2A: CHASE

Falkland Farm – Consistent sized small to very small pasture fields extend up onto the higher gravels in the north.

Hollington Cross Highclere pasture and parkland Falkland Farm – pasture fields

East Woodhay –Victorian /Edwardian estate cottages Burghclere Church houses with typical local red / orange brick and Welsh slate.

Hampshire County 1 Status: Final May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment Highclere Chase

Hampshire County 2 Status: Final May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment Highclere Chase

1.0 Location and Boundaries 1.1 This character area is located in the far northwest corner of Hampshire County. Its northern edge is defined by the while to the south it is flanked by a distinctive chalk scarp which marks an abrupt change in geology. To the east there is a gradual transition to more open mosaic farmland. Key defining elements of this landscape are the influence of parkland (e.g. Highclere), raised areas of heathland and the strong visual and cultural association with the chalk escarpment to the south.

1.2 Component County Landscape Types Settled Lowland Mosaic Heath Associated, River Valley Floor

1.3 Composition of Borough/District LCAs: and Deane Highclere and Burghclere

This character area correlates with the distribution of small scale and wooded mixed farmland types identified in the Basingstoke and Dean local level assessment. The eastern boundary of the County character area is a reflection of the transition at Borough level from the small scale to the open farmland and woodland type which is also coincident with the presence of more streams in the Ecchinswell LCA.

1.4 Associations with NCAs and Natural Areas: NCA 129: Thames Basin Heaths NA 66: London Basin

2.0 Key Characteristics  Mosaic of clay, gravels, sands and loams resulting in subdued undulating relief.  The landform generally slopes northwards towards the River Enborne and is dissected by incised stream valleys adding complexity to landform.  Numerous woodlands (ancient semi-natural assarted woods and plantation) giving an enclosed, intimate character.  Varied biodiversity, deriving from the area’s woodland, heathland, agricultural, grassland and wetland habitats.  Unusual concentration of 19th century origin estate houses and parks.  Predominantly pasture land use (including paddocks/stud farms) within medium to small scaled fields defined by hedgerows with hedgerow trees.  Areas of former heath/common land much of which is now wooded.  Strong visual and cultural link to the chalk escarpment to the south.  Numerous scattered villages and farmsteads.  Unusually high density of narrow winding lanes, tracks and footpaths which is a striking aspect of this landscape.

Hampshire County 3 Status: Final May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment Highclere Chase

3.0 Physical Characteristics and Land Use 3.1 The underlying geology comprises London Clay with patches of high level terrace deposits and Bagshot Beds giving rise to a mosaic of clay, gravels, sands and loam. The result is a subdued relief and a strong correlation between areas of heathland character and the less productive, well drained and more acidic soils associated with the Bagshot Beds and terrace deposits. Within the river valleys the soils are slowly permeable and may be seasonally waterlogged. The orientation of this landscape is northwards sloping gently down towards the valley of the River Enborne. The whole of this landscape is dissected by small streams which form tributaries to the river adding complexity to the landform. Agricultural land quality is predominately of medium quality with some areas of higher quality in the river valleys and south of .

3.2 This is a diverse and intimate landscape of varied topography, covered by a medium to small-scaled mosaic of native broadleaved woodland, some mixed farmland (improved/semi-improved grassland and limited arable) creating a relatively enclosed, well-treed character. Small to medium scaled fields are defined by mature hedges with hedgerow trees.

3.3 Patches of remnant dry heath occur mainly in the central and eastern parts of this character area retained in areas of common where there is a predominance of acidic vegetation as well as areas of conifer plantation.

3.4 The area falls within the Environment Agency Kennet and Enborne catchment area. The tributary streams which feed the River Enborne and dissect this landscape start in the southern part of the area as springs at the junction of the chalk geology with the clay. These streams run broadly north-south. Open waterbodies in the form of small ponds are associated with the streams. Waterbodies also feature in some designed parklands notably at – where medieval fishing ponds were later developed as lakes in the designed landscape.

4.0 Experiential/Perceptual Characteristics 4.1 This is a complex and intimate landscape with close range views as a result of woodland cover. Where outwards views are possible they are generally to the elevated chalk escarpment which lies to the south and overlooks the area. The varied topography of this landscape coupled with woodland contributes to a sense of remoteness and rurality and can often be disorientating. The area’s small scaled intimate character and areas of parkland estate contribute greatly to its high scenic quality and justify its part designation as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

4.2 This landscape is traversed by a network of narrow lanes and public rights of way. Former heathland and common still provide some areas of open access e.g. , Common, as do areas of conifer plantation over former common (some of which are owned and managed by the Forestry Commission or National Trust) and which are popular for outdoor recreation e.g. Great Fen Wood and The Chase. There are no long distance routes which pass through this landscape. Key tourist attractions include .

4.3 Parts of this area have a strongly settled character, due to numerous horse paddocks and stud farms, dispersed housing and recent residential developments

Hampshire County 4 Status: Final May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment Highclere Chase

around existing villages such as Woolton Hill. Nevertheless this landscape has a high degree of tranquillity particularly in central areas to the west of Highclere.

5.0 Biodiversity Character 5.1 This landscape character area consists of a mosaic of agricultural grasslands and arable land, some heath associated habitats and woodland of varying types and ages. Many are structurally diverse, rich in lichen and fungal flora while ancient and semi natural woodland is well distributed across the area, with some sizeable patches associated with Highclere Park in the south.

5.2 Heath associated habitats include both dry and wet heaths and exist mainly towards the east of the area, the largest are associated with the Burghclere Common SINC.

5.3 There is one SSSI in the area comprising an old deer park (Highclere Park), which contains broadleaved, mixed and yew woodlands (lowland), standing open water, acid and neutral grasslands and fen, marsh and swamp habitats. The grassland comprises a combination of calcifuge and calcicole species that are unique in Hampshire. The mature parkland and wood pasture trees support a rich and diverse lichen and moss flora, with numerous species indicative of its ancient woodland origins.

5.4 This character area is part of the North Hampshire Lowland and Heath Biodiversity Opportunity Area. The area contains a complex series of ancient commons which would once have been covered by heathland and acid grassland with a scatter of small woods. There are also opportunities to restore and enhance a range of BAP habitats.

5.5 There are over 100 SINCs within this LCA varying in size. The Great Pen Wood (78 Hectares) is one of the largest and has been designated because a significant proportion of the woodland consists of surviving ancient and semi-natural woodland. Other notable SINCs include Sydmonton Common and Lower Burnoak Copse which consist of ancient and semi-natural woodland. These woods retain significant remnants of heathland vegetation which could enable their recovery. There are also a high numbers of ancient woodland associated and unimproved grassland type SINCs. Herbert Plantation LNR is amixed lowland woodland to the south of Burghclere Common.

6.0 Historic Character 6.1 Archaeology 6.1.1 Limited evidence from the Mesolithic occurs above the streams and is sufficient to suggest exploitation of this area in that period. There is no evidence of Neolithic settlement, although some finds have been made in the Enborne valley and close to the southern edge of this area. As there is considerable evidence of Neolithic exploitation on the chalk, it seems likely that this area was not settled in the Neolithic and was exploited from adjacent areas. The distribution of archaeological evidence indicates a similar trend during the Bronze Age and Iron Age periods. Overall, the dispersed settlement and the multiple tracks and paths found in this landscape seem to suggest that it has only relatively recently evolved and for much of prehistory was extensively and not intensively exploited.

Hampshire County 5 Status: Final May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment Highclere Chase

6.1.2 In the Roman period there is only one site recorded, at Horris Hill, but the evidence suggests that this may be quite a significant site, perhaps representing early encroachment onto unenclosed land.

6.1.3 The medieval evolution of the landscape, with the development of a sheep-corn system of agriculture, enclosure of common land and enclosure from woodland (assart) is clearly apparent in the historic character of the area. Parishes (such as ) still run in a north-south axis across this landscape, connecting the lower lying clays and sands of this area with the chalk landscapes to the south. The presence of deer parks reflects the forest status of the area, and has connections to the Bishop of Winchester as a significant local landowner. Two moats in this area suggest that the assart process was under way during the 12th century. In addition there are a number of medieval fish ponds which are part of a wider distribution of fish ponds on the higher poorer land above the Enborne and the Kennet. They seem to have been an available investment in this landscape, and sometimes reflect ecclesiastical land holding.

6.2 Historic Landscape 6.2.1 Two distinctive historic areas can be seen in this landscape today– firstly the agricultural farmland in the east and west of this character areas which comprises small scaled assarted and irregular enclosures and associated small copses/woods, and secondly the estate parkland, common and forest which occurs through the centre of this area. Prior to the medieval period it is likely that this landscape was well wooded and during the medieval period it is known that this area formed part of the Freemantle Forest and Highclere Chase (the name of which still exists today for the woodland northeast of Wooton Hill). From the 14th century onwards woodland was gradually cleared for agriculture through the process of assarting. Many of the pre 18th century enclosure patterns seen today are irregular in pattern67 suggesting a gradual process of enclosure in the medieval period overseen by large landowners such as the Bishops of Winchester. In areas where there were poor soils it appears that early clearance resulted in some areas reverting to open heathland and common grazing. This is reflected in the remnant areas of heathland and common which can be found in the central and eastern parts of this character area. In the 19th century a number of small parks and gardens developed, particularly in the western part of this character area e.g. Woolton House and Hollington House; possibly as a result of the railway line reaching Newbury. There also appears to be some reorganisation of fields around these small estates to create areas of more regular field patterns67.

6.2.2 In the centre of this character area a different pattern has emerged due to the creation of the Highclere deer park, the northernmost of thirteen deer parks held by the Bishops of Winchester66 and Chase in the Medieval period. Parts of the Park Pale remain as evident features in the landscape today. Since the 16th century the park and estate have undergone various changes including the rebuilding of the Bishops Palace and the later remodelling of Highclere Castle in the Elizabethan style by Sir , as well as the re-design of the grounds by . Today the building is an imposing site that dominates the extensive parkland. The estate exerts a strong influence on the character of land adjacent and is a defining characteristic of this part of the character area.

Hampshire County 6 Status: Final May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment Highclere Chase

6.2.3 The wooded and common areas to the north of Highclere Park experienced more dramatic changes in the 19th and 20th centuries as a result of conifer plantations. Further east other areas of common have become wooded as a result of limited grazing. The former extent of common land across this landscape is evident from the patches of former common that can occasionally be found fossilised within village greens such as Headley and Burghclere and Earlstone Commons and the presence of formal field patterns form 19th century enclosures over common such as north of Ball Hill and Newtown.

6.2.4 Other land use changes in the last 50 years have included the proliferation of pony paddocks and stud farms in part as a result of the proximity of Newbury but equally in relation to the growth in dispersed housing. This trend has in places increased the general perception of gentrification and urbanisation of the area.

6.3 Built Environment 6.3.1 This landscape is traversed by a high density of minor lanes which connect the dispersed settlement pattern, although parkland areas such as Highclere Park and woodland plantations/common to the north have limited road access. This density of roads coupled with tracks and paths is unusual and a striking aspect of this landscape thought to have arisen as a result of the process of enclosure from commons and woodland, where rights of way have survived in the enclosed landscape and where the change has been incremental. The rural lanes are often narrow and flanked by hedgerows and banks, some of which are sunken in the eastern part of the character area, and their character contrasts with the major roads of the A34 and A343, which cut through the centre of this area connecting with Newbury and Winchester.

6.3.2 Much of the settlement in this landscape reflects increases in population in the last 50 years through the growth of suburban development adjoining villages and through the development of a scattered housing pattern associated with pony paddocks. The more historic settlement pattern is likely to date back to the medieval period and disafforestation of Freemantle Forest. The use of ‘end’ in place names is often linked to settlements that developed in the Middle Ages which were associated with small areas of common e.g. East End and North End (both of which have Conservation Areas) and Newtown. However, settlement at this time is unlikely to have been dense or nucleated but more likely comprised a dispersed pattern of mainly farms and hamlets. Conservation areas also cover the settlement of , and the northern part of the Highclere Estate.

6.3.3 The process of medieval forest clearance and the sheep-corn system of agriculture which this area later supported gave rise to a dispersed pattern of small farms and some important large estates. Farmsteads contain a mixture of buildings including barns, granaries and stables. Commonly granaries are timber framed and raised off the ground on staddle stones. In itself this landscape was not a large grain producing area so the presence of granaries demonstrates the strong historical cultural and land use links of this area with the chalk landscape to the south. There is a high proportion of 19th century farmsteads, with buildings predominantly of brick construction, and 17th century origin steadings along the boundary with the chalk and upper greensand to the south and south west. Also specific to this character

Hampshire County 7 Status: Final May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment Highclere Chase

area is the emergence of large stable blocks associated with farmsteads reflecting the growth of horse rearing and proximity to Newbury.

6.3.4 Traditionally buildings in this part of Hampshire would have been of timber framed construction. Evidence of this early architectural style can be seen in some of the older listed properties within the area and a number reflect later infill of timber frame with brick which became a more common building material from the late 17th century onwards. Bricks would have been made using local clay resources giving rise to a distinctive soft orange colour. Today red brick is the dominant building material within this character area, although sometimes blue/grey burnt headers are used. The bricks used in recent housing have come from outside the area and have a different colour hue to those in the historic buildings. Weatherboarding, usually black with some timber framed walls and brick infilling is common on traditional farm buildings/barns. Although many of the older buildings would originally have had red tile roofs or thatch, the majority of roofs now use Welsh slate reflecting the arrival of the railways and easy transportation of this non-local building material.

6.3.5 To the north of the area, the small hamlet of Newton comprises a cluster of historic buildings with a variety of building types including timber framed, brick, tall brick chimneys and mostly clay tiled roofs. In this settlement the church is an important focal point with its broached spire.

Hampshire County 8 Status: Final May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment Highclere Chase

EVALUATION

7.0 Forces for Change 1. Land management changes and alternation to parkland landscapes, particularly associated with the intensification of agriculture. 2. New development; farming and village related. 3. Climate change, potentially affecting groundwater and stream levels, farming practices and rates of tree loss. 4. Potential development of masts and other vertical structures. 5. Potential future mineral working (safeguarded areas for sand & gravel)

KEY QUALITIES AND EFFECTS OF FORCES 7.1 High density of rural lanes, tracks and footpaths is a striking aspect of this landscape and provides public access into this relatively tranquil area. FORCES FOR CONSEQUENCES CHANGE: Most influence: Threats: 1.2 Potential reduction of quality or density of public rights of way and common land as a result of neglect, changes in land use or new development. Conflicts of interest between motorists and non-motorists on roads and public rights of way. Potential increased urbanisation of rural lanes to accommodate increased traffic and safety features (for example additional signage, concrete kerbs, hedgerow loss etc).

Opportunities: CAP actions, particularly encouragement of access into the countryside from towns and villages, maintenance of public rights of way, resolution of conflicts of interests between user groups, production of publicity and education material, and working with landowners to encourage greater public access. Increasing public use of open access land on commons and in accessible forested areas. Potential use of the Rural Roads Initiative to encourage the retention rural lane character, whilst meeting Highways standards i.e. management of road verges and hedgebanks.

7.2 A strong visual, cultural and physical association with the chalk escarpment to the south, which contrasts with the woodland mosaic pattern within the Character Area. FORCES FOR CONSEQUENCES CHANGE: Most influence: Threats: 1.3.4 Potential inappropriately-sited masts or other tall structures on the chalk escarpment, which would be highly visible from the surrounding lowlands. Future degradation of lowland woodland mosaic landscapes (possibly exacerbated by climate change), reducing the contrast between lowlands and chalk.

Opportunities: Use of planning policies and conditions to ensure that any potential masts and other tall/ large scale structures are sited as sensitively as possible to minimise visual intrusion. Promote good agricultural and woodland management (for example AONB management plan) to retain the traditional pattern of the landscape. Maintenance of uninterrupted views of the scarp to retain the strong “sense of place”.

Hampshire County 9 Status: Final May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment Highclere Chase

7.3 Mosaic of land uses and habitats including agricultural land, pockets of heathland, extensive woodland, wetlands, grassland and scrub which create an intimate and diverse landscape of high scenic quality. FORCES FOR CONSEQUENCES CHANGE: Most influence: Threats: 1.2.3.5 Past (and potential future) loss of ecological diversity of agricultural land and woodland due to poor management and intensification of agricultural practices. Decline in the extent of heathland due to poor management (scrub invasion), and past conversion to forestry or agriculture. Parkland/hedgerow tree loss due to over-maturity & exacerbated by drought/climate change. Recent increase in paddocks/stud farms leading to rank grassland, poorly managed field boundaries, and non-traditional fencing and building materials, and reduction of scenic quality. Climate change may reduce the flow of water from springs rising at the base of the chalk hills leading to changes in wetland habitats and landscape character. Loss of biodiversity (particularly heathland)/scenic quality due to future sand/gravel extraction.

Opportunities: Target agri-environment (and other grant) schemes to encourage retention of ecological diversity in agricultural areas and linking of heathland areas, and traditional woodland management (e.g. hazel coppicing; use of wood pasture) in accordance with AONB management plan. Increasing the biodiversity of conifer plantations through planting of deciduous native species. Monitoring of veteran trees in hedgerows/parkland and planting replacements as necessary. Use of minerals planning policy and conditions to ensure future extraction is not detrimental.

7.4 Strong sense of time-depth due to historic landscape features including woodland, assarts, parkland, deer park pales, fishponds, heathlands and commons. FORCES FOR CONSEQUENCES CHANGE: Most influence: Threats: 1.2.3.4.5 Alteration to the character and quality of historic parkland landscapes due to building change resulting in development of car parks or ornamental planting beds. Change of parkland land use from pastoral to arable. Potential new development or agricultural practices damaging the historic features of the landscape, or insensitively adding suburbanising elements e.g. fencing, signage, lighting. Damage to historic landscape features by future mineral extraction. Climate change may impact on species composition of woodlands, hedgerows, heaths and other living features of the historic landscape. Potential insensitive sitting of masts and other tall structures may damage vistas across designed landscapes, or otherwise alter the historic character of landscapes. Opportunities: Carry out conservation management plans as appropriate for parkland landscapes. Use planning policy and conditions to ensure sensitive sitting of masts and other tall structures, avoiding or minimising damage to historic landscape features and views. Manage and retain hedgerows and historic field patterns. Use local level assessments such as Village Design Statements and planning policies to identify and retain local distinctiveness in terms of materials, design and location of development. Promote active management (in line with AONB management plan) to encourage species diversity and health of vegetation in woodlands and heaths/commons to counter possible effects of climate change. Use of minerals planning policies and conditions to ensure that any future working for minerals does not adversely affect historic landscape features.

Hampshire County 10 Status: Final May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment Highclere Chase