into north and south by the River Witham which cuts through the ‘Edge’ at Lincoln.  The straight sharp western scarp, known as the ‘Cliff’ is a distinctive feature along most of the edge, sometimes with a secondary lower scarp of ironstone.
•	The light calcareous soils of the broad ridgetop and shallower slopes support an open landscape of rectilinear arable fields with sparse hedgerows, shelterbelts and discontinuous rubble limestone walls. 
•	Towards the eastern edge of the dip slope the landscape pattern is more enclosed, with dense hedgerows, hedgerow trees and some grazed pastures as there is a transition to the heavier clay soils of the Lincolnshire Vale.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	A large-scale ‘upland’ escarpment broadly divided into north and south by the River Witham which cuts through the ‘Edge’ at Lincoln.  The straight sharp western scarp, known as the ‘Cliff’ is a distinctive feature along most of the edge, sometimes with a secondary lower scarp of ironstone.
•	The light calcareous soils of the broad ridgetop and shallower slopes support an open landscape of rectilinear arable fields with sparse hedgerows, shelterbelts and discontinuous rubble limestone walls. 
•	Towards the eastern edge of the dip slope the landscape pattern is more enclosed, with dense hedgerows, hedgerow trees and some grazed pastures as there is a transition to the heavier clay soils of the Lincolnshire Vale.


FG KeyChar:
•	The highest land of the plateaux is remote, devoid of buildings and man-made structures.
•	Traditional buildings are built and detailed in local 'gritstone', and are often solitary or in a compact cluster.
•	Some larger settlements are found in the valleys, including some village centres and expanded industrial settlements like New Mills.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The highest land of the plateaux is remote, devoid of buildings and man-made structures.
•	Traditional buildings are built and detailed in local 'gritstone', and are often solitary or in a compact cluster.
•	Some larger settlements are found in the valleys, including some village centres and expanded industrial settlements like New Mills.


FG KeyChar:
•	The area forms a sharply defined high plateau that is underlain by Millstone Grit, giving rise to rounded hill summits and rocky outcrops and prominent linear edges.
•	There are strongly contrasting landscapes in deeply-incised cloughs around the margins of plateaux.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The area forms a sharply defined high plateau that is underlain by Millstone Grit, giving rise to rounded hill summits and rocky outcrops and prominent linear edges.
•	There are strongly contrasting landscapes in deeply-incised cloughs around the margins of plateaux.


FG KeyChar:
•	Many enclosed valleys contain broadleaved semi-natural woodland and some are dominated by large forestry plantations.

Edited_KeyChars:
Open untreed moors
Broadleaved semi-natural woodland in enclosed valleys and cloughs
In-field and hedgerow trees in valleys


FG KeyChar:
•	The dominant land use is improved grassland for intensive dairy farming.

Edited_KeyChars:
Improved grassland for intensive dairy farming


FG KeyChar:
•	Buildings in villages are often constructed of limestone. Other buildings in the area, particularly in towns, are more variable, with limestone and 'gritstone' used either singly or in combination.

Edited_KeyChars:
Farm buildings and isolated field barns often constructed of limestone


FG KeyChar:
•	Many of the dales are dry or seasonal, but clear, fast-flowing rivers and streams are found in some.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Many of the dales are dry or seasonal, but clear, fast-flowing rivers and streams are found in some.


FG KeyChar:
•	Small narrow fields, often of medieval origin are found around many villages, while larger rectangular fields occur away from the villages.
•	Fields are enclosed by white, limestone, dry stone walls and walled up lead rakes.

Edited_KeyChars:
Fields enclosed by white, limestone, drystone walls
Small and narrow fields, often of medieval origin near villages
Large and rectangular fields elsewhere


FG KeyChar:
•	The area is elevated Carboniferous limestone plateau dissected by steeply cut dales and gorges with rock outcrops, screes, and cave systems.
•	Much of the limestone is overlain by deposits of loess, which give rise to fertile loamy soils in many parts of the plateau. Higher areas and steeper slopes are more strongly influenced by the underlying limestone.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The area is elevated Carboniferous limestone plateau dissected by steeply cut dales and gorges with rock outcrops, screes, and cave systems.
•	Much of the limestone is overlain by deposits of loess, which give rise to fertile loamy soils in many parts of the plateau. Higher areas and steeper slopes are more strongly influenced by the underlying limestone.


FG KeyChar:
•	Small narrow fields, often of medieval origin are found around many villages, while larger rectangular fields occur away from the villages.
•	Long-disused workings for limestone and ores, particularly lead rakes, provide features rich in ecological, historical and cultural interest.

Edited_KeyChars:
Long disused limestone and ore workings, including lead rakes
Dew ponds common over the plateau


FG KeyChar:
•	Houses are located on higher ground in this thinly populated area.
•	An influx of visitors during the summer leads to crowding in tourist towns.
•	Roads cling to the valley sides, linking settlements that cluster along the edges.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Houses are located on higher ground in this thinly populated area.
•	An influx of visitors during the summer leads to crowding in tourist towns.
•	Roads cling to the valley sides, linking settlements that cluster along the edges.


FG KeyChar:
•	The Broads are a series of river valleys that have been excavated for peat and subsequently flooded.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The Broads are a series of river valleys that have been excavated for peat and subsequently flooded.


FG KeyChar:
•	Broadleaved woodland is present as copses and plantations on higher land in the upper reaches of the valleys.
•	Alder carr woodland and willow pollards are typical of the wetter areas, such as the undrained peat fen.

Edited_KeyChars:
Broadleaved woodland copses and plantations in upper valley reaches
Alder carr woodland and scrub in wetter areas/ undrained fen
Willow pollards


FG KeyChar:
•	Traditional unimproved wet pasture is grazed with sheep and cattle. 
•	Extensive drained and ploughed productive arable land is protected from floods by sea walls.
•	There are some areas of more mixed agriculture on higher ground.

Edited_KeyChars:
Reclaimed farmed marshland
Extensive drained arable land behind sea walls

Traditional unimproved wet pasture grazed with sheep and cattle
Some areas of mixed farming on higher ground


FG KeyChar:
•	The Thames edge marshes are themselves subject to the chaotic activity of various major developments including ports, waste disposal, marine dredging, urbanisation, mineral extraction and prominent power stations plus numerous other industry-related activities such as petrochemical complexes.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The Thames edge marshes are themselves subject to the chaotic activity of various major developments including ports, waste disposal, marine dredging, urbanisation, mineral extraction and prominent power stations plus numerous other industry-related activities such as petrochemical complexes.


FG KeyChar:
•	The pervasive presence of water and numerous coastal estuaries extends the maritime influence far inland. 
•	A deeply indented coastline with distinctive island and peninsula features.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The pervasive presence of water and numerous coastal estuaries extends the maritime influence far inland. 
•	A deeply indented coastline with distinctive island and peninsula features.


FG KeyChar:
•	Hedgerows are absent from the large, rectilinear fields.
•	Open grazing pastures are patterned by a network of ancient and modern reed-fringed drainage ditches and dykes, numerous creeks and a few vertical boundaries such as hedges or fences.

Edited_KeyChars:
A landscape of large rectilinear fields demarcated by ditches, general lack of hedgerows 
Remaining grazing pastures patterned bya network of ancient and modern  ditches, dykes and creeks
On the south coast (e.g.Isles of Sheppey, Dengie, Canvey, Isle of Grain and Mersea) some thick hedgerows of scrub elm 
Fringing reed vegetation of ditches gives a strong marshland character


FG KeyChar:
•	Contrast and variety within the Estuary is provided by Sheppey, a long low island rising from a stretch of very flat marsh along the Swale estuary in Kent with low, steep, clay cliffs facing towards Essex across the Thames estuary.
•	Strong feeling of remoteness and wilderness persists on the open beaches and salt marshes, on the reclaimed farmed marshland and also on the mudflats.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Contrast and variety within the Estuary is provided by Sheppey, a long low island rising from a stretch of very flat marsh along the Swale estuary in Kent with low, steep, clay cliffs facing towards Essex across the Thames estuary.
•	Strong feeling of remoteness and wilderness persists on the open beaches and salt marshes, on the reclaimed farmed marshland and also on the mudflats.


FG KeyChar:
•	Distinctive military heritage, such as Napoleonic military defences and 20th century pillboxes, occurs on the coastline.
•	The modern day pattern of local parishes reflects the historical layout of settlements, surrounded by farmland on the higher ground inland and giving way to marsh on the waterfront.
•	The historically important coastal cargo transport network of 'Thames Barges' developed as a result of the settlement pattern.

Edited_KeyChars:
Distinctive coastal military heritage eg Napoleonic defences and 20th century pillboxes
Coastal cargo transport network of 'Thames Barges'
Field and decoy ponds
Archaeological resources under grassland and arable cultivation
Remnant areas of parkland on higher ground


FG KeyChar:
•	Numerous small villages and hamlets are related to the coastal economy of fishing (at Mersea), boatbuilding and yachting.  
•	The modern day pattern of local parishes reflects the historical layout of settlements, surrounded by farmland on the higher ground inland and giving way to marsh on the waterfront.
•	The historically important coastal cargo transport network of 'Thames Barges' developed as a result of the settlement pattern.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Numerous small villages and hamlets are related to the coastal economy of fishing (at Mersea), boatbuilding and yachting.  
•	The modern day pattern of local parishes reflects the historical layout of settlements, surrounded by farmland on the higher ground inland and giving way to marsh on the waterfront.
•	The historically important coastal cargo transport network of 'Thames Barges' developed as a result of the settlement pattern.


FG KeyChar:
•	A predominantly flat, low-lying landscape where extensive open spaces are dominated by the sky.
•	Contrast and variety within the Estuary is provided by Sheppey, a long low island rising from a stretch of very flat marsh along the Swale estuary in Kent with low, steep, clay cliffs facing towards Essex across the Thames estuary.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	A predominantly flat, low-lying landscape where extensive open spaces are dominated by the sky.
•	Contrast and variety within the Estuary is provided by Sheppey, a long low island rising from a stretch of very flat marsh along the Swale estuary in Kent with low, steep, clay cliffs facing towards Essex across the Thames estuary.


FG KeyChar:
•	Trees begin where the marsh ceases and the ground starts to rise on land overlying the London Clay Lowlands. 
•	Tree cover is limited to farmsteads, dwellings and villages on the higher ground.

Edited_KeyChars:
General absence of trees and woodland
The trees that there are on rising ground inland of marshes
Tree cover focused around farms and settlement
On the southern Kent shores orchards enclosed be tree lines and windbreaks


FG KeyChar:
•	Arable cultivation dominates much of the remaining area of the Sandlings.  In some areas field boundaries have been removed creating extensive open landscapes.  Elsewhere hedges and tree belts have been retained creating a smaller scale landscape.  Open air pig farming is also found across the area.  Soils are light and sandy often resulting in wind erosion.  The use of large scale irrigation equipment is common.

Edited_KeyChars:
Arable cultivation on much of Sandling
Open air pig farming
Soils light and sandy often resulting in wind erosion
Use of large scale irrigation equipment common
Traditional pastoral landscapes in river valleys


FG KeyChar:
•	Rural buildings are traditionally constructed from soft hued red bricks with thatch or pantiles.  Some buildings are rendered and painted (often in ‘Suffolk Pink’) while others (including churches) make extensive use of locally occurring split or knapped flint.

Edited_KeyChars:
Traditional rural buildings in soft-hued red brick with thatch or pantiles
Some buildings rendered and painted (often in ‘Suffolk Pink’)


FG KeyChar:
•	Coastal settlements are distinctive in character, many enjoying a relatively unspoilt atmosphere.  Some show the influence of Dutch architecture.

Edited_KeyChars:
Low lying coast with shingle beaches (including Orford Ness spit)
Eroding clifflines
Intertidal mudflats and saltmarsh characteristic along estuaries
Areas where flood defences have been abandoned, recreating marshes and mudflats


FG KeyChar:
•	The area is laced with lanes and minor roads, many enclosed between hedges and field boundary trees, though in some areas trees have been lost and hedgerows have removed.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The area is laced with lanes and minor roads, many enclosed between hedges and field boundary trees, though in some areas trees have been lost and hedgerows have removed.


FG KeyChar:
•	The coastline is cut by a series of more sheltered estuaries comprising the lower reaches of the Rivers Stour, Orwell, Deben, Butley and Alde, together with low lying valleys of Hundred River, Minsmere River, Dunwich River and the River Blyth.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The coastline is cut by a series of more sheltered estuaries comprising the lower reaches of the Rivers Stour, Orwell, Deben, Butley and Alde, together with low lying valleys of Hundred River, Minsmere River, Dunwich River and the River Blyth.


FG KeyChar:
•	Marshes, wetlands and drained pastures and fields are characteristic of these estuaries and valleys.
•	The estuaries and rivers are separated by rolling areas of the Sandlings, comprising a mosaic of heathland, woodland and farmland.
•	The area is laced with lanes and minor roads, many enclosed between hedges and field boundary trees, though in some areas trees have been lost and hedgerows have removed.

Edited_KeyChars:
Enclosure mainly by hedges, creating a small scale landscape
Some areas have been subject to hedgerow removal creating extensive open landscapes


FG KeyChar:
•	The area’s soils comprise glacial sands, gravels and till, covering the crag deposits that lies along the North Sea coast.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The area’s soils comprise glacial sands, gravels and till, covering the crag deposits that lies along the North Sea coast.


FG KeyChar:
•	Steep slopes and dale-sides are associated with a mosaic of herb-rich grassland, woodland and scrub.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mosaic of herb-rich grassland and scrub on dale-sides and slopes


FG KeyChar:
•	Outside the settlements, there are small, isolated stone barns located beside field boundaries.
•	There is a settlement pattern of nucleated villages and small towns connected by crest and valley roads.
•	The area includes the spa towns of Buxton and Matlock Bath.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Outside the settlements, there are small, isolated stone barns located beside field boundaries.
•	There is a settlement pattern of nucleated villages and small towns connected by crest and valley roads.
•	The area includes the spa towns of Buxton and Matlock Bath.


FG KeyChar:
•	The area is elevated Carboniferous limestone plateau dissected by steeply cut dales and gorges with rock outcrops, screes, and cave systems.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The area is elevated Carboniferous limestone plateau dissected by steeply cut dales and gorges with rock outcrops, screes, and cave systems.


FG KeyChar:
•	There are narrow, shelter belts and small blocks of broadleaved trees on high ground and semi-natural broadleaved woodlands along dale sides.

Edited_KeyChars:
Narrow shelter belts and small blocks of broadleaved trees on high ground
Semi-natural broadleaved woodlands along dale sides


FG KeyChar:
•	Rough grazing is found on the highest land and permanent pasture dominates the slopes.

Edited_KeyChars:
Rough grazing on the highest land
Permanent pasture on the slopes


FG KeyChar:
•	Buildings are usually stocky, low robust buildings constructed of local gritstone.

Edited_KeyChars:
Traditional buildings of local gritstone


FG KeyChar:
•	Fields are usually enclosed by dry gritstone walls, although hedgerows are more common on lower slopes.

Edited_KeyChars:
Enclosure mainly by dry gritstone walls in rectilinear pattern
Hedgerows more common on lower slopes


FG KeyChar:
•	The area is underlain by Carboniferous rocks, including Millstone Grit which creates localised steep edges.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The area is underlain by Carboniferous rocks, including Millstone Grit which creates localised steep edges.


FG KeyChar:
•	Industrial heritage is common along the valleys, including remains of the textile industry.

Edited_KeyChars:
Many Bronze Age barrows around margins of valleys
Remnant early coal mining features
Other industrial heritage, including remains of the textile industry (mills), in the valleys
Parkland on lower ground


FG KeyChar:
•	There is a mosaic of heather moorland and upland grassland on higher ground.
•	Herb-rich hay meadows and damp rush pasture occur in fields along the valleys.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mosaic of heather moorland and upland grassland on higher ground
Herb-rich hay meadows and damp rush pasture along  valleys


FG KeyChar:
•	Settlement is dispersed through the valleys, with streamside villages and isolated farms on higher ground.
•	Villages have been enlarged by development associated with industry.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Settlement is dispersed through the valleys, with streamside villages and isolated farms on higher ground.
•	Villages have been enlarged by development associated with industry.


FG KeyChar:
•	This area is a high upland ridge dissected by stream valleys and flanked by undulating slopes.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	This area is a high upland ridge dissected by stream valleys and flanked by undulating slopes.


FG KeyChar:
•	Woodland is largely confined to enclosed valleys, wooded streamlines and occasional conifer plantations.

Edited_KeyChars:
Woodland largely confined to enclosed valleys and streamsides - in need of protection


FG KeyChar:
•	Agriculture is based on stock rearing, with fields comprising a mixture of variable quality grassland and rough grazing.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mainly stock rearing on grassland of variable quality
Rough grazing


FG KeyChar:
•	Traditional buildings such as farmsteads and the cores of older settlements are constructed in characteristic Pennine stone.  Stone walls and winding lanes combine with these buildings to give many parts of the area a consistent, upland feel.

Edited_KeyChars:
Traditional buildings in characteristic Pennine stone


FG KeyChar:
•	The lower, steeply undulating foothills are characterised by a regular pattern of fields, varying in size according to the topography.  Hedges in lower areas give way to stone walls on higher ground.

Edited_KeyChars:
Regular pattern of fields of varying sizes
Hedges in lower areas
Stone walls on higher ground


FG KeyChar:
•	This transitional area runs along the boundary of the Millstone Grit uplands of the Southern Pennines and the Dark Peak and the overlying Coal Measures which dip south and east beneath the Manchester plain.  The smooth, undulating landform has been cut by a series of steep sided valleys.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	This transitional area runs along the boundary of the Millstone Grit uplands of the Southern Pennines and the Dark Peak and the overlying Coal Measures which dip south and east beneath the Manchester plain.  The smooth, undulating landform has been cut by a series of steep sided valleys.


FG KeyChar:
•	While there are prehistoric and medieval landscape elements (barrows and field systems), 18th and 19th century industrialisation that has had the most significant influence on this landscape.  The area continues to be affected by a number of heavy industries including quarrying, sand and gravel working, landfilling and brick making.

Edited_KeyChars:
Prehistoric barrows
Medieval field systems
18th and 19th century industrial influence (mining and textile milling)
Some historic parkland


FG KeyChar:
•	Semi-natural habitats include unimproved grassland, rushy meadows and herb rich hay meadows.

Edited_KeyChars:
Fragmented areas of unimproved grassland and herb-rich hay meadow
Some small areas of moorland


FG KeyChar:
•	The larger urban areas are located in the valley bottoms and at the foot of escarpments.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The larger urban areas are located in the valley bottoms and at the foot of escarpments.


FG KeyChar:
•	Woodland cover is sparse overall, though there are concentrated pockets of woodland within the narrow, steep sided stream valleys.  Areas of scrub are also found on steeper slopes.

Edited_KeyChars:
Sparse woodland cover overall
Pockets of woodland within the narrow, steeps-sided stream valleys
Scrub on steeper slopes


FG KeyChar:
•	While the valleys do still include areas of farming (including arable and pastures), some areas are now used for horsiculture or recreational uses (playing fields, golf courses etc), water treatment works and country parks.

Edited_KeyChars:
Areas of arable and pastoral farming in valleys


FG KeyChar:
•	There are few surviving examples of traditional vernacular development, though the area has an increasingly recognised legacy of industrial archaeology.

Edited_KeyChars:
Few surviving examples of traditional vernacular buildings


FG KeyChar:
•	Field boundaries, where they occur, include both fences and hedges.

Edited_KeyChars:
Field boundaries traditionally hedges
Issue of hedgerow loss to fencing


FG KeyChar:
•	The Manchester conurbation is centred on low hills which rise above the drift covered plain of New Red Sandstone.  Sands and river alluvium lie along the valleys of the Mersey and its tributaries.  These river valleys contain the most significant stretches of countryside within the otherwise built up area of the conurbation.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The Manchester conurbation is centred on low hills which rise above the drift covered plain of New Red Sandstone.  Sands and river alluvium lie along the valleys of the Mersey and its tributaries.  These river valleys contain the most significant stretches of countryside within the otherwise built up area of the conurbation.


Edited_KeyChars:
Legacy of industrial archaeology
Some historic parkland


FG KeyChar:
•	The area is significantly influenced by the urban and suburban development that is focused around Manchester.  The river valleys include a number of uses associated with the urban area including water treatment works and waste disposal sites, together with recreation provision.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The area is significantly influenced by the urban and suburban development that is focused around Manchester.  The river valleys include a number of uses associated with the urban area including water treatment works and waste disposal sites, together with recreation provision.


FG KeyChar:
•	Semi-natural habitats include sizeable areas of open grassland and some areas of wetland.

Edited_KeyChars:
Sizeable areas of open grassland
Some areas of wetland


FG KeyChar:
•	Many of the river valleys have large areas of woodland along their slopes, providing a buffer with neighbouring areas.

Edited_KeyChars:
Large areas of woodland along slopes of river valleys


FG KeyChar:
•	Most farming is arable, though in many places the drainage has been severely disrupted by colliery subsidence.  Often the land is little more than recreational open space, used in many cases for horticulture.


Edited_KeyChars:
Few traditional vernacular farm buildings


FG KeyChar:
•	Most farming is arable, though in many places the drainage has been severely disrupted by colliery subsidence.  Often the land is little more than recreational open space, used in many cases for horsiculture.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Most farming is arable, though in many places the drainage has been severely disrupted by colliery subsidence.  Often the land is little more than recreational open space, used in many cases for horsiculture.


FG KeyChar:
•	Large parts of the area have been affected by mineral extraction and field patterns have often been lost.  Where it survives, the pattern is predominantly rectangular and is defined by degraded hedges or post and wire fencing.

Edited_KeyChars:
Field patterns affected by mineral extraction
Where surviving, pattern is  mainly rectangular
Degraded hedges and post and wire fencing


FG KeyChar:
•	The area is underlain by coal measures which are buried under a patchy layer of glacial drift deposits.  This is an elevated landscape, rising to 170 metres at Billinge Hill and falling abruptly to the Lancashire Plain, Merseyside and the Mersey Valley.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The area is underlain by coal measures which are buried under a patchy layer of glacial drift deposits.  This is an elevated landscape, rising to 170 metres at Billinge Hill and falling abruptly to the Lancashire Plain, Merseyside and the Mersey Valley.


FG KeyChar:
•	The area includes many towns that developed during industrialisation in the nineteenth century.  Allied to these settlements are pits, spoil tips and open cast sites.  Many of these are now being reclaimed and landscaped.


FG KeyChar:
•	Semi-natural habitats have formed on many former industrial sites, particularly where undermining has resulted in the formation of subsidence flashes.

Edited_KeyChars:
Wetlands, open water and marsh (subsidence flashes) near Wigan


Edited_KeyChars:
•	The area includes many towns that developed during industrialisation in the nineteenth century.  Allied to these settlements are pits, spoil tips and open cast sites.  Many of these are now being reclaimed and landscaped.


FG KeyChar:
•	The area is underlain by coal measures which are buried under a patchy layer of glacial drift deposits.  This is an elevated landscape, rising to 170 metres at Billinge Hill and falling abruptly to the Lancashire Plain, Merseyside and the Mersey Valley.
•	Hills and valleys run from north west to south east, creating a landscape of gently corrugated hills

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The area is underlain by coal measures which are buried under a patchy layer of glacial drift deposits.  This is an elevated landscape, rising to 170 metres at Billinge Hill and falling abruptly to the Lancashire Plain, Merseyside and the Mersey Valley.
•	Hills and valleys run from north west to south east, creating a landscape of gently corrugated hills


FG KeyChar:
•	Across most of the area, woodland cover is very limited.  The principal exception is the area to the northwest of Wigan where there is a higher incidence of trees and woodland, creating a more enclosed and small scale landscape.

Edited_KeyChars:
Limited woodland cover
Well-wooded valleys north-west of Wigan
Scrub woodland and new plantings on former mine workings


FG KeyChar:
•	The area includes a mixture of agriculture, ranging from open marshes grazed by sheep, areas of reclaimed pasture and enclosed fields supporting dairy or beef cattle and some arable farming.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mixed agricultural use
Sheep-grazed open marshes
Reclaimed pasture and enclosed fields for dairy or beef cattle
Some arable farming


FG KeyChar:
•	Traditional buildings are constructed of brick or sandstone.

Edited_KeyChars:
Traditional buildings of brick or sandstone


FG KeyChar:
•	Dunes of recent wind-blown sand present the dominant feature along much of the coast, rising in places to 20 metres above sea level.

Edited_KeyChars:
Coastal sand dunes and heaths
Saltmarsh and intertidal sands


FG KeyChar:
•	Field boundaries are defined by a combination of hedgerows and post and wire fencing.
•	Historic features include ancient field patterns and small fishing hamlets which have now grown into larger settlements.

Edited_KeyChars:
Ancient field patterns
Combination of hedgerows and post and wire fencing
Earth embankments protecting low-lying areas


FG KeyChar:
•	The area is underlain by Triassic sandstone overlain by glacial boulder clay which in turn is overlain by varying amounts of glacial outwash sands and gravels, softer clays, estuarine and river alluvium, blown sand and peat.  Clay cliffs, extensive beaches comprising shingle spits and bars, together with peaty areas in local hollows and valleys are the key underlying features of this landscape.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The area is underlain by Triassic sandstone overlain by glacial boulder clay which in turn is overlain by varying amounts of glacial outwash sands and gravels, softer clays, estuarine and river alluvium, blown sand and peat.  Clay cliffs, extensive beaches comprising shingle spits and bars, together with peaty areas in local hollows and valleys are the key underlying features of this landscape.


FG KeyChar:
•	Historic features include ancient field patterns and small fishing hamlets which have now grown into larger settlements.

Edited_KeyChars:
Some early religious buildings
Some parkland


FG KeyChar:
•	Semi-natural habitats make a very significant contribution to the character of this area and include intertidal sands and sand dunes, salt marsh and, inland from the coast, areas of species rich grassland and fen.

Edited_KeyChars:
Species-rich grassland and fen
Lowland heath


FG KeyChar:
•	Historic features include ancient field patterns and small fishing hamlets which have now grown into larger settlements.
•	The area includes holiday and dormitory towns such as Hightown, Formby and Southport.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Historic features include ancient field patterns and small fishing hamlets which have now grown into larger settlements.
•	The area includes holiday and dormitory towns such as Hightown, Formby and Southport.


FG KeyChar:
•	Woodland is restricted to small isolated copses with only salt tolerant species surviving and a large coniferous plantation at Formby.

Edited_KeyChars:
Small copses of salt-tolerant species
Field boundary trees


FG KeyChar:
•	Fragments of farmland remain around the fringes of the urban area, representing the continuation of landscapes in surrounding areas.  In most cases the land is versatile and of good quality (often Grade 2), though urban influences such as settlement expansion, transport and utility infrastructure, together with urban fringe pressures, mean they are not cultivated as intensively as in the past.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mixture of arable land and improved pasture


FG KeyChar:
•	The lower estuary of the River Mersey cuts through the area, but pinched between the sandstone hills it has cut a relatively deep river channel, contributing to the historic development of Liverpool as a port.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The lower estuary of the River Mersey cuts through the area, but pinched between the sandstone hills it has cut a relatively deep river channel, contributing to the historic development of Liverpool as a port.


FG KeyChar:
•	The area is underlain by Triassic sandstone overlain by glacial boulder clay.  These combine to create a low-lying but gently rolling platform punctuated by numerous low sandstone ridges.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The area is underlain by Triassic sandstone overlain by glacial boulder clay.  These combine to create a low-lying but gently rolling platform punctuated by numerous low sandstone ridges.


FG KeyChar:
•	As would be expected, the urban areas are the dominant influences on this landscape and little rural character remains.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	As would be expected, the urban areas are the dominant influences on this landscape and little rural character remains.


FG KeyChar:
•	The area is predominantly mixed agricultural land with areas of improved pasture, arable farming and market gardens.  Some remnant coastal marshes traditionally grazed by sheep.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mainly mixed farming
Improved pasture, arable land and market gardens
Sheep grazing traditional on remnant coastal marshes


FG KeyChar:
•	Traditional buildings are constructed of sandstone and some older structures are half timbered, though many of these now lie within settlements.

Edited_KeyChars:
Traditional buildings of sandstone
Some older half timbered structures


FG KeyChar:
•	Settlements are linked by an intricate network of lanes, bridleways and footpaths.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Settlements are linked by an intricate network of lanes, bridleways and footpaths.


FG KeyChar:
•	Small streams have eroded picturesque gorges through the sandstone outcrops.  Coastal areas include extensive dune systems such as at Meols.  
•	The area is dominated by the Dee estuary to the south west and the Liverpool bay coast to the north.  Field ponds are found across the area.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Small streams have eroded picturesque gorges through the sandstone outcrops.  Coastal areas include extensive dune systems such as at Meols.  
•	The area is dominated by the Dee estuary to the south west and the Liverpool bay coast to the north.  Field ponds are found across the area.


FG KeyChar:
•	Most field boundaries are marked by clipped hedges, many of which are intermittent and have been replaced by post and wire fences.  In coastal areas, hedges and hedgelines are often characterised by gorse scrub.

Edited_KeyChars:
Clipped, gappy hedges, replaced in areas by post and wire fences
Coastal hedges of gorse scrub


FG KeyChar:
•	Low-lying, undulating landscape underlain by Triassic sandstone overlain by glacial boulder clay.  It is punctuated by numerous low sandstone outcrops.  A dramatic sandstone ridge extends from Bidston hill in the north through Noctorum and Mountwood to Storeton in the south, providing long views over the Dee and Mersey.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Low-lying, undulating landscape underlain by Triassic sandstone overlain by glacial boulder clay.  It is punctuated by numerous low sandstone outcrops.  A dramatic sandstone ridge extends from Bidston hill in the north through Noctorum and Mountwood to Storeton in the south, providing long views over the Dee and Mersey.


JM KeyChar:
•	Characteristic historic landscape features include 18th and 19th century tower mills and mill mounds and large numbers of country house estates based on wealth generated in Liverpool.

Edited_KeyChars:
Many country house estates and  associated parkland
Field ponds across the area


FG KeyChar:
•	Semi-natural habitats include extensive dune systems around Meols and salt marshes and mudflats in the Dee estuary.  Areas of lowland heath are found on the sandstone outcrops with gorse-clad slopes contrasting with the red sandstone rocks.

Edited_KeyChars:
Lowland heath and gorse on sandstone slopes


FG KeyChar:
•	Many towns and villages have expanded to act as dormitory settlements for the nearby urban centres of Birkenhead, Liverpool, Ellesmere Port and Chester.
•	Settlements are linked by an intricate network of lanes, bridleways and footpaths.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Many towns and villages have expanded to act as dormitory settlements for the nearby urban centres of Birkenhead, Liverpool, Ellesmere Port and Chester.
•	Settlements are linked by an intricate network of lanes, bridleways and footpaths.


FG KeyChar:
•	Most woodland in the area is mixed, including a high proportion of pines, particularly in coastal area.  Most woodland is associated with the sandstone ridges or country parks, which are characteristic to the area.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mixed woodland with a high proportion of pines in coastal areas
Most woodland associated with sandstone ridges or country parks


FG KeyChar:
•	To the north of the Mersey, agriculture is dominated by arable farming which, with the poor field boundaries, creates an open, large scale landscape.  To the south of the Mersey mixed arable and dairy farming predominates.  The mosslands are characterised by market gardening with some arable and pastures.

Edited_KeyChars:
North is mainly open arable farming
South is mixed arable and dairy
Mosslands characterised by market gardening


FG KeyChar:
•	The predominant building material is red brick though a number of villages are constructed of sandstone.  Many of the area’s oldest buildings are half timbered, though many of these now lie within larger urban areas.

Edited_KeyChars:
Traditional buildings in red brick
Also some sandstone and older half timbering


FG KeyChar:
•	Inland the Mersey has been widened and channelled to create the Manchester Ship Canal.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Inland the Mersey has been widened and channelled to create the Manchester Ship Canal.


FG KeyChar:
•	The estuary of the River Mersey is a defining element in the landscape, having created the valley landform, the wetland and contributing to the area’s industrial and settlement history.  From many parts of the area, however, the river and its tributaries are not visible.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The estuary of the River Mersey is a defining element in the landscape, having created the valley landform, the wetland and contributing to the area’s industrial and settlement history.  From many parts of the area, however, the river and its tributaries are not visible.


FG KeyChar:
•	Most field boundaries are marked by hedges, many of which are intermittent and have been replaced by post and wire fences.  Field boundaries on the mosses are marked by ditches. Where farmland has been fragmented by industrial or urban development field patterns are becoming fragmented and subject to scrub invasion.

Edited_KeyChars:
Most field boundaries are hedges with gaps
Also ditches on the mosses
Field patterns fragmented


FG KeyChar:
•	The area is underlain by Triassic sandstone which surfaces to the south and east of Runcorn.  Most of the area is overlain with glacial boulder clay, pockets of sand and gravel and, along the valley bottom, estuarine and river alluvium and windblown sand.  Peat has formed in drainage hollows created during the early post glacial period, most common on the western fringes of Manchester.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The area is underlain by Triassic sandstone which surfaces to the south and east of Runcorn.  Most of the area is overlain with glacial boulder clay, pockets of sand and gravel and, along the valley bottom, estuarine and river alluvium and windblown sand.  Peat has formed in drainage hollows created during the early post glacial period, most common on the western fringes of Manchester.


Edited_KeyChars:
Industrial heritage associated with Manchester Ship Canal
History of drainage and reclamation  of mosses
Some parkland


FG KeyChar:
•	Important wetland habitats remain along the estuary shores.

Edited_KeyChars:
Important wetland habitats along the estuary shores
Remnant undrained mosses


FG KeyChar:
•	Ancient heathy woodlands are found on the northern scarp slopes of the Needwood Forest area and in association with patches of lowland heath on the fringes of Cannock Chase to the west.

Edited_KeyChars:
Remnant species-rich grasslands and hay meadows
Occasional areas of heath and former common to the west
Wetlands on the South Derbyshire plateaux


FG KeyChar:
•	The broad, open alluvial floodplains of the Rivers Dove, Blithe and Trent typically have a regular pattern of mixed farmland with few woodlands and large settlements. Related minor river floodplains have a pastoral, enclosed character.
•	Small clustered red brick settlements and hamlets, with densely scattered farmsteads.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The broad, open alluvial floodplains of the Rivers Dove, Blithe and Trent typically have a regular pattern of mixed farmland with few woodlands and large settlements. Related minor river floodplains have a pastoral, enclosed character.
•	Small clustered red brick settlements and hamlets, with densely scattered farmsteads.


FG KeyChar:
•	The poorly drained till plateau has a gently undulating or rolling landform, dissected by narrow streams which flow to the River Dove in the centre of the character area and to the Trent/Blythe rivers to the south and south east.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The poorly drained till plateau has a gently undulating or rolling landform, dissected by narrow streams which flow to the River Dove in the centre of the character area and to the Trent/Blythe rivers to the south and south east.


FG KeyChar:
•	Woodlands are few on the South Derbyshire Claylands and occur only locally at parklands, but the former Needwood Forest has extensive mixed woodland and there are heathy woodlands on the scarp slopes above the River Dove and on the fringes of Cannock Chase in the far west of the character area.  
•	New broadleaf woodland planting associated with the National Forest tree planting programme is significantly increasing the area of broadleaf and mixed woodland in the Needwood Forest area.

Edited_KeyChars:
Few/ small woodlands except in former Needwood Forest area which has extensive mixed woodland
Also heathy woodlands on scarp slopes above River Dove and fringes of Cannock Chase
Mature oak and ash in hedgerows throughout
Carr woodlands and streamside trees, including willow pollards
Remnant traditional orchards


FG KeyChar:
•	Arable farming predominates on the loamy soils of the river terraces, with relatively large fields; pastures and grass leys are more commonly located along the alluvial river floodplains, where the soils are poor draining and subject to frequent flooding.

Edited_KeyChars:
Arable farming most common on the river terraces
Wet pastures along the river floodplains


FG KeyChar:
•	Transport routes and urban development are a major feature of all the valleys and the major power stations along the Soar and the Trent dominate the wider landscape.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Transport routes and urban development are a major feature of all the valleys and the major power stations along the Soar and the Trent dominate the wider landscape.


FG KeyChar:
•	The Rivers Blithe, Dove, Derwent and Erewash all drain into the Trent from the north and the Tame, Mease and Soar enter from the south.  The Dove, which flows from the Peak District, increases the river volume by 40%.  
•	The open washlands fulfil a vital floodwater catchment role.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The Rivers Blithe, Dove, Derwent and Erewash all drain into the Trent from the north and the Tame, Mease and Soar enter from the south.  The Dove, which flows from the Peak District, increases the river volume by 40%.  
•	The open washlands fulfil a vital floodwater catchment role.


FG KeyChar:
•	Hedgerows are low, sparse and often well trimmed on the slightly elevated river terraces where they divide large arable fields, but there are also stretches of permanent pasture, where dense, overgrown hedgerows enclose small riverside meadows.
•	There are few hedgerow trees and those on the terraces are typically stag-headed and in poor condition; hedgerow ash and willow trees occur sporadically in pastoral areas.

Edited_KeyChars:
Generally medium to large regular fields, smaller near settlements
Hedgerows low, sparse and trimmed on elevated terraces
Denser hedgerows around low-lying pastures and meadows


FG KeyChar:
•	These are flat, wide valleys, contained by gentle side slopes, with wide rivers flowing on alluvial floodplains between terraces of sand and gravel.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	These are flat, wide valleys, contained by gentle side slopes, with wide rivers flowing on alluvial floodplains between terraces of sand and gravel.


JM KeyChar:
•	Evidence of prehistoric settlement and ceremonial sites is visible as cropmarks along Trent terraces.

Edited_KeyChars:
Evidence of prehistoric settlement and ceremonial sites along Trent terraces
Some ridge and furrow near settlements
Open water (arising from gravel extraction)


FG KeyChar:
•	There are patches of unimproved grassland and rush pasture on river floodplains and open water (arising from gravel extraction) provides some wetland habitat.

Edited_KeyChars:
Patches of unimproved grassland and rush pasture on river floodplains
Flood meadows in the Soar valley


FG KeyChar:
•	There is very limited woodland cover, although in places the full growth of riparian trees and shrubs give an impression of woodland cover.
•	There are few hedgerow trees and those on the terraces are typically stag-headed and in poor condition; hedgerow ash and willow trees occur sporadically in pastoral areas.
•	Riparian vegetation is generally more consistent and prominent, with pollarded willows, ash, poplar and alder marking the locations of streams, dykes and rivers, as well as areas of open water arising from worked-out, flooded gravel pits.

JM KeyChar:
Replace with:
•	Woodland cover is relatively sparse, often limited to the pastoral riparian areas where black poplar, pollard willow, alder and withy beds attest to a rural resource no longer managed.

Edited_KeyChars:
Tree and woodland cover relatively sparse
Distinctive riparian black poplar, pollard willow, alder and withy beds
Few hedgerow trees, often in poor condition


FG KeyChar:
•	This is an area of mixed farming, with large open arable fields on the broader plateaux and small-scale pastures with more irregular shapes and some historic hedgerow boundaries on heavier soils, steep slopes and around settlements.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mixed farming
Arable fields on the plateaux
Small scale pastures on heavier soils and steep slopes


FG KeyChar:
•	Traditional buildings are of brick with pantile roofs, with some limestone in are area around Breedon.  The area has a cluster of imposing country houses including Calke Abbey, Langley Priory, Garendon Park with estate villages such as Calke and Ticknall and many large red brick estate farmsteads.

Edited_KeyChars:
Traditional buildings of brick with pantile roofs, with some limestone
Many large red brick estate farmsteads


FG KeyChar:
•	Most of the clustered red brick villages retain a rural character, but those close to the River Trent valley, including Melbourne, Repton and Castle Donington are larger and Castle Donington is the site of the East Midlands Airport.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Most of the clustered red brick villages retain a rural character, but those close to the River Trent valley, including Melbourne, Repton and Castle Donington are larger and Castle Donington is the site of the East Midlands Airport.


FG KeyChar:
•	The minor streams flowing northwards into the Rivers Trent and Soar have narrow floodplains, but are often prominent in the wider landscape as they are fringed by a ribbon of willow and alder.
•	Several valleys have been dammed to form large reservoirs as at Foremark and Staunton Harold.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The minor streams flowing northwards into the Rivers Trent and Soar have narrow floodplains, but are often prominent in the wider landscape as they are fringed by a ribbon of willow and alder.
•	Several valleys have been dammed to form large reservoirs as at Foremark and Staunton Harold.


FG KeyChar:
•	Hedgerows are generally low and well trimmed where they surround large arable fields on shallow slopes, and dense with many scattered hedgerow trees where they enclose permanent pasture or mixed farmland on steep slopes and heavier soils.
•	This is an area of mixed farming, with large open arable fields on the broader plateaux and small-scale pastures with more irregular shapes and some historic hedgerow boundaries on heavier soils, steep slopes and around settlements.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mainly medium/large regular arable fields bounded by low, well trimmed hedgerows
Small, irregular pasture fields in places with denser hedges


FG KeyChar:
•	The area has a complex underlying geology, with outcrops of limestone, Millstone Grit and sandstone. It has a steeply undulating landform dissected by minor river valleys which drain northwards towards the Rivers Trent and Soar.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The area has a complex underlying geology, with outcrops of limestone, Millstone Grit and sandstone. It has a steeply undulating landform dissected by minor river valleys which drain northwards towards the Rivers Trent and Soar.


FG KeyChar:
•	Extensive designed parkland landscapes and houses with woodlands, parkland trees, avenues and estate buildings are a dominant influence throughout the character area.

Edited_KeyChars:
Extensive designed parkland landscapes with woodlands and parkland trees
Remnant deer park and ancient oak trees


FG KeyChar:
•	Where pasture prevails, particularly in areas of parkland, there are extensive areas of unimproved pasture and remnant acid grassland and heathy scrub and woodland are found on some of the steep, undulating sandstone slopes.

Edited_KeyChars:
Remnant acid grassland
Patches of gorse and bracken on slopes


FG KeyChar:
•	Extensive designed parkland landscapes and houses with woodlands, parkland trees, avenues and estate buildings are a dominant influence throughout the character area.
•	Most of the clustered red brick villages retain a rural character, but those close to the River Trent valley, including Melbourne, Repton and Castle Donington are larger and Castle Donington is the site of the East Midlands Airport.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Extensive designed parkland landscapes and houses with woodlands, parkland trees, avenues and estate buildings are a dominant influence throughout the character area.
•	Most of the clustered red brick villages retain a rural character, but those close to the River Trent valley, including Melbourne, Repton and Castle Donington are larger and Castle Donington is the site of the East Midlands Airport.


FG KeyChar:
•	Extensive estate mixed woodlands and new woodland planting associated with the National Forest. Away from the estates, woodlands generally occur as small game coverts and tree belts; many are prominently sited on ridgetops.

Edited_KeyChars:
Extensive mixed estate woodlands, tree groups and avenues, including ancient trees
Small game coverts and tree belts
Also ancient woodland sites in the lowlands
Scattered oak/ash hedgerow trees
Riparian willow and alder


FG KeyChar:
•	The farmland is in mixed arable and pasture use; where arable predominates, some fields have been enlarged and the diverse landscape pattern is eroded.  There is a wide variation in field pattern, with many irregular fields interspersed with areas of parliamentary enclosure with geometric shaped fields.


FG KeyChar:
•	The area has a strong industrial heritage, with the Ashby Canal, Moira Furnace and many tramways, miner’s cottages and old brick buildings, but there are no significant historic landscape features.


FG KeyChar:
•	The coalfield forms part of the watershed between the Rivers Mease and Sence to the south and the River Soar to the east, with numerous small brooks draining the undulating plateau.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The coalfield forms part of the watershed between the Rivers Mease and Sence to the south and the River Soar to the east, with numerous small brooks draining the undulating plateau.


FG KeyChar:
•	Much of the farmland retains its former character of sparse, low hedgerows with few hedgerow trees, but this pattern is changing as the hedgerow structure is strengthened through new planting.
•	The farmland is in mixed arable and pasture use; where arable predominates, some fields have been enlarged and the diverse landscape pattern is eroded.  There is a wide variation in field pattern, with many irregular fields interspersed with areas of parliamentary enclosure with geometric shaped fields.

Edited_KeyChars:
Wide variation in field patterns
Enlarged, regular arable fields with sparse, low, hedgerows
Also areas of smaller, irregular hedged fields
Some stone walls


FG KeyChar:
•	Bands of sandstone, mudstone and coal measures combine to form a gently undulating plateau of ridges and shallow valleys.  The topography becomes increasingly shallow towards the south, where there are thick deposits of glacial till.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Bands of sandstone, mudstone and coal measures combine to form a gently undulating plateau of ridges and shallow valleys.  The topography becomes increasingly shallow towards the south, where there are thick deposits of glacial till.


Edited_KeyChars:
Strong industrial heritage associated with coal mining since medieval period and canals
Some parkland and estates


FG KeyChar:
•	Some derelict sites which have been colonised by scrub and secondary woodland have become valuable for nature conservation.  Elsewhere there are remnants of acid grassland over sandstone in the more nutrient rich valleys.

Edited_KeyChars:
Remnants of acid grassland over sandstone in valleys


FG KeyChar:
•	Prominent settlements with extensive recent housing estates surrounding most mining villages.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Prominent settlements with extensive recent housing estates surrounding most mining villages.


FG KeyChar:
•	Planting associated with the National Forest is beginning to transform the character of the landscape from one of open farmland and prominent mineral workings to farmland with significant blocks of woodland, numerous copses and a network of hedgerows with groups of hedgerow trees.
•	Scrub and secondary woodland are commonplace on derelict land and along rail and road embankments.
•	Prominent small ribbons of woodland line many of the small stream valleys.

Edited_KeyChars:
Woodlands and copses on former mineral workings (National Forest)
Scrub and secondary woodland on derelict land
Ribbons of woodland along small stream valleys
Mature hedgerow trees


FG KeyChar:
•	On steeper ground and heavier clays the land is less intensively farmed and arable and pasture are mixed.  Here hedgerows are more substantial, hedgerow trees more frequent and there is some permanent pasture.

Edited_KeyChars:
Agricultural use mainly arable, with areas of improved permanent pasture
Some areas of seasonally waterlogged rush pasture


FG KeyChar:
•	Small villages on rising land with red brick buildings and spired churches are often prominent landscape features and isolated large 19th century red brick farmsteads are also conspicuous.

Edited_KeyChars:
Isolated large 19th century brick farmsteads


FG KeyChar:
•	The majority of the farmland retains the strongly rectilinear pattern of low hedgerows imposed during the 18th and 19th century enclosures.  This is complemented by scattered hedgerow trees, copses and spinneys on ridgelines and occasional groups of trees along rivers and streams.
•	On steeper ground and heavier clays the land is less intensively farmed and arable and pasture are mixed.  Here hedgerows are more substantial, hedgerow trees more frequent and there is some permanent pasture.
•	Areas of ridge and furrow and deserted settlements are found occasionally throughout the area.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mainly rectilinear patterns of parliamentary enclosure with low hawthorn hedges
Smaller fields and older more substantial hedgerows on steeper ground and heavier clays


FG KeyChar:
•	The character area is underlain by the Triassic Mercia Mudstones, which give rise to productive clay soils; outcrops of sandstone extend across the area southwards and westwards, supporting well drained sandy soils and ensuring good arable productivity.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The character area is underlain by the Triassic Mercia Mudstones, which give rise to productive clay soils; outcrops of sandstone extend across the area southwards and westwards, supporting well drained sandy soils and ensuring good arable productivity.


FG KeyChar:
•	The estuary of the River Mersey is a defining element in the landscape, having created the valley landform, the wetland and contributing to the area’s industrial and settlement history.  From many parts of the area, however, the river and its tributaries are not visible.
•	Settlements, including Ellesmere Port, Warrington, Runcorn and Widnes, reflect the area’s industrial character, with docks, chemical and oil refineries and extensive urban and suburban areas.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The estuary of the River Mersey is a defining element in the landscape, having created the valley landform, the wetland and contributing to the area’s industrial and settlement history.  From many parts of the area, however, the river and its tributaries are not visible.
•	Settlements, including Ellesmere Port, Warrington, Runcorn and Widnes, reflect the area’s industrial character, with docks, chemical and oil refineries and extensive urban and suburban areas.


FG KeyChar:
•	This is a relatively unwooded landscape with some trees along field boundaries, watercourses and ditches and, particularly in the east, isolated woodland blocks.

Edited_KeyChars:
Trees limited to field boundaries, watercourses, ditches and isolated woodland blocks in the east
Field boundary trees important in landscape


FG KeyChar:
•	The area is dominated by dairy farming although more arable is found in the north and south-east.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mainly pastoral dairy or mixed farming
More arable in the north and south-east
Remnant wet grasslands


FG KeyChar:
•	Buildings are predominantly red brick, with sandstone churches and occasional very distinctive black and white half-timbered buildings.

Edited_KeyChars:
Buildings mainly red brick, with sandstone churches
Distinctive 15th-17th century black and white timber-frame houses


FG KeyChar:
•	Mosses, meres and small ponds are found throughout the area.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Mosses, meres and small ponds are found throughout the area.


FG KeyChar:
•	Strong field patterns are defined by hedgerows, often with dense, mature hedgerow trees.

Edited_KeyChars:
Strong patterns of hedged fields, sometimes ancient and irregular in form
Also some ditches and drainage channels in river valleys


FG KeyChar:
•	Most of the area is underlain by glacial deposits of clay, sand and gravel.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Most of the area is underlain by glacial deposits of clay, sand and gravel.


JM KeyChar:
•	Historic landscape features include major Roman settlements at Chester and Wroxeter (south east of Shrewsbury); salt workings around Northwich and Middlewich; and 15th-17th century timber-frame houses.

Edited_KeyChars:
Major Roman settlements at Chester and Wroxeter
Salt workings around Northwich and Middlewich
Many small ponds (former brick and marl pits)
Areas of mature parkland


FG KeyChar:
•	Settlement is sparse with large farmsteads regularly spaced throughout, and dispersed hamlets.
•	The area contains the County towns of Shrewsbury, Chester and Stafford and many other settlements including Macclesfield, Northwich, Congleton, Crewe, Whitchurch, Oswestry, Telford and Stone.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Settlement is sparse with large farmsteads regularly spaced throughout, and dispersed hamlets.
•	The area contains the County towns of Shrewsbury, Chester and Stafford and many other settlements including Macclesfield, Northwich, Congleton, Crewe, Whitchurch, Oswestry, Telford and Stone.


FG KeyChar:
•	This area is an extensive, gently rolling pastoral plain that is interrupted by sandstone ridges.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	This area is an extensive, gently rolling pastoral plain that is interrupted by sandstone ridges.


FG KeyChar:
•	There are small copses and clumps of trees around meres and ponds.
•	Occasional small broadleaved or mixed woodlands cloak the slopes of the sandstone ridges and some wet areas with heavy soils.

Edited_KeyChars:
Small copses and clumps of trees around meres and ponds
Small broadleaved or mixed woodlands on slopes of sandstone ridges and on heavy ground
Often dense mature hedgerow tree cover
Occasional traditional orchards


FG KeyChar:
•	The farmland is predominantly associated with dairy farming, although some arable is found on gentler slopes.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mainly dairy farming
Some arable on gentler slopes


FG KeyChar:
•	Red brick is the dominant building material, together with some local sandstone.

Edited_KeyChars:
Traditional buildings mainly of red brick, with some local sandstone


FG KeyChar:
•	Small ponds are associated with the lower ground.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Small ponds are associated with the lower ground.


FG KeyChar:
•	There is a regular pattern of hedged fields, with scattered mature hedgerow trees.


FG KeyChar:
•	This area forms a prominent, steep-sided sandstone ridge rising from the Cheshire Plain.
•	To the east, the lower slopes of the ridge are cloaked in deposits of glacial sand and gravel.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	This area forms a prominent, steep-sided sandstone ridge rising from the Cheshire Plain.
•	To the east, the lower slopes of the ridge are cloaked in deposits of glacial sand and gravel.


FG KeyChar:
•	Remains of forts and castles are found along the ridge-top.

JM KeyChar:
•	Extensive prehistoric features, including hillforts and ancient field systems, as well as many medieval moated sites, motte and bailey and stone-built castles characterise this landscape.  Remains of forts and castles are concentrated along the ridge-top.

Edited_KeyChars:
Many prehistoric features, including hillforts and ancient field systems
Medieval moated sites, motte and bailey and stone-built castles
Remains of forts and castles along the ridge-top
Small ponds are associated with the lower ground


FG KeyChar:
•	There are small patches of heathland along the ridge top and many remnants of heathland vegetation across the area.

Edited_KeyChars:
Remnant heathland across the area, especially on the ridge top
Small remnants of species-rich grasslands and grazing marsh on lower ground


FG KeyChar:
•	Remains of forts and castles are found along the ridge-top.
•	There is a dispersed settlement pattern of scattered farms and small villages.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Remains of forts and castles are found along the ridge-top.
•	There is a dispersed settlement pattern of scattered farms and small villages.


FG KeyChar:
•	This area forms a prominent, steep-sided sandstone ridge rising from the Cheshire Plain.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	This area forms a prominent, steep-sided sandstone ridge rising from the Cheshire Plain.


FG KeyChar:
•	There are frequent mixed woodlands along the ridge slopes and on the lower ground towards Northwich.

Edited_KeyChars:
Frequent mixed woodlands along ridge slopes and on  lower ground towards Northwich
Scope for new woodland planting (Cheshire Landscape Assessment)
Mature hedgerow trees


FG KeyChar:
•	Pasture is the dominant land use on the higher ground, with mixed, more intensive agriculture on the foothills to the east.

Edited_KeyChars:
Pasture dominant on higher ground
Mixed, more intensive agriculture on foothills to east


FG KeyChar:
•	Traditionally the buildings are of local stone with slate roofs, and occasionally whitewashed.

Edited_KeyChars:
Traditional buildings of local stone with slate roofs, occasionally whitewashed


FG KeyChar:
•	The hills are dissected by narrow, steep-sided valleys, with larger rivers (the Ceiriog and the Tanat) flowing west to east across the north and south of the area.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The hills are dissected by narrow, steep-sided valleys, with larger rivers (the Ceiriog and the Tanat) flowing west to east across the north and south of the area.


FG KeyChar:
•	An irregular field pattern with species-rich hedgerows is found across much of the area, though it is more regular in the north-west where it is of relatively late enclosure.

Edited_KeyChars:
Irregular field patterns and species-rich hedgerows across much of the area
Patterns more regular and hedges low and trimmed in the north-west where enclosures later


FG KeyChar:
•	Flat topped hills, mostly of limestone, with steep slopes form a band across the western half of the area giving way to gentler foothills and the Shropshire Plain to the east.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Flat topped hills, mostly of limestone, with steep slopes form a band across the western half of the area giving way to gentler foothills and the Shropshire Plain to the east.


FG KeyChar:
•	Small pasture fields and commons tend to be prevalent in the west whilst in the east agriculture is more intensive; with arable, fruit growing and market gardening.

Edited_KeyChars:
Pasture and stock rearing predominate on the floodplain and on steeper slopes
A mixture of livestock rearing, arable, market gardening and hop growing elsewhere
Small pasture fields and commons  prevalent in the west
Along the main rivers, floodplain grazing marsh is prevalent


FG KeyChar:
•	Settlements are characterised by timber frame and red brick buildings with elegant spired churches, whilst stone is used for larger houses.

Edited_KeyChars:
Settlements are characterised by timber frame and red brick buildings with elegant spired churches, whilst stone is used for larger houses


Edited_KeyChars:
At the mouth of the Severn, the broad estuary and floodplain dominate the landscape with areas of salt marsh
Inland the floodplain narrows but river and wetland features remain a unifying influence within this large and complex area.


FG KeyChar:
•	The M5, large settlements such as Cheltenham and Gloucester, Avonmouth and riverside power stations are prominent features in the landscape.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The M5, large settlements such as Cheltenham and Gloucester, Avonmouth and riverside power stations are prominent features in the landscape.


FG KeyChar:
•	Whilst fields on the floodplains are divided by ditches with willow pollards and alders, elsewhere there is a regular pattern of parliamentary enclosure with hawthorn hedges and infrequent hedgerow trees.

Edited_KeyChars:
Fields on the floodplains are divided by ditches (called rhines south of Gloucester) with willow pollards and alders
Elsewhere there is a regular pattern of parliamentary enclosure with hawthorn and elm hedges, cut low 
Localised areas of small irregular field pattern with dense species-rich hedgerows


FG KeyChar:
•	Soils range from poor, wet soils on Mercia mudstones in the west to heavy fertile soils of Lias Clay in the east with terrace gravels flanking the edges of watercourses.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Soils range from poor, wet soils on Mercia mudstones in the west to heavy fertile soils of Lias Clay in the east with terrace gravels flanking the edges of watercourses.


FG KeyChar:
•	Extensive prehistoric activity has left remains of standing stones and hillforts, areas of ridge and furrow from the cultivation of early fields, old sea walls and designed parklands and estates such as Croome, Westbury, Overbury and Hindlip.

Edited_KeyChars:
Extensive evidence of prehistoric activity
Ridge and furrow and earthworks evident
Number of designed parklands and estates a key characteristic


FG KeyChar:
•	There are significant areas of unimproved meadow and neutral grassland along the main rivers with fragments of calcareous grassland on higher ground.

Edited_KeyChars:
Significant areas of unimproved meadow and neutral grassland along the main rivers 
Fragments of calcareous and acidic grasslands on higher ground
Important areas of semi-natural habitat are associated with commonland  in the west of the NCA 
Remnant wetland habitats found within river valleys


FG KeyChar:
•	Although the Character Area is dominated by towns and nucleated villages; many of which lie along the rivers, to the west settlements are dispersed in nature, linked by a network of lanes leading to the River Severn.  
•	The M5, large settlements such as Cheltenham and Gloucester, Avonmouth and riverside power stations are prominent features in the landscape.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Although the Character Area is dominated by towns and nucleated villages; many of which lie along the rivers, to the west settlements are dispersed in nature, linked by a network of lanes leading to the River Severn.  
•	The M5, large settlements such as Cheltenham and Gloucester, Avonmouth and riverside power stations are prominent features in the landscape.


FG KeyChar:
•	A diverse range of flat and gently undulating landscapes, united by the Avon and Severn river valleys.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	A diverse range of flat and gently undulating landscapes, united by the Avon and Severn river valleys.


FG KeyChar:
•	Tree cover is limited and the landscape is strongly affected by the presence or absence of hedgerows trees and the survival of older orchards many of which have been replaced by cultivated bush forms surrounded by poplar shelterbelts.
•	Ash and oak dominate ancient woodlands and the remains of parks on higher ground.  Little tree cover is evident alongside the rivers.

Edited_KeyChars:
Ash and oak dominate ancient woodlands on higher ground
Overall tree cover is strongly affected by the presence or absence of hedgerows trees and the survival of older orchards, many of which have been replaced by cultivated bush forms surrounded by poplar shelterbelts
Floodplains are divided by ditches with willow pollards and alders


FG KeyChar:
•	Much of the high ground of the plateaux is arable.  Pasture is predominant in the valleys, at least on the steeper slopes.  Meadows and tree-lined watercourses are found along the valley bottoms.

Edited_KeyChars:
Arable land on high ground of plateaux
Pasture in valleys and steeper slopes, including areas of rough pasture
Parkland grazing
Wet meadows in valley bottoms


FG KeyChar:
•	The honey-coloured Cotswold stone from local quarries is used in buildings, with little variety in styles across the Character Area giving the area a strong sense of unity for which the area is renowned.

Edited_KeyChars:
Traditional buildings of Cotswold stone from local quarries, giving strong sense of unity


FG KeyChar:
•	Steeply-incised stream and river valleys cut through the north-west facing scarp, flowing westwards towards the Severn.  The streams and rivers of the dip slope provide the headwaters of the Thames and flow eastward within broad shallow valleys.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Steeply-incised stream and river valleys cut through the north-west facing scarp, flowing westwards towards the Severn.  The streams and rivers of the dip slope provide the headwaters of the Thames and flow eastward within broad shallow valleys.


FG KeyChar:
•	Limestone walls, constructed from the local honey-coloured stone, form characteristic field boundaries on the higher land.  Hedges are also commonly used, particularly in the valleys.

Edited_KeyChars:
Local honey-coloured limestone walls on higher land / the plateaux
Hedges also common, particularly in valleys and on the dip slope


FG KeyChar:
•	Parkland estates are also a highly characteristic feature with significant blocks of woodland.
•	Iron Age hillforts and Roman roads form prominent features – the Foss Way runs the full length of the area.

Edited_KeyChars:
Iron Age hillforts and Roman roads form prominent features
Ancient earthworks often at risk from agriculture
Parkland estates very characteristic, mature trees in need of renewal


FG KeyChar:
•	Semi-natural habitats include unimproved limestone grassland and wet meadows with alder and willow carr.  Woodlands on the flat plateaux tops contain a wide range of calciole shrubs and ground flora.

Edited_KeyChars:
Unimproved limestone grassland/ commons on ridgetop
Wide range of calciole shrubs and ground flora
Valley bottoms including species-rich grassland and grazed water meadows
Marshes and wet meadows vulnerable to drainage


FG KeyChar:
•	The principal towns - Bath, Stroud and Cirencester – lie on the edge of the area.  Small towns and villages lie at the scarp foot, in the valley bottoms or on the gentler valley sides.  Small hamlets and isolated farmsteads are found on the higher ground.  Settlements are linked by a complex network of roads.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The principal towns - Bath, Stroud and Cirencester – lie on the edge of the area.  Small towns and villages lie at the scarp foot, in the valley bottoms or on the gentler valley sides.  Small hamlets and isolated farmsteads are found on the higher ground.  Settlements are linked by a complex network of roads.


FG KeyChar:
•	The dominant pattern of the Cotswolds landscape is of a steep scarp and long, rolling dip slope cut into a series of plateaux.
•	Within this landscape is a great variety of landform, and a number of distinct landscapes can be seen, from the western scarp face through to the more gently rolling plateaux of the high wolds and valleys to the east.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The dominant pattern of the Cotswolds landscape is of a steep scarp and long, rolling dip slope cut into a series of plateaux.
•	Within this landscape is a great variety of landform, and a number of distinct landscapes can be seen, from the western scarp face through to the more gently rolling plateaux of the high wolds and valleys to the east.


FG KeyChar:
•	The beech woodlands on the scarp slopes are an important landscape feature.  Other areas of woodland are concentrated on the upper slopes of the valleys and on the flat plateaux tops.  
•	Parkland estates are also a highly characteristic feature with significant blocks of woodland.

Edited_KeyChars:
Characteristic scarp slope beech woodlands
Other woodlands on upper valley and flat plateau tops
Parkland estates with significant blocks of woodland and infield trees
Well-treed hedgerows in the valleys
Tree-lined watercourses with alder and willow carr
Traditional orchards around farmsteads and in valleys


FG KeyChar:
•	Mainly pastoral dominated by stock rearing with some arable farmland particularly the Vale of White Horse, plus unimproved hay meadows on drier areas and wet meadows along the river terraces.
•	Otmoor with its chequerboard patchwork of small pasture and arable fields bound by elm hedgerows is distinctive.

Edited_KeyChars:
Pastoral stock rearing, especially to the north of the Midvale Ridge with some areas of rough pasture
Extensive areas under arable production, especially Vale of White Horse
Wet meadows along river terraces


FG KeyChar:
•	Predominantly brick buildings, with plain tile roofs reflecting use of local clay as a building material.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mainly brick buildings with plain tile roofs of local clay


FG KeyChar:
•	Drained by a network of rivers and streams including the upper Thames and tributaries. Substantial areas of open water to the west.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Drained by a network of rivers and streams including the upper Thames and tributaries. Substantial areas of open water to the west.


FG KeyChar:
•	Variable field boundaries with network of thick hedgerows with oak and ash trees on drier gravel terraces, ditches on lower wetland areas, plus lines of willow pollards.

Edited_KeyChars:
Large geometric fields dominate, significant areas of hedgerow loss
Network of thick hedgerows on drier gravel terraces
Ditches on lower wetland areas
Otmoor distinctive patchwork of small fields with elm hedgerows


FG KeyChar:
•	Broad belt of open, flat to gently undulating lowland farmland on clay containing a variety of contrasting landscapes.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Broad belt of open, flat to gently undulating lowland farmland on clay containing a variety of contrasting landscapes.


FG KeyChar:
•	Significant visible archaeological features including Roman Roads, ancient field systems including ridge and furrow, plus evidence of early settlements preserved on gravels.  The Icknield Way, a prehistoric trackway runs along foot of chalk scarp.
•	Extensive areas of flooded gravel workings around Cotswold Water Park.

Edited_KeyChars:
Features include Roman roads, ancient field systems, ridge and furrow and evidence of early settlements on gravels
Icknield Way, a prehistoric trackway, along foot of chalk scarp
Parkland a characteristic at the foot of the chalk scarp


FG KeyChar:
•	Important semi natural habitats include open water and floodplains with their  watercourses, willow fringes and pollards.

Edited_KeyChars:
Open water (flooded gravel workings) eg Cotswold Water Park
Semi-natural waterside grassland and grazing marsh (increasingly rare)
Unimproved hay meadows on drier areas of the river corridors


FG KeyChar:
•	Settlement pattern comprises villages located on rising land at edges of the area and on raised gravel deposits within the floodplain (e.g. City of Oxford). Elsewhere settlement is sparse.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Settlement pattern comprises villages located on rising land at edges of the area and on raised gravel deposits within the floodplain (e.g. City of Oxford). Elsewhere settlement is sparse.


FG KeyChar:
•	Woodlands generally scarce, occasional coniferous shelterbelts around settlements on higher gravel terraces.
•	Variable field boundaries with network of thick hedgerows with oak and ash trees on drier gravel terraces, ditches on lower wetland areas, plus lines of willow pollards.

Edited_KeyChars:
Woodlands generally scarce
Some more wooded areas in west associated with the Forest of Bernwood
Hedgerow oak and ash on drier gravel terraces including in the Aylesbury Vale
Area has suffered from extensive hedgerow tree loss with Dutch elm disease
Lines of willow pollards along water courses.   Black poplar a distinctive features of the Aylesbury Vale
Orchards a feature around Alysbury (the Aylsbury plum) and Harwell


FG KeyChar:
•	The agricultural land includes a mix of both arable and pasture.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mix of arable and pasture, with arable dominating on lower slopes and pasture on higher ground


FG KeyChar:
•	Stone buildings are typically of local limestone roofed in plain red tiles or thatch.

Edited_KeyChars:
In the east, stone buildings, typically of local limestone with red tiles or thatch common as roofing materials
In the west, stone walls are derived either from the local rubbly Cornbrash or Corallian limestone, with roofs generally of stone slates
Windmills are distinctive landmarks throughout the area


FG KeyChar:
•	At Oxford the upper Thames carves a steep valley between the limestone hills.  Otherwise very little dissection by rivers along the ridge.  To the east streams and springs drain the lower slopes of the limestone hills.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	At Oxford the upper Thames carves a steep valley between the limestone hills.  Otherwise very little dissection by rivers along the ridge.  To the east streams and springs drain the lower slopes of the limestone hills.


FG KeyChar:
•	Generally large geometric fields divided by regular pattern of hedgerows and hedgerow trees, although a local pattern of small fields surrounds hilltop villages.

Edited_KeyChars:
Generally large geometric fields divided by regular pattern of hedgerows, many low or neglected and gappy
Local pattern of small fields near hilltop villages


FG KeyChar:
•	Moderately elevated irregular limestone ridge giving way to a series of isolated steep-side tabular hills in the east, rising above the surrounding clay vales.
•	The limestone is overlain in places by clay and on higher parts of the ridge by Greensand.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Moderately elevated irregular limestone ridge giving way to a series of isolated steep-side tabular hills in the east, rising above the surrounding clay vales.
•	The limestone is overlain in places by clay and on higher parts of the ridge by Greensand.


FG KeyChar:
•	There area is important for survival of medieval ridge and furrow and the associated remains of deserted settlements.
•	Visual historic associations with a number of designed parklands.

Edited_KeyChars:
The area is important for the survival of medieval ridge and furrow and the associated remains of deserted settlements 
Visible archaeological features dating from early Roman settlement are prominent feature on higher ground
Parklands are a characteristic feature within Oxfordshire


FG KeyChar:
•	Important semi-natural habitats include the extensive areas of ancient woodland, including coppice with standards, plus small areas of limestone grassland and isolated patches of heath and acid grassland on the Greensand.

Edited_KeyChars:
Fragmented but rare and important semi-natural habitats, including acid grassland, calcareous fens and flushes,  and calcareous grass heaths particularly around Frilford and Cothill.


FG KeyChar:
•	Small villages perched high up on spurs, hilltops and ridges.  Hilltop villages are often focussed around a village green and church.  Also, in Oxfordshire, small springline villages.
•	A network of winding sunken lanes connects the villages.  
•	Expanding urban centres are at Swindon, to the western end of the ridge, and Oxford.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Small villages perched high up on spurs, hilltops and ridges.  Hilltop villages are often focussed around a village green and church.  Also, in Oxfordshire, small springline villages.
•	A network of winding sunken lanes connects the villages.  
•	Expanding urban centres are at Swindon, to the western end of the ridge, and Oxford.


FG KeyChar:
•	Traditional buildings are constructed in chert, cob, flint or brick roofed in thatch, tile or slate, while older buildings in coastal locations are colour washed.

Edited_KeyChars:
Traditional buildings in chert, cob, flint or brick roofed in thatch, tile or slate
Older buildings in coastal locations colour washed


FG KeyChar:
•	To the south the coastline is defined by unstable cliffs, irregular headlands and estuaries.

Edited_KeyChars:
Unstable cliffs, irregular headlands and estuaries
Extensive coastal salt marshes at mouth of Axe


Edited_KeyChars:
The Exe and Teign estuaries have extensive reedbeds and saltmarsh, with sandunes at their mouth


FG KeyChar:
•	Mixed farming predominates but as the land rises northwards to the Culm, pasture becomes more widespread and the Redland soils disappear.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mixed farming predominates with more pasture in the north
Remnant wet grasslands and rush pasture within river valleys
Marginal areas of rough grassland


FG KeyChar:
•	Cob, red sandstone and thatch rural buildings are distinctive to the area.
•	Linhays – open-fronted animal shelters of timber frame or stone – are a feature.

Edited_KeyChars:
Cob and red sandstone construction with thatch characterise rural dwellings 
Longhouses and cross passage houses characteristic
Linhay animal shelters are distinctive of the area


FG KeyChar:
•	Extensive urban development, coastal resorts, roads and railways are found on the lower valleys and coast.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Extensive urban development, coastal resorts, roads and railways are found on the lower valleys and coast.


FG KeyChar:
•	Much of the area is characterised by winding sunken lanes, irregular field patterns and varied hedgebanks, often rich in wildflowers.
•	The lower floodplain and coastal landscapes, by contrast, have large, open arable fields and low-cut hedges.

Edited_KeyChars:
Floodplain and coastal landscapes have large open fields with lowcut hedges
Irregular field pattern with flower rich hedgebanks elsewhere


FG KeyChar:
•	Soils derived from red sandstone give this area its name.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Soils derived from red sandstone give this area its name.


FG KeyChar:
•	Large parks and manor houses occur near the towns.

Edited_KeyChars:
Bronze Age barrows  found on the Haldon Hills and a number of Iron Age hill forts, such as at Stoke Hill
Parkland and estate planting associated with manor houses


FG KeyChar:
•	The Exe and Teign estuaries have extensive reedbeds, saltmarshes and sand dunes.

Edited_KeyChars:
Estuarine habitats: reedbeds and marshes
Land in the west of the NCA rises to the flat, flint-topped Haldon Hills with some remnant lowland heath
Remnant areas of species-rich and Culm grassland


FG KeyChar:
•	Large parks and manor houses occur near the towns.
•	Settlement is mainly dispersed farmsteads and hamlets; villages are often of medieval origin and layout.
•	Extensive urban development, coastal resorts, roads and railways are found on the lower valleys and coast.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Large parks and manor houses occur near the towns.
•	Settlement is mainly dispersed farmsteads and hamlets; villages are often of medieval origin and layout.
•	Extensive urban development, coastal resorts, roads and railways are found on the lower valleys and coast.


FG KeyChar:
•	Steep-sided valleys with wide floodplains cut through the hilly landscape, the hills gradually decreasing in height toward the coast.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Steep-sided valleys with wide floodplains cut through the hilly landscape, the hills gradually decreasing in height toward the coast.


FG KeyChar:
•	Large woodlands are confined mainly to the steep valley sides.
•	Elsewhere, particularly in the upper valleys, small, irregular, broadleaved woodlands and copses may give a strong sense of enclosure.
•	East of the Exe the land rises to dry, open heathland with gorse, scattered pine, wind-trimmed beech and wooded ridges.
•	West of the Exe the conifer plantations and heathland of the Haldon Hills rise high above the valleys.
•	In the lower valleys there are open flood meadows with little tree cover.

Edited_KeyChars:
Large woodlands on valley sides with small broadleaved woodland in the upper valleys
Hedgerow trees and small copses often give a wooded appearance to the hills
Scattered field trees in more open landscapes including riverside trees marking the line of water courses


FG KeyChar:
•	Pasture (dairying, beef cattle (traditionally including Devon Reds) and sheep) is the dominant land use and there are significant areas of semi-natural vegetation.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mosaic of improved and unimproved grassland
Also significant areas of arable
Significant areas of semi-natural vegetation including areas of the highly characteristic Culm grassland

 (Culm grassland occurs as patches on common and unimproved land.  It describes damp unimproved grasslands that are found overlying the Culm Measures and  incorporates a diverse range of vegetation communities from mire, fen, swamp and wet heath vegetation communities.  As it is classified with the BAP Habitat for purple moor grass and rush pasture it is considered here (under wet grassland), although aspects of its vegetation are picked up under 'F Semi-natural Habitats')


FG KeyChar:
•	Rural buildings are traditionally of cob and thatch or slate.

Edited_KeyChars:
Rural buildings traditionally of cob and thatch or slate


Edited_KeyChars:
Wide range of coastal landscape features
Sand dune and estuarine features including saltmarsh in the Taw-Torridge estuary
High wooded cliffs and combes around Clovelly
Rugged, rocky, exposed Atlantic coastal cliffs in the west


FG KeyChar:
•	Main roads tend to follow ridges and have wide verges.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Main roads tend to follow ridges and have wide verges.


FG KeyChar:
•	Ridges are separated by an intricate pattern of incised valleys forming the catchments of the rivers Taw, Mole, Torridge and the upper reaches of the Tavy.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Ridges are separated by an intricate pattern of incised valleys forming the catchments of the rivers Taw, Mole, Torridge and the upper reaches of the Tavy.


FG KeyChar:
•	Ridgetop fields are generally large and regular, representing parliamentary enclosures, with low hedgerows and hedgebanks that reveal long views.
•	By contrast, valley sides have winding sunken lanes, irregular older fields, and earth hedgebanks of mixed species.
•	There is a mosaic of improved and unimproved grassland.

Edited_KeyChars:
Large, regular fields of the Parliamentary enclosures on ridge tops with low hedgerows and hedgebanks 
By contrast, valley sides have irregular older fields enclosed by  earth hedgebanks with mixed species


FG KeyChar:
•	Culm Measures give rise to heavy, infertile soils on the hilltops and valley bottoms; some valley sides have more fertile and better-drained soils.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Culm Measures give rise to heavy, infertile soils on the hilltops and valley bottoms; some valley sides have more fertile and better-drained soils.


FG KeyChar:
•	Clusters of Bronze Age barrows are found on the ridgetops.

Edited_KeyChars:
Clusters of Bronze Age barrows are found on the ridgetops
Localised parkland landscapes


FG KeyChar:
•	There is a mosaic of improved and unimproved grassland.
•	Culm grasslands occur on patches of common and unimproved land.

Edited_KeyChars:
significant areas of semi-natural vegetation
Culm grasslands occur on patches of common and unimproved land

 (Culm grassland occurs as patches on common and unimproved land.  It describes damp unimproved grasslands that are found overlying the Culm Measures and  incorporates a diverse range of vegetation communities from mire, fen, swamp and wet heath vegetation communities.  As it is classified with the BAP Habitat for purple moor grass and rush pasture it is considered here (under wet grassland), although aspects of its vegetation are picked up under 'F Semi-natural Habitats')


FG KeyChar:
•	Small settlements are sited at river crossing points or in prominent hilltop locations.
•	Coastal resorts and development occur at Bideford, Westward Ho!, Clovelly and Bude and locally have a strong visual influence on landscape character.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Small settlements are sited at river crossing points or in prominent hilltop locations.
•	Coastal resorts and development occur at Bideford, Westward Ho!, Clovelly and Bude and locally have a strong visual influence on landscape character.


FG KeyChar:
•	Spectacular cliffs and broad, rolling ridges up to around 200m AOD offer wide views across a remote landscape.
•	Ridges are separated by an intricate pattern of incised valleys forming the catchments of the rivers Taw, Mole, Torridge and the upper reaches of the Tavy.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Spectacular cliffs and broad, rolling ridges up to around 200m AOD offer wide views across a remote landscape.
•	Ridges are separated by an intricate pattern of incised valleys forming the catchments of the rivers Taw, Mole, Torridge and the upper reaches of the Tavy.


FG KeyChar:
•	There are some substantial valley and coastal woodlands (oak, birch and rowan) and some large blocks of plantation woodland on the moors.
•	Otherwise there is little tree cover except wind-shaped hedgerow, in-field and farmstead trees (oak, ash and beech, the latter typically occurring on high ground).

Edited_KeyChars:
Substantial valley and coastal woodlands (oak, birch and rowan)
Large blocks of plantation woodland on the moors
Generally little tree cover except wind-shaped hedgerow, in-field and farmstead trees (oak, ash and beech, the latter typically occurring on high ground).


FG KeyChar:
•	Most of the open moor is common land that has long been used for extensive grazing by cattle, sheep and ponies, moorland grazing rights being an important part of many hill farm enterprises.

Edited_KeyChars:
Enclosed land is almost exclusively under pasture, with traditional hay meadows typical
Intakes include significant enclosure  of rough grassland
Rush pasture common


FG KeyChar:
•	Granite and slate in cottages, farmhouses, villages, abandoned mine buildings and walls unify the landscape.

Edited_KeyChars:
Granite and slate used in the construction of cottages and farmhouses


FG KeyChar:
•	A network of ancient roads, sunken lanes and hump-backed bridges connects the moor to the villages and towns beyond its outer edge.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	A network of ancient roads, sunken lanes and hump-backed bridges connects the moor to the villages and towns beyond its outer edge.


FG KeyChar:
•	Around the moorland lies a gentler landscape of small, irregular pasture fields with dry stone walls and high banks.
•	There are also extensive rectilinear field patterns originating from the expansion of ‘newtakes’ in the 19th century, some of which are now reverting to moorland.

Edited_KeyChars:
Small, irregular pasture fields with dry stone walls and high banks surround the open moorland
Extensive rectilinear field patterns originating from the expansion of ‘newtakes’ have enclosed parts of the moorland fringe


FG KeyChar:
•	Dartmoor is underlain by a large granite batholith with an aureole of metamorphic rocks including tin, copper and china clay bearing deposits.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Dartmoor is underlain by a large granite batholith with an aureole of metamorphic rocks including tin, copper and china clay bearing deposits.


FG KeyChar:
•	There are also extensive rectilinear field patterns originating from the expansion of ‘newtakes’ in the 19th century, some of which are now reverting to moorland.
•	There is very high historic interest from Bronze Age onwards, with many visible features including hut circles, standing stones, reaves, field systems and hillforts.
•	The mining industry has made as strong impact on the landscape, with dramatically sited spoil heaps and ruins.

Edited_KeyChars:
Very high historic interest from Bronze Age onwards, with many visible features including hut circles, standing stones, reaves, field systems and hillforts
Mining industry has made a strong impact on the landscape, with dramatically sited spoil heaps and ruins


FG KeyChar:
•	The high, exposed core of Dartmoor is an irregular moorland plateau with blanket bogs and mires, surrounded by areas of heathland and grass moor with dramatic tors, clitters and broken rock.

Edited_KeyChars:
An irregular moorland plateau with blanket bogs and mires, surrounded by areas of heathland and grass moor with dramatic tors, clitters and broken rock form the core of Dartmoor
Most of the open moor is common land extensively grazed by cattle, sheep and ponies


FG KeyChar:
•	The area has important and distinctive landscape features, notably its peri-glacial landforms, blanket bog, archaeology and traditional land management system.
•	The open, windswept moors, with wide views and stunted trees, contrast with sheltered, wooded, terraced landscapes in the valleys and fringes.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The area has important and distinctive landscape features, notably its peri-glacial landforms, blanket bog, archaeology and traditional land management system.
•	The open, windswept moors, with wide views and stunted trees, contrast with sheltered, wooded, terraced landscapes in the valleys and fringes.


FG KeyChar:
•	There are many ancient upland oak woods, and also scattered forestry plantations.
•	Woodland is more extensive on the eastern than the western slopes of the area.
•	Clumps of sycamore and beech shelter farmsteads on the moorland edge.

Edited_KeyChars:
Open windswept moors with occasional stunted trees
Sheltered, wooded  valleys and fringes
Many ancient upland oak woods and large scattered forestry plantations
Clumps of sycamore and beech shelter farmsteads on the moorland edge


FG KeyChar:
•	The area is characterised by mixed farming, red soils appearing when ploughed.
•	Orchards and market gardening are distinctive, particularly in the Tamar valley.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mixed farming, red soils appearing when ploughed
Market gardening  distinctive, particularly in Tamar valley
Areas of rough grassland on moorland fringes and along coast
Floodplains with wet meadows


FG KeyChar:
•	Sunken lanes link farms and hamlets with cob, stone, slate and thatched buildings.

Edited_KeyChars:
Farms and hamlets of cob, stone, slate and thatch


FG KeyChar:
•	There is a diverse and complex coastline with fine scenery and views.

Edited_KeyChars:
Large expanses of tidal water, saltmarsh and mudflats extending far inland along the ria estuaries 
Spectacular sandstone, slate and limestone cliffs and long sandy beaches
Sand dunes (as at Bigbury) and vegetated shingle as at Slapton Sands


FG KeyChar:
•	Rivers rising on Dartmoor cut through the plateau, with narrow rias at the coast.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Rivers rising on Dartmoor cut through the plateau, with narrow rias at the coast.


FG KeyChar:
•	A network of wildflower-rich, often treeless and closely trimmed Devon banks separates the patchwork of fields.
•	Larger fields occur on higher, flatter land and smaller fields on the valley sides; field patterns are generally irregular.

Edited_KeyChars:
Wildflower-rich, often treeless, closely trimmed Devon banks (often with stone-facing)
Larger fields on higher, flatter land
Smaller fields on the valley sides
Field patterns generally irregular


FG KeyChar:
•	Ball clay extraction in the Bovey basin gives rise to a distinctive local landscape.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Ball clay extraction in the Bovey basin gives rise to a distinctive local landscape.


FG KeyChar:
•	Offa’s Dyke is an important historic landscape feature running north-south through the area, along with the Iron Age hillforts such as found at Oswestry.
•	Scattered parks and estates are found, in particular on the lower slopes around Oswestry.
•	There is a strong Welsh influence on place names, dispersed settlement character and farming pattern particularly in the west and south of the area.

Edited_KeyChars:
Offa’s Dyke an important historic landscape feature
Iron Age hillforts
Scattered parkland and estates throughout


FG KeyChar:
•	There has been extensive quarrying in the south in the past, but many quarries are now abandoned and have become overgrown with grassland and scrub.

Edited_KeyChars:
Abandoned limestone quarries overgrown with grassland and scrub
Localised bracken and gorse on hill tops


FG KeyChar:
•	Scattered parks and estates are found, in particular on the lower slopes around Oswestry.
•	There is a strong Welsh influence on place names, dispersed settlement character and farming pattern particularly in the west and south of the area.
•	A clustered settlement pattern occurs in the south-west, associated with the mining industry.
•	Industrial and residential development has spread around the market town of Oswestry.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Scattered parks and estates are found, in particular on the lower slopes around Oswestry.
•	There is a strong Welsh influence on place names, dispersed settlement character and farming pattern particularly in the west and south of the area.
•	A clustered settlement pattern occurs in the south-west, associated with the mining industry.
•	Industrial and residential development has spread around the market town of Oswestry.


FG KeyChar:
•	Flat topped hills, mostly of limestone, with steep slopes form a band across the western half of the area giving way to gentler foothills and the Shropshire Plain to the east.
•	The steep slopes are dissected by narrow, often wooded valleys.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Flat topped hills, mostly of limestone, with steep slopes form a band across the western half of the area giving way to gentler foothills and the Shropshire Plain to the east.
•	The steep slopes are dissected by narrow, often wooded valleys.


FG KeyChar:
•	There are scattered patches of broadleaved woodland and coniferous plantations throughout the area, particularly on the steeper slopes and linear woodlands along valley sides.

Edited_KeyChars:
Scattered patches of broadleaved woodland and scrub, particularly on steeper slopes
Linear woodlands along narrow valley sides
Trees also found in fields and hedgerows


FG KeyChar:
•	The agricultural land quality is generally poor and three quarters of the area is permanent pasture. There is also some horticultural activity, mostly hardy nursery stock production and in the south there is a small area of arable cropping, mainly of cereals.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mostly permanent pasture with sheep and cattle farming
On higher ground  rough or unimproved pasture
Some limited horticulture and arable cropping


FG KeyChar:
•	The older vernacular buildings are predominantly brick, although sandstone is commonly used for larger buildings and in the west, Millstone Grit is more common.

Edited_KeyChars:
Older vernacular buildings  predominantly brick
Sandstone used for larger buildings
Millstone Grit in the north-west


FG KeyChar:
•	Small streams and the River Churnet are set in incised valleys, with wet valley bottom grassland, while the River Dove flows through a broader floodplain.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Small streams and the River Churnet are set in incised valleys, with wet valley bottom grassland, while the River Dove flows through a broader floodplain.


FG KeyChar:
•	Hedgerows form the dominant boundary type in the lowlands, while drystone walls are more common on the upland fringes.

Edited_KeyChars:
Varied field patterns, fragmented in parts
Hedgerows form dominant boundary type in lowlands
Drystone walls more common on upland fringes


FG KeyChar:
•	Much of the area is underlain by Carboniferous and Triassic sandstones, while Coal Measures dominate in the vicinity of the Potteries.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Much of the area is underlain by Carboniferous and Triassic sandstones, while Coal Measures dominate in the vicinity of the Potteries.


FG KeyChar:
•	There is rich industrial heritage associated with manufacturing, transport and mining of coal, clay and metal ores.

Edited_KeyChars:
Rich industrial heritage associated with mining of coal, clay and mineral ores and manufacturing
Significant parkland resource


FG KeyChar:
•	The settlements of the Potteries form a large urban conurbation, although settlements have retained their individual character.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The settlements of the Potteries form a large urban conurbation, although settlements have retained their individual character.


FG KeyChar:
•	On higher ground there is rough or unimproved pasture and the highest ground includes open moorland with some heather.

Edited_KeyChars:
Species-rich grassland in wet valley bottoms
Higher ground includes open moorland with some heather


FG KeyChar:
•	There is a rural settlement pattern of sheltered villages on low ground with hamlets, scattered farmsteads and cottages elsewhere.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	There is a rural settlement pattern of sheltered villages on low ground with hamlets, scattered farmsteads and cottages elsewhere.


FG KeyChar:
•	This area is a transition from lowland to upland with strongly dissected hills and small plateaux, rising up to the Pennines and cut by major river valleys.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	This area is a transition from lowland to upland with strongly dissected hills and small plateaux, rising up to the Pennines and cut by major river valleys.


FG KeyChar:
•	Woodland is concentrated in the Churnet Valley, where there are large commercial coniferous woodlands and ancient semi-natural woodlands. Elsewhere there are occasional woodlands and scattered trees along field boundaries and watercourses.

Edited_KeyChars:
Ancient semi-natural woodlands and plantation woodlands concentrated in the Churnet Valley
Secondary woodland on abandoned industrial land
Occasional woodlands along streams and cloughs elsewhere
Scattered hedgerow trees, mainly oak


FG KeyChar:
•	Hill slopes with patchworks of small pasture fields give way to mixed and arable farming in the dales, on the plateaux and on the lower ground.

Edited_KeyChars:
Hill slopes with patchworks of small pasture fields
Mixed and arable farming on the plateaux and in the dales


FG KeyChar:
•	There is no single building style with a wide variety of materials employed, reflecting the diversity in geology and topography.

Edited_KeyChars:
No single building style; wide variety of materials reflecting diversity in geology and topography


FG KeyChar:
•	The many rivers of the area mostly drain to the south, but the River Severn also crosses in the north-east.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The many rivers of the area mostly drain to the south, but the River Severn also crosses in the north-east.


Edited_KeyChars:
Unenclosed tops
Strong regular and semi-regular hedgerow pattern on lower slopes and in dales
Ditches in valley bottoms
Localised stone walls e.g. near Norbury - to the east of the Stiperstones


FG KeyChar:
•	There are occasional Iron-Age hillforts on the hills and castles and mottes on the lower ground.

Edited_KeyChars:
Occasional Iron-Age hillforts on the hills
Castles and mottes on the lower ground
Some large country houses and parkland


FG KeyChar:
•	Open grassland and heather moorland are dominant on the hill tops.

Edited_KeyChars:
Moorlands of heather, rough acid grassland and bracken on the hilltops
Remnant areas of species rich grassland often managed as hay meadows
 Damp pastures found in the valleys


FG KeyChar:
•	The settlement pattern is dispersed with scattered farmsteads, villages and occasional small towns.
•	There are localised squatter settlements around commons and quarries.
•	The principal towns are Church Stretton and Ludlow.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The settlement pattern is dispersed with scattered farmsteads, villages and occasional small towns.
•	There are localised squatter settlements around commons and quarries.
•	The principal towns are Church Stretton and Ludlow.


FG KeyChar:
•	Steep, rounded 'whaleback' hills and south-west to north-east ridges, scarps and intervening valleys dominate the landscape.
•	Distinctive and dramatic landmarks, such as the Long Mynd, Wenlock Edge, the Wrekin and Clee peaks are prominent.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Steep, rounded 'whaleback' hills and south-west to north-east ridges, scarps and intervening valleys dominate the landscape.
•	Distinctive and dramatic landmarks, such as the Long Mynd, Wenlock Edge, the Wrekin and Clee peaks are prominent.


FG KeyChar:
•	Woodlands are largely confined to the slopes, particularly on Wenlock Edge, with occasional localised coniferous plantations.

Edited_KeyChars:
Deciduous woodlands largely confined to the slopes, particularly on Wenlock Edge, in need of protection
Hedgerows often with mature trees
Dense riparian tree cover in the valleys, including pollards
Remnant traditional orchards


FG KeyChar:
•	Much of the area is dominated by intensive arable farming, although pasture is more common on valley sides and on the heavier land in the west.

Edited_KeyChars:
Dominated by intensive arable farming
Pasture and mixed farming more common on valley sides and in the west
Wet grassland along rivers and streams


FG KeyChar:
•	The majority of older buildings are constructed of brick, with various colours of brick found across the area. Some farms and churches are constructed of local sandstone.

Edited_KeyChars:
Most older buildings of brick and tile
Some sandstone farmsteads


FG KeyChar:
•	The area contains historic inland ports on the River Severn, including Bridgenorth, Bewdley and Stourport, together with the expanded town of Kidderminster, the western part of Wolverhampton and the new town at Telford.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The area contains historic inland ports on the River Severn, including Bridgenorth, Bewdley and Stourport, together with the expanded town of Kidderminster, the western part of Wolverhampton and the new town at Telford.


FG KeyChar:
•	Streams and rivers are set in steep sided valleys throughout the area.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Streams and rivers are set in steep sided valleys throughout the area.


FG KeyChar:
•	A weak pattern of hedged fields covers much of the area, which contrasts with areas of smaller, irregular fields with more distinctive hedgerows in the west.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mainly a weak pattern of hedged fields
Areas of smaller, irregular fields with distinctive hedges in west
Some stone walls


FG KeyChar:
•	This landscape is a rolling plateau, with incised valleys, underlain by Permo-Triassic sandstones and localised Carboniferous rocks including Coal Measures.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	This landscape is a rolling plateau, with incised valleys, underlain by Permo-Triassic sandstones and localised Carboniferous rocks including Coal Measures.


FG KeyChar:
•	Rich industrial heritage is found across the area, particularly along the Severn Valley and at Ironbridge.

Edited_KeyChars:
Prehistoric and Roman remains
Rich industrial heritage especially along Severn and at Ironbridge
Historic inland ports on the River Severn
Several areas of parkland with large houses
Water features (possibly marl pits)


FG KeyChar:
•	Patches of lowland heathland are remnants of a much wider coverage of this habitat in the past.

Edited_KeyChars:
Remnant patches of lowland heathland and areas of former common
Remnant species-rich grasslands


FG KeyChar:
•	There is a dispersed settlement pattern of small hamlets and isolated farms, with wayside settlements on areas of former common.
•	The area contains historic inland ports on the River Severn, including Bridgenorth, Bewdley and Stourport, together with the expanded town of Kidderminster, the western part of Wolverhampton and the new town at Telford.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	There is a dispersed settlement pattern of small hamlets and isolated farms, with wayside settlements on areas of former common.
•	The area contains historic inland ports on the River Severn, including Bridgenorth, Bewdley and Stourport, together with the expanded town of Kidderminster, the western part of Wolverhampton and the new town at Telford.


FG KeyChar:
•	Many ancient and plantation estate woodlands in the centre of the area and dense woodlands cloak the slopes above the River Severn and its tributaries.
•	Extensive, interlocking blocks of mixed woodland characterise the Wyre Forest area.

Edited_KeyChars:
Ancient and plantation estate woodlands in centre of the area and on Severn and tributary river slopes
Dense trees along watercourses
Dense hedgerow trees in places
Traditional orchards


FG KeyChar:
•	Generally mixed farming, together with horticulture is the main agricultural land use, with more demanding crops such as potatoes and sugar beet on the higher quality land. Grassland supporting dairying and other livestock enterprises is generally concentrated further north.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mainly mixed farming and horticulture
Grassland supporting dairying and other livestock in the north
Narrow floodplain pastures on fringes to east and west


FG KeyChar:
•	Red brick is the dominant building material although some earlier timber framed buildings are found in the area.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mainly red brick with some earlier timber framed buildings


FG KeyChar:
•	Streams drain radially from the high ground around Cannock to the surrounding rivers of the Penk, Sow and Trent.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Streams drain radially from the high ground around Cannock to the surrounding rivers of the Penk, Sow and Trent.


FG KeyChar:
•	There are open arable areas with low hedges, areas of smaller hedged fields and large unenclosed areas in Cannock Chase.

Edited_KeyChars:
Large unenclosed areas of Cannock Chase
Open arable areas with low hedges
Areas of smaller fields with dense hedgerows
Canals, ditches and dykes in river valleys


FG KeyChar:
•	The area includes the high dissected sandstone plateau of Cannock chase, the northern part of the Black Country plateau and lower fringing landscape of softer Permo-Triassic sandstones and mudstones.
•	The coalfield area is largely covered by glacial till which gives rise to heavy, poorly drained soils originally covered with heathland.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The area includes the high dissected sandstone plateau of Cannock chase, the northern part of the Black Country plateau and lower fringing landscape of softer Permo-Triassic sandstones and mudstones.
•	The coalfield area is largely covered by glacial till which gives rise to heavy, poorly drained soils originally covered with heathland.


FG KeyChar:
•	There are many industrial and archaeological features.

Edited_KeyChars:
Former royal hunting forest
Designed parkland
Many industrial archaeological features including canals


FG KeyChar:
•	Cannock Chase is dominated by lowland heathland and coniferous woodland.

Edited_KeyChars:
Extensive lowland heathland on Cannock Chase
Heathland remnants found in woodlands, roadside verges and canal corridors
Wet floodplain meadows around fringes
Remnant areas of species-rich lowland meadows


FG KeyChar:
•	There is a strongly contrasting settlement pattern with some areas densely populated, others unpopulated and 'wild'.
•	The area includes the western fringes of Stafford, the settlements of Cannock and Lichfield and the many urban areas in the Black Country and coalfield, including Dudley, Wolverhampton and Walsall.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	There is a strongly contrasting settlement pattern with some areas densely populated, others unpopulated and 'wild'.
•	The area includes the western fringes of Stafford, the settlements of Cannock and Lichfield and the many urban areas in the Black Country and coalfield, including Dudley, Wolverhampton and Walsall.


FG KeyChar:
•	The area includes the high dissected sandstone plateau of Cannock chase, the northern part of the Black Country plateau and lower fringing landscape of softer Permo-Triassic sandstones and mudstones.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The area includes the high dissected sandstone plateau of Cannock chase, the northern part of the Black Country plateau and lower fringing landscape of softer Permo-Triassic sandstones and mudstones.


FG KeyChar:
•	There are extensive coniferous woodland plantations in Cannock chase. In the surrounding landscapes there is a mixture of ancient, plantation and secondary woodlands.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mixture of ancient, plantation and secondary woodlands on Cannock Chase
Scope for woodland expansion off the heathland
Dense cover of hedgerow oaks in parts
Riparian trees in river valleys to east and west


FG KeyChar:
•	Medium scale pastures with irregular field patterns predominate, with localised but often extensive areas of larger scale arable land with a rectilinear pattern wherever soil and topographic conditions are favourable.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mainly pastoral or but arable land present where conditions are favourable
Rush pastures and riparian vegetation common along streams


FG KeyChar:
•	Small clustered red brick settlements and hamlets, with densely scattered farmsteads.


FG KeyChar:
•	Marl pits with small ponds and wetlands are a feature of many rolling fields on the South Derbyshire plateaux and the stream corridors are often lined with prominent riparian vegetation and rush pastures.
•	The broad, open alluvial floodplains of the Rivers Dove, Blithe and Trent typically have a regular pattern of mixed farmland with few woodlands and large settlements. Related minor river floodplains have a pastoral, enclosed character.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Marl pits with small ponds and wetlands are a feature of many rolling fields on the South Derbyshire plateaux and the stream corridors are often lined with prominent riparian vegetation and rush pastures.
•	The broad, open alluvial floodplains of the Rivers Dove, Blithe and Trent typically have a regular pattern of mixed farmland with few woodlands and large settlements. Related minor river floodplains have a pastoral, enclosed character.


FG KeyChar:
•	There is an intact and well maintained framework of hedgerows with numerous mature hedgerow ash and oak trees throughout the area. 
•	Medium scale pastures with irregular field patterns predominate, with localised but often extensive areas of larger scale arable land with a rectilinear pattern wherever soil and topographic conditions are favourable.
•	There is extensive ridge and furrow throughout the settled farmlands of the South Derbyshire Claylands and sunken narrow lanes are also typical on elevated land.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mainly medium sized irregular, hedged fields, generally intact and well-maintained
Also extensive areas of larger, rectilinear, hedged fields on plateau farmlands
Ditches in valley bottoms
Also some stone walls


FG KeyChar:
•	There is extensive ridge and furrow throughout the settled farmlands of the South Derbyshire Claylands and sunken narrow lanes are also typical on elevated land.
•	Parkland is locally an important influence throughout the area, but particularly in the former Needwood Forest.

Edited_KeyChars:
Extensive ridge and furrow and deserted medieval villages
Parkland common particularly in the former Needwood Forest
Marl pits with small ponds a feature


FG KeyChar:
•	Areas of ridge and furrow and deserted settlements are found occasionally throughout the area.
•	Small villages on rising land with red brick buildings and spired churches are often prominent landscape features and isolated large 19th century red brick farmsteads are also conspicuous.

Edited_KeyChars:
Areas of ridge and furrow and deserted settlements found throughout
Scattered historic parklands


FG KeyChar:
•	There are occasional patches of unimproved pasture in fields around villages and along streamsides, as well as on the many wide road verges throughout the area.

Edited_KeyChars:
Fragments of species-rich grassland and fen


FG KeyChar:
•	Areas of ridge and furrow and deserted settlements are found occasionally throughout the area.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Areas of ridge and furrow and deserted settlements are found occasionally throughout the area.


FG KeyChar:
•	The Lowlands are very gently rolling clay ridges and shallow valleys which become virtually flat around the Rivers Mease and Sence; the land to the north west, which drains directly into the River Trent, generally has a more undulating landform.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The Lowlands are very gently rolling clay ridges and shallow valleys which become virtually flat around the Rivers Mease and Sence; the land to the north west, which drains directly into the River Trent, generally has a more undulating landform.


FG KeyChar:
•	Woodland cover is generally limited, although planting associated with the National Forest has localised impact and there are many extensive wooded parklands, including Gopsall Park, Market Bosworth, Thorpe Constantine and Shenton.

Edited_KeyChars:
Limited woodland cover apart from extensive wooded estates and new planting (National Forest)
Scattered copses, and spinneys on ridgelines
Occasional groups of trees, including pollards, along rivers and streams
Scattered hedgerow trees


FG KeyChar:
•	The area is dominated by pasture, with isolated arable fields on a few areas of more fertile land.  Stone walls are characteristic on the more elevated rocky land.

Edited_KeyChars:
Dominated by pasture
Isolated arable fields on a few areas of more fertile land


FG KeyChar:
•	Most of the older farmsteads and village buildings are of the local dark stone. Settlements and some large quarries are sited around the edge of the elevated heathland areas and the core of the Charnwood area remains sparsely populated.

Edited_KeyChars:
Most of the older farmsteads and village buildings of local dark stone


FG KeyChar:
•	A pattern of straight enclosure roads with wide grass verges is overlaid on one of earlier winding tracks and lanes leading from villages on the edge of Charnwood to the central woods and heathlands.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	A pattern of straight enclosure roads with wide grass verges is overlaid on one of earlier winding tracks and lanes leading from villages on the edge of Charnwood to the central woods and heathlands.


FG KeyChar:
•	Drainage follows the north-west to south-east trend of the landforms.  There are three major reservoirs at Blackbrook, Cropston and Swithland, as well as Groby Pool, a water-filled quarry of medieval origin.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Drainage follows the north-west to south-east trend of the landforms.  There are three major reservoirs at Blackbrook, Cropston and Swithland, as well as Groby Pool, a water-filled quarry of medieval origin.


FG KeyChar:
•	Surrounding the areas of rocky outcrops and heathland, there are extensive areas of pasture enclosed within a rectilinear pattern of 19th hedgerows.  Areas with smaller irregular fields are found around the villages and older farmsteads.
•	In contrast to the surrounding farmland landscapes, Charnwood has a complex mosaic of heathland, woodland, parkland and farmland.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mainly rectilinear fields bounded by thorn hedges
Small irregular fields with mixed hedgerows around villages and farmsteads
Stone walls characteristic on higher rocky land, lending 'upland' feel


FG KeyChar:
•	The underlying structure of the landscape is formed by Precambrian slates and volcanic rocks which form steep slopes and give rise to the infertile soils that support heathlands. The older Precambrian rocks are partially obscured by more fertile Mercia Mudstones which form broader vales.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The underlying structure of the landscape is formed by Precambrian slates and volcanic rocks which form steep slopes and give rise to the infertile soils that support heathlands. The older Precambrian rocks are partially obscured by more fertile Mercia Mudstones which form broader vales.


FG KeyChar:
•	Charnwood formerly contained several large parks. Some of these, such as Bradgate Park, still survive, containing heathland and huge ancient pollarded oaks.

Edited_KeyChars:
Surviving large parklands with heathland and large ancient oaks


FG KeyChar:
•	Patches of heathland and former commons are concentrated around the Precambrian rock outcrops.  These are now dominated by bracken, but also have patches of heather and wet heath.

Edited_KeyChars:
Patches of heathland and former commons
Dominated by bracken with heather and wet heath
Fragments of species-rich grassland and fen


FG KeyChar:
•	Most of the older farmsteads and village buildings are of the local dark stone. Settlements and some large quarries are sited around the edge of the elevated heathland areas and the core of the Charnwood area remains sparsely populated.
•	A pattern of straight enclosure roads with wide grass verges is overlaid on one of earlier winding tracks and lanes leading from villages on the edge of Charnwood to the central woods and heathlands.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Most of the older farmsteads and village buildings are of the local dark stone. Settlements and some large quarries are sited around the edge of the elevated heathland areas and the core of the Charnwood area remains sparsely populated.
•	A pattern of straight enclosure roads with wide grass verges is overlaid on one of earlier winding tracks and lanes leading from villages on the edge of Charnwood to the central woods and heathlands.


FG KeyChar:
•	The majority of the woods are secondary woodlands, but there are also conifer woods and mixed plantations, together with a few ancient woodlands and numerous hedgerow oak trees.
•	Charnwood formerly contained several large parks. Some of these, such as Bradgate Park, still survive, containing heathland and huge ancient pollarded oaks.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mainly secondary woodland, with some plantations and a few ancient woodlands
Numerous oak trees in hedgerows and fields, including ancient pollards


FG KeyChar:
•	The open ridgetops are under arable cultivation, while the steeper slopes and valleys are predominantly pasture.

Edited_KeyChars:
Open ridgetops in arable cultivation, mixed farming elsewhere
Unimproved pasture and wet meadows in valleys
Rough pasture on steeper slopes and scarps


FG KeyChar:
•	Small villages of mainly red brick buildings clustered around an ironstone or limestone church are regularly spaced across the landscape. There are isolated farms and a few cottages and houses, but the heart of the Wolds is a remote rather empty landscape. Development is concentrated to the south in the Wreake Valley.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mainly red brick farmsteads with some ironstone and limestone buildings


FG KeyChar:
•	The Wolds form a watershed between the Rivers Wreake, Soar and Trent with streams draining from the central elevated land to each of these rivers.  There is a major inland reservoir at Rutland Water.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The Wolds form a watershed between the Rivers Wreake, Soar and Trent with streams draining from the central elevated land to each of these rivers.  There is a major inland reservoir at Rutland Water.


FG KeyChar:
•	The ridges often have the rectilinear pattern of 18th and 19th century enclosures and are bounded by low thorn hedges.  The valleys generally have a more irregular field pattern with dense mixed species hedgerows and more frequent hedgerow trees.  The area generally has exceptionally well managed hedgerows.
•	In medieval times, the area was well populated and there remain many deserted and shrunken settlements, as well as extensive areas of ridge and furrow.

Edited_KeyChars:
Rectilinear pattern bounded by low thorn hedges on the ridges
Irregular fields with well managed mixed hedgerows on lower slopes and in valleys


FG KeyChar:
•	The wolds are rolling ridges of glacial till underlain by Jurassic rocks.  The hills are separated by narrow valleys.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The wolds are rolling ridges of glacial till underlain by Jurassic rocks.  The hills are separated by narrow valleys.


FG KeyChar:
•	In medieval times, the area was well populated and there remain many deserted and shrunken settlements, as well as extensive areas of ridge and furrow.

Edited_KeyChars:
Deserted medieval settlements and extensive areas of ridge and furrow
Parkland on fringes


FG KeyChar:
•	The wooded escarpments and hills along the northern and western edges of the Wolds have the greatest variety of semi-natural habitats, with woodland, wet flushes and unimproved grassland.

Edited_KeyChars:
Areas of unimproved grassland  with wet flushes
Remnant areas of wetland


FG KeyChar:
•	In medieval times, the area was well populated and there remain many deserted and shrunken settlements, as well as extensive areas of ridge and furrow.
•	Small villages of mainly red brick buildings clustered around an ironstone or limestone church are regularly spaced across the landscape. There are isolated farms and a few cottages and houses, but the heart of the Wolds is a remote rather empty landscape. Development is concentrated to the south in the Wreake Valley.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	In medieval times, the area was well populated and there remain many deserted and shrunken settlements, as well as extensive areas of ridge and furrow.
•	Small villages of mainly red brick buildings clustered around an ironstone or limestone church are regularly spaced across the landscape. There are isolated farms and a few cottages and houses, but the heart of the Wolds is a remote rather empty landscape. Development is concentrated to the south in the Wreake Valley.


FG KeyChar:
•	There is a low escarpment with outlying hills to the west, which becomes steeper and more irregular to the north where it forms a prominent escarpment above the Trent valley and the Vale of Belvoir.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	There is a low escarpment with outlying hills to the west, which becomes steeper and more irregular to the north where it forms a prominent escarpment above the Trent valley and the Vale of Belvoir.


FG KeyChar:
•	Woodland cover is generally sparse, except on the wooded scarps and hills along the northern edge of the Wolds and in the Wreake Valley, which is particularly well treed. Elsewhere, small spinneys, hedgerow and streamside trees predominate, particularly in the valleys.

Edited_KeyChars:
Sparse woodland cover apart from wooded scarps and hills and Wreake valley
In valleys, small woods and streamside trees (willow and poplar) predominate
Mature hedgerow ash and oak, including old pollards


FG KeyChar:
•	Large arable fields predominate on the higher ground, with intermittent clipped hedges, while the river valleys on heavier land provide good grazing for cattle and sheep.

Edited_KeyChars:
Large arable fields on higher ground
River valleys provide  grazing for cattle and sheep
Some wet floodplain grassland and rough grassland


FG KeyChar:
•	Small to medium scale fields – becoming bleaker and more open towards the coast (defined by soil banks) and more intricate and irregular inland due to early enclosure (defined by high hedges and prominent hedgerow trees).

Edited_KeyChars:
Small to medium fields
Fields inland irregular with high hedges and some ditches in valleys
Fields in coastal areas and more open and enclosed by soil banks
Extensive post-war rationalisation


FG KeyChar:
•	Soils are deep and loamy and among the most fertile in the country.  Dune sands fringe some of the coasts.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Soils are deep and loamy and among the most fertile in the country.  Dune sands fringe some of the coasts.


FG KeyChar:
•	Isolated, prominent flint churches – either round-towered Saxo-Norman or medieval wool churches.

Edited_KeyChars:
Significant archaeological resource (mainly on arable land)
Historic coastal defences and sea walls including Roman and WWII anti-invasion defences
Some parkland


FG KeyChar:
•	Collection of settlement along the coast, including the sea-side resort of Great Yarmouth, with the town of North Walsham forming the only substantial settlement inland.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Collection of settlement along the coast, including the sea-side resort of Great Yarmouth, with the town of North Walsham forming the only substantial settlement inland.


FG KeyChar:
•	Flat and low-lying, this landscape has limited topographic variation.  It slopes gently from west to east – becoming flatter as it merges with the Broads.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Flat and low-lying, this landscape has limited topographic variation.  It slopes gently from west to east – becoming flatter as it merges with the Broads.


FG KeyChar:
•	Blocks of woodland and copses lend an intricate, enclosed character on the Broads margin contrasting with a scarcity of woodland elsewhere.

Edited_KeyChars:
Woodland scarce apart from the blocks of woodland and copses on the Broads margin
Prominent mature hedgerow trees in inland areas, including oak, beech and pine


FG KeyChar:
•	The agriculture of the area is based on a long history of lowland livestock grazing interspersed with arable cropping.
•	The agricultural landscape is dominated by pasture (drained grazing marsh, improved grass leys or pastures in the upper reaches of valleys).
•	Arable cultivation creates areas of uniform texture and colour in this traditional pastoral landscape.

Edited_KeyChars:
Lowland livestock grazing interspersed with arable cropping
Mainly pasture (drained grazing marsh) with areas of rough grazing 
Improved grass leys or pastures in upper valley reaches)
Areas of uniform texture and colour associated with arable


FG KeyChar:
•	Windpumps and isolated farmhouses are the most significant artifacts in the marshes.
•	This is the main area of Norfolk reed thatch in East Anglia.

Edited_KeyChars:
Main area of Norfolk reed thatch in East Anglia


JM KeyChar:
•	Some Broads such as Hickling and Horsey Mere lie at or below sea level and require coastal protection; they are visually separated from the coast as is most of the area.


FG KeyChar:
•	Extensive areas of open water, containing a wet, low-lying complex of flooded former peat workings ('Broads') of various sizes.
•	Rivers flow between flood banks, above the level of the surrounding land which is drained by dykes and pumps, with ‘rounds’ (areas of reedswamp or saltmarsh) between the rivers and their floodbanks.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Extensive areas of open water, containing a wet, low-lying complex of flooded former peat workings ('Broads') of various sizes.
•	Rivers flow between flood banks, above the level of the surrounding land which is drained by dykes and pumps, with ‘rounds’ (areas of reedswamp or saltmarsh) between the rivers and their floodbanks.


FG KeyChar:
•	There are few fences – reed-fringed ditches divide fields in a rectilinear pattern.
•	Hedgerows are present in the upper reaches of the valleys.
•	Field gates are features.

Edited_KeyChars:
Reed-fringed ditches/ dykes in a rectilinear pattern
Hedgerows in upper valley reaches
Field gates a feature


FG KeyChar:
•	Windpumps and isolated farmhouses are the most significant artifacts in the marshes.

Edited_KeyChars:
Former peat workings, dykes and windpumps
Some parkland


FG KeyChar:
•	The landscape is a mosaic of semi-natural habitats of species-rich fen, reed beds, marsh, scrub and carr woodland.

Edited_KeyChars:
Extensive areas of fresh and saline open water - flooded former peat workings (broads)
Mosaic of species-rich fen, reed beds and marsh


FG KeyChar:
•	Historic houses set in designed landscapes are characteristic of the estuaries and river valleys.

Edited_KeyChars:
Redundant military infrastructure along coast, including gun emplacements and pill boxes
Significant archaeological resource under arable cultivation
Historic houses in designed landscapes characteristic of estuaries and river valleys


FG KeyChar:
•	Surviving areas of heathland create a distinctive lowland and coastal landscape.

Edited_KeyChars:
Heathland creates a distinctive lowland coastal landscape
Marshes and wetlands (some drained), including reedbeds, characteristic of estuaries and valleys


FG KeyChar:
•	Most hamlets and villages are small, complementing a scatter of farmsteads, traditional barns and cottages throughout the rural area.
•	Historic houses set in designed landscapes are characteristic of the estuaries and river valleys.
•	Coastal settlements are distinctive in character, many enjoying a relatively unspoilt atmosphere.  Some show the influence of Dutch architecture.
•	Larger urban areas include parts of Ipswich, Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth together with Harwich and Felixstowe.  The area also includes a number of military airfields including Woodbridge and Bentwaters Airfields, together with the nuclear power station at Sizewell.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Most hamlets and villages are small, complementing a scatter of farmsteads, traditional barns and cottages throughout the rural area.
•	Historic houses set in designed landscapes are characteristic of the estuaries and river valleys.
•	Coastal settlements are distinctive in character, many enjoying a relatively unspoilt atmosphere.  Some show the influence of Dutch architecture.
•	Larger urban areas include parts of Ipswich, Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth together with Harwich and Felixstowe.  The area also includes a number of military airfields including Woodbridge and Bentwaters Airfields, together with the nuclear power station at Sizewell.


FG KeyChar:
•	The area includes a low lying coast comprising shingle beaches (including the 14km spit known as Orford Ness) and eroding clifflines.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The area includes a low lying coast comprising shingle beaches (including the 14km spit known as Orford Ness) and eroding clifflines.


FG KeyChar:
•	The estuaries and rivers are separated by rolling areas of the Sandlings, comprising a mosaic of heathland, woodland and farmland.
•	The Sandlings have some substantial areas of woodland including the coniferous Rendlesham, Tunstall and Dunwich Forests.
•	Other tree cover comprises a combination of woodland along the river valley and estuary slopes together with farm woodlands and field boundary trees. The area suffered significant tree loss as a result of Dutch Elm disease.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mosaic of heathland, woodland and farmland on Sandlings
Woodland along the river valley and estuary slopes
Farm woodlands
Riparian willow and poplar
Hedgerow trees (diminished in past by Dutch Elm disease)


FG KeyChar:
•	Almost entirely under arable cultivation with the exception of dairying in river valleys, some intensive livestock housing of pig and poultry, remnant parkland, areas of heathland commons and greens.

Edited_KeyChars:
Almost entirely arable
Exceptions are dairying in river valleys and some intensive pig and poultry production
Shallow small scale, mainly pastoral river valleys contrast with open arable plateau


FG KeyChar:
•	Isolated round-towered Saxo-Norman and medieval churches are prominent features as are the large number of isolated, moated timber-framed farmhouses with steeply pitched pantile or pegtile roofs.

Edited_KeyChars:
Isolated, ancient farmsteads often of great historic interest
Moated timber-framed farmhouses and large barns with steeply pitched pantile or pegtile roofs


FG KeyChar:
•	Shallow, small-scale river valleys (including the Waveney and Dove) bring a contrast to the flat open drained land of the arable plateau.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Shallow, small-scale river valleys (including the Waveney and Dove) bring a contrast to the flat open drained land of the arable plateau.


FG KeyChar:
•	Boundaries are formed by deep ditches. There are relatively few hedgerows due to field amalgamation but the remaining copses and hedges often contain a variety of species.
•	Mixture of remnant medieval ancient countryside (irregular small fields and pollard hedgerow oaks), early co-axial field patterns and large modern fields largely devoid of hedges and trees.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mixture of irregular historic field patterns and large modern fields
Fields bounded by deep ditches, hedges and banks


FG KeyChar:
•	Large areas of chalky boulder clay plateau with little relief except where the rivers and streams have incised shallow valleys.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Large areas of chalky boulder clay plateau with little relief except where the rivers and streams have incised shallow valleys.


FG KeyChar:
•	Mixture of remnant medieval ancient countryside (irregular small fields and pollard hedgerow oaks), early co-axial field patterns and large modern fields largely devoid of hedges and trees.
	Isolated round-towered Saxo-Norman and medieval churches are prominent features as are the large number of isolated, moated timber-framed farmhouses with steeply pitched pantile or pegtile roofs.

Edited_KeyChars:
Significant archaeological resource
Some parkland estates
Many large and small water features (moats and field ponds)


FG KeyChar:
•	Isolated round-towered Saxo-Norman and medieval churches are prominent features as are the large number of isolated, moated timber-framed farmhouses with steeply pitched pantile or pegtile roofs.
•	The pattern of settlement (small and dispersed) relates closely to the river valleys and largely retains its medieval character. Settlement is also focused around some areas of common grazing land and greens.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Isolated round-towered Saxo-Norman and medieval churches are prominent features as are the large number of isolated, moated timber-framed farmhouses with steeply pitched pantile or pegtile roofs.
•	The pattern of settlement (small and dispersed) relates closely to the river valleys and largely retains its medieval character. Settlement is also focused around some areas of common grazing land and greens.


FG KeyChar:
•	Trees are a notable element of the landscape due largely to treed lanes and hedgerow trees (predominantly oaks).
•	There are some areas of Ancient Woodland but overall there is a relative lack of woodland especially on the plateau.

Edited_KeyChars:
Generally limited woodland
Some areas of ancient woodland, small copses/game coverts and tree clumps near farmsteads
Trees along lanes and in hedgerows (mature oaks)
Bankside trees important in some areas


Edited_KeyChars:
Variable field size
Irregular early enclosures, enlarged and more regular particularly in the west
Dense mixed hedgerows in some areas
Ditches and dykes on valley floors


Edited_KeyChars:
Tracts of heathland particularly on lighter sandier soils, especially in the west
Meadows with reed-filled dykes on valley floors


Edited_KeyChars:
Extensive mixed woodland on valley slopes
Pasture woodlands of oak and beech on heavier soils; conifers on lighter sands
Riparian trees on valley floors
Some areas with hedgerow oaks
Remnant traditional orchards


FG KeyChar:
•	Agricultural practices such as outdoor pigs, intensive indoor poultry rearing, plastic crop growth and water storage reservoirs are recent developments.

Edited_KeyChars:
Large scale arable landscape on plateau
Also outdoor pigs and intensive indoor poultry rearing
Lush, shallow, pastoral river valleys with wet meadow and unimproved pasture


FG KeyChar:
•	Churches are often isolated, in a state of disrepair and have a considerable impact on the landscape.
•	Thetford is the only town of significant size and together with Brandon and Mildenhall forms the post-war overspill development. Building materials are knapped flint, clunch and yellow brick.

Edited_KeyChars:
Traditional building materials of knapped flint, clunch and yellow brick


FG KeyChar:
•	The area is crossed by a number of lush, shallow river valleys tucked into the landform notably the Little Ouse, Lark, Black Bourne, Thet and Wissey. Some of these are unusually fast-flowing chalk streams, forming a marked but limited  contrast to the dry uplands.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The area is crossed by a number of lush, shallow river valleys tucked into the landform notably the Little Ouse, Lark, Black Bourne, Thet and Wissey. Some of these are unusually fast-flowing chalk streams, forming a marked but limited  contrast to the dry uplands.


FG KeyChar:
•	Strong geometric field pattern clearly defined by pine shelterbelts or ‘Deal Rows’(originally planted and managed as wind break hedgerows following the Enclosures Act but with the traditional management abandoned, distinctive twisted and gnarled trees remain).
•	Irrigation and fertilisation of the inherently infertile Breckland soils has seen the development of a large scale arable landscape of pale-coloured fields.  This contrasts with areas of open heath and the vertical elements of pine lines, belts and forests.

Edited_KeyChars:
Strong geometric field pattern defined by pine shelterbelts on plateau
Smaller fields lined by hedges and ditches in the river valleys


FG KeyChar:
•	One of the most extensive areas of sandy heaths in lowland England with poor, free draining sands with scattered flints over chalk, which are among the least fertile soils in the country.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	One of the most extensive areas of sandy heaths in lowland England with poor, free draining sands with scattered flints over chalk, which are among the least fertile soils in the country.


FG KeyChar:
•	The areas of heaths bring colour and textural variation and are an important biodiversity resource as well as a centre for military sites, camps and training grounds. Scrub, oak, thorn, pine and birch encroach wherever management is not maintained.

Edited_KeyChars:
One of the most extensive areas of sandy heathland in England
Fast-flowing chalk streams with areas of unimproved pasture and wet meadow
Mers and lakes fringed


FG KeyChar:
•	A long history of settlement but now very sparsely populated with nucleated villages in the river valleys and to the west of the Character Area.  Otherwise the landscape comprises of the occasional farm, church or hamlet.
•	Thetford is the only town of significant size and together with Brandon and Mildenhall forms the post-war overspill development. Building materials are knapped flint, clunch and yellow brick.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	A long history of settlement but now very sparsely populated with nucleated villages in the river valleys and to the west of the Character Area.  Otherwise the landscape comprises of the occasional farm, church or hamlet.
•	Thetford is the only town of significant size and together with Brandon and Mildenhall forms the post-war overspill development. Building materials are knapped flint, clunch and yellow brick.


FG KeyChar:
•	Unique combination of climate, rocks and soils has produced a gently undulating, dry plateau with long slopes leading to alluvial flats with shallow, meandering river valleys.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Unique combination of climate, rocks and soils has produced a gently undulating, dry plateau with long slopes leading to alluvial flats with shallow, meandering river valleys.


FG KeyChar:
•	Vast commercial conifer plantations which form forest landscape – unique to lowland England.

Edited_KeyChars:
Extensive plantation forest
Distinctive twisted and knarled Scots pine shelterbelts along field boundaries
Some scrub, oak, thorn, pine and birch encroachment
Areas of deciduous tree cover in the river valleys


Edited_KeyChars:
Mainly permanent, improved pasture
Some areas of wet and rough pasture
Livestock grazing, mainly by sheep


Edited_KeyChars:
Improved and semi-improved farmland for grazing sheep and cattle


Edited_KeyChars:
Hedges and hedgerow trees on fragments of farmland


Edited_KeyChars:
Farmsteads on plateau built of local brick, flint, carstone and clunch


Edited_KeyChars:
Widespread use of local limestone for older buildings


Edited_KeyChars:
Traditional farm buildings in local limestone and brick


Edited_KeyChars:
Traditional farm buildings of red brick and flint with pantiled or peg tiled roofs


Edited_KeyChars:
Areas of marsh and former grazing marsh largely devoid of buildings
Traditional farmsteads on higher ground


Edited_KeyChars:
Woodland on fragments of farmland within conurbation


Edited_KeyChars:
Considerable archaeological resource, especially on arable
Ancient trackways and Roman roads
Some parkland


Edited_KeyChars:
Bronze Age landscape features and green lanes
Historic halls and associated parkland landscapes
Redundant airfields


Edited_KeyChars:
Relatively rich archaeological resource, especially on grassland
Abandoned, isolated churches and mills that form landmarks
Significant area of historic parkland (not mentioned in NCA description)
Many meres and lakes, including former gravel workings


Edited_KeyChars:
Rich archaeology with barrows, cairns, tumuli and historic tracks
Ecclesiastical sites and some industrial archaeology
Parkland and historic estates


Edited_KeyChars:
Wetland vegetation and valley fens in the river valleys
Areas of heathland commons and greens


Edited_KeyChars:
Fragments of species-rich grassland and reedbed


Edited_KeyChars:
Reedbeds
Small remnants of species-rich grassland with hay cutting


Edited_KeyChars:
Watercourses and floodplains marked by riparian trees
Remnant grazing marsh, fen and reedbed


Edited_KeyChars:
Localised areas of reedbed
Remnant mosses and fen carr - at risk from drainage
Remnant species-rich meadows


Edited_KeyChars:
Open heath, bracken and gorse in mosaic with woodland on coversands
Rare and distinctive inland dune systems
Remnant calcareous grassland
Remnant fen habitats


Edited_KeyChars:
Mosses and meres
Heathland remnants on higher ground
Species-rich grassland in stream valleys


Edited_KeyChars:
Remnant species-rich grasslands and wetlands


Edited_KeyChars:
Deeply indented coastline with creeks, islands and peninsulas
Broad tidal mudflats and sands
Coastal grazing marsh and saltmarsh with an intricate pattern of narrow creeks and runnels
Sea walls
Shingle banks e.g. Foulness Point, Colne Point and unvegetated foreshores


Edited_KeyChars:
Mudflats and saltmarsh
Sand dune systems


FG KeyChar:
•	Timber is the main building material and traditional buildings include timber-framed and colour-washed houses with steeply pitched roofs, sometimes faced with Georgian red brick.  Pegtiles and wheat straw thatch are typical.

Edited_KeyChars:
Traditional buildings include timber-framed and colour-washed buildings sometimes faced with Georgian red brick
Rich heritage of barns, historic moated sites
Pegtiles and wheat straw thatch also typical


FG KeyChar:
•	The area exhibits the remnants of small-scale irregular medieval enclosure, despite some rationalization of fields.
•	Sunken hollow lanes are a feature, lined with hedgerows, but the impact of Dutch Elm disease is apparent (in Essex).

Edited_KeyChars:
Remnants of small-scale irregular medieval enclosure despite some rationalisation of fields
Gappy hedgerows within valleys, thick hedgerows on bolder clay plateau
Ditches within valleys
Sunken hollow lanes lined with hedgerows


FG KeyChar:
•	Broadly flat, chalky, boulder clay plateau dissected by undulating river valley topography, particularly marked in upper valley reaches, which are much smaller in scale.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Broadly flat, chalky, boulder clay plateau dissected by undulating river valley topography, particularly marked in upper valley reaches, which are much smaller in scale.


FG KeyChar:
•	There are a number of impressive churches, a rich heritage of barns and surviving medieval enclosure.
•	There is a concentration of historic moated sites in this Character Area.
•	There are a number of well preserved medieval towns and villages with elaborate timber-frame houses e.g. Lavenham, Finchingfield, Cavendish and Thaxted.

Edited_KeyChars:
Impressive churches, elaborate timber-frame houses
Significant number of archaeological sites under arable or grassland management
Important parklands


Edited_KeyChars:
Remnant meadows and wet pastures in valley floors


FG KeyChar:
•	There are a number of impressive churches, a rich heritage of barns and surviving medieval enclosure.
•	Dedham Vale is a tourist honey pot and has a strong cultural association with Constable.
•	There are several large estates and more 20th century development towards coast.
•	Elsewhere the settlement pattern is dispersed - scattered farmsteads and small settlements around 'tyes' (commons) or strip greens and isolated hamlets are typical.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	There are a number of impressive churches, a rich heritage of barns and surviving medieval enclosure.
•	Dedham Vale is a tourist honey pot and has a strong cultural association with Constable.
•	There are several large estates and more 20th century development towards coast.
•	Elsewhere the settlement pattern is dispersed - scattered farmsteads and small settlements around 'tyes' (commons) or strip greens and isolated hamlets are typical.


FG KeyChar:
•	There are few large woods (20 acres plus) - ancient deciduous woods occur on the plateau.
•	Copses (or shaws), connected by hedgerows, give a wooded appearance.  
•	Hedgerow trees are typically elm (with hornbeam and field maple) in Essex or oak and ash in Suffolk.
•	Willow pollards are typical features of the valley floors.

Edited_KeyChars:
Few large woods but ancient deciduous woods on plateau
Copses (or shaws) linked by hedgerows give wooded character
Hedgerow trees (hornbeam and field maple and formerly elm in Essex; oak and ash in Suffolk)
Willow pollards typical of valley floors
Localised traditional orchards


FG KeyChar:
•	The large-scale rolling downland is mainly arable.
•	Grazing occurs in smaller fields within the tight river valleys and around Newmarket where the stud farms impose a distinctive, manicured character.

Edited_KeyChars:
The large-scale rolling downland mainly arable 
Grazing occurs in smaller fields within the tight river valleys and around Newmarket where the stud farms impose a distinctive, manicured character
Grazing marsh scattered along the chalk spring line supporting characteristic species


FG KeyChar:
•	Landscape features include long, straight roads, open grass tracks and isolated 19th century white or yellow brick farmhouses.
•	The landscape has a generally muted colour range with distinctive pale soils and building materials.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mixture of brick, ‘clunch’ (building chalk) and timber-framed houses under thatched and tiled roofs


FG KeyChar:
•	Landscape features include long, straight roads, open grass tracks and isolated 19th century white or yellow brick farmhouses.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Landscape features include long, straight roads, open grass tracks and isolated 19th century white or yellow brick farmhouses.


JM KeyChar:
•	Although much of the area lacks surface drainage, the hills are dissected by the two shallow valleys of the Rivers Granta and Rhee, which converge to form the Cam just south of Cambridge.


Edited_KeyChars:
This broad scale landscape has large, very late enclosure fields with low thorn hedge
Around Newmarket the rectilinear landscape is subdivided to give a more closely geometric feel
Where clay overlies the chalk fields bounded by ditches


FG KeyChar:
•	The distinctive, open, variable topography of the Chalk is a continuation of the Chilterns.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The distinctive, open, variable topography of the Chalk is a continuation of the Chilterns.


FG KeyChar:
•	Significant linear ancient or Roman earthworks include Devil’s Dyke, Fleam Dyke and Icknield Way.

Edited_KeyChars:
Upland plateau and slopes, partitioned by linear earthworks and populated by hillforts and burial mounds, the latter most noticeable on Therfield Heath near Royston
Ancient or Roman earthworks include Devil’s Dyke, Fleam Dyke and Icknield Way
Wealth of Romano-British and late Iron Age settlement remains (significant small towns existed at Great Chesterford and Baldock for example)
15 Registered Parks and Gardens covering 649 ha


FG KeyChar:
•	Remnants of chalk grassland remain, often associated with linear features such as road verges and the margins of golf courses.

Edited_KeyChars:
Remnants of chalk grassland remain
Lowland meadow found on unimproved loamy soils
in the east a mosaic of habitats with calcareous and acidic species growing in close proximity reflecting the chalky and sandy soil mix
Reedbeds and fen have developed on alkaline fen peat in the vicinity of springs that issue a constant supply of lime-rich water


FG KeyChar:
•	Settlement comprising distinctive nucleated villages located generally within valleys.
•	Landscape features include long, straight roads, open grass tracks and isolated 19th century white or yellow brick farmhouses.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Settlement comprising distinctive nucleated villages located generally within valleys.
•	Landscape features include long, straight roads, open grass tracks and isolated 19th century white or yellow brick farmhouses.


FG KeyChar:
•	There is limited woodland cover across the Character Area comprising beech belts along roads and ash dominated copses and hilltop clumps. 
•	Pine belts begin to take over from the beech towards the Brecklands in the east.

Edited_KeyChars:
A distinctive, open, Chalk landscape that forms a continuation of the Chilterns
Limited woodland cover comprising beech belts along roads and ash dominated copses and hilltop clumps 
Pine belts begin to take over from beech towards the Brecklands in the east
Hedgerow trees uncommon in this open landscape, although important where present
Hedgerow trees more numerous in the smaller and more enclosed landscape of the stud farms around Newmarket
Old pollarded crack and white willows a significant feature along chalk streams


FG KeyChar:
•	This is predominantly an open and intensive arable landscape.

Edited_KeyChars:
Predominantly an open and intensive arable landscape
River corridors of the Great Ouse and Ivel characterised by flood plain grassland


FG KeyChar:
•	Generally a diversity of building materials are used, including brick, thatch and stone. Limestone villages on the upper Great Ouse.

Edited_KeyChars:
A diversity of building materials used including brick, thatch and stone
Limestone in the valley of the upper Great Ouse


FG KeyChar:
•	There is a man-made reservoir at Grafham Water. Restored gravel working lakes adjacent to River Ouse, and water-bodies in the Marston Vale have resulted from clay extraction.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	There is a man-made reservoir at Grafham Water. Restored gravel working lakes adjacent to River Ouse, and water-bodies in the Marston Vale have resulted from clay extraction.


FG KeyChar:
•	Fields are bounded by either open ditches or sparse closely trimmed hedges, both containing a variable number and quality of hedgerow trees.

Edited_KeyChars:
Fields bounded by either open ditches or sparse closely trimmed hedges
Lines of past hedgerows marked by occasional trees
Larger hedges in river valleys


FG KeyChar:
•	Medieval earthworks including deserted villages are key historic landscape features.
•	Brickfields of Marston Vale and Peterborough form a major industrial landscape of extraction, landfill and redundant pits.

Edited_KeyChars:
Medieval earthworks including deserted villages key historic landscape features
Areas of ridge and furrow in river valleys
Notable houses and grounds include Kimbolton, and Croxton and Wrest Park, Silsoe
Overall a large archaeological resource


FG KeyChar:
•	River corridors of the Great Ouse and Ivel compose cohesive sub-areas characterised by flood plain grassland, riverine willows and larger hedges.

Edited_KeyChars:
Lowland meadow found on poorly draining boulder clay and on alluvium, often with ridge-and-furrow topography and managed for a hay 
Reedbed, swamp and fen localised and found at the margins of the major rivers and old clay and gravel pits


FG KeyChar:
•	Settlement pattern clusters around major road and rail corridors (A1 and M1), many with raw built edges. Smaller, dispersed settlements occur elsewhere. Village edge grasslands are an important feature.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Settlement pattern clusters around major road and rail corridors (A1 and M1), many with raw built edges. Smaller, dispersed settlements occur elsewhere. Village edge grasslands are an important feature.


FG KeyChar:
•	Gently undulating topography and plateau areas are divided by broad shallow valleys.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Gently undulating topography and plateau areas are divided by broad shallow valleys.


FG KeyChar:
•	Woodland cover is variable. Clusters of ancient deciduous woodland are located on higher plateaux to the north-west of the Character Area between Salcey and Grafham Water. 
•	Smaller plantations and secondary woodland are features within river valleys.

Edited_KeyChars:
Woodland cover variable - clusters of ancient deciduous woodland located on higher plateaux 
Smaller plantations and secondary woodland  within river valleys
Variable quantity and quality of hedgerow trees


FG KeyChar:
•	There is a mix of arable and pasture land, with arable land on the broader flat river terraces and smaller pastures on the slopes of many minor valleys and on more undulating ground.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mix of arable and pasture land
Arable land on the broader flat river terraces
Smaller pastures on slopes of minor valleys/ undulating ground
Loss of valley grasslands to arable
Riverside meadows and significant areas of remaining floodplain grazing marsh


FG KeyChar:
•	The area is dominated by the major rivers of the Soar, Welland and Nene and their many tributaries which include the Sence, the Ise and the Swift.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The area is dominated by the major rivers of the Soar, Welland and Nene and their many tributaries which include the Sence, the Ise and the Swift.


FG KeyChar:
•	There is much variety in the distribution and extent of hedgerow and tree cover and density of hedgerows.  On some valley floodplains, such as that of the Welland, there are substantial waterside trees and meadows, but elsewhere flatter areas are arable farmland with low and intermittent hedges.

Edited_KeyChars:
Much variety in density of hedgerows with some closely flailed
Low and intermittent hedges on flat arable land with past hedgerow removal


FG KeyChar:
•	The area comprises gently undulating clay vales and ridges, with extensive gravel and alluvial deposits along the principal river floodplains.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The area comprises gently undulating clay vales and ridges, with extensive gravel and alluvial deposits along the principal river floodplains.


FG KeyChar:
•	Historic designed parklands are quite frequent and are sited at the edge of the area, adjacent to more wooded landscapes.

Edited_KeyChars:
Ridge and furrow on gently sloping valley sides
Frequent historic designed parklands (sited at edge of the area, adjacent to more wooded landscapes)


FG KeyChar:
•	Riverside meadows and waterside trees and shrubs are common, along with flooded gravel pits and their associated wetlands which result from reclamation schemes.

Edited_KeyChars:
Riverside meadows and fen
Small areas of remnant heathland and limestone pavement
Flooded gravel pits and their associated wetlands


FG KeyChar:
•	The relatively open and densely settled character of this landscape means that urban areas and infrastructure are often visually dominant.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The relatively open and densely settled character of this landscape means that urban areas and infrastructure are often visually dominant.


FG KeyChar:
•	Woodland cover is generally sparse, except for intermittent small woodlands along the Welland and Nene valleys and small valley-side woods, spinneys and copses on the ridges and more undulating land.

Edited_KeyChars:
Woodland cover generally sparse
Intermittent small woodlands along Welland and Nene valleys
Small valley-side woods, spinneys and copses on ridges
Substantial mature hedgerow and waterside trees (willows - often pollarded) on floodplains contribute to a treed character in places


FG KeyChar:
•	Medium-sized arable and wooded landscape on dip-slope to the south-west.
•	Considerable areas of pasture intersperse arable and wooded land cover.

Edited_KeyChars:
Variable fields, mainly arable interspersed with pasture


FG KeyChar:
•	Local materials include ironstone, brick, thatch and render. Settlement pattern includes estate villages and hamlets in the fold of the ridge.

Edited_KeyChars:
Local materials include ironstone, brick, thatch and render


FG KeyChar:
•	The river Ivel breaks the ridge at Sandy and numerous transport corridors traverse the ridge.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The river Ivel breaks the ridge at Sandy and numerous transport corridors traverse the ridge.


FG KeyChar:
•	Medium-sized arable and wooded landscape on dip-slope to the south-west.
•	Considerable areas of pasture intersperse arable and wooded land cover.
•	Variable field and roadside boundaries – ranging from mature shelterbelts to gappy, short flailed boundaries to intact evergreen hedges.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mainly medium sized arable fields with variable boundaries from mature shelterbelts and intact hedges to more degraded gappy heavily flailed  hedgerows
Hedgerow lengths subject to past removal, making the NCA more similar to the surrounding claylands


FG KeyChar:
•	A large scale, rolling, elevated landscape providing extensive panoramic views across the Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire claylands (Character Area 88).
•	A narrow escarpment formed of Lower Greensand with distinct scarp slope to the north-west and dip slope to south-west.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	A large scale, rolling, elevated landscape providing extensive panoramic views across the Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire claylands (Character Area 88).
•	A narrow escarpment formed of Lower Greensand with distinct scarp slope to the north-west and dip slope to south-west.


FG KeyChar:
•	Number of historic parklands and estates including Woburn, Haynes, Shuttleworth, Sandy Lodge and Southill.

Edited_KeyChars:
Strong Roman influence
Historic parklands and estates (e.g. Woburn, Southill, Haynes) a dominant feature of the area -  ancient pollards a feature


FG KeyChar:
•	Existing and disused sand quarries around Leighton Buzzard.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Existing and disused sand quarries around Leighton Buzzard.


Edited_KeyChars:
Important heathland and acidic grassland habitats on the poorer acidic soils of the scarp and upper ridges 
Wetlands with  acidic mires associated with the acidic waters rising from the Greensand aquifers
Some areas of marsh and fen on more calcareous soils


Edited_KeyChars:
•	Local materials include ironstone, brick, thatch and render. Settlement pattern includes estate villages and hamlets in the fold of the ridge.


FG KeyChar:
•	Mixed land use on north-west facing scarp slope, including a high proportion of large woodland blocks and plantations (both deciduous and coniferous) – forming wooded horizons and a strong sense of enclosure. 
•	Medium-sized arable and wooded landscape on dip-slope to the south-west.
•	Considerable areas of pasture intersperse arable and wooded land cover.

Edited_KeyChars:
High proportion of large ancient woodland blocks and plantations (both deciduous and coniferous) in the north
Woods interspersed with farmland elsewhere
Some hedgerow trees and in-field trees where hedgerow lengths have been removed - past lost of hedgerow trees
Wood pasture characteristic of the estates on the eastern side of the ridge
Rare black poplar found  in wetland areas


FG KeyChar:
•	The distinctive character of the ridge stems from its history as the site of a series of Royal Forests from the 13th century.  The remnants of these woodlands at Salcey Forest (Yardley Chase) and Whittlewood remain important landscape features.
•	11% of the character area is wooded and the extensive blocks of oak/ash woodland are supplemented by tracts of more recent conifer plantations.

Edited_KeyChars:
Distinctive character of the ridge stems from its history as the site of a series of 13th century Royal Forests now found as remnants in Salcey Forest (Yardley Chase) and Whittlewood, including areas of ancient wood pasture
11% of NCA wooded - extensive blocks of oak/ash woodland supplemented with tracts of more recent conifer plantations
Hedgerow oaks and ash trees - Dutch elm disease has had a dramatic effect, resulting in the widespread loss of hedgerow trees


FG KeyChar:
•	The area has a mix of arable, mixed and pastoral farmland with pasture predominant in the west and a more open arable landscape to the east.

Edited_KeyChars:
A mix of arable, mixed and pastoral farmland 
Pasture predominant in the west and a more open arable landscape to the east


FG KeyChar:
•	Building materials are varied and include red brick and the local grey-ochre limestone. There are a number of attractive limestone villages with a unified built character.

Edited_KeyChars:
Building materials varied and include red brick and the soft local grey-ochre Oolitic limestone with  either grey slate or red pantile roofing


FG KeyChar:
•	The ridge forms a low watershed between the catchments of the Nene to the north and the Great Ouse to the south.  The River Tove cuts through the ridge at Grafton Regis and then turns east to flow into the Great Ouse.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The ridge forms a low watershed between the catchments of the Nene to the north and the Great Ouse to the south.  The River Tove cuts through the ridge at Grafton Regis and then turns east to flow into the Great Ouse.


FG KeyChar:
•	Fields are generally medium-sized, with full hedgerows and hedgerow oaks and ash trees.

Edited_KeyChars:
Fields generally medium-sized, with full hedgerows
Hedges generally substantial and species-rich and often filled out with elm suckers


FG KeyChar:
•	The landscape consists of a broad plateau underlain by Jurassic Oolitic limestones and covered by irregular drifts of glacial boulder clay.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The landscape consists of a broad plateau underlain by Jurassic Oolitic limestones and covered by irregular drifts of glacial boulder clay.


FG KeyChar:
•	The distinctive character of the ridge stems from its history as the site of a series of Royal Forests from the 13th century.  The remnants of these woodlands at Salcey Forest (Yardley Chase) and Whittlewood remain important landscape features.
•	The area has a number of significant parkland landscapes, including Stowe Park, Castle Ashby, Chase Park, Biddlesen, Melchbourne and Whittlebury.

Edited_KeyChars:
Number of significant parkland landscapes including parks and estates - Biddlesden, Melchbourne and Whittlebury, and remnants of Royal Forests and hunting woodlands
Striking elm avenues at Stowe Park and massive avenues and woodland rides at Castle Ashby and Chase Park


FG KeyChar:
•	There is a concentration of semi-natural ancient woodlands in the Yardley Chase and Whittlewood areas. Many of the hedgerows are species rich and the minor roads often have species-rich grass verges.

Edited_KeyChars:
Unimproved grassland occurs as discrete agricultural fields, along woodland rides, roadside verges and green lanes, and as part of the complex habitat mosaic found at Yardley Chase
Unimproved grassland in river valleys has developed flood meadow vegetation


FG KeyChar:
•	Settlements are small, relatively few and tend to be sited along the edge of the ridge.  Some of the ridge villages developed as Forest Villages whose residents had rights over the Forest lands.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Settlements are small, relatively few and tend to be sited along the edge of the ridge.  Some of the ridge villages developed as Forest Villages whose residents had rights over the Forest lands.


FG KeyChar:
•	The plateau has a gently undulating surface and dips gradually from approximately 150m in the west to 80m to the east.  It is physically distinct from the adjacent low lying vales.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The plateau has a gently undulating surface and dips gradually from approximately 150m in the west to 80m to the east.  It is physically distinct from the adjacent low lying vales.


FG KeyChar:
•	Older buildings are generally of the creamy-grey limestone in the east and are often steeply roofed with the distinctive Collyweston Slate.  In the west, ironstone is a common building material and brick is common on the fringes of Peterborough.

Edited_KeyChars:
Traditional stone farm buildings in the east of creamy-grey limestone roofed with Collyweston Slate and in the west of ironstone
Brick common on the fringes of Peterborough


FG KeyChar:
•	The area is bordered to the north by the Welland valley and to the south by the valley of the River Nene.  Rivers and streams rise on the higher land close to the north-west scarp and flow south and eastwards towards the Nene.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The area is bordered to the north by the Welland valley and to the south by the valley of the River Nene.  Rivers and streams rise on the higher land close to the north-west scarp and flow south and eastwards towards the Nene.


FG KeyChar:
•	Woodlands are separated by large arable fields on thinner soils which are separated by low hedgerows and intermittent trees.
•	The mixed farmland to the west of Peterborough has both hedges and stone walls and fields are set out with the distinctive rectilinear pattern of the parliamentary enclosures.

Edited_KeyChars:
Low hedgerows and intermittent trees on arable land
West of Peterborough both hedges and stone walls in distinctive rectilinear pattern of parliamentary enclosures
Smaller scale hedged fields in river valleys


FG KeyChar:
•	The principal landform of the area is a broad, low undulating ridge underlain by Jurassic limestones which falls away from a steep northern scarp overlooking the River Welland.  
•	The highest points are capped by heavy boulder clays which are unsuitable for cultivation and it is here that the extensive ancient woodlands lie, emphasising the relief and providing a strong sense of enclosure.  Linear woodlands mark the scarp slopes to the north.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The principal landform of the area is a broad, low undulating ridge underlain by Jurassic limestones which falls away from a steep northern scarp overlooking the River Welland.  
•	The highest points are capped by heavy boulder clays which are unsuitable for cultivation and it is here that the extensive ancient woodlands lie, emphasising the relief and providing a strong sense of enclosure.  Linear woodlands mark the scarp slopes to the north.


FG KeyChar:
•	Apart from the woodlands, the main tree cover comes from the frequent large historic parks such as Rockingham, Deene, Drayton and Boughton.

Edited_KeyChars:
Former royal hunting forest
Frequent large historic parks such as Rockingham, Deene, Drayton and Boughton
Ridge and furrow on the fringes of settlements


FG KeyChar:
•	The area is exceptionally rich in ancient semi-natural woodlands and former areas of grazing land within the woodland are of particular value.  Regeneration on former quarries has created a complex and attractive mosaic of grassland, woodland and scrub in areas such as the Barnack hills and holes and unimproved grasslands are often marked by ridge and furrow on the fringes of settlements.

Edited_KeyChars:
Species-rich unimproved grasslands within woodland and on former quarry sites


FG KeyChar:
•	Settlements are concentrated in the valleys, where there is typically a small-scale pattern of pastures, more robust hedgerows and occasional stone walls.  Lines of trees mark all the watercourses, with low-lying grasslands and streamside pollards along the broader floodplain of the Nene near Peterborough.
•	Nucleated villages are concentrated in sheltered valleys and retain a rural character, although there is extensive recent development on the fringes of Kettering and Corby.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Settlements are concentrated in the valleys, where there is typically a small-scale pattern of pastures, more robust hedgerows and occasional stone walls.  Lines of trees mark all the watercourses, with low-lying grasslands and streamside pollards along the broader floodplain of the Nene near Peterborough.
•	Nucleated villages are concentrated in sheltered valleys and retain a rural character, although there is extensive recent development on the fringes of Kettering and Corby.


FG KeyChar:
•	The principal landform of the area is a broad, low undulating ridge underlain by Jurassic limestones which falls away from a steep northern scarp overlooking the River Welland.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The principal landform of the area is a broad, low undulating ridge underlain by Jurassic limestones which falls away from a steep northern scarp overlooking the River Welland.


FG KeyChar:
•	The highest points are capped by heavy boulder clays which are unsuitable for cultivation and it is here that the extensive ancient woodlands lie, emphasising the relief and providing a strong sense of enclosure.  Linear woodlands mark the scarp slopes to the north.
•	Apart from the woodlands, the main tree cover comes from the frequent large historic parks such as Rockingham, Deene, Drayton and Boughton.
•	In some areas deciduous woodlands have been converted to coniferous woodlands and in others wholly new conifer plantations have been established. Much recent planting has been on the reclaimed ironstone workings and larger estates such as Boughton.

Edited_KeyChars:
Much ancient woodland/ coppice on high ground/ boulder clay
Linear woodlands on scarp slopes to north
Tree cover also associated with frequent large historic parks
Mature in-field and hedgerow trees
Streamside willow pollards


Edited_KeyChars:
Large arable fields on thinner soils
Mixed farmland west of Peterborough
Wet floodplain pastures in river valleys


FG KeyChar:
•	There is mixed farming with open arable land concentrated on ridge tops and the wider valley bottoms. Field ponds are notable local features.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mixed farming with open arable land concentrated on ridge tops and the wider valley bottoms.


FG KeyChar:
•	Villages are typically sited at high points, with ironstone, limestone and/or brick buildings clustered around a prominent church.  Farms are isolated along narrow lanes.

Edited_KeyChars:
Buildings typically ironstone, limestone and/or brick


FG KeyChar:
•	The area’s well treed character is derived from hedgerows, hedgerow trees, copses, spinneys and small ridgetop woodlands, rather than any great extent of large woodlands.
•	Frequent and very prominent ridge and furrow, as well as many deserted settlements.

Edited_KeyChars:
Rectilinear field patterns with intact hedgerows
NCA has a long tradition of hedgerow management, resulting from its historic use as hunting country but more recently localised neglect and loss of hedgerows


FG KeyChar:
•	Most of the area is underlain by thick boulder clay, but where this has been eroded the more easily cultivated glacial sands and gravels are the favoured sites for historic villages.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Most of the area is underlain by thick boulder clay, but where this has been eroded the more easily cultivated glacial sands and gravels are the favoured sites for historic villages.


FG KeyChar:
•	The cluster of oak/ash woodlands on the undulating land around the Eye Brook and River Chater (eg Owston Woods and Launde Big Wood) are generally ancient and survive from the Leighfield Forest.  They are of significant nature conservation interest in an area with relatively limited woodland cover.
•	The area also contains some fine country houses (eg Quenby and Noseley) set within parkland on sheltered sites.  Many parkland landscapes are associated with a nearby deserted medieval settlement.
•	Frequent and very prominent ridge and furrow, as well as many deserted settlements.

Edited_KeyChars:
Frequent and very prominent ridge and furrow and sites of deserted Medieval villages
Iron Age hill fort remains at Burrough on the Hill
Field ponds are notable local features
fine country houses such as Quenby and Noseby set within parkland on sheltered sites
Remnants of ancient hunting forest


FG KeyChar:
•	The cluster of oak/ash woodlands on the undulating land around the Eye Brook and River Chater (eg Owston Woods and Launde Big Wood) are generally ancient and survive from the Leighfield Forest.  They are of significant nature conservation interest in an area with relatively limited woodland cover.

Edited_KeyChars:
Main semi-natural habitat associated with ancient woodland and the remaining areas of wet grassland


FG KeyChar:
•	Green lanes, quiet countryside and an empty, remote, rural character.
•	Villages are typically sited at high points, with ironstone, limestone and/or brick buildings clustered around a prominent church.  Farms are isolated along narrow lanes.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Green lanes, quiet countryside and an empty, remote, rural character.
•	Villages are typically sited at high points, with ironstone, limestone and/or brick buildings clustered around a prominent church.  Farms are isolated along narrow lanes.


FG KeyChar:
•	An area of broad rolling ridges dissected by radiating river valleys with a varied profile; the majority are steep-sided, but some (eg Queniborough Brook) are deep and relatively wide.  The land rises to central plateau of high ground at Billesdon, with steep scarp slopes on the northern aspect.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	An area of broad rolling ridges dissected by radiating river valleys with a varied profile; the majority are steep-sided, but some (eg Queniborough Brook) are deep and relatively wide.  The land rises to central plateau of high ground at Billesdon, with steep scarp slopes on the northern aspect.


FG KeyChar:
•	The area’s well treed character is derived from hedgerows, hedgerow trees, copses, spinneys and small ridgetop woodlands, rather than any great extent of large woodlands.
•	The cluster of oak/ash woodlands on the undulating land around the Eye Brook and River Chater (eg Owston Woods and Launde Big Wood) are generally ancient and survive from the Leighfield Forest.  They are of significant nature conservation interest in an area with relatively limited woodland cover.

Edited_KeyChars:
The area's well wooded character derives largely from hedgerow trees, copses, spinneys and small ridgetop woodlands
The cluster of oak/ash woodlands on the undulating land around the Eye Brook and River Chater survive  from Leighfield Forest and are largely ancient


Edited_KeyChars:
Riverside meadows and fen
Flooded gravel pits and their associated wetlands


Edited_KeyChars:
Woodland cover generally sparse
Intermittent small woodlands along valleys
Small valley-side woods, spinneys and copses on ridges
Substantial mature hedgerow and waterside trees (willows - often pollarded) on floodplains contribute to a treed character in places


FG KeyChar:
•	There is a mixture of pasture and arable land, with arable predominant on shallow slopes and pasture on undulating land.

Edited_KeyChars:
Arable predominant on shallow slopes
Pasture on undulating land
wet grassland on valley floors


FG KeyChar:
•	The local ironstone has a distinctive orangey-brown colour and is used in combination with red brick, creamy-grey limestone and cob in traditional buildings throughout the area.

Edited_KeyChars:
Distinctive local ironstone used with red brick, creamy-grey limestone and cob in traditional buildings throughout


FG KeyChar:
Hedgerows form a regular criss-cross rectilinear pattern across the hills.  They are generally sparse and well trimmed in the large-scale arable areas and dense, with numerous hedgerow trees around pastures.
•	There are outstanding and extensive examples of ridge and furrow and deserted villages on pastoral land throughout the character area.

Edited_KeyChars:
Regular rectilinear hedgerow pattern
Hedges sparse and well trimmed in arable areas
Hedges dense (and treed) around pastures


FG KeyChar:
•	The area is underlain by clays of the Lias Group, capped locally by the ironstone-bearing Marlstone and Northampton Sands at the high (c. 210m) ironstone hills around Guilsborough and Staverton.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The area is underlain by clays of the Lias Group, capped locally by the ironstone-bearing Marlstone and Northampton Sands at the high (c. 210m) ironstone hills around Guilsborough and Staverton.


FG KeyChar:
•	There are outstanding and extensive examples of ridge and furrow and deserted villages on pastoral land throughout the character area.
•	The area has many impressive mansions and designed historic landscapes, including Althorp Hall, Canons Ashby, Cottesbrooke, Harlestone and Holdenby.

Edited_KeyChars:
Outstanding, extensive examples of ridge and furrow and deserted villages on pasture throughout area
Impressive mansions and designed landscapes eg Althorp Hall, Canons Ashby, Cottesbrooke, Harlestone and Holdenby


FG KeyChar:
•	Semi-natural habitats are fragmented and small in scale.  21% of the woodlands are of ancient origin.

Edited_KeyChars:
Semi-natural habitats fragmented and small scale


FG KeyChar:
•	Villages are generally small, with a nucleated form and a rather isolated rural character.  However settlements close to the urban areas of Daventry and Rugby and along strategic routes such as the M1, the A14 and the A425 have significant commuter development.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Villages are generally small, with a nucleated form and a rather isolated rural character.  However settlements close to the urban areas of Daventry and Rugby and along strategic routes such as the M1, the A14 and the A425 have significant commuter development.


FG KeyChar:
•	Much of the area has a rolling, gently hilly landform with distinctive isolated ironstone hills, although there are also some extensive clay lowlands where glacial till has masked the landform on the fringes of the undulating hills.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Much of the area has a rolling, gently hilly landform with distinctive isolated ironstone hills, although there are also some extensive clay lowlands where glacial till has masked the landform on the fringes of the undulating hills.


FG KeyChar:
•	Small broadleaf woodlands, copses and shelterbelts, combined with hedgerow trees create an impression of a well-treed landscape, although overall woodland cover is relatively limited (2%).  Woodlands are concentrated along streams and steeper slopes, with many prominent hilltop copses.

Edited_KeyChars:
Small broadleaf woodlands, copses and shelterbelts along streams and steeper slopes
In-field and hedgerow trees suggest a well-treed landscape in pastoral areas (though woodland cover is low)
Many prominent hilltop copses


FG KeyChar:
•	Feldon is dominated by pasture, while in Dunsmore there is more mixed farming, including areas of intensive arable.

Edited_KeyChars:
Feldon dominated by pasture
Dunsmore has more mixed farming, including areas of intensive arable


FG KeyChar:
•	Buildings are often constructed of red brick, sometimes with blue brick or ironstone details; in places buildings are constructed of Lias limestone.

Edited_KeyChars:
Buildings of red brick, sometimes with blue brick or ironstone details
In places constructed of Lias limestone


JM KeyChar:
•	River valleys are narrow and mainly arable, but in places there are remnant flood meadows, bankside pollard trees and reedbeds.


FG KeyChar:
•	Fields are usually large, with regular or rectilinear shapes, although there are some smaller fields.
•	Many areas of ridge and furrow show the location of medieval open fields.

Edited_KeyChars:
Fields are usually large, with regular or rectilinear shapes, although there are some smaller fields
Thorn hedgerows form the main boundaries - boundaries less well defined in Feldon
Loss and deterioration of hedges leading to fragmentation of field patterns


FG KeyChar:
•	The area is underlain by lower Lias clays and Mercia mudstones, with extensive surface deposits of glacial drift.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The area is underlain by lower Lias clays and Mercia mudstones, with extensive surface deposits of glacial drift.


FG KeyChar:
•	Many areas of ridge and furrow show the location of medieval open fields.
•	Large country houses set in mature parkland are a recurring feature.

Edited_KeyChars:
Many areas of ridge and furrow show the location of medieval open fields
Earthwork remains of medieval settlements and associated fieldsystems as at Radwell, Tysoe and Napton - three of the most coherent medieval township landscapes in England
Large country houses set in mature parkland a recurring feature


FG KeyChar:
•	There is a nucleated settlement pattern of villages, with occasional outlying farms.
•	Large country houses set in mature parkland are a recurring feature.
•	In some areas there is a strong urban influence, particularly near to the urban centres of Leamington Spa, Coventry and Rugby.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	There is a nucleated settlement pattern of villages, with occasional outlying farms.
•	Large country houses set in mature parkland are a recurring feature.
•	In some areas there is a strong urban influence, particularly near to the urban centres of Leamington Spa, Coventry and Rugby.


FG KeyChar:
•	Much of the landscape is gently undulating with localised low hills and plateaux.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Much of the landscape is gently undulating with localised low hills and plateaux.


FG KeyChar:
•	There is a general lack of woodland cover across the area, although there is a well-wooded character in Dunsmore.

Edited_KeyChars:
General lack of woodland cover across the area but well-wooded character in Dunsmore
Frequent hedgerow trees in Dunsmore with wooded streams
Many small coverts and belts of trees in the west of the area, along the River Stour 
Frequent hedgerow elm stumps in the Vales  and Feldon - suggesting in the past hedgerow trees were common


Edited_KeyChars:
Acid grassland and heathland formerly characteristic of sand and gravel deposits to the east of Coventry - now very localised and of limited occurrence
Flower-rich flood meadows occur on the regularly flooded alluvial soils


FG KeyChar:
•	Most older buildings are constructed of brick and timber.

Edited_KeyChars:
Older buildings mainly of brick and timber


FG KeyChar:
•	River corridors are defined by narrow alluvial floodplains, which are characterised by grazing meadows, often with patches of wet grassland.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	River corridors are defined by narrow alluvial floodplains, which are characterised by grazing meadows, often with patches of wet grassland.


FG KeyChar:
•	There are ancient patterns of well-hedged, irregular fields and small woodlands that contrast with larger semi-regular fields on former deer parks and estates and geometric patterns on former commons.

Edited_KeyChars:
Ancient patterns of well-hedged, irregular fields
Larger semi-regular hedged fields on former deer parks and estates
Geometric field patterns on former commons
Boundary walls associated with large estates


FG KeyChar:
•	The underlying geology in the north of the area is dominated by Palaeozoic rocks, including coal measures, while the centre and south of the area is underlain by Triassic mudstones and sandstones, with frequent deposits of glacial drift.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	The underlying geology in the north of the area is dominated by Palaeozoic rocks, including coal measures, while the centre and south of the area is underlain by Triassic mudstones and sandstones, with frequent deposits of glacial drift.


FG KeyChar:
•	This is Shakespeare's 'Forest of Arden' which was historically a region of wood pasture and heathland.

JM KeyChar:
•	Historic landscape features include medieval military and ecclesiastical sites and moated manors.

Edited_KeyChars:
Medieval military and ecclesiastical sites and moated manors
Shakespeare's 'Forest of Arden', historic region of wood pasture and heathland
Field ponds locally important and marl-pits in need of management


FG KeyChar:
•	There is a strong urban influence in the area, which includes the large urban areas of Birmingham and Coventry and many smaller urban areas.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	There is a strong urban influence in the area, which includes the large urban areas of Birmingham and Coventry and many smaller urban areas.


FG KeyChar:
•	Some areas of heathland persist on poorer soils in central and northern areas.

Edited_KeyChars:
Remnant heathlands on poorer soils in centre and north
Small areas of remnant lowland meadows
Narrow alluvial floodplains of the rivers, characterised by grazing meadows, with patches of wet grassland


FG KeyChar:
•	Much of the Arden landscape is characterised by a dispersed settlement pattern, with just a few villages along the river valleys, and frequent isolated farms. 
•	The former commons attracted settlement by landless labourers which formed the basis for many of the Arden hamlets and the isolated wayside cottages with long, narrow gardens.
•	Small mining settlements, with terraced housing, have developed in the north-east of the area.
•	There is a strong urban influence in the area, which includes the large urban areas of Birmingham and Coventry and many smaller urban areas.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Much of the Arden landscape is characterised by a dispersed settlement pattern, with just a few villages along the river valleys, and frequent isolated farms. 
•	The former commons attracted settlement by landless labourers which formed the basis for many of the Arden hamlets and the isolated wayside cottages with long, narrow gardens.
•	Small mining settlements, with terraced housing, have developed in the north-east of the area.
•	There is a strong urban influence in the area, which includes the large urban areas of Birmingham and Coventry and many smaller urban areas.


FG KeyChar:
•	There is a rolling landform of low hills and valleys, with narrow meandering flood plains and occasional steeper scarps.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	There is a rolling landform of low hills and valleys, with narrow meandering flood plains and occasional steeper scarps.


FG KeyChar:
•	Mature hedgerow oaks are a defining characteristic of the area, together with ancient woodlands and plantation woodlands that often date from the time of enclosure.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mature hedgerow oaks and field trees - a defining characteristic but at risk
Ancient woodlands
belta of mature trees associated with large estates
Plantation woodlands from time of parliamentary enclosure
Wooded fringes to water courses
Remnant traditional orchards


FG KeyChar:
•	Away from the urban areas, the main land uses are pasture grassland and rough grazing, particularly on the thinner and more acidic soils.
•	Arable land-use has increased across the area.

Edited_KeyChars:
Pasture grassland and rough grazing traditionally the main land use, particularly on thinner and more acidic soils
Narrow alluvial floodplains with grazing meadows, often with patches of wet grassland
Arable land use has increased


FG KeyChar:
•	There is a mosaic of improved and unimproved grasslands with occasional arable fields on the lower hills and vales and intensive mixed farming in the wide, flat-bottomed valleys.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mosaic of improved and unimproved grasslands
Arable fields on lower hills and vales
Intensive mixed farming in wide, flat-bottomed valleys
remaining floodplain grazing marsh in river valleys


FG KeyChar:
•	Rural buildings are traditionally of grey Silurian stone or whitewash.

Edited_KeyChars:
Rural buildings traditionally of grey Silurian stone or whitewash


FG KeyChar:
•	River systems are an important feature of this landscape.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	River systems are an important feature of this landscape.


FG KeyChar:
•	There are irregular field patterns in valleys and around settlements contrasting with large rectilinear fields on higher ground.
•	To the west are open hilltop pastures, rough grazing and moorland.

Edited_KeyChars:
Hedges throughout
Irregular field patterns in valleys and around settlements
Large rectilinear fields on higher ground
Open hilltop pastures, rough grazing and moorland to west
Walls bound estates, parklands and old deer parks


FG KeyChar:
•	Offa’s Dyke is an important historic landscape feature, along with several Iron Age hillforts.

Edited_KeyChars:
Offa’s Dyke
Iron Age hillforts
Motte and bailey castles in valleys
Important landscapes parks and deer parks


FG KeyChar:
•	There are occasional species-rich grasslands, heathlands and ancient woodlands throughout the area.

Edited_KeyChars:
Occasional species-rich grasslands and heathlands
Rhos Fiddle the most extensively remaining area for moorland (upland heath) with most of it having now been reclaimed for agriculture.


FG KeyChar:
•	Welsh settlement patterns of isolated farmsteads, small fields and Welsh farm names in the western uplands contrast with scattered villages, castles and anglicised names in the valleys.
•	The former market towns of Kington and Bishop’s Castle are the principal settlements in the area.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Welsh settlement patterns of isolated farmsteads, small fields and Welsh farm names in the western uplands contrast with scattered villages, castles and anglicised names in the valleys.
•	The former market towns of Kington and Bishop’s Castle are the principal settlements in the area.


FG KeyChar:
•	Rounded upland hills with steep slopes divided by narrow valleys which widen to the east.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Rounded upland hills with steep slopes divided by narrow valleys which widen to the east.


FG KeyChar:
•	Large, recent conifer plantations occur alongside or interlocking with remnant, ancient, semi-natural woodland on central hills.

Edited_KeyChars:
Remnant, ancient, semi-natural woodland on central hills
Scattered field trees
Waterside trees and pollards in need of management
Localised traditional orchards


FG KeyChar:
•	The agriculture is variable, ranging from rough grazing in the west, through low to moderate intensity pastoral land use, to intensive arable cultivation on the valley floors of the Golden Valley.

Edited_KeyChars:
intensive arable cultivation on the valley floors
Rough grazing in the west
Low to moderate intensity pastoral land use


FG KeyChar:
•	The older buildings are of Old Red Sandstone in a mixture of hues from red to grey.

Edited_KeyChars:
The older buildings are of Old Red Sandstone in a mixture of hues from red to grey
Many defensive mottes


FG KeyChar:
•	There is a predominantly irregular enclosure pattern of small fields with thick, mixed hedges, becoming larger and semi-regular on the lower ground to the east; the high hills to the west are mostly unenclosed.

Edited_KeyChars:
Irregular enclosure pattern of small fields becoming  larger and semi-regular on the lower ground to the east 
Thick mixed species-rich hedges creating densely hedged field systems - hedges becoming lower as the land continues to rise
Important ancient hedgerows along road verges
Some hedgerows are degraded and other lengths have been lost


FG KeyChar:
•	To the west, the Black Mountains are a high, steep-sided tableland of Old Red Sandstone.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	To the west, the Black Mountains are a high, steep-sided tableland of Old Red Sandstone.


FG KeyChar:
•	Occasional Iron Age hillforts and older monuments are found in the area.
•	Some areas of parkland occur on the eastern ridges and slopes.
•	There is a strong Welsh influence across much of the area and many defensive mottes are found.

Edited_KeyChars:
Defensive mottes and Iron Age hillforts and monuments - Iron Age hillforts (e.g. Poston and Pen Twyn) provided foci for valley communities
Neolithic and Bronze Age activity, including megaliths of Arthur’s stone
Romano-British period saw more settlement
Ancient deer park )Moccas)and areas of parkland on eastern ridges and slopes.


FG KeyChar:
•	Open heather moorland, acid grassland and extensive areas of bracken are found on the upper hill slopes and summits.

Edited_KeyChars:
‘Inbye’ unimproved neutral grasslands a feature of the western edge of the NCA
Unimproved open acidic grasslands found on the hills and uplands of the Black Mountains(giving rise to a characteristic upland edge landscape) derived from heathland by grazing
Mosaics of moorland and shrub heath
Small areas of rich calcareous grassland confined to rock outcrops and spring lines
Highest land on the Black Mountain plateau ridges has wet heath and bog with small, flushed areas Blanket mire lies on gentler slopes


FG KeyChar:
•	Scattered farmsteads and hamlets form a dispersed settlement pattern with occasional villages.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Scattered farmsteads and hamlets form a dispersed settlement pattern with occasional villages.


FG KeyChar:
•	To the west, the Black Mountains are a high, steep-sided tableland of Old Red Sandstone.
•	The lower landscape to the east has been cut by rivers, giving a north-west to south-east orientated pattern of ridges and valleys.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	To the west, the Black Mountains are a high, steep-sided tableland of Old Red Sandstone.
•	The lower landscape to the east has been cut by rivers, giving a north-west to south-east orientated pattern of ridges and valleys.


FG KeyChar:
•	Woodland is predominantly found on the slopes of the eastern and northern hills, including the ancient deer park at Moccas, and is mostly broadleaved, but with some blocks of mixed and coniferous plantations.

Edited_KeyChars:
Woodland predominantly found on the slopes of the eastern and northern hills
Mostly broadleaved, but with some blocks of mixed and coniferous plantations
Scattered hedgerow trees in the Golden and Grey Valleys
Localised traditional orchards


FG KeyChar:
•	Much of the lower lying land is in intensive arable cultivation with localised traditional and bush orchards, and occasional hop fields.
•	Pasture is also frequent with occasional wet meadows and permanent pastures along the rivers.

Edited_KeyChars:
Much of the lower lying land is in intensive arable cultivation (and suffering from erosion) with localised traditional and bush orchards, and occasional hop fields
Pasture also frequent with occasional wet meadows and permanent pastures along the rivers


FG KeyChar:
•	Timber framed (black and white) buildings are typical across much of the area but stone and red brick are also frequently used.

Edited_KeyChars:
Old Red Sandstone has been widely used, particularly in the large farmsteads
Timber framing also characteristic of the area


FG KeyChar:
•	There are wide meandering river valleys, including the Wye, Lugg and Frome with occasional pollarded willows.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	There are wide meandering river valleys, including the Wye, Lugg and Frome with occasional pollarded willows.


FG KeyChar:
•	Parkland is also a characteristic feature of the Herefordshire lowlands.
•	The hedgerows are often cut low with sparse tree cover, although locally high or planted windbreaks occur around orchards and hop fields.

Edited_KeyChars:
A semi-regular field pattern
The hedgerows are often cut low with sparse tree cover, some hedgerows have been removed
Locally hedgerows may be grown high to act as windbreaks


FG KeyChar:
•	Much of the area is underlain by Old Red Sandstone, with localised deposits of alluvium and glacial drift.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	Much of the area is underlain by Old Red Sandstone, with localised deposits of alluvium and glacial drift.


FG KeyChar:
•	Parkland is also a characteristic feature of the Herefordshire lowlands.
•	The historic market towns of Hereford and Leominster are the principal settlements with dense urban development.

Edited_KeyChars:
Neolithic, Bronze Age and Iron Age settlement, agriculture and burial sites present beneath the alluvium of the river Lugg
An impressive array of Iron Age hillforts, some of which remained occupied in the Roman period, on higher ground
Parkland a characteristic feature of the Herefordshire lowlands


FG KeyChar:
•	Pasture is also frequent with occasional wet meadows and permanent pastures along the rivers.

Edited_KeyChars:
Semi-natural habitats now much reduced in this intensively farmed landscape
Neutral grasslands once common but now surviving in small pockets
Wet grasslands now very restricted, those that survive particularly associated with common land that has escaped drainage improvements
Small areas of isolated unimproved grassland survive along the north-eastern fringe of the NCA


FG KeyChar:
•	There is a dispersed settlement pattern with scattered villages, hamlets and farmsteads throughout, and clustered settlements around commons.
•	The historic market towns of Hereford and Leominster are the principal settlements with dense urban development.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	There is a dispersed settlement pattern with scattered villages, hamlets and farmsteads throughout, and clustered settlements around commons.
•	The historic market towns of Hereford and Leominster are the principal settlements with dense urban development.


FG KeyChar:
•	This is an undulating landscape with localised steep-sided hills and wide flood plains.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	This is an undulating landscape with localised steep-sided hills and wide flood plains.


FG KeyChar:
•	The steep slopes of the central hills are dominated by woodlands, but there are scattered copses and plantations throughout the area.

Edited_KeyChars:
The steep slopes of the central hills are dominated by woodlands
Elsewhere scattered copses and plantations throughout the area
Planted windbreaks occur around orchards and hop fields
Localised traditional orchards
Hedgerow trees are an important landscape feature although not that common - many have been lost
Willow pollards a feature of water courses (there are wide meandering river valleys, including the Wye, Lugg and Frome)


FG KeyChar:
•	There are small scattered woodlands and plantations throughout, as well as riparian trees and woodlands.

Edited_KeyChars:
Small scattered woodlands and plantations
Wooded steep sided  valleys or dingles
Frequent hedgerow trees and Damson trees in hedgerows throughout
Riparian trees and woodlands associated with parkland
Orchards present throughout


FG KeyChar:
•	Arable farming dominates the plateau, although there are areas of pasture and mixed farming.
•	Hops and orchards (traditional and bush) are found throughout the area.

Edited_KeyChars:
Arable farming dominates on the plateau
Areas of pasture and mixed farming, with areas of pasture thought to be declining
River Frome and many tributary streams and valleys with remnant wet grasslands
Rough grazing on the commons found on higher ground


FG KeyChar:
•	There is a dispersed settlement pattern of scattered hamlets, farms and manor houses throughout the area, with pink and grey Old Red Sandstone traditionally used and occasionally timber-framing.

Edited_KeyChars:
Pink and grey Old Red Sandstone traditionally used and occasionally timber-framing.


FG KeyChar:
•	There are many streams and rivers, the Frome being the largest, flowing through incised valleys.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	There are many streams and rivers, the Frome being the largest, flowing through incised valleys.


FG KeyChar:
•	The fields are medium to large in size on the open, flatter ground of the plateau, whilst smaller, more irregular and with higher hedges on the slopes and in the valleys.
•	Scattered damson trees are a distinctive feature along many hedgerows in this area.

Edited_KeyChars:
Fields are medium/large on  the plateau
Small/irregular fields on the slopes and valleys
Hedges form the field boundaries - taller and thicker on the slopes and valleys but overcut and declining in arable areas


FG KeyChar:
•	This is an undulating plateau of Old Red Sandstone, dissected by many radiating, small, narrow valleys.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	This is an undulating plateau of Old Red Sandstone, dissected by many radiating, small, narrow valleys.


FG KeyChar:
•	Iron Age hillforts are found on some of the higher hills.

Edited_KeyChars:
Iron Age hillforts on higher hills of which Wall Hills (Thornbury) is by far the largest
Extensive evidence for prehistoric and Romano-British occupation, including some sections of Roman road
Berrington Hall and Brockhampton are fine examples of traditional historic parkland


FG KeyChar:
•	Localised heaths and commons are found on the hills east of Bromyard.

Edited_KeyChars:
Localised heaths and commons with scrub, bracken and unimproved grassland


FG KeyChar:
•	There is a dispersed settlement pattern of scattered hamlets, farms and manor houses throughout the area, with pink and grey Old Red Sandstone traditionally used and occasionally timber-framing.
•	A clustered settlement pattern occurs on and around Bringsty Common and Bromyard Downs.
•	Bromyard is the principal settlement of the area.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	There is a dispersed settlement pattern of scattered hamlets, farms and manor houses throughout the area, with pink and grey Old Red Sandstone traditionally used and occasionally timber-framing.
•	A clustered settlement pattern occurs on and around Bringsty Common and Bromyard Downs.
•	Bromyard is the principal settlement of the area.


FG KeyChar:
•	This is an undulating plateau of Old Red Sandstone, dissected by many radiating, small, narrow valleys.
•	The plateau has an abrupt western edge down to the River Lugg, and northern and eastern edges to the River Teme.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	This is an undulating plateau of Old Red Sandstone, dissected by many radiating, small, narrow valleys.
•	The plateau has an abrupt western edge down to the River Lugg, and northern and eastern edges to the River Teme.


FG KeyChar:
•	There is a mosaic of mixed agriculture, intensively cultivated in places, but with less improved pastures on the steeper slopes.
•	Traditional orchards and hops are found scattered throughout the area.

Edited_KeyChars:
Mixed agriculture, intensively cultivated in place
Some market gardening and hops in addition to orchards
Semi-improved permanent pasture on steeper slopes


FG KeyChar:
•	The traditional building material is typically the local red, pink or grey sandstone.

Edited_KeyChars:
Traditional building materials  typically  local red, pink or grey sandston
Some buildings of brick and timber
High concentration of timber-framed buildings, including a high proportion of 16th century or earlier date
Plain clay tile and Welsh slate are the predominant roofing material


FG KeyChar:
•	The field pattern is typically of irregular, small, hedged fields.

Edited_KeyChars:
The field pattern is typically of irregular, small fields
hedgerows form the main boundary, some declining


JM KeyChar:
•	Historic landscape features include numerous medieval manors and early timber-framed buildings.

Edited_KeyChars:
Local archaeological features
Areas of parkland


JM KeyChar:
•	Formerly extensive water-meadow systems and hay meadows are now greatly reduced but wet valley bottom grassland remains a key habitat.

Edited_KeyChars:
Pockets of species-rich grassland 
Local commons with semi-natural habitats


FG KeyChar:
•	A dispersed settlement pattern is typical, with scattered farmsteads, hamlets and occasionally small villages, but there is also localised wayside settlement, particularly around commons.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	A dispersed settlement pattern is typical, with scattered farmsteads, hamlets and occasionally small villages, but there is also localised wayside settlement, particularly around commons.


FG KeyChar:
•	This is an undulating landscape dissected by the River Teme, and with many small, steeply incised tributary valleys.

Edited_KeyChars:
•	This is an undulating landscape dissected by the River Teme, and with many small, steeply incised tributary valleys.


