Northumberland Sandstone Ridges and Vales a Valued Landscape

Northumberland Sandstone Ridges and Vales A Valued Landscape

Technical Report for Consultation

January 2021

Alison Farmer Associates 29 Montague Road Cambridge CB4 1BU 01223 461444

“The land of far horizons, where the piled and drifted shapes of gathered vapour are for ever moving along the farthest ridges of the hills, like the succession of long primeval ages, that is written in tribal mounds and Roman camps and Border towers.”

G.M Trevelyan, The Middle Marches, 1930

Photograph by Tony Meikle – Above Eslington looking west into The Vale of Whittingham

Foreward 4

Contents

1 Introduction ...... 6 1.1 Appointment ...... 6 1.2 Scope of Work ...... 6 1.3 Structure of Report...... 7

2 Background ...... 9 2.1 The Study Area ...... 9 2.2 Designation History ...... 9 2.3 Areas of High Landscape Value ...... 13 2.4 Landscape Character Assessment 2010 ...... 15 2.5 Glover Landscapes Review ...... 17

3 Approach ...... 19 3.1 Definition of a Valued Landscape ...... 19 3.2 Practical Application of Relevant Factors ...... 23 3.3 Defining Extent ...... 24 3.4 Desirability to Provide Formal Recognition ...... 25

4 Methodology ...... 27 4.1 Desk Study and Data Sources ...... 27 4.2 Defining Evaluation Areas ...... 29 4.3 Assessment of Evaluation Areas ...... 31 4.4 Candidate Areas ...... 31 4.5 Boundary Options ...... 32 4.6 Desirability ...... 33 4.7 Meetings and Consultation ...... 33

5 Evaluation ...... 34 5.1 Introduction ...... 34 5.2 Evaluation Tables ...... 34

6 Boundary ...... 63 6.1 Introduction ...... 63 6.2 Boundary Tables ...... 64

7 Desirability ...... 77 7.1 Introduction ...... 77 7.2 Special Qualities ...... 77 7.3 Issues Affecting the Qualifying Area ...... 81 7.4 Mechanisms for Conserving and Enhancing Special Qualities ...... 81

8 Conclusions ...... 86

Northumberland Sandstone Ridges and Vales Final Report for Consultation January 2021

List of Drawings:

Drawing 1: Designation History Drawing 2: Evaluation Areas and Landscape Character Drawing 3: Candidate Areas North Drawing 4: Candidate Areas South Drawing 5: Boundary Section 1 Drawing 6: Boundary Section 2 Drawing 7: Boundary Section 3 Drawing 8: Boundary Section 4 Drawing 9: Boundary Section 5 Drawing 10: Boundary Section 6 Drawing 11: Valued Landscape

List of Figures:

Figure 1: Extract from Dower Report Figure 2: Extract from Hobhouse Report Figure 3: National Character Areas Figure 4: Extract from The Northumberland Landscape showing Natural Regions

Acknowledgements:

Thanks goes to the artists listed below who have kindly given permission for the reproduction of their artwork within this document.

Andrew Binnie Siobhan O’Hehir Rachel Tweddell Judith Appleby Elidh Gardiner

Northumberland Sandstone Ridges and Vales Final Report for Consultation January 2021

1 Introduction

1.1 Appointment

1.1.1 Alison Farmer Associates were appointed in February 2020 by the Northumberland and Newcastle Society (NNS) to undertake an evaluation of land between the Northumberland National Park in the west and the A1 in the east, and from north of Wooler, to Rothbury in the south. The evaluation sought to:

a) Determine if land within the Study Area is a valued landscape as set out in Paragraph 170a of the NPPF;

b) Define a boundary to such a landscape and consider how it should be given recognition.

1.1.2 This study was commissioned following recognition by NNS that:

• the Landscape Character Assessment for Northumberland (2010) (‘NLCA’) had shortcomings in relation to understanding landscape value;

• the Country Council had not taken forward landscape value work recommended by the NLCA; and

• current national planning policy and best practice in relation to landscape evaluation, now gives recognition to valued landscapes.

1.2 Scope of Work

1.2.1 The overall scope of work within the Study Area has included three broad stages namely:

1. Desk-based work reviewing existing evidence on the area contained in landscape character assessments, historic landscape characterisation, landscape evaluation and sensitivity and capacity assessments. Additional information was also gathered on literary and artistic associations. Based on this understanding the Study Area was divided into seven Evaluation Areas for assessment.

2. Field assessment of each Evaluation Area against factors recognised as contributing to landscape value (see section 3.1 below) in order to define Candidate Areas within which a boundary could be drawn to define the extent of the valued landscape.

3. Review of management and designation options which afford recognition to the valued landscape and enable conservation and enhancement of special qualities.

Northumberland Sandstone Ridges and Vales Final Report for Consultation January 2021

1.3 Content and Structure of Report

1.3.1 This document sets out the evidence for recognition of valued landscape within the northeast of Northumberland in an area broadly between the Northumberland National Park and the A1 and between Wooler and Rothbury. This landscape comprises a series of distinctive inland ridges which, coupled with higher land in the surrounding area, define a series of vales with wide scenic views across a patchwork of farmland containing a wealth of natural and cultural interest. An overview of the recommended extent of the Valued Landscape, identified through this work, is illustrated on Drawing 11.

1.3.2 The remainder of the report is laid out as follows:

• Section Two – Provides background to the study including the Study Area, designation history and rationale behind existing National Park and AONB boundaries which lie adjacent to parts of the Study Area;

• Section Three – Outlines the approach adopted in the study which draws on experience in defining national landscape designations, Guidance on Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (GLIVIA third edition) as well as a Landscape Institute Draft Technical Guidance Note (TGN) which is currently 1 in preparation;0F

• Section Four – Sets out the methodology, detailing the key phases of work and data sources;

• Section Five – Defines evaluation areas and details the evaluation of each area against identified factors recognised as reflecting landscape value;

• Section Six - Details the recommended extent of qualifying land as a Candidate Area and areas which require further scrutiny;

• Section Seven – Considers in broad terms the future recognition of this landscape and options available for its conservation and management;

• Section Eight - Provides the final conclusions of the study and suggested next steps.

1 AFA is a member of the Working Group preparing the TGN on valued landscapes.

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“The whole county is tilted towards the sea…the tidy pattern of descending heights from west to east is broken by the Fell Sandstone Ridge, which curves north-east and north, from its junction with the highlands near Elson, to form the heather moorland and crags of Rothbury Forest, Chillingham and Kyloe, a barrier pierced by the Aln and Coquet..”

Robert Newton, The Northumberland Landscape, 1972

Photograph by Tony Meikle – By Ros Castle toward Cheviot

Northumberland Sandstone Ridges and Vales Final Report for Consultation January 2021

2 Background

2.1 The Study Area

2.1.1 The initial Study Area, defined in the Project Brief, was broadly based on the areas of High Landscape Value (AHLV) as defined in the former Berwick and Alnwick Local 2 Plans. The extent of the initial study area is illustrated on Drawing 11F and was also determined, in part, by the extent of funding available to the Society. It therefore did not extend as far north as the Tweed nor did it include area’s of ‘Intermediate Landscape Value’ as defined in the Berwick District Local Plan.

2.1.2 The Study Area is flanked to the west by the existing Northumberland National Park while to the east is the Northumberland Coast AONB, although separated from the Study Area by coastal farmlands and the A1.

2.1.3 Broadly the Study Area comprises three distinct components namely:

• the Cheviot fringe landscape comprising smaller scale hills and valleys, which flank the Cheviot Massif;

• the sandstone scarps and moorland dip slopes which form an arc of higher land some distance from the Cheviots;

• the lower lying ‘vales’ which lie between the Cheviots and sandstone scarps.

The area therefore encapsulates distinctive foothills, lower lying pastoral farmland and parkland, areas of rocky sandstone outcrops and crags, open moorland and conifer forest, all of which form a wide variety of landscapes within a relatively small area. The interconnectivity and intervisibility of these components are notable characteristics of the area.

2.2 Designation History

2.2.1 Land within the Study Area has previously been considered in terms of its landscape value, both at the time of the Northumberland National Park and Northumberland Coast AONB were designated, but also in relation to local landscape designation and landscape character assessment. This designation history provides valuable information on the qualities of the area and an understanding of the degree of consensus as to its value. The designation history relevant to the Study Area is set out below.

Northumberland National Park

2.2.2 Proposals for a National Park in Northumberland were first put forward by Addison in 1931 and included suggestions for the moorland section of the Roman Wall and Cheviot and Pennine uplands. John Dower, in his report in 1945, proposed a National Park for the Roman Wall in his list of ten “Division A” National Parks. In his

2 The extent of the Study Area was limited by funding available to the Society - in particular this prevented further extension of the Study Area to the north as far as the Tweed and southeast beyond Rothbury. It was decided to leave out of account the area defined as of ‘Intermediate Landscape Value’ by the Berwick District Local Plan.

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Landscape Value Assessment Drawing 1: Designation History

Evaluation Area 6: Kyloe Hills

Evaluation Area 5: Glen and Till

Key Evaluation Area 3: Bremish Initial Study Area Boundary Evaluation Area 4: MiddleMoor Coast

Northumberland National Park

Northumberland Coast AONB

Land Identified by Hobhouse as suitable for National Park Designation

Kyloe Hills and Glendale Area of Landscape Value (Berwick Local Plan)

Area of High Landscape Value (Alnwick Local Plan)

Evaluation Area 2: Aln

Evaluation Area 1: Rothbury

0km 50km 1000km 10

“Division B” list of Reserves for further National Parks he included a proposal in 3 Northumberland for the North East Cheviot (Till and Coquet) 2F and, in his “Division C” list ‘Other Amenity Areas’ (not suggested as National Park), he listed the South West Cheviots (Keilder and Kershope Forests) and part of the Northumberland Coast (refer to Figure 1 below).

Figure 1: Map extracts from Dower Report illustrating extent of The Roman Wall (Division A) suitable for National Park Designation and other areas (Map II) to be considered when National Parks in England and Wales are selected (including North East Cheviot (Till and Coquet) (Division B) and Northumberland Coast (Division C).

2.2.3 The subsequent Hobhouse Report, published in 1947, endorsed the Roman Wall as a candidate National Park. The Designation History for the Northumberland National Park states:

‘It also recognized the landscape quality of other areas of Northumberland which neighbored the proposed Roman Wall National Park, Keilder Moors and the Northumberland Coast in the list of 52 Conservation Areas - areas of high landscape quality, scientific interest, recreation value and deserving designation (though not as National Park) and specific planning and management measures to protect their natural beauty and interest. The Cheviot and Rothbury Forest Conservation Area [which extends into the Study Area – refer to Figure 2 below and Drawing 1] covered the high and wild moorland mass of the Cheviot north of Redesdale together with the beautiful pastoral valleys of the Coquet, Breamish and Till and also included the moorland outlier of the Simonside Hills….Separated from physically adjoining the Cheviot and Rothbury Forest area, by a low undulating plateau, was the 4 Northumberland Coast Conservation Area3F .’

3 Where these river courses lie within the Cheviot massive. 4 The Northumberland Coast Conservation Area subsequently became the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the low undulating plateau between is interpreted as comprising the sandstone scarp and dip slopes.

Northumberland Sandstone Ridges and Vales Final Report for Consultation January 2021

Figure 2: Extract from Hobhouse showing proposed National Park along the Roman Wall and proposed Conservation Areas for the Kielder Moors, Cheviot and Rothbury Forest and Northumberland Coast.

2.2.4 Although Hobhouse had proposed an area for designation, it was Northumberland County Council which subsequently proposed a larger National Park area to the National Parks Commission, which linked together the Roman Wall and Cheviots. Discussions focused on the Kielder Forest area and on areas of upland/open country and not on wider agricultural land. The Northumberland Coast landscape was seen as physically separate and therefore an outlier albeit worthy of designation.

2.2.5 Following lengthy discussions and field assessments, the Northumberland National Park was designated in 1956 as the ninth National Park in England and varied in extent from the initial areas identified by Addison, Dower and Hobhouse, reflecting the larger National Park area submitted by the Local Authority. Significantly, it excluded some areas which had been identified by Hobhouse – refer to Drawing 1.

2.2.6 In the 1980’s, the then Countryside Commission embarked on a Designations Boundary Review Programme. Northumberland National Park was given a medium 5 priority for review as a result of Structure Plan policies 4F and focused again on the Kielder Forest area. The Countryside Commission’s paper dated June 1989 on the boundary review noted that an extension had been proposed by Lord Vinson for the Rothbury Moors outside of the National Park, north of Rothbury. The report concluded that:

‘Officers’ opinion is that whilst the area contains tracts of fine open moorland, on balance there is not a strong enough case for inclusion in the national park. Much of the area has been commercially afforested and most of the remaining open lands is

5 Note that at this time the Northumberland Structure Plan had identified local landscape designations – see section 2.3 below.

Northumberland Sandstone Ridges and Vales Final Report for Consultation January 2021

probably too small in scale to be considered as a viable ‘island’ or ‘outlier’ detached from the main body of the national park. A second option of a much larger inclusion into the national park comprising the moorland and the sweep of lower country including the settlement of Rothbury and areas of relatively intensive farmland, different in character from the rest of the national park, is also considered to be unsuitable. The only justification for including it would be to make the link between the moorland areas and the present park boundary. If there was opposition to its 6 inclusion it would be difficult to defend on landscape quality5F . It is also felt likely that Alnwick District Council would oppose any significant extension to the national park area, particularly if it included the settlement of Rothbury.’

2.2.7 The Countryside Commission formally consulted in 1991 on 12 proposed boundary variations (only 2 of which are relevant to the study area, namely Ingram to Prendwick and Sharperton to Hepple). The consultation resulted in the identification of other variations suggested by consultees. These are summarised in the table below.

Area Justification Ingram to Recommended by National Park Officer who suggested that the Prendwick boundary should include the prominent conical hills of extremely high landscape quality which unequivocally form part of the Cheviot Foothills. Secondly, the small settlement of Ingram was noted as divided by the Park boundary. Thirdly, parts of unenclosed riverside haughland to the east of Ingram, defined as access land and heavily used for informal recreation, were noted as falling outside the Park. Northumberland County Council suggested a wider area be included with the boundary drawn to follow minor roads. The Countryside Agency agreed there should be some revision to the boundary. Sharperton to Recommended by Countryside Commission (CoCo) following review of Hepple NP boundary. It was noted that the National Park boundary followed the River Coquet precisely between Low Alwinton and Sharperton but downstream from Sharperton to Hepple the boundary is close to the river but does not follow it precisely. CoCo suggested the boundary be amended to follow the river exactly. Wooler to South Recommended by Berwick-upon-Tweed Borough Council. Includes an Middleton area of the Cheviot foothills from Wooler to South Middleton. No information on why this was put forward is available but the Countryside Commission concluded that the present boundary related well to features on the ground and was not in need of modification. Rothbury town Recommended by The Rambler’s Association, Youth Hostels and Rothbury Association and Lord Vinson of Roddam Dene. Area included town of Moors Rothbury and Rothbury Moors. Countryside Commission did not consider this area suitable for the reasons stated above. Areas of English Heritage put forward ten sites on the margins of the National archaeological Park which it considered should be included within the National Park interest and designation – no information on the location of these areas survives in importance the designation history.

6 ‘Landscape quality’ was frequently used, at that time, as a general term to encapsulate all factors that were then thought to contribute to natural beauty. The modern approach is much more forensic and benefits from national guidance from Natural England and the Landscape Institute. Furthermore, there appears to be no documented analysis relating to the conclusions reached by the Countryside Commission offices.

Northumberland Sandstone Ridges and Vales Final Report for Consultation January 2021

2.2.8 During the 1990s, and following earlier consultation, the Countyrisde Commission decided to defer action on the boudnary review until a number of issues including the results of the Dartmoor Inquiry, proposals for the Otterburn Training Area, and the future of the Countryside Commission itself had been resolved.

2.2.9 The Designation History for the National Park concludes:

‘The Northumberland National Park Boundary Review still remains ‘unfinished business’….the independent Northumberland National Park Authority…could ask the Countyside Agency [now Natural England] to look again at the possibility of ressurecting the boundary review…as ten years have elapsed since the completion of the formal consultation process, this possibility, too, seems remote.’

Northumberland Coast AONB

2.2.10 The Northumberland Coast was first put forward for designation in 1945 by John Dower in his “Division C” list of “Other Amenity Areas (not suggested as National Parks)” - refer Figure 1 above.

2.2.11 Hobhouse in 1947 included the Northumberland Coast in his list of 52 Conservation Areas. It comprised a narrow coastal strip from Berwick to Alnmouth and was bounded to the west by the main East Coast, England to Scotland railway line and only in the Fallodon Hall area was the boundary drawn west of the railway line.

2.2.12 As noted above, the coast was considered as part of a wider Northumberland National Park by the National Parks Commission but ultimately was not taken forward. The Northumberland Coast was considered again in 1955/56 and a boundary drawn more conservatively than that proposed by Hobhouse to follow B roads rather than the railway (this led to a number of settlements on the fringes of the designation being bisected). This tightly defined boundary was consulted-on and four additional areas were put forward for inclusion, as well as a desire to see the wider, original Hobhouse boundary along the railway, considered again. However, the National Parks Commission concluded that land west of the road constituted ‘just pleasant agricultural land’ and the boundary went forward for designation unaltered and was confirmed by the Secretary of State in 1958.

2.3 Areas of High Landscape Value

2.3.1 In the 1990s, the Northumberland County Structure Plan gave recognition to Areas of High Landscape Value (AHLV). These were defined in more detail in relevant Local Plans.

2.3.2 The Alnwick District Wide Local Plan (Adopted April 1997) stated, in relation to Areas of High Landscape Value:

‘The landscape of the District is recognised for its high quality and much is already given protection by national designation as National Park, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Heritage Coast, and the English Heritage Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest. Within the Local Plan period it is likely that supplementary Registers will be formed for Historic Landscapes and Battlefields. Beyond these national designations are significant areas which are of county and local landscape value and contribute to the quality of the District. The majority of these landscape areas are associated with the upland areas, river valleys and parklands. Developments Northumberland Sandstone Ridges and Vales Final Report for Consultation January 2021

which would have an impact on the appearance of these areas require careful consideration. Landscape value is a subjective judgement. Appreciation of landscape quality cannot readily be related to specific areas. Landscape quality is however an agglomeration of landscape types and features. The Local Plan has identified the principal river valleys, the upland/moorland area, parklands and taken account of other features such as tree cover, hedgerows, water and historic features in designating the area of High Landscape Value, which is considered to be of county significance. For convenience the boundary of the area has been related to existing features such as roads and railways’.

2.3.3 Similarly, in the Berwick-upon-Tweed Local Plan (Adopted April 1999) the Proposals Map showed the Tweed Valley and Kyloe Hills and Glendale as designated Areas of High Landscape Value within which special policies to protect the countryside applied. These areas were identified through landscape assessment. The Berwick Local Plan set out six zones (A-F) of which Zones C, D, E and F are most relevant to this study. Unfortunately, mapping relating to these zones is not available but, in broad terms, Zone C relates to the farmed vales, D to Glendale and Milfield, Zone E to the sandstone scarps and Zone F to the upland moorland dip slopes. The Local Plan stated:

‘The Enclosed Farmland (Zone C) is enclosed between the parallel fell sandstone ridges of Zone E. The northern "Valley Type" sub-zone is influenced by the proximity of the 100 metres contours of both ridges. The "Upland Type" sub-zone is more influenced by the undulating topography between the contours. Together, the area is varied and unusual with a strong sense of enclosure. Coniferous woodland, arable farming and pasture are conspicuous landcover, and coniferous plantations are a conspicuous feature. Overall, the area provides impressive views from the higher ground but also acquires much of its character from the sense of enclosure engendered by the ridges.

The Wide Valley (Zone D) refers to the Glendale Valley or Milfield Plain, and its boundaries are largely determined by the 100 metres contour along the edges of the Cheviot foothills and the Ford Moss-Fowberry Moor ridge. The zone owes much of its intrinsic value to the proximity of the Cheviots and the juxtaposition of the flat plain and the strong topography of hill and mountain. Objections to the boundaries identified by the landscape assessment were considered at the Public Local Inquiry. This resulted in a review of the landscape assessment in ‘Zone D’, at Duddo and Ford Common. The reassessment recommended modifications to extend the boundary of the Kyloe Hills and Glendale Area of High Landscape Value into this area.

Mixed Moorland (Zone E) is the landscape type which has developed on the two north-south orientated fell sandstone ridges of the Kyloe Hills and Chillingham Ridge and Ford Moss-Fowberry Moor, which occur in the southern two-thirds of the Borough between the Cheviots and the coastal plain. The sub-zones are based on the degree to which the main zone has been converted from moorland and acidic grassland to improved grassland. The Ford Moss-Fowberry Moor ridge is more improved and less rugged. The northern section of the other ridge is a particularly pleasurable and invigorating landscape, and its southern section of heather moorland area is a rare and unusual landscape within the Borough. Objections to the boundaries identified by the landscape assessment were considered at the Public Local Inquiry. This resulted in a review of the landscape assessment in ‘Zone F’ at Camp Hill, Northumberland Sandstone Ridges and Vales Final Report for Consultation January 2021

Moneylaws Hills and the area around Flodden. The reassessment recommended modifications to extend the boundary of the Kyloe Hills and Glendale Area of High Landscape Value into this area.

The Upland Fringe (Zone F) is effectively the transitional area between open and intensive farmland and the Cheviot uplands, and has been largely determined by a combination of altitude, geology and soils. It is located at the periphery of the andesite and granite bulk of the Cheviots, and its soils are of a type which supports a permanent pasture and stock rearing farm system. It is a balanced and colourful landscape of considerable interest, except for occasional areas where the landscape is less stimulating.

[emphasis added]

2.3.4 Mapping associated with the AHLV designations in both Alnwick and Berwick, local plans is illustrated on Drawing 1. South of Belford, the boundary of the Kyloe Hills and Glendale AHLV, under the Berwick District Local Plan, follows the western side of the metalled carriageway of the A1 Trunk Road as far as the Borough boundary where it joins with the Alnwick District AHLV, identified in the Alnwick District Wide Local Plan.

2.3.5 In April 2009 the Northumberland Planning Authority was established and brought together the former Berwick and Alnwick District Authorities (amongst other districts). A new evidence base to support the Local Plan for the area was prepared and included the preparation of a landscape character assessment for the whole area. Consistent with PPS7, which discouraged ‘local designations’ but which has since been superseded by the NPPF, the Northumberland Planning Authority chose not to continue with the AHLV designation/policy.

2.4 Landscape Character Assessment 2010

2.4.1 The Northumberland Planning Authority commissioned a landscape character assessment which comprised 4 parts as follows:

• Part A was purely descriptive, classifying the landscape into types and areas. It was intended as a “static baseline” for the County7;

• In contrast to Part A, Part B was described as “…an evolving document…”8, and was “intended as a [county-wide] guide to the management of changes which may be the result of management or social pressures.”9 It classified each landscape type into one of three guiding principles - protect, manage and plan based on landscape characteristic. This part of the LCA focused on positive management of the generic landscape types;

• Part C looked at the sensitivity of landscape types to different 10 developments6F ; and

7 Para 1.7 of NLCA Part A 8 Para 1.3 of NLCA Part B 9 Para 1.5 of NLCA Part B 10 Development types included opencast coal extraction; hard rock extraction; waste landfill; sand and gravel extraction; small scale wind power (up to 5 turbines); large scale wind power (above 5 turbines) and biomass plantations. The approach of National and, indeed, local policy to some or all of these development types has significantly changed since 2010, as has

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• Part D reviewed landscape potentially requiring additional protection and the identification of land which may be protected by local landscape designations in future.

2.4.2 Each part of the LCA relates to the other. Part D of the LCA comprises the only assessment of value, in relation to the Study Area, known to have been undertaken since 2010. It comprised a desk-based assessment only which reviewed past Areas of High Landscape Value and developed a scoring system for each of the landscape character areas in the LCA based on a set of criteria which informed an understanding of value. The criteria included:

• Views and landmarks • Remoteness • Historic features • Recreation • Condition • Distinctiveness • Rarity • Natural heritage

2.4.3 Scores were weighted based on the guiding principle attributed to the character area in Part B of the LCA i.e. a landscape with the principle of ‘protect’ would have a higher weighting than one which was attributed the principle ‘plan’.

2.4.4 The assessment did not seek to define any geographical area which required extra protection and, importantly, concluded that there would be a need for a:

‘more detailed, local level study of each group of character areas, including field work and consultation, in order to establish broad support for, and robust justification of, the areas chosen’. (para 4.3)

2.4.5 It also went on to state that:

‘Character area boundaries may not be the most suitable basis for designated area boundaries, as landscape value may vary within character units. There may be benefit in protecting associations of different landscape types where they are closely related, so that boundaries may not be tied to one type. The definition of boundaries should consider the policy implications of designation, the coherence of the area enclosed, and the suitability of boundary features themselves. Again, boundary selection would be based on field work and consultation.’ (para 4.4)

guidance on the assessment of landscape sensitivity – see Natural England’s ‘An approach to landscape sensitivity assessment – to inform spatial planning and land management’ June 2019.

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2.5 Glover Landscapes Review

2.5.1 In more recent years, Julian Glover was commissioned to undertake a Designated 11 Landscapes Review7F by DEFRA in response to the Government’s 25 Year 12 Environment Plan8F . Proposals stemming from the review included the renewed mission to enhance and recover nature, connect people to landscape and to bring the family of National Landscapes together under a National Landscape Service. It also highlighted a need for new landscape approaches and other models of landscape recognition, in addition to AONB or National Park.

11 Landscapes Review, Julian Glover, DEFRA, 2019 12 A Green Future: Our 25 Year Plan to Improve the Environment

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“The richness of Northumberland’s past is not confined to one or two places….the interest generated is many-layered…..

Wherever we walk, we will be struck by the lack of human habitation, yet this was an area where prehistoric people thrived…..”

Stan Beckensall, Northumberland’s Hidden History, 2012

Photograph by Stan Beckensall – The Ringses, Beanley Moor from above

Northumberland Sandstone Ridges and Vales Final Report for Consultation January 2021

3 Approach

3.1 Definition of a Valued Landscape

Emerging Best Practice

3.1.1 The recently published draft Technical Guidance Note by the Landscape Institute highlights that landscape value can be defined at the local authority or neighbourhood level and can be assessed and mapped spatially i.e. though local landscape designation. Such studies may summarise the special qualities of a tract of land which may express a variety of landscape character. Importantly, absence of designation does not mean absence of value. The Guidance highlights that, where possible, the value placed on a landscape should be defined in development plan documents, adopted for that area.

National Planning Policy Framework

3.1.2 The revised NPPF Paragraph 171 (2019) requires development plans to:

‘distinguish between the hierarchy of international, national and local designated sites’.

3.1.3 However, it does not make any specific reference to local landscape designations. Nevertheless, national Planning Practice Guidance (PPG) (paragraph 036) makes clear that strategic policies should provide for the conservation and enhancement of landscape and that this can include locally designated landscape.

3.1.4 Paragraph 170a of the NPPF states:

Planning policies and decisions should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment by:

a) protecting and enhancing valued landscapes, sites of biodiversity or geological value and soils (in a manner commensurate with their statutory status or identified quality in the development plan)

Guidance on Factors to Consider

3.1.5 The term ‘valued landscape’ was introduced in the 2012 NPPF, although not defined. 13 Subsequently, the 2013 GLVIA9F provided a definition and set out criteria which could be taken into account to determine a valued landscape as part of understanding the landscape baseline. This, along with previous designation work and development of 14 Guidance by Natural England in relation to designating National Parks and AONBs10F , influenced the development of approaches to valued landscape assessment and the testing of this at planning inquires.

13 Guidance for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, third edition, Landscape Institute and IEMA, 2013 14 Guidance for Assessing Landscapes for Designation as National Park or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England, March 2011

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3.1.6 The definition of valued landscape provided in GLVIA is as follows:

‘The relative value that is attached to different landscape by society, bearing in mind that a landscape may be valued by different stakeholders for a whole variety of reasons’

15 3.1.7 The criteria which are set out in Box 5.1 of GLVIA 11F , are similar to those utilised in assessing landscape for National Park and AONB designation as set out in Natural 16 England’s Guidance12F . These factors have also influenced those in the recently published Landscape Institute Technical Guidance Note (TGN) on Landscape Value 17 and Valued Landscapes 13F . The latter document, and pre-publication drafts of it, have informed this study18. On this basis, the factors used to determine valued landscape in this study have been based on the most up to date information emerging from the LI TGN. The factors which can be taken into account include the following:

Table 1: Factors relevant to Identifying the Value of Landscapes

19 Factor Definition Examples14F of indicators of Examples of 20 landscape value evidence 15F

Good physical condition of Landscape character individual landscape elements (e.g. assessment The physical state features, walls, parkland trees) of the landscape: Hedgerow/ tree intactness of the Good condition/intactness of the surveys overall landscape (e.g. intact Landscape landscape, and Field survey Condition the historic field patterns) condition/health of Absence of detracting/incongruous SSSI condition individual features/or features are present but assessments elements have little influence HLC and historic maps

Distinctive features, or attractive Landscape character combinations of features such as assessment distinctive, dramatic or striking landform or patterns of land cover Protected views/view which collectively create attractive studies compositions Field survey Strong aesthetic qualities such as Conservation Area Landscape that scale, form, colour and texture. Appraisals Scenic Quality appeals to the Presence of natural lines in the visual senses landscape (e.g. natural ridgelines, woodland edges, river corridors) Visual diversity or contrasts which contributes to the appreciation of the landscape Memorable/distinctive views and landmarks, or landscape which contributes to distinctive views and

15 The criteria are similar to those set out in earlier landscape character assessment guidance in relation to landscape evaluation e.g. CCP423 (1993) and 2002 Guidance. 16 Guidance for Assessing Landscapes for Designation as National Park or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England, March 2011 17 Draft Technical Guidance Note/Consultation Draft 20/21, Landscape Institute 18 AFA formed part of the wider working group and contributed to the preparation of the TGN 19 These examples are not exhaustive 20 Some of these qualities may be identified in development plans.

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19 Factor Definition Examples14F of indicators of Examples of 20 landscape value evidence 15F landmarks

Landscape character that has a Landscape character sense of place assessment Distinctive features or elements Guidebooks Distinctiveness Landscape that which are identified as being Field survey and Sense of has a strong characteristic of a particular place Place sense of identity Rare or unusual features or elements especially those that confer a strong sense of place or identity on a place

Presence of wildlife and habitats of Landscape character interest that contribute positively to assessment an appreciation of place Ecological and Landscape with Presence of distinctive geological or geological clear evidence of geomorphological features designations ecological, geological, Landscape which makes an Geological Natural geomorphologic important contribution to natural conservation review Heritage or physiographic capital or forms part of existing Interest Habitat surveys interest which strategies for nature recovery contribute Nature recovery positively to networks landscape Priority habitats Specialist ecological studies

Historic landmark structures or Landscape character designed landscape elements (e.g. assessment follies monuments, avenues or beech clumps) Historic environment and archaeological Landscape with Landscape which contributes to the designations significance of heritage assets, for clear evidence of Historic maps archaeological, example forming the setting of Cultural historical or heritage assets as defined in Conservation area Heritage cultural interest specialist studies appraisals Interest which contribute Landscape that offers a dimension Historic landscape positively to the of time depth and the passing of landscape character time e.g. relic farmsteads, ruins, assessments historic field patterns, historic rights of way (e.g. drove roads, salt ways, Place names tracks associated with past Specialist heritage industrial activity) studies

High levels of tranquillity or Tranquillity factors Landscape with a perceptions of tranquillity, including and mapping perceived links to nature, dark strong sensory Dark Skies mapping and perceptual skies, presence of wildlife/ birdsong Perceptual 21 Qualities value notably and relative peace and quiet17F Wilderness mapping wildness and/ or Presence of wild land and Field survey tranquillity perceptions of relative wildness Sense of particular remoteness,

21 More about tranquillity can be found in Landscape Institute Technical Information Note 01/2017 (Revised) Tranquillity – An overview (March 2017)

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19 Factor Definition Examples14F of indicators of Examples of 20 landscape value evidence 15F seclusion or openness

Associations with literature, art, film The arts including and music that contribute to literature, perceptions of the landscape photography, Landscape which painting, film, music) is connected with Links to a notable historical event Associations people, events or Historical accounts, art Associations with a famous person cultural traditions and or people folklore Guidebooks

Recreation and Landscape Presence of open access land, Definitive public rights Enjoyment recognised as public rights of way and village of way mapping/ OS offering greens especially where experience map data opportunities for of landscape is important recreation Open access land activities where Other physical evidence of (including registered experience of recreational use. common land) landscape is Landscape that forms part of key Database of important views and/or is important to the registered enjoyment of a recreational activity town/village greens Field survey Publications on recreational routes which celebrate the landscape

Landscape which makes an Landscape character important contribution to a national assessments Landscape which landscape designation or a performs a clearly designated heritage asset Development and identifiable and Management Plans valuable spatial Landscape which makes an for nationally role in the important contribution to the designated landscape. This Spatial character or identity of a settlement landscapes factor may be Function particularly Settlement gateways/approaches Conservation area relevant to which provide a clear sense of appraisals assessing value in arrival and contribute to the character of the settlement (may be Green Infrastructure relation to a studies/ strategies specific ancient/historic) site/development Forming an important part of a Field survey Green Infrastructure network

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3.1.8 Whilst the criteria used to define National Parks and AONBs relate specifically to the words in Statute e.g. natural beauty and opportunities for open air recreation, the factors used to define a ‘valued landscape’ are similar but broader in scope. More significantly the practical application of criteria for evaluating landscapes for designation, be they national or local, is similar. The experience gained from the practical application of the criteria and the testing of the approach at designation 22 public inquires19F provides some useful pointers in terms of the approach adopted for valued landscape work. This is considered in section 3.2 below.

3.2 Practical Application of Relevant Factors

3.2.1 Natural England in its guidance on assessing landscape for designation sets out considerations relevant to its practical application. Whilst assessing landscape for national landscape designation and valued landscapes are not the same, the considerations on practical application are common to both. Based on the guidance and experience of evaluation work, the following are considered to be relevant to this study:

• Landscape character assessments can be used as a framework for evaluation. Written descriptions can provide information on relevant factors although, it should be noted, text is primarily descriptive rather than containing judgments.

• Land included or defined as valued does not have to have a particular character – a valued landscape can have a variety of landscape character.

• Field by field evaluation is not appropriate.

• There is no requirement for every parcel of land to meet all the factors in Table 1 above.

• If an area is fragmented by land which does not have significant evidence of being valued it may affect the whole area.

• It is not necessary to identify a precise boundary at the initial stages of evaluation, however gradual or sudden changes near the margins should be recorded.

• If an incongruous feature does not adversely affect value of the wider area, it is not relevant that the feature does not in itself have value.

• When assessing landscape quality and scenic quality, it is important to give consideration to current condition and qualities only, not future potential. In contrast recreation opportunities can include the land’s potential.

• Recreational opportunities to be considered should normally be consistent with the conservation and enhancement of the area’s special qualities.

22 Notably the South Downs National Park and the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Park boundary extensions.

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• It is not just the quantity of recreational opportunities that is relevant but also their quality, which should exceed that normally available in the wider countryside.

3.3 Defining Extent

3.3.1 Where an area is considered a valued landscape, it is necessary to define extent not least in order to assist with formal recognition and decision making. Again, reference to the Natural England Guidance and work of national designations in recent decades is useful.

3.3.2 Natural England Guidance sets out boundary-setting considerations in Appendix 4 of its Guidance. In particular consideration is given to:

• Transitional areas – boundaries should be drawn in a conservative way – within the high-quality end of a transition, in a manner that includes areas of high-quality land and excludes areas of lesser quality land. Visual associations may be used to help to define the extent of land for inclusion in these circumstances. • Boundaries should follow easily distinguishable permanent physical features and should not be overly complex or convoluted. • Administrative boundaries may be used but, in most cases, they will be unsuitable as will land ownership/landholdings. • Settlements may be included where they sit within a qualifying tract of land. Settlements should be considered on their merits including their character, qualities and relationship to adjoining countryside. The extent to which landscape penetrates the built-up area may also be relevant. • Settlements should not normally be cut in two by boundaries. A settlement does not equate to a Parish and the division of a Parish is acceptable. • Unsightly development on the edge of a qualifying area should generally be excluded unless it is temporary or transient in nature. • Land allocated for development on the margins of an area should normally be excluded unless the land will be restored to a quality which meets the value factors. Land should not be included within a value landscape merely to seek to protect it from specific development proposals. • Features of interest e.g. wildlife, geological, geomorphological, historic, cultural or architectural value on the margins of a qualifying area should be included where practical providing they sit within a tract of qualifying land.

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3.3.3 When defining a detailed boundary for a valued landscape there may be more scope for excluding particular areas of land that do not qualify where they are located close to the boundary rather than within the main body of the area. This should not however normally require a field-by-field assessment of land at the margins of the valued landscape.

3.4 Desirability to Provide Formal Recognition

3.4.1 First, it is important to note that a particular landscape may be ‘valued’ despite a lack of formal designation.

3.4.2 The decision whether it is desirable to formally apply a national designation such as National Park, AONB or Heritage Coast (or, potentially, some other form of 23 designation, yet to be defined following the Glover Review20F ) to a particular landscape, in planning policy terms, lies with Natural England, as the designating authority. Likewise and subject to the scrutiny applied to all levels of plan making, local or neighbourhood planning authorities or bodies will make the appropriate decision in relation to local designations.

3.4.3 As with National Designations, just because an area of land is capable of being included in a National Park or AONB designation does not follow, automatically. It is for the designating authority to exercise its judgment as to whether it is desirable. The same applies for local planning authorities at local plan level and neighbourhood planning bodies in relation to defining valued landscape within Neighbourhood 24 Plans21F .

3.4.4 In determining if it is desirable, a number of considerations are relevant as follows:

• Is there a weight of evidence and consensus that the area identified is a valued landscape? • Is it of such significance that it warrants recognition in policy terms? • What are the issues affecting its special qualities and enjoyment and what are the best options available to address them? • What is the best means of conserving and enhancing the special qualities of the area? For example, would designation or policy be the most effective way of achieving conservation and enhancement? • Are there other factors that suggest it is not desirable to give formal recognition in this instance?

3.4.5 This evaluation, in Section 7, considers these questions in general terms and looks at the options available such as the inclusion of areas within the existing Northumberland National Park or AONB, definition of a Local Landscape in policy terms and/or the creation of a new landscape designation akin to that advocated in the Glover Review.

23 Landscapes Review, Julian Glover, DEFRA, 2019 24 Recognising that at a neighbourhood plan level valued landscapes are likely to extend beyond Parish boundaries.

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‘Rock art is mainly confined to upland areas of northern Britain where these rock types are common. Research has shown that many of the larger rocks on which rock art occurs are natural landmarks, recognisable from a long way off and, conversely, commanding long-distance views. These prominent panels are often inter-visible with specific low-lying areas or passes…..’

Prehistoric Rock Art, Historic England 2018 Photograph by Tony Meikle – Corbys Crag’s

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4 Methodology

4.1 Desk Study and Data Sources

4.1.1 During the desk study stage, a wide range of background information, document reviews, research, digital data and mapping was considered.

4.1.2 Examples of collated data included: solid and drift geology; landform; agricultural land classification; international, national and local natural heritage designations and reserves; priority habitats; ancient woodland; national and local cultural heritage designations; selected non-designated archaeological sites; landscape character assessments; Open Access Land; historic landscape characterization; agri- environment schemes; administrative boundaries; and local authority allocations and development data.

4.1.3 Reference was also made to a range of published books about the area and web- based information sources such as Google Earth, the Heritage Gateway website, old maps on the National Library of Scotland website, the National Biodiversity Network and CPRE tranquility mapping.

4.1.4 The extent of information gathered was limited to available data and resources at the time of the study.

4.1.5 The digital mapping and spatial data obtained was combined and interrogated using a Geographical Information System (GIS). Overlaying of data aided the evaluation of value, enabling comparison between different datasets and the identification of any patterns or distribution of features of interest.

4.1.6 The pre-existing Landscape Character Assessments and other relevant assessments were reviewed, and relevant information taken into account.

4.1.7 Site work was undertaken during Spring 2020 to assess value factors that require an element of field assessment locally, such as landscape quality, scenic quality and perceptual qualities.

4.1.8 Documents which have been consulted include:

Landscape Assessments • National Character Area descriptions • Northumberland Landscape Character Assessment and Guidance Parts A & B, 2011 • Northumberland Landscape Character Assessment Parts C & D, 2011 • Northumberland National Park Landscape Character Assessment, updated 2018 • Northumberland Coast AONB Landscape and Seascape Character Assessment, August 2013 • Northumberland Historic Landscape Characterisation, February 2008

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• Landscape Appraisal for Onshore Wind Development, Government Office for the North East, July 2003 • Landscape Sensitivity and Capacity Study, Northumberland Coast AONB, 2013 • Assessment of the Sensitivity of the Landscape of Northumberland to Wind Energy Development, January 2018 • Conservation Area Appraisals Northumberland • Sites of Special Scientific Interest Citations (Natural England Online)

Local Authority Plan Documents

• Berwick-upon-Tweed Borough Local Plan Adopted April 1999 • Alnwick District Wide Local Plan Adopted April 1997 • Northumberland Local Plan Publication Draft January 2019 • Northumberland National Park Local Plan Adopted July 2020

Land Management and Recreation • Northumberland National Park Management, 2016-2021 • Northumberland Coast AONB Management Plan 2020-2024 Parts 1and 2 • Northumberland Biodiversity Action Plan • North East England Nature Partnership Initiatives • Making a B-line for Northumberland, Buglife, March 2015

Designation Histories • Northumberland National Park, Designation History Series, Ray Woolmore March 2001 • Northumberland Coast AONB, Designation History Series, Ray Woolmore, December 2004

Literature on Area • Northumberland’s Hidden History, Stan Beckensall, 2012 • The Northumberland Landscape, Robert Newton, 1972 • Northumberland Hills and Valleys, Stan Beckensall, 2012 • Whittingham Cale, Northumberland, David D Dixon, 1892 • Upper Coquetdale, Northumberland, David D Dixon, 1974 (reprinted 2012) • The Buildings of England, Northumberland, Nikolas Pevsner

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4.2 Defining Evaluation Areas

4.2.1 Initial desk study informed a refinement of the Study Area, including the exclusion of landscape which was considered to have less evidence of landscape value such as land in the far north and north of Wooler/Milfield Plain. It also led to the bringing in of land around Shotton in the northwest and south of Rothbury, as well as land east of the B6341. A Study Area was therefore refined and is illustrated on Drawing 2.

4.2.2 The refined Study Area was then divided into units of an appropriate scale to provide a spatial framework to aid evaluation. These units are termed ‘Evaluation Areas’. At the start of field assessment, each Evaluation Area (EA) was subjected to the evaluation process (see below).

4.2.3 The definition of evaluation areas considered the classification of the landscape in existing landscape character assessments, including National Character Areas and Part A of the Northumberland Landscape Character Assessment. Both assessments provide comprehensive coverage for the whole of the study area.

4.2.4 The National Character Areas which relate to the Study Area are illustrated on the map below. They include:

• NCA 1: North Northumberland Coastal Plain

• NCA 2: Northumberland Sandstone Hills

• NCA 3: Cheviot Fringe

• NCA 4: Cheviots

Figure 3: Map showing location of National Character Areas relevant to the Study Area

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Landscape Value Assessment Drawing 2: Landscape Character

1: Glen & Bowmont 2: Kyloe and Valley Doddington Hills

3: Middlemoor Coast Key 3: Chillingham Vale Refined Study Area Boundary

Evaluation Areas

5: Eglingham Vale and Hulne

0km 50km 100km

6: Whittingham Vale

7: Coquetdale and Rothbury 30

4.2.5 The NCAs provide a high-level broad-brush assessment of the character of the area providing useful high-level background information. They reflect the concentric rings of landscape which extend out from the Cheviot Hills and how the ridge of sandstone hills (NCA 2) to the east separates the inland vales of the Aln, Breamish/Till and Coquet (NCA 3) from the coast.

4.2.6 Part A of the Northumberland Landscape Character Assessment also reflects this pattern and further subdivides the landscape into landscape types and local character areas. These are illustrated on Drawing 2.

4.2.7 Whist providing detailed information on the landscapes in the Study Area, it was noted that neither the NCAs nor the Northumberland LCA reflected the series of vales across the area which are defined by the distinctive sandstone ridges and hills. Furthermore, an evaluation based on the existing landscape character types/areas, as defined in the Northumberland LCA, was likely to repeat existing data, rather than articulate the unity and physical/visual interconnectedness of landscape in the Study Area (as noted in para 2.4.5 above). In contrast the publication titled The Making of the English Landscape – The Northumberland Landscape (Robert Newton 1972) did divide of the Study Area into ‘Natural Regions’ which started to articulate the pattern of ridges and ‘basins’/vales (see map below).

Figure 4: Extract from The Making of the English Landscape – The Northumberland Landscape by Robert Newton, 1972 (page 26)

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4.2.8 A review of the existing LCA classifications and ‘Natural Regions’ shown above enabled the Study Area to be divided into eight broad evaluation areas, suitable for assessment. This subdivision sought to capture the visual and physical relationship between the vales and ridges and, as such, to reflect perceptual areas which have a unique sense of place. Reference to the data contained in existing LCAs was helpful in informing the subsequent evaluation of these areas and in collating evidence relating to the value factors set out in Table 1, above.

4.2.9 The extent of the Evaluation Areas and the underlying Northumberland LCA classification is presented in Drawing 2. It illustrates the range of character areas/types within in each Evaluation Area, an understanding of which helps to inform the assessment process.

4.2.10 The use of Evaluation Areas is intended to make the practical work of detailed evaluation of landscapes more manageable and to enable the perceptual qualities of the landscape to be readily understood and expressed. It is not intended to lead to the inclusion or exclusion of land because of the way in which Evaluation Areas have been defined. The process of evaluation is intended to be flexible and iterative in its application.

4.3 Assessment of Evaluation Areas

4.3.1 The Evaluation Areas have been assessed using the factors associated with valued landscape as defined in Table 1, above.

4.3.2 The evidence collated for each of the factors was considered in detail and conclusions recorded in the tables set out in Section 5, below. The extensive sources of information, many listed in Section 4 above, were referred to and formed the starting point for the evaluation. This was supplemented by additional field work and evidence gathering. The overall weight of evidence and spatial distribution of value factors for each Evaluation Area was considered in turn, accepting that it is dependent on the quality and extent of information available at the time.

4.3.3 For each Evaluation Area, a summary conclusion was provided as to whether part, or all, of each Evaluation Area should be taken forward as a Candidate Area for recognition. Any issues requiring further scrutiny were also outlined.

4.4 Candidate Areas

4.4.1 A Candidate Area, by definition, demarcates an area that appears likely to be able to meet the factors that contribute to a valued landscape but does not have a hard boundary to its extent. On this basis, Candidate Areas are mapped with hatched lines (as shown in green on Drawings 3 and 4).

4.4.2 In some areas judgements on whether a landscape qualifies as a Candidate Area are more finely balanced. Here issues such as transitions in landscape quality, fragmentation and incongruous features (discussed further below) may have an influence, such that the area needs to be given greater scrutiny when defining the extent of the valued landscape. These areas of particularly scrutiny may or may not be capable of being included (wholly or in part) within a valued landscape. Areas which require particular scrutiny are also mapped with hatched lines (as shown in purple on Drawings 3 and 4).

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4.4.3 Areas of transition occur where an element of landscape is changing either in terms of its character or qualities. Such changes may be sudden or gradual. The boundaries of valued landscapes seldom follow sudden changes in landscape qualities. In the case of this study, the majority of landscapes at the edge of qualifying land are transitional to some degree.

4.4.4 Where there are areas of transition, visual associations may be used to help define the extent of land requiring further scrutiny. Generally, it is the higher quality end of transitional areas which are defined for scrutiny.

4.4.5 Fragmentation may occur where a landscape is physically separated by a feature such as major infrastructure which may have an impact on the landscape quality of an area; or by geological formations which cause a visual separation of an area from another area of similar character or quality. Where fragmentation is present, the degree to which it affects value depends on the fragmenting features, their visibility and the types of connections which remain between fragmented areas. Where notable fragmentation is present, it is identified as requiring particular scrutiny.

4.4.6 Incongruous features of many kinds can influence value, particularly factors such as scenic or landscape quality, or perceptual qualities. The extent to which any incongruous feature affects an area will be dependent on its scale, height, distance, surrounding topography, vegetation and movement (e.g. wind turbine blades). Where incongruous features are present, this is noted within the evaluation and requires further scrutiny at the boundary setting stage to ensure that only land which meets the value factors is included within a valued landscape.

4.4.7 Settlements can also have a significant effect on the surrounding area and their influence is thus recorded. Consideration is given to whether the settlements have historic interest; if there is extensive new development; if there is a strong sense of place; and whether the settlement lies within an area of qualifying land or is at the edge. Settlements which lie within a wider tract of qualifying land are generally included and should be addressed in relation to their particular merits and relationship to the surrounding countryside. The splitting of settlements when defining a boundary has been avoided.

4.5 Boundary Options

4.5.1 Following the evaluation, further scrutiny was given to those areas noted as fragmented, transitional or where settlements were close to the margins of the Candidate Area.

4.5.2 Information on development allocations from local plan documents, including proposed housing, industrial developments or minerals and waste, was reviewed and taken into account. In the study area, this focused on the main settlements of Wooler, Alnwick and Rothbury and smaller settlements such as Glanton, Whitton and Thropton. Where there was a degree of certainty that development will take place and is close to the boundary/edge of the valued landscape, it was excluded, and the boundary drawn accordingly.

4.5.3 Information in Conservation Area Management Plans and other specific initiatives which may affect the qualities of an area, was also considered. The considerable amount of data collected both in the GIS database and through a range of other sources during the evaluation phase of this project was also used to inform decision making in relation to the proposed boundary. In particular, information on

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designations and other features of interest close to the proposed boundary lines, as well as information on landscape character, were referred to.

4.5.4 Various boundary options were considered in the field and a draft boundary line defined. This was then reviewed following site work with reference to aerial photography, street view and GIS datasets in order to establish a preferred boundary line.

4.6 Desirability

4.6.1 This stage in the process considered whether it is desirable that the qualifying landscape is given recognition in planning terms and whether there is merit in achieving that objective through the extension of existing protected landscape boundaries (i.e. the National Park and AONB) or though the creation of a new landscape designation.

4.6.2 An understanding of the special qualities of the existing National Park and AONB landscapes which lie adjacent to the qualifying area have informed this analysis, as well as the Glover Review.

4.7 Meetings and Consultation

4.7.1 During the course of the project, there was regular communication with the client and additional information was provided by local artists and individuals in the local community with extensive knowledge of the area.

4.7.2 The recommended extent of ‘valued landscape’, reflects information which is available at the time of assessment. The results of this evaluation will be subject to wider consultation, where possible, particularly with relevant Parish Councils. It is therefore likely that further relevant information will come forward and may shape the final extent of land identified as valued and specific boundary lines.

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5 Evaluation

5.1 Introduction

5.1.1 The tables, below, reflect analysis for each of the Evaluation Areas. They provide evidence which supports the recognition of each area as valued and highlight areas where evidence is less compelling. The tables conclude with a recommended Candidate Area for which there is a weight of evidence to warrant recognition as a valued landscape. These tables should be read in association with the Candidate Area maps (Drawings 3 and 4).

5.2 Evaluation Tables

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EA 1: Glen and Bowmont Valley 35

Evaluation Area 1: Glen and Bowmont Valley Landscape Context This landscape comprises the hills which form the northern flanks of the Glen River, a distinctive valley landscape on the edge of the Northumberland National Park which extends west to east along the fringe of the Cheviot massif. These hills form rounded outliers of the main upland to the south, reaching elevations of between 267m AOD at Houseden Hill and 246m AOD at Moneylaws Hill. As such they strongly define the Glen River and Bowmont valley and visually relate to the rising hills of the Cheviots.

In terms of landscape character this area forms part of the Cheviot Fringe NCA and in the Northumberland Landscape Character Assessment is defined as Upper Fringe Valley (18a Bowmont Valley) and Igneous Foothills (14a Moneylaws and Coalside).

This area was previously identified by Hobhouse as an area suitable for landscape designation. It was also included in the Kyloe Hills and Glendale Area of Landscape Value (Berwick Local Plan).

The current boundary of the NNP follows the B6351 to the south of the River Glen. As such the hamlet of Kirknewton is split by the National Park boundary.

Natural Beauty Evaluation Factors Landscape condition The rocky courses of the Bowmont Water and River Glen reflects natural riparian features and geomorphology comprising broad meanders, oxbow lakes and areas of marsh on a broad flat floodplain. Land use on the valley floor is predominately pastoral although there are some places where arable has encroached. The Bowmont Water and River Glen form part of the Tweed Catchment SSSI but their condition is considered unfavourable due to diffuse pollution.

On the hillsides to the north there are areas of rough grazing on steeper slopes and patches of gorse and bracken which are broken by areas of improved pasture or arable, and straight-edged small conifer plantations which stand out against the steep contours. Despite land improvement and conifer plantations, the overall condition of the landscape remains good in part due to the strength of topography, natural landscape features and lack of overt man-made features.

Scenic quality The hills to the north of the Glen and Bowmont Valley are an integral part of appreciating this unsettled and remote landscape. The scale of the hills rising dramatically from the valley floor is such that they enfold and enclose and, coupled with the sinuous course of the river, provide a degree of disorientation. To the north of the valley, the hills rapidly drop in elevation and lose their intimate enclosed character, affording views outwards towards Scotland or over the Millfield Plain.

The scenic qualities of this landscape are therefore derived from the dramatic topography of the hills and valleys and their physical and visual association with the wider Cheviot Massif to the south. The small-scale rural settlement pattern, comprising dispersed farmsteads and small hamlets, along with areas of rough grazing, reinforce the remote character of the area.

Distinctiveness The Glen and Bowmont Valleys are unique in the context of the Cheviots forming the only predominately west-east valley system. This valley is no less dramatic than other valleys within the Cheviot Massif, despite being on the fringes. In terms of identity, this landscape feels part of the Cheviots and shares the same underlying igneous geology (Andesite lava) which is reflected in its rounded slopes.

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Natural and cultural This landscape contains natural and cultural heritage which contributes to enjoyment interest and appreciation of the landscape. These include an exceptional collection of prehistoric settlement sites which are scheduled monuments, valued individually as well as forming an outstanding group. These include Downham Camp, Moneylaws Castle Hill Camp and East Moneylaws Camp and also Pawston Hill and Bowmont Hill Camp in the west. The area also hosts the site of the Anglo-Saxon palace Ad Gefrin (also a scheduled monument) a unique and historically significant site which, although comprising mainly buried archaeology, has a strong sense of place derived from its outstanding and powerful setting at the mouth of the Glen Valley and recently provided interpretation.

On the outer rim of the hills historical sites are associated with the battle of Flodden Field.

Non-designated heritage assets include the disused railway, the old embankments revealing its path along the edge of the valley floor between Wooler and Cornhill on Tweed.

The Bowmont Water and River Glen form part of the Tweed Catchment SSSI, important for their conservation and ecological value. The valley system is also valued for its geological interest and evidence of glaciation.

Perceptual aspects These outlier hills and the enclosed inward-looking valley of the River Glen and Bowmont Water have a strong sense of place and remoteness as a result of their scale, upland farmland and limited settlement.

Associations The special qualities of the landscape have inspired artists as illustrated in the example below:

House Among the Trees, Bowmont Valley (1982) Andrew Binnie

Recreation and This landscape has a good density of public rights of way and bridleways providing enjoyment access to many of the hill summits. Narrow winding lanes through the valleys and between the hills also enable much of this area to be explored. The valley floor between Reedsford and Shotton is not physically accessible although it is visible

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from the valley road and surrounding hills.

There are small patches of open access land on Housedon Hill and Coldside Hill.

Spatial function This landscape forms an important setting to the Northumberland National Park, forming elevated and close proximity views into The Cheviots and easy access onto the hills.

Recommendation The river valley and most dramatic hills which define the northern valley sides have a weight of evidence supporting their recognition as a valued landscape. Further north the hills are in transition dropping in elevation, with an outward focus across a more open undulating plain. As a result of these transitional qualities the scenic quality of that part of the landscape is in decline. Care will be needed to review these issues at the boundary setting stage.

Summary of issues Transition: to be addressed Transition-nature of hills as they extend northwards resulting in a change in character from an inward-looking valley landscape to a more open elevated and outward when defining looking landscape. Care will need to be taken to define a boundary line within the extent high-quality end of the transition.

Fragmentation: N/A

Incongruous Features: Areas of conifer plantation.

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EA 2: Kyloe and Doddington Hills 38

Evaluation Area 2: Kyloe and Doddington Hills Landscape Context This area is associated with two, north-south, sandstone ridges (Kyloe Hills and Doddington Ridge) and an outlier ridge of Weetwood Moor. They each form distinct but narrow hills with a steep western scarp and a gentle, farmed dip slope. Between the Doddington Ridge and Kyloe Hills is a gently undulating shallow vale through which the Hetton Burn flows, and which is most legible between the two highest hills of Doddington Hill in the west (200m AOD) and Cockenheugh in the east (211m AOD). The eastern dip slope to the Kyloe Hills focuses outwards, towards the coast, whilst that of Weetwood Moor focuses into the Chillingham Vale.

This area also includes a small section of the River Till where it passes between Doddington Moor and Weetwood Moor.

Settlement within this area comprises small hamlets located on the outskirts of the area (e.g. Belford and Doddington) while the core of the area is sparsely settled with farmsteads.

The sandstone hills form part of the Northumberland Sandstone Hills NCA. This area has also been classified as Outcrop Hills and Escarpments (Kyloe and Chillingham Hills and Doddington Ridge) and Sandstone Fringe Farmland (Belford Hills and Sandstone Farmlands) in the NLCA.

The majority of this area was previously included in the AHLV for Berwick, with the exception of the northern area around Lowick.

Natural Beauty Factors Evaluation Landscape condition Although a predominately farmed landscape, this area also contains notable areas of semi natural habitat such as Holburn Moss and open moorland on the highest hills e.g. Kyloe Hills, Doddington Moor and Weetwood Moor.

On the gentle dip slopes of the Doddington Ridge and Weetwood, the landscape has suffered small rectilinear conifer plantations and agricultural improvement with heather and acidic grassland being converted to improved grassland and arable. The more extensive conifer plantations on the Kyloe Hills have an organic form, reflecting their history as pre 19th century mixed woodland plantations. As such these plantations are interspersed with broadleaved woodland and patches of heather moorland creating a rich mosaic e.g. Old Wood on the Kyloe Hills.

Scenic quality The scenic quality of this landscape is mixed - the ridges express the greatest range of qualities while the farmland fringes between them are less distinctive.

On the Kyloe Hills, the scenic qualities are most strongly expressed where the sandstone outcrops form rippling, sinuous heughs which snake though the western slopes (e.g. Bowden Doors and Lyham Hill) and are often associated with heather moorland and moss. This gives rise to visual interest in the form of dramatic topography and colourful and textured landcover e.g. a sea of cotton grass can be observed at Holburn Moss and Raven’s Crag in May. This local interest is punctuated by opportunities for open elevated views southwest towards the Cheviots over Doddington Hill (which forms a foreground), while on the upper western farmed slopes, poppy fields create skirts of colour.

These qualities contrast with the western dip slope of the Kyloe Hills where the landscape is more wooded and has an intimate character north of the B6349 associated with the parkland landscape at Middleton Hall and the linear

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woodlands that flank Fenham, Kettle, Middleton and Belford burns as they drain the hills to the coast.

South of the B6349, the landscape is more open and has experienced agricultural improvement and lacks distinction. Similarly, the lower lying farmland between the Doddington Hills and Kyloe Hills is more open and intensively farmed and is weakly defined due to the gently topography and the lower elevation of the ridges. Here the proliferation of small conifer blocks has visually fragmented the landscape.

Scenic qualities on Doddington Hill and Weetwood Moor are associated with the dramatic scarp slopes that drop into the Milford Plain and support semi-natural habitats giving rise to colourful bracken and heather slopes from which there are open, elevated, close proximity views to the Cheviots. These uninterrupted views of the Cheviots are some of the most notable within Northumberland. Between these elevated landscapes is a section of the River Till which has an enclosed and more intimate character due to topography and vegetation. Here, historic river crossings at Weetwood bridge and Fowberry are notable features and add to the scenic qualities.

Due to the narrowness of the ridges, this landscape offers a range of scenic views, from open elevated vistas to areas of more intimate local interest associated with rocky outcrops or the distinctive ramparts of archaeological sites – of particular note are the views westwards from the Kyloe Hills to the landmarks of Lindesfarne, Farne Islands and Bamburgh Castle on the coast from locations such as Greensheen Hill.

Distinctiveness The linear crags on the Kyloe Hills are distinctive, forming a series of sinuous heughs that ripple across the higher slopes.

On the eastern dip slope of the Kyloe Hills there are exceptional views out to sea and to the unmistakable profile of Holy Island and Bamburgh Castle. While from the western scarps of the Kyloe and Doddington Hills there are arresting views of the northeastern corner of the Cheviot Hills.

Natural and cultural The ridges are rich in prehistoric features and especially in Cup and Ring marked Interest rocks which, on Doddington Moor, collectively form one of the highest concentrations within the study area, while, in the Weetwood and Fowberry area, there are similar sites and associated cairns, coupled with a deserted medieval village at Coldmartin and ruined towerhouse by Tower Martin Farm. On the coastal dip slope of the Kyloe Hills, there is also a high concentration of prehistoric defence earthworks reflecting the historic importance of this seaward facing ridge. Some scheduled monuments are at risk e.g. at Dod Law two camps and cup and ring marked rocks, and Chester Hill camps, due to mixed ownership and scrub and plant growth.

The present day ‘straight’ minor road between Lowick and Horton on the eastern fringes of Doddington Moor follows the route of the Roman Road (Devil’s Causeway).

Natural heritage includes Sites of Special Scientific Interest including Holburn Lake and Moss, Bowden Doors, and Colour Heugh. Other waterbodies are of geological and nature conservation interest, for example, Coldmartin Loughs whichcomprise a Geological Site of Nature Conservation Importance but are also associated with nearby prehistoric cup and ring mark rocks.

Belford Park, to the southeast of the village, is a Registered Park and Garden and Fowberry Tower (whilst not designated) exerts an estate/country house

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character.

St Cuthbert’s Cave is located in the rocky outcrops within the Kyloe Hills and is owned and managed by the National Trust.

Perceptual aspects The ridges feel remote and, in places, deeply historic due to the overt signs of prehistoric significance and remnant historic parklands. There is a strong time- depth and stillness at archaeological sites and a sense that things have changed little over time, while on the footpaths and rural lanes there is a strong degree of tranquillity, with few overt built structures or noise intrusion.

The relatively lower elevation of the hills and their narrow extent means this landscape has an intimate and mysterious character. The central vale, however, lacks these qualities and distinction, feeling more open and intensively farmed.

Associations

Rookery at Kyloe and St Cuthbert’s Cave by Siobhan O' Hehir These paintings reflect the mysterious qualities of the Kyloe Hills, including their remote and intimate character.

Recreation and This landscape is very accessible containing many public rights of way, rural enjoyment tracks and lanes. It is also traversed by a number of long-distance routes including St Cuthbert’s Way connecting Wooler to Holy Island and the Northumberland Coast Path which extends towards Belford. Many of the archaeological sites, especially on Doddington Moor, are easily accessible on public footpaths and across open access land and are clearly legible features.

Sustrans National Cycle Route 1 runs along the minor road at the foot of the Kyloe Hills between Fenwick and Belford and route 68 runs along the roads at the foot of the Doddington Hills and Cheviot Hills to the south of Wooler.

Open views from the Kyloe Hills towards key landmarks of Lindisfarne and Bamburgh Castle add to the enjoyment, as do the open views westwards across the Milford Plain to the Cheviots from the edges of Doddington Moor and Weetwood Moor.

Bowden Doors is a valued site for rock climbing.

Spatial function The Doddington Hills form a dramatic and distinctive setting to Wooler, visually contrasting with the flat Milford Plain and afford unique, elevated, close proximity views to the Cheviot Hills. The Kyloe Hills form an unspoilt backdrop and setting to the Northumberland Coast AONB due to the narrowness of the coastal plain and proximity of the hills to the coast – especially to Lindisfarne and Bamburgh Castle.

Recommendation The Kyloe Hills have a weight of evidence to support their inclusion within a Candidate Area as a valued landscape due to their elevation, natural geological features and semi natural habitats, intimate and historic Northumberland Sandstone Ridges and Vales Final Report for Consultation January 2021

character as well as open elevated views both to the Cheviots and the coast. Similarly, the Doddington and Weetmoor Hills have a weight of evidence to support their recognition as a valued landscape although the eastern slopes have become fragmented and show notable signs of agricultural improvement. The northern reaches of this area also lack definition as the ridges become lower in elevation and the landscape opens out northwards towards Lowick and where wind turbines at Barmoor start to have an influence.

The land between the ridges lacks the qualities of the more distinct Doddington, Weetmoor and Kyloe hills to the west, south and east. Care will be needed at the boundary setting stage to include only those areas where there is a weight of evidence to support recognition as a valued landscape.

Summary of issues Transition: to be addressed This landscape is in transition to the north as the ridges become less prominent and opens outwards. The western dip slopes are also transitional (e.g. eastern when defining extent edge of Doddington Moor, land between Doddington Hills and Kyloe Hills, and south of Belford). These areas are affected by agricultural improvement and sporadic conifer plantations and lack scenic quality.

Fragmentation: Proliferation of small conifer blocks has caused visual fragmentation of the landscape in places e.g. Wrangham and Horton Moor and in the farmland fringe between Lyham Moor and Chatton Moor.

Incongruous Features: North of Belford there is an operational quarry. The wind farm at Barmoor (6 turbines) visually intrudes into the northern reaches of this area.

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EA 3: Chillingham Vale 42

Evaluation Area: 3 Chillingham Vale Landscape Context This area is associated with the River Beamish which becomes the Till at Harehope sawmill and which flows northwards, flanked to the east by the prominent cuesta scarp of the sandstone hills which rise to c.315m at Ros Castle and to the west by the Cheviot foothills and fringe. The hills to the east and west along with the projection of hills at Beanley Moor and Glanton Pike to the South and Weetwood Moor/Doddingtopn Hills to the north define what is a broad vale of estate farmland.

Settlement within this area includes estate hamlets (comprising farm and associated workers cottages), country halls set within landscape grounds, and the larger villages of Chatton in the north and Powburn in the south.

The sandstone hills form part of the Northumberland Sandstone Hills NCA while the lower lying vale and Cheviot hills form part of the Cheviot Fringe NCA. This area has also been classified as Upland Fringe Farmland (Lilburn and Roddam), Broad Farmed Vale (Breamish Vale) and Outcrop Hills and Escarpments (Kyloe and Chillingham Hills) in the NLCA.

The foothills, south of Wooler as far as Middleton, were previously put forward for inclusion in the Northumberland National Park. All of this area was previously included in the AHLV for Alnwick and Berwick Districts.

Value Factors Evaluation Landscape condition The condition of this landscape is high as a result of estate management and the concentration of parkland landscapes and veteran trees as well as historic built structures. The surrounding hills that define the vale are unfettered with no incongruous features. A line of pylons extends north/south close to the National Park boundary but is not visually prominent due to the varied topography of the foothills - pylons exert greatest influence on land south of Wooler.

In the area around Powburn and Wooperton, the A697 and associated development including Scott’s Sawmills, along with past sand and gravel extraction along the Beamish at Branton and areas of conifer plantation on Hedgeley Moor and north of Heddon Hill, undermine the rural and intact landscape patterns of the area. However, these influences are relatively limited in extent and the past minerals extraction areas along the River Breamish west of the A697, have been restored to form an extensive and valued bird sanctuary, with the reintroduction of otters a notable feature.

Scenic quality This is an estate and farmed landscape defined and dominated by the rising foothills of the Cheviots and scarp slopes of the sandstone cuesta. The combination of parkland (especially mature trees), woodland, farmland and undulating landform within the vale, creates an enfolding pattern of vistas. These stretch to distinctive and attractive skylines, be they the stepped outcrops of the sandstone scarps with their hanging crags such as Hanging Rock above Old Bewick (to the east), or the more rounded forms of the Cheviot summits. Added to this are the myriad of built landmarks and historic structures such as the bridge at the Harehope sawmill, stone churches as at Old Bewick and Chillingham, follies such as Lilburn Tower and country houses such as Hedgeley Hall, Roddam Hall, Harehope Hall, Lilburn Towers and Chillingham Castle, all set within landscape parkland.

The field pattern is relatively large scale reflecting pre-1860 piecemeal enclosure, but the pattern is not uniform, in part due to the undulating topography within the vale and notable areas of woodland. From elevated locations the land uses and field enclosures create an attractive foreground

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patchwork of arable mixed farmland contrasting with the rough ground found on the surrounding steeper slopes and patches of rhododendron in summer. The river course of the Beamish and Till is not visually dominant but where roads cross the watercourse, the rocky meandering riverbed, areas of wetland habitat and valley floor pastures add to the local visual interest of the area. Views of the valley floor across to and from Harehope are unparalleled in Northumberland. Similarly, on the dramatic sandstone scarp there are natural features which provide local interest of high scenic quality, such as the parkland at Chillingham or the waterfall at Roughting Linn which is associated with one of the largest expanses of rock art in England.

On the tops of the sandstone scarps open moorland, sense of elevation and long views to the Cheviots (as well as the coast from Ros Castle) have a strong visual appeal and, when coupled with dramatic skyscapes, can create moody and evocative panoramas. The same applies to the area when viewed from west to east (e.g. from Roddam and the Cheviot Fringe) and from south to north (e.g. from the top of Beanley Bank, Shephard’s Law and Titlington Pike).

To the south, the area is defined by the protrusion of Beanley Moor and conical hills, reflecting glacial deposits e.g. Glanton Pyke and Hill which separate this vale from the Whittingham Vale to the south.

Distinctiveness From the Chillingham sandstone scarp and all along the ridge of high ground above Lilburn and Harehope estates, on the eastern flank of this area, there are arresting elevated views across the estate-farmed vale, westwards to the majestic domes of the Cheviots – offering some of the best views to the National Park upland. Yet within the vale, and especially when seen obliquely, the strong but indented flank of the sandstone cuesta is ever present, each promontory jutting into the vale to create a unique sequence of unfettered advancing slopes, not seen elsewhere in Northumberland.

The wetland habitats along the River Breamish and Till are rare in the context of Northumberland.

Natural and cultural This landscape contains a host of historic sites and landscapes from prehistory to 19th century estates. Sites which make a particular contribution to the special Interest qualities of the area include:

• Holy Trinity Church in Old Bewick, a secluded 12th- century church standing in isolation at the end of a single-track road, bounded by woodlands and bordered by a stream crossed by an ancient stone clapper bridge, and set within a small hollow on the edge of the sandstone hills. • Many scheduled monuments, especially on the sandstone scarps, including Ros Hill/Castle (one of the most visible and prominent hills), Bewick Hill Camp and other features such as promontory forts, cairns and barrows. Seven castles are said to be visible from Ros Castle. • Exceptional prehistoric rock art e.g. the rock overhang at Roughting Linn which is one of the most elaborate and well-preserved designs in Europe and other notable areas of cup and ring mark rocks e.g. Old Bewick. • Many farmhouses have features which relate to the Border Wars e.g. Crawley Tower is a classic fortified farmhouse set on a west facing hillside overlooking the River Beamish. • The course of the Roman Road (Devil’s Causeway) is through the centre of the area close to the river and there is a scattering of other archaeological sites, either side, including defended settlements. • Hannah’s Wood (west of Eglingham) is one of the largest stands of

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juniper in the Northumberland (outside of the National Park). • The western fringes of the Bewick and Beanley Moors SSSI fall within this area – valued for their heather moorland which define the outer rim of this evaluation area. • The steep wooded gully at Powburn through which the A697 and former railway passes is a natural geomorphological feature which formed as a glacial overflow channel from the lake which built up behind deposits of Fawdon, Glanton Pyke, Glanton Hill and Shepherds Law. • Glacial features are also evident around Wooperton e.g. kettle moraines which form distinctive topographic undulations. • Notable areas of parkland landscape e.g. Chillingham Park (Grade 1 Registered Park and Garden) and smaller areas of parkland such as at Lilburn, Roddam and Hedgeley. There are also extensive areas of ancient woodland at Hepburn Wood, Great Wood and Roddam Dean. Recently, Harehope Hall and its immediate surrounds have also been comprehensively restored, including the reinstatement of the Victorian Glasshouses, visible from the public road – an example of increasing interest and reinvestment in the value of the wider area’s historic Georgian and Victorian houses.

Perceptual aspects This landscape is deeply peaceful and often remote, especially on upper sandstone slopes overlooking the vale. The scale of the vale and limited settlement gives rise to perceptions of tranquilly, despite the fact that the landscape is actively farmed. In places, there are exceptional veteran trees that form local landmarks along rural lanes and add time-depth to the landscape. The openness of the landscapes and views in and out of them are also valuable in the variety of perspectives that different vantage points provide of the higher ground to the east, west and south of the area and especially to the Northumberland National Park.

Associations The special qualities of this area have been captured by local artists include James Alder who was one of four artists invited to paint the cattle at Chillingham Park and Castle. His picture reflects the idyllic rural scene of pastureland on the sandstone hills, the land dipping into the vale below with the Cheviot Hills in the distance.

Painting of Chillingham Parkland to be included….

Near Powburn – Judith Appleby This painting captures the scale of the rising sandstone scarps above the estate farmland

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Recreation and The recreational opportunities in this landscape are provided by the network of public rights of way, sinuous rural lanes and recreation routes (a number of enjoyment which follow green lanes/tracks no longer open to traffic). Collectively, these routes provide opportunities for walking, cycling and horse riding. There are also numerous points of interest in this landscape including Ros Castle, Chillingham Castle, and parking/picnic areas in the eastern edges of the Breamish, Ingram and Harthope (‘Happy’) Valleys south of Wooler.

Panoramic views from Ros Castle, west towards the Cheviots and east towards the coast, add to the enjoyment of the area.

Spatial function This landscape forms an important unspoilt setting to the Northumberland National Park.

Recommendation The majority of this landscape has a weight of evidence to support its recognition as a valued landscape. In the southern and northern parts of the vale, around Powburn and Chatton, there are some cumulative effects of road infrastructure and development, along with loss of field boundaries, gravel extraction and a proliferation of blocky conifer plantations where the quality of the landscape is less strong. Particular scrutiny will need to be given to the lesser quality areas to ensure they can be washed over when defining the extent of the valued landscape at the boundary setting stage.

Summary of issues to Transition: be addressed when In the area around Chatton the landscape is in transition as the vale is less defined and the Till River meanders through more open lowland farmland. defining extent Fragmentation: Cumulative effects of development, road infrastructure and blocky conifer plantations. The latter has caused visual disruption to landscape patterns e.g. Hedgeley Moor.

Incongruous Features: The influence of the pylons in the west of the area.

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EA 4: Middlemoor Coast 46

Evaluation Area 4: Middlemoor Coast Landscape Context This landscape comprises the broad dip slope of the sandstone hills and gently slopes in an easterly direction towards the coast. The western areas form undulating moorland without significant rocky outcrops, although there are some notable high points such as Cateran Hill and Crag Hill. On the eastern fringes the moorland gives way to improved fringe farmland.

This area forms part of the chain of sandstone hills and is included in the Northumberland Sandstone Hills NCA. It also falls within the Smooth Moorland (Rosebrough Moor) character type/area as defined in the NLCA.

All of this area was previously including in the AHLV for Alnwick and Berwick Districts.

Natural Beauty Factors Evaluation Landscape condition This area forms remnant areas of open moorland including heather moor, rough grassland and peat bog and areas of elevated fringe farmland defined by post and wire and hedgerows with conifer plantation and windfarms. The conifer plantations form either extensive areas e.g. Foumart Knowe or a scattered pattern of small rectangular blocks (e.g. on North Charlton Moor) which bear little relation to the natural landscape patterns and visually disrupt the otherwise simple landscape form and subtle pattern of alder lined burns which drain the moor. Two large scale windfarm developments – Wandylaw in the north (10 turbines) and Middlemore in the south (18 turbines) - and telephone masts at Cuddy’s Knowe and Sandford Moor add strong vertical elements which draw the eye and again disrupt the otherwise simple patterns of open elevated moorland.

The eastern half of this landscape has undergone significant agricultural improvement in the second half of the 20th century where open moorland has been enclosed, drained and improved to form fringe pastures. The visual contrast between the muted colours of remaining moorland and the bright green improved pastures enclosed by post and wire fencing is stark.

In the west of the area, the moorland associated with Bewick Moor, Quarryhouse Moor and Roseborough Moor remains relatively intact although moorland within the Bewick and Beanley Moors SSSI is recovering from an unfavourable condition and remains at high risk.

There are elevated views across moorland towards the coast e.g. from Crag Hill and Cateran Hill.

Scenic quality The scenic qualities of this landscape are derived from its simple topography and semi-natural vegetation which gives rise to a strong horizontal emphasis, texture and colour and a sense of openness and remoteness. The heather moorland has seasonal interest becoming a mass of purple in summer and early autumn

Whilst this sense of openness is retained in areas of improved pasture, the bright smooth fringe farmland on the margins to the east lacks visual interest and contrasts strongly with areas of semi-natural vegetation. Around East and West Ditchburn, the landscape forms a shallow valley/depression. Here the landscape is also improved but there are subtle patterns of ridge and furrow which provide greater visual interest, along with alder lined incised burns which flow south and east, draining the moorland.

The open expansiveness of this landscape means that, in the central and western areas, views are across moorland with little appreciation of landscape

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beyond, while further east (due to the shelving gradient of eastward slope) views focus towards the coast and to landmarks such as Dunstanburgh Castle. In the western fringes, views can often be panoramic, extending north to Ros Castle as well as inland to the Cheviots and south into the Upper Aln.

The visual presence of turbines exerts a strong influence on scenic quality both within the windfarms and on land adjacent. Nevertheless, this influence decreases with distance and/or where topography helps to screen views or provide an outward facing aspect away from the development. This is evident to the west and in areas where other landscape components such as extensive areas of semi natural vegetation remain intact and dominant and there are expansive scenic views into and across adjoining vales.

Distinctiveness This landscape has a bleak remoteness derived from its large scale, simple topography and semi-natural habitat, coupled with little settlement. As a result, it imparts a strong sense of remoteness and tranquillity often giving rise to a sense of being ‘on top of the world’, despite relatively low elevation.

Natural and cultural Natural heritage interest includes the Bewick and Beanley Moors SSSI which is Interest nationally important for the extent, quality and diversity of its mosaic of upland habitats, including mires (blanket bogs), heaths, fens, flushes and wet grassland. The presence of several examples of large bogs, all within a heathland context, is highly unusual and some of the transitions between bog and other vegetation are especially noteworthy. Cultural heritage interest includes notable concentrations of upstanding prehistoric archaeological sites on Wandylaw Moor and Longstone Hill, including cairns, field systems and cup and ring marked stones. There is also an outstanding collection of cairn cemeteries on Sandyford Moor which are scheduled monuments. Of unknown date is the Cateran Hole - a mysterious ‘hole’ and ‘tunnel’ in a fault in the rock with a series of man-made steps cut into the rock at its entrance. It is thought that the hole provided a hiding place for loot with ‘cateran’ meaning thief in border dialect.

The historic ruin of Blawearie House, in the west of this area, reflects the desertion of marginal settlement within the moorland fringe. The name means ‘high burial mounds’ evident in the nearby archaeological sites which include prehistoric burial mounds but also cairns and Iron Age hillfort and cup and ring marked rocks. Stan Beckensall in his book on Northumberland’s Hidden History described Blawearie as ‘one of the most powerful of these abandoned buildings ….. for here the atmosphere is unique in my experience. Simply as a deserted house in the middle of unpopulated moorland, with a long track leading to it from the village of Old Berwick, it is visually stunning’.

Elsewhere the farmsteads of East and West Ditchburn are good examples of the ‘new farms’ which established in the late 18th and 19th centuries in response to new farming methods. They are associated relatively intact and upstanding pattern of ridge and furrow, which is most evident when the angle of the sun is low. There is also evidence of 18th century coal mining pits around Haughterslaw. Here remnants of open shafts are visible as shallow depressions amongst the heath and acid grassland.

Perceptual aspects This landscape has a strong sense of remoteness as a result of its elevation, open emptiness and lack of access and settlement. This is reinforced by the sight of hen harriers and the sound of curlew. The textured semi-natural moorland habitats give the area a remote feel. However, looking east and south within the area, the proliferation of wind turbines gives rise to a busier and cluttered character which is active. When coupled with the improved pastures Northumberland Sandstone Ridges and Vales Final Report for Consultation January 2021

and conifer block planting, these features and elements feel alien and discordant.

Associations The special qualities of this area have been captured by local artists and the area contains many sites that are linked to folklore and legend.

Stan Beckensall in his book on Northumberland’s Hidden History, described Blawearie as ‘one of the most powerful of these abandoned buildings….for here the atmosphere is unique in my experience. Simply as a deserted house in the middle of unpopulated moorland, with a long track leading to it from the village of Old Bewick, it is visually stunning’.

The Cateran Hole is associated with local legends and folklore including elves and a secret hiding place for stolen goods

Landscape at Blawearie - Rachel Tweddell This painting captures the open expanse of moorland

Recreation and The remnant areas of open moorland form extensive areas of open access land enjoyment and also include a good network of public rights of way, bridleways and historic tracks (many of which relate to areas of former mining or traditional grazing patterns).

From raised craggy areas there are extensive views across open moorland which add to enjoyment e.g. Crag Hill and Cateran Hill.

Spatial function The land between Red and Black Burn and Coal Burn to the south of Middlemoor Wind farm forms an important wider upland setting to Eglingham Vale and village. The east facing slopes of this landscape are visually prominent from the coast and form an important skyline setting to the Northumberland Coast AONB.

Recommendation There is a strong weight of evidence to support the inclusion of the western half of this area within a valued landscape in association with Chillingham Vale to the west and Eglingham Vale to the south. Although all of this area was previously included in the AHLV for Alnwick and Berwick Districts, there is a transition in landscape quality beyond the areas of intact moorland due to the effects of land management (including wind farm development). The eastern half of the area is not considered to comprise a valued landscape. The area around East and West Ditchburn lies within the higher quality end of the transition and although visually affected by the close proximity of the turbines, it is noted that these Northumberland Sandstone Ridges and Vales Final Report for Consultation January 2021

structures are temporary, although may be repowered in future. Care will be needed to define a suitable boundary to the Valued Landscape in this transitional landscape.

Summary of issues to Transition: be addressed when This landscape is in transition from west to east due to changes in topography and land use patterns. In particular, the area around East and West Ditchburn, defining extent though transitional, includes features of cultural heritage. Care will be needed to draw a boundary within the transition area.

Fragmentation: This landscape has suffered physical and visual fragmentation such that the eastern half of the area is regarded as not qualifying. Care will be needed when drawing the boundary line in order to exclude areas which are fragmented or include those which continue to form part of a wider tract of qualifying land e.g. around Quarry House.

Incongruous Features: The current windfarms, telephone masts and blocks of conifer plantation all form incongruous features in this landscape. Care will be needed in drawing a boundary which excludes incongruous features where feasible. Around Longlee Moor distinctive rocky outcrops and hills occur on the fringes of the wider moorland. The elevation and position of these hills, set back from Hulne Park, along with views to wind turbines at close proximity means that particular scrutiny will be required at the boundary setting stage when deciding the extent of the valued landscape.

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EA 5: Eglingham Vale and Hulne 50

Evaluation Area 5: Eglingham Vale and Hulne Landscape Context This area is associated with Eglingham Burn and Hulne Park on the River Aln and has a predominately east-west grain, comprising a shallow upland basin through which the Eglingham Burn and minor tributaries drain the surrounding moorland. Indeed, its western boundary largely equates to the water shed between the Aln and the Tweed. The lower River Aln valley is cloaked in the extensive Hulne Park flanked by Cloudy Crags to the south (c. 250m AOD) and distinctive conical hills to the north e.g. Humble Heugh.

The village of Eglingham lies in the west in a gentle valley of Eglingham Burn, between Bewick Moor (c. 240m AOD) to the north and Beanley Moor (c. 180m AOD) to the south. To the west, land falls away quickly into the Chillingham Vale. Similarly, land opens out into the Aln Vale to the south while to the north land rises onto the moorland dip slope that looks east towards the coast.

This area forms part of the chain of sandstone hills and is included in the Northumberland Sandstone Hills NCA. It also falls within the Outcrop Hills and Escarpments (Charlton Ridge, Kyloe and Chillingham Hills and Beanley Moor), Broad Sandstone Valley (Whittingham Vale) and Estate Valley (Hulne Park) character types/areas as defined in the NLCA.

All of this area was previously including in the AHLV for Alnwick District.

Value Factors Evaluation Landscape Much of this landscape is intact and in good condition. The open expansive areas of condition enclosed lowland moorland on Beanley Moor and Bewick Moor along with the higher land around Cloudy Crags above Brizelee Wood, visually define the area. These moorlands (the majority of which fall within the Beanley and Bewick SSSI) are in recovering condition and under good management. The moorland gives way to enclosed farmland comprising former medieval open fields now enclosed with wavy edges and straight edged enclosures dating to the 18th and 19th centuries. There has been some loss of former moorland/rough ground to agriculture in the central part of the area around East Botlon.

Across these land use patterns, the natural drainage system of incised tributary burns which feed the River Aln is intact, and many are alder lined. Around Eglingham Village and Hulne Park the landscape is more wooded. Parkland trees and woodland belts associated with Hulne Park and Eglingham Hall are intact, their pattern of mature trees making a particularly striking contribution to landscape quality and often emphasising landform e.g. Cuthbert Heugh.

The village of Eglingham (a conservation area) forms the main settlement in the area. It contains a variety of building types, but its predominately linear character and unity of building materials (buff sandstone), ensures a strong visual cohesiveness.

In the central part of the area, north and south of the B6346, the enclosure patterns have been disrupted through field enlargement and agricultural improvement in the 19th century. Where this is coupled with large scale farm development on prominent hillsides (e.g. Shipley Lane) there is some loss of landscape quality. There are also a number of straight sided conifer plantations dating to the 20th century e.g. Fox Covert but their small scale and limited number means they have little overall effect on landscape quality.

Scenic quality The scenic qualities of this landscape relate to the juxtaposition of land use patterns, textures and muted colours which reflect the underlying geology and topography of the area, forming highly attractive landscape compositions. Views across the area, in all directions, serve to contrast the rough textures and colours of the moorland on open upper slopes with the enclosed agriculture on lower slopes and with the extensive areas of parkland which the moorland frames.

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This landscape has a broad expansive character, especially on the higher moorland slopes. On lower lying areas, views predominately focus inward defined by higher land and by extensive woodland cover around Eglingham and Hulne Park. Alder lined ravines carry fast running burns while the form of conical hills is emphasised woodlands. Other natural features include rocky crags in open moorland e.g. Hunterheugh Crags, Corbie Crags and Kimmer Crags, and Kimmer Lough which forms an eye-catching expanse of water on the edge of the moor above the Eglingham Burn. This landscape also includes numerous historic visual landmarks e.g. Hulne Abbey and Brizlee Tower which add to scenic compositions.

Where there are longer distant views southwards e.g. from Hinding Lane west of Heckley High House, they are framed by Beanley Moor and Cloudy Crags and look across the Aln Vale to the flat topped sandstone scarps above Edlingham. There are also long-distance views when travelling west along the B6346 which look towards the distance domes of the Cheviots. These views form quintessential Northumberland vistas and add to the overall high levels of scenic quality.

Distinctiveness Hulne Park exerts a significant influence on local sense of place due to the extent and intactness of the park landscape and its high-quality landscape context. The wall enclosing Hulne Park (built by the Dukes of Northumberland) marks an impressive, roadside feature between Alnwick and just south of Shipley. The incised tributary burns are also a key feature of this evaluation area. Eglingham village has a strong character and local distinctiveness and is set within a high-quality landscape which is sheltered along the burn and parkland and yet rapidly becomes exposed on the adjacent moorland, which lies within easy reach.

Natural and cultural Interest This landscape has a wealth of natural and cultural interest which contributes to an appreciation of the landscape. Beanley Moor is one of the most important prehistoric landscapes in Northumberland with a profusion of upstanding archaeological sites including domestic sites, fortified enclosures and Iron Age and Romano British sites.

The area also has a unique coal mining history with a well worked seam running in an arc in the north of the area transcending the Bewick Moor SSSI and the middle section of this evaluation area. Notably the remnants of the 18th century Tarry Colliery, located north above Eglingham and which extended east as far as Shipley, comprised a number of bell mine shafts. The colliery closed in 1910 and, in places, shallow depressions in the landscape reflect former activity. Remnants of lime kilns at Tarry and at Shipley West Field (north of the B6346) are also visible. More recent historic features include three pillboxes dating from WW II, sited in Eglingham village, important as part of the national Stop-Line defences which locally ran from the coast inland to Wooler and back to the coast via Alnwick.

Hulne Park is a Grade 1 Registered Park and Garden, originally emparked in the 13th century within the Forest of Alnwick. It comprises areas designed by Lancelot Brown and includes parkland, pleasure grounds including extensive rides, follies and the enhancement of natural features. A key feature of the parkland is the incorporation of antiquarian sites and creation of focal points within the landscape e.g. Hulne Priory. Between 1806 and 1811 the perimeter wall was constructed defining the extent of the park and marking key gateways with lodges. The heather moorland and rough grass on the sandstone hills to the south of the park make a particular contribution to the wooded Aln Valley as do the conical hills and rolling farmland to the north. Within the valley the steep wooded gullies and meanders of the River Aln are embraced within the parkland design.

Eglingham is thought to originate in the medieval period and its development reflects its association with the Eglingham Estate and also coal mining activity in the area. The village comprises a hall, church and former mill (now rebuilt as the village hall). It has a

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linear arrangement of traditional stone buildings along the main road which provide a visual unity and strong character. It is a conservation area containing numerous listed buildings and notable areas of landscape associated with the hall to the west. Remains of ridge and furrow cultivation are also evident in parts of the conservation area.

In terms of natural heritage the majority of the open moorland is included within the Bewick and Beanley Moor SSSI and is nationally important for the extent, quality and diversity of its mosaic of upland habitats, with mires (including blanket bogs), heaths, fens, flushes and wet grassland. Beanley Moss, though partially planted with conifers, retains good bog vegetation beneath its canopy. The presence of several examples of large bogs, all within a heathland context is highly unusual, and some of the transitions between bog and other vegetation are especially noteworthy.

The area is also important for its geomorphological interest - Kimmer Lough is a kettle- lake while the River Aln comprises some excellent examples of ox bow lakes and meanders through Hulne Park. At Hunterheugh Crags, sandstone rock outcrops reflect the underlying geology and provide landmarks within the wider moor. These natural heritage features add to the scenic compositions of the area.

Perceptual aspects This landscape has a strong sense of emptiness and remoteness especially in the upland valley above Harehope and Eglingham and on Beanley Moor. In the moorland areas, there is little to no intrusion from man-made built form and thus the area imparts a remote character. Even in the lower lying and wooded landscape of Hulne Park, where there is greater enclosure and sheltered character, there is still a strong sense of wild grandeur.

Associations Local folklore is associated with Jenny’s Lantern. Hulne Parkland is associated with Lancelot Brown and William Turner.

Eglingham is also associated with a number of prominent individuals including the poet PJ Grant (1898-1973) who wrote about the landscape.

Summer Fields Near Eglingham Village - Judith Appleby. This image captures the patchwork of agricultural land with open moorland beyond.

The landscape of Hulne parkland was painted by William

Turner in his painting titled A View of the Brizlee Tower Views west from Eglingham Road - Judith Appleby. This in Hulne Park. This painting captured the enclosure painting captures views over Beanley Moor to the snow- created by the rising sandstone hills which flank the Aln covered peaks of the Cheviots which, appear oddly valley and illustrates how the wider landscape is close, just over the brow. ‘borrowed’ to create picturesque views within the park. Copyright original acrylic paintings by Dr. Judith Appleby www.jaarti.co.uk

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Recreation and Substantial areas of land within or adjacent to the Parish are access areas under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (notably Beanley Moor, Shephard’s Law and the enjoyment area west of Haughterslaw). There are many publicised local walks and rides across Beanley Moor and Blawearie/Bewick Moor as well as more lowland recreational experiences through Hulne Park within the Aln Valley. Many of the local footpaths reflect the historic importance of communication between farms and settlements.

Spatial function The surrounding hills form the backdrop to Eglingham village street, contributing to the peaceful, rural atmosphere, which is part of its village’s special character. Similarly, the surrounding hills form an important backdrop to Hulne Park, the designed landscape borrowing views from the wider rugged moorland to the south and unfettered rolling farmland and hills to the north. From the high ground at Heckley, dropping down towards Shipley, the road, when it joins the B6346, acts as one of the two ‘gateways’ to the eastern Cheviots and the Cheviot itself (the other is the A697). Likewise, the area has a number of surprising long views such as from Friarswell, in Hulne Park and from just below Heckley. In addition, the area forms an impressive and scenic break between the high ground to the north and south.

Recommendation This is a landscape of contrasts from upland moorland to upland fringe farmland and river valley parkland. The combination of landscapes and views gives rise to a high scenic quality over much of the area and this coupled with the local interest of physiographical features such as craggy outcrops and natural and cultural interest raises this area above ordinary countryside. When considering the northern and central extent of the valued landscape, it is recommended that attention be given to the issues set out below.

Summary of Transition: The northern fringes of this area transition into the Middlemore Coast issues to be Evaluation Area where the land rises and focuses away from the Eglingham Burn and, over to the east, across open moorland affected by wind farm development. These addressed when northern fringes also show signs of agricultural improvement and the expansion of farms defining extent including some large-scale modern farm buildings. Nevertheless, this area also contains features of interest including evidence of former coal mining which was historically associated with Eglingham village.

Fragmentation: The central part of the area between the East Ditchburn and East Bolton has suffered some loss of landscape quality as a result of more intensive agriculture, field boundary loss, larger farm buildings and small-scale conifer plantations.

Incongruous Features: The wind farm development to the north of this area causes some visual intrusion from the fringes of Beanley Moor, where elevation affords views northwards across the Eglingham Burn, and from the B6346 beside Shipley Lane. Nevertheless, viewed from these various vantages, the turbines appear some distance away, and are only partially visible.

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EA 6: Whittingham Vale 54

Evaluation Area 6: Whittingham Vale Landscape Context This is a broad fertile bowl-like vale of rich farmland associated with the River Aln and its north-south tributaries which drain higher land to the south and which is flanked by the rising land of the sandstone ridges that support upland heath habitats and forestry to the south and east.

In terms of landscape character, this area forms part of the Sandstone Hills and Cheviot Fringe NCAs. The valley landscapes are defined as Broad Sandstone Valley (Whittingham Vale) and Upland Fringe Valley (Upper Aln) in the NCLA. The higher land which frames and defines the area includes a: • Northern flank, comprising the outlier hills of Beanley Moor (including Titlington Pike, Glanton Pike, Glanton Hill, and Jenny’s Lantern Hill) • Eastern Flank comprising the dramatic scarp of Red Side, Corby’s Crags and Caller Crag • Southern/western flank, comprising the rising moorland of Wellhope Knowe and Thrunton Crag, Long Crag /Coe Crag much of which is cloaked with conifer plantation at Thrunton Wood • Western flank, comprising the rising hills of the Cheviots within the Northumberland National Park

The whole of the area was previously included in an Area of High Landscape Value (former Alnwick District Local Plan). The sandstone hills (including Thrunton Wood) to the southwest were also previously identified by Hobhouse as an area suitable for landscape designation. Furthermore, land around Ingram and Prendwick was put forward for National Park designation in the Countryside Commission 1980’s boundary review.

The current boundary of the NNP follows the course of minor watercourses, field enclosures and minor lanes. It currently splits the settlement of Prendwick.

Natural Beauty Evaluation Factors Landscape condition The Whittingham Vale is a broad and expansive settled landscape, set within, and defined by, distinctive hills and scarps. Whilst individual landscape elements such as hedged field enclosure patterns have been lost in places due to agricultural improvements, the overall patchwork created by a combination of undulating topography, hedgerows and trees, varied crops, parkland and skyline hills is intact and readily appreciated and of exceptional quality. This landscape contains some incongruous features including a single line of pylons that stretch from Thrunton Wood to Glanton Pyke. Whilst the pylons affect landscape quality in close proximity, within the wider landscape scene, they frequently have a land backdrop, appear small within the wider vistas and are rarely read collectively as a strong line.

The hedgerow enclosures, (many of which date to the 1700’s), lines of trees, woodland copses, parklands and tree-belts collectively create a strong network of habitats and wildlife corridors across the area. There are some small-scale farm conifer plantations, but these are not sufficiently large or common to affect landscape patterns overall. In contrast Thrunton Wood reflects a much larger area of plantation on the steep slopes of Thrunton Crag and Coe Crag. It is managed by the Forest Enterprise and promoted for recreation.

The main settlements include Glanton, Whittingham and Edlingham all of which have a strong historic character reflecting Medieval patterns, the latter two containing squat churches of Saxon origin. The settlements remain compact (despite some small-scale modern extensions) and rural in scale and nestle within the gentle folds of the vale. Within the wider landscape there are numerous farms as well as country houses associated with parkland landscapes e.g. Shawdon Hall (undergoing substantial

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renovation), Broome Park, Lemmington Hall, Eslington Park and Callaly.

On the upland areas fringing the vale there are areas of upland heath habitat but in places this has been improved with the introduction of post and wire fencing, encroachment of bracken and gorse e.g. Alnwick Moor, and planting of conifers e.g. Thrunton Wood.

Scenic quality This is a landscape of rich textures and patterns and great visual variety attributable to the distinctive hills and fells that define the vale, the strong land use patterns and the topographical undulations within the vale that can create localised ridgelines and steep sided tributary valleys e.g. Eglingham Burn. These patterns are often best appreciated from adjoining hills or ridges which afford views across the vale and to the unmistakable pale mauve domes of the Cheviots beyond. Examples of ridgeline roads with open elevated views include Callaly/Lorbottle Road, Prendwick/Great Ryle and the turnpike between Glanton and Glanton Pyke.

The changing seasons add to the patterns and qualities of this landscape – spring and summer offering a verdant character of yellows and greens with ripples of barley and wheat fields, while in late harvest/autumn, the lengthening shadows can appear almost turquoise against the stubble, and the roll bales add movement to the gentle undulations of the vale. Winter light helps emphasise the tree lines and extensive areas of rig and furrow or other earthwork features reflecting past endeavours such as the route of the Devil’s Causeway Roman Road and the snaking course of the disused railway which once connected Alnwick with Wooler. Many of the station houses and buildings remain, having been converted to residential use.

This landscape delights at a variety of scales with splendid wide-open vistas which contrast with the local interest of small-scale parklands, narrow winding tree lined lanes, and historic sites and monuments such as Edlingham Castle and Lemmington Hall Monument. The gentle undulating topography of the vale and its patchwork fields act as a foil to the distinctive outlines of the conical hills above Glanton or the dark stepped profile of the higher sandstone scarps with their flat tops, vertical edge and gentle ‘skirts of land’ that flow into the vale.

Distinctiveness Conical hills south of Ingram and north of Glanton are distinctive and easily recognisable as are the sandstone hills at Titlington Pike and Long Crag above Thrunton Wood.

Historic sites such as Edlingham Castle and Callaly Park are locally distinctive in themselves but equally derive their distinctiveness from their strong high-quality landscape setting.

Natural and cultural The historic patterns in this landscape are strongly expressed giving rise to a tangible Interest time-depth which imparts a settled, established, rich and diverse character.

Designated and undesignated heritage range from prehistoric hillfort settlements on the sandstone hills that overlook the vale including Titlington Pike, Great Ryle, and Calally; the Devil’s Causeway Roman Road which is still clearly visible; medieval settlements reflected in current villages and also deserted villages such as Abberwick; small historic parklands and country houses inc. Shawdon Hall, Lemmington Hall, Callaly Castle, Eslington Park and Glanton Pyke; peles and bastles at Turris de Alneham, Little Ryle and Whittingham and Callaly Castle; and the landmark of Edlingham Castle set within the tributary valley of Edlingham Burn. Other features include patterns of ridge and furrow fossilised within the modern enclosure pattern.

Semi natural habitats include notable areas of ancient semi-natural woodland including Birsley Wood, Overthwarts Wood, Station Wood, Shittingham Wood and Shawdon Wood. The area also contains a high concentration of lowland meadows Northumberland Sandstone Ridges and Vales Final Report for Consultation January 2021

and the southern fringes of the Bewick and Beanley Moor SSSI at Titlington Pike and natural geomorphological features such as the glacial ‘overflow’ channel at Crawley Dean which comprises a narrow gulley and steeply wooded ravine and Glanton Pyke and Glanton Hill which are also distinctive shaped hills reflecting glacial deposition.

Perceptual aspects This is a large-scale landscape with wider vistas and views. As such this vale landscape is strongly connected to wider hills including Rothbury Forest and Beanley Moor sandstone hills, as well as the Cheviots in the distance, which enhance its sense of place. The distant and unfettered views of the Cheviots form an important element of the landscape composition, providing depth and scale.

This vale retains a small human scale due to its land use and settlement patterns. The small hamlets and villages, which often exhibit a strong stone solidity, nestle in the landscape and are not overtly visible in wider vistas.

This landscape retains a strong rural and tranquil character and although the A697 passes through the areas from north to south it is not an especially intrusive route.

Whilst a working agricultural landscape, there are few overt man-made structures which are large in scale and as a result the landscape retains its sense of open expansiveness and the skylines remain sharply defined and unfettered.

Cultural Artist have and are inspired by this landscape capturing the long views and patchwork associations farmland or the eyecatching monuments.

Edlingham Castle - Judith Appleby. This image captures the striking ruin of Edlingham Castle which is a local landmark set within the rising sandstone hills that define the vale.

Recreation and There are a significant number of recreational routes particularly within the foothills. enjoyment Thrunton Wood is managed by Forestry England and offers two exhilarating walks through the woodlands and to lofty crags with spectacular views across the vale. There are also mountain bike trails and bridleways.

Public rights of way radiate out from settlements while the moorland associated with the sandstone hills and hills south of Ingram (e.g. Old Fawdon Hill) offer extensive

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tracts of access land.

Cycle route 68 passes through the upper Aln landscape while the network of minor rural lanes provide opportunities for countryside cycling.

Viewpoints along the B6341 afford vistas across the vale towards the Cheviots and similar elevated views are also afforded by higher land at Broome Hill, Lemmington Bank, Abberwick and Townlaw Cairn.

Spatial function The outlying foothills that define the northern fringes of the vale form an important and visually distinctive foreground to the rising rounded summits of the Cheviots in the Northumberland National Park.

Recommendation The majority of this landscape has a weight of evidence to support its recognition as a valued landscape. In the central part of the vale around Glanton and Whittingham there are some cumulative effects of pylons, road infrastructure and loss of field boundaries, where the quality of the landscape is less strong. There are also a number of planning applications for small scale housing schemes associated with Glanton. However, this occurs in a relatively small area within a wider exceptional landscape. This area will need to be given particular scrutiny when defining the extent of the valued landscape at the boundary setting stage. Similarly, the extent of any valued landscape will need to consider the issues below.

Summary of issues Transition: to be addressed The upland landscape to the south east is in transition sloping outwardly towards the coast and showing signs of agricultural improvement. Care will need to be taken to when defining draw the boundary within this transition including areas of intact moorland habitat and extent excluding areas where the character and quality has declined.

Fragmentation: In some areas, former heath has been improved for agriculture with the introduction of post and wire fencing, loss of stone walls, encroachment of gorse and bracken especially around Alnwick Moor, Townlaw Cairn, and east of Thorny Knowe. The plantation of conifers over extensive areas conceals undulations in landform and distinctive features such as rocky outcrops and archaeological sites e.g. Thrunton Wood.

Incongruous Features: The effect of the 400KV pylons between Whittingham and Glanton, in association with the A697.

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EA 7: Coquetdale and Rothbury 58

Evaluation Area 7: Coquetdale and Rothbury Landscape Context This landscape comprises the southern-most vale in the study area, forming a wide and generous landscape flanked on almost three sides by the hills of the Northumberland National Park – the Cheviots to the north and west and the Simonside Hills to the south. To the east are the sandstone scarps and moors that rise above Rothbury and extend round to Lorbottle and Yetlington, reaching heights of 318m AOD at Long Crag. To the northeast, where the landscape transitions into the Aln valley, the area is less strongly defined, although the distinctive conical shaped foothills of Ingram form important landmarks beyond. There are also two distinctive hills within the vale namely Wreighill Pike (219m AOD) and Blackchester Hill (214m AOD).

The vale itself has a varied topography comprising a series of ridges (c. 220-150m AOD) and shallow valleys carrying burns to the Coquet River in the south. At Rothbury, the Coquet passes between the sandstone scarps, forming a steep sided gorge and providing a dramatic setting to the town.

In terms of landscape character, this area comprises Upper Coquet and Rothbury Forest in the Northumberland Landscape Character Assessment. The whole of the area was previously included in an Area of High Landscape Value (former Alnwick District Local Plan). It was also previously identified by Hobhouse as an area suitable for landscape designation (including the settlement of Rothbury). Furthermore, land around Sharperton and Hepple was put forward for National Park designation in the Countryside Commission 1980’s boundary review, along with the upland moors of Rothbury Forest north of Rothbury town.

The current boundary of the NNP follows minor roads and the River Coquet at the foot of the Simonside Hills and Cheviots.

Value Factors Evaluation Landscape This is an attractive and well managed landscape where the patterns of land use reflect condition the underlying geology - the cementstones in the vale supporting a patchwork of mixed farmland and woodland copses and the sandstone forming the scarp with open grazed moorland above.

In the vale the medium scale field patterns have predominately wavy edges, reflecting pre-1860’s enclosure and adoption of earlier medieval field divisions, reinforced by patterns of ridge and furrow. The area is crossed by a network of narrow rural lanes which often extend along ridges of higher land and are fringed by verges of wildflowers, grasses and froths of cow parsley in summer. This is a sparsely settled landscape with a scattering of farmsteads and small hamlets and the larger town of Rothbury on the River Coquet. Rothbury is a Medieval market town known as the capital of Coquetdale. Its form expresses the market town layout and expansion in the 19th century. The majority of the built form uses local sandstone giving a unity to local vernacular across the area.

The sandstone ridges and associated moorland to the east of the area contrast with the farmed vale forming an open, unenclosed expanse of semi-natural vegetation, including acid grassland and heath which is in reasonable condition.

Water quality of the Netherton, Black and Weight Burns is moderate (2015) where as Foxton Burn is poor as a result of chemical enrichment.

Landscape quality is undermined in areas where traditional patterns of land use and habitats are disrupted. In places, field boundary reorganisation, poor hedgerow management, use of wire fencing and intensive farming practices are evident. Some recent housing has extended onto more elevated valley sides around Rothbury, breaking the skyline and undermining the setting of the town and there are further housing sites with planning permission on the edge of Whitton and Thropton. A line of pylons passes Northumberland Sandstone Ridges and Vales Final Report for Consultation January 2021

across the open moorland northeast of Rothbury. These elements contrast with the natural landscape but have only localised impact on the intactness of the area.

Scenic quality Scenic qualities are derived from the juxtaposition of the patchwork-farmed vale defined by the individual and recognisable, dark silhouettes of the Simonside Hills and the sandstone scarps to the east including Ship Crag, Cartington Crag, Long Crag and Hard Nab. The western area appears as a wide and generous vale when viewed from the surrounding scarps such as at Sunbrough as well as Cartington and Lorbottle Hills. The varied arable and pastoral land uses coupled with small copses of native and conifer plantation create a colourful patchwork pattern that stretches into the distance. Within the vale, topographic variation formed by the gentle ridges and valleys creates variety and a sequential unfolding of views to distinctive skylines in all directions. Although lower than the scarp slopes, the vale has an elevated and often exposed character especially on the ridges of higher land. Here, occasional individual ash or sycamore trees stand windswept on the lane verges while, on the valley slopes, small copses frame views and provide visual interest to the undulating middle ground.

Scattered throughout the area are hamlets of local sandstone often laid out in a distinctive linear form e.g. Sharperton and Hepple.

Within Rothbury, the narrowing of the Coquet Valley creates drama to the setting, the steep wooded valley sides and views to the crags above define the town and create a strong sense of place.

On the open moorland, the scenic qualities are derived from the pattern of semi-natural vegetation and vistas or distinctive skyline hillsides and craggy, rocky outcrops on the scarp slopes e.g. open moorland at Debdon. The expansive, open, uninterrupted sweeping character of the moorland contrasts with the more intimate character found along Debdon Burn where the rippling waters run through rocky outcrops and stands of trees. In places there are areas of conifer plantation and mixed woodlands. Scenic quality lessens to the west where the elevation drops, views are lost, and the landscape lacks topographic variation or is influenced by pylons. In the east there are expansive views into and from the National Park, especially from the Simonside Hills where the vale’s blanket patchwork of farmland forms the scenic foreground in views of the Cheviots.

Distinctiveness It is primarily the unfettered and brooding presence of the dark sandstone scarp silhouettes which shape this area’s local distinctiveness along with the broad scale of the vale or moorlands and their expansive and unfolding vistas. The distinctive Coquet River valley is also a key distinctive element of the area, unique within the context of the National Park and study area - with its generous meanders which shoehorn into the steep sided and dramatic gorge at Rothbury.

Natural and There are a significant number of broadleaved woodlands along the small burns that drain cultural Interest this landscape. Those that lie along the Coquet, Scrainwood Burn and Wreigh Burn are included within the River Coquet and Coquet Valley woodlands SSSI. The River Coquet also forms part of the Boarder Upland Nature Improvement Area.

Extensive areas of semi natural vegetation occur on the grass and heather moorlands above the sandstone scarp which display a white sea of cotton grass in early summer and are designated a Local Wildlife Site.

Ancient woodland occurs at Hope/Linn Woods to the east of Rothbury, while the moorland support areas of upland heath and acid grassland. This area also contains sites of key beneficial habitat associated with Weight Burn and Coquet River including wildflower rich habitat such as grassland and hedgerows that form part of the Northumberland B-Lines.

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In terms of cultural heritage interest, the following sites/features continue to the appreciation of the area:

• Registered Park and Garden at Cragside including wood pasture, veteran trees, house and pleasure grounds (managed by the National Trust). • Rich archaeological heritage including many upstanding schedule monuments on the eastern sandstone scarps including West Hills Multivallate Hillfort, cup and ring marked rocks at Chinells Moor, Cartington Castle, unenclosed stone hut circle settlement and numerous cairn fields. • Many of the isolated farms and barns or halls are listed e.g. Burradon, Trewitt and Lorbottle Halls which are set within small parklands dating from the 17-20th centuries. • Small medieval villages such as Netherton, Sharperton and Hepple. • Rothbury is a Conservation Area – the physical layout of the town has been determined by the river, topography and medieval core of settlement and burgage plots.

Closer to the sandstone scarps, the field enclosure pattern is unplanned with organic boundaries and there are notable areas of ridge and furrow. In the central parts of the vale the enclosure pattern reflects a more regular 18th and 19th century planned enclosure and around Biddlestone the remnants of designed parkland associated with Biddlestone Hall are still evident.

Perceptual aspects The elevated parts of this area with rocky outcrops, semi-natural vegetation and panoramic views, especially to the sandstone scarps within the National Park, offer a sense of remoteness and exposure. In the lower lying vale, the landscape has a more settled character reflected in the patchwork of farmland, narrow, quiet, winding lanes, and occasional farmsteads/hamlets. Nevertheless, these latter areas retain a sense of relative remoteness, due to the sparsity of settlement, narrow lanes, lack of major infrastructure, expansiveness of the landscape and views. In places, evidence of the history of the landscape is legible such as areas of rig and furrow and sinuous field boundaries or parkland landscapes – in these areas there is a strong sense of the passing of time.

The tranquillity of much of this area is high due to limited accessibility and few overt man- made features and where the sounds of nature and the natural landscape can be appreciated. In areas closer to Rothbury, tranquillity is reduced due to noise and movement.

Overall, this area is a peaceful rural backwater.

Associations This landscape is strongly associated with Lord Armstrong who built the house and gardens at Cragside. He partially restored the castle at Cartington, to the northwest, and remodelled the 16th century Cragend Farm as an experimental base for new agricultural methods. He also is believed to have planted clumps of beech, found south of Lorbottle, as a means of marking the extent of his estate. These tree clumps form distinctive features today. Cragside is described in Dixon’s book as ‘a bolder covered hill of sandstone, and is surrounded on all sides by nature’s colossal rockwork, where, out of every nook and cranny, grow the finest and rarest of alpine plants, saxifrages and stonecrops, heather, heath and ferns….a magnificent view of great variety of hill and dale, wood and water, is obtained, with the interesting vale of Coquet opening out to the west’

Biddlestone is associated with the novel, Rob Roy, by Sir Walter Scott. The ride from Rothbury is described near Trewitt Hall as follows:

‘The Cheviots rose before me in frowning majesty; not, indeed, with the sublime variety of rock and cliff which characterises mountains of the primary class but huge round-headed, and clothed with a dark robe of russet, gaining, by their extent and desolate appearance,

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an influence upon the imagination, as a desert district possessing a character of its own.’

This landscape has also inspired local artists as illustrated in the examples below.

Lorbottle to Coquetdale, Elidh Gardiner: This painting captures the undulating vale, clumps of trees and rising skyline of sandstone. Cartington Fields, Elidh Gardiner. This painting captures the elevated views from the eastern scarps, across the colourful patchwork farmland and silhouette trees, to the rising dark scarp of the Simonside Hills.

High moorland before Cragside looking south to Simonside, Judith Appleby. This painting captures the open expanse, distinctive skylines and colours.

Recreation and The majority of the open moorland to the east of the sandstone scarps is Open Access Land. There are a number of publicised circular walking routes north of Rothbury with enjoyment steep climbs, stunning views and open moorland/forestry walks as well as publicised off road cycle routes e.g. Rothbury Round.

Sustrans National Cycle Route 68 runs along the National Park Boundary with views out across this area while there is a rich network of Public Rights of Way and quiet lanes which offer considerable informal recreation across the area.

The parkland at Cragside is open to the public as a National Trust property. The upland area north of Rothbury is valued for hunting and shooting due to its craggy outcrops, undulating terrain and woods.

Spatial function This landscape forms an important setting to the Northumberland National Park because it fringes an extensive length of the National Park boundary but also it forms a scenic foreground to elevated views from the Simonside Hills to the Cheviots. It therefore forms a key part of the glorious vistas from the National Park.

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This area forms part of the B-Line initiative which seeks to develop linear pathways of species rich habitat linking core areas to create a coherent network.

Recommendation This is an attractive predominately agricultural landscape with frequent features of geological and historical interest, with a visual unity and consistency of land use and settlement pattern. The majority of this area expresses qualities which raise it above ordinary countryside. Significant parts of this area may also have sufficient natural beauty and opportunities for open air recreation to be considered for inclusion within the Northumberland National Park. When considering the eastern extent of the valued landscape, it is recommended that attention be given to the issues set out below.

Summary of Transition: issues to be The eastern slopes of the Rothbury Hills, comprising open moorland, are in transition reducing in elevation and are orientated eastwards away from the Simonside Hills and addressed when wider National Park. The Coquet Valley is also in transition as it moves eastwards, the defining extent narrow gorge at Rothbury broadening to form a wider, less dramatic valley without the distinctive skylines of the sandstone hills. Care will be needed to define the landscapes of greatest value within these transitions.

Fragmentation: In some parts of the vale, field enclosures have become amalgamated and the organic smaller scale pattern of unplanned enclosures has been partially lost as a result of agricultural improvement.

Incongruous Features: Where the moorland in the east is crossed by high voltage powerlines, pylons can be visually prominent. Similarly, new housing on the fringes of Rothbury can be visually prominent and detract from the wider setting of the settlement and future housing at Whitton and Thropton is planned. Particular scrutiny will be required in determining if these settlements are surrounding by qualifying land and if they should therefore be included within the valued landscape.

Northumberland Sandstone Ridges and Vales Final Report for Consultation January 2021

1 Glen and Bowmont Valley 2 Kyloe and Doddington Hills

3 Chillingham Vale 4 Middlemoor Coast

0km 50km 100km Crown copyright an database rights 2020 5 Eglingham Ordnance Survey 0100031673 Vale and Hulne Key Northumberland National Park Candidate Area for recognition as a valued landscape Landscape Value Assessment

Evaluation Areas Drawing 3: Evaluation North Northumberland Coast AONB Potential area for inclusion in valued landscape subject to particular scrutiny 3 Chillingham Vale

5 Eglingham Vale and Hulne

6 Whittingham Vale

7 Coquetdale and Rothbury

0km 50km 100km Crown copyright an database rights 2020 Ordnance Survey 0100031673

Key Candidate Area for recognition as a valued landscape Landscape Value Assessment

Evaluation Areas Northumberland National Park Potential area for inclusion in valued landscape Drawing 4: Evaluation South subject to particular scrutiny 63

6 Defining a Boundary

6.1 Introduction

6.1.1 Following evaluation and the identification of Candidate Areas, consideration has been given to defining a boundary to the valued landscape. The approach taken has been based on the Boundary Setting Considerations set out in Natural England's Guidance for Assessing Landscape for Designation as National Park or AONB. The principles within the body of the Guidance, as well as other boundary mapping 25 conventions established in mapping by Natural England,22F have been taken into account.

6.1.2 The process of identifying a suitable boundary includes reconsideration of evidence collated in the evaluation and resolution of issues requiring particular scrutiny. Desk study and fieldwork has been undertaken and boundary options developed.

6.1.3 Information on development allocations in local plans and planning permissions have been reviewed. In addition, information on designations and features of interest close to the proposed boundary lines have been referred to.

6.1.4 The recommended boundary has been mapped at 1:50,000 and can be found in the detailed maps (Drawings 5-10). It is divided into five sections reflected in the five corresponding boundary maps and should be read in a clockwise direction starting in the northwest of the Study Area. The tables and maps should be read together.

6.1.5 Each table starts with a general description of the boundary line and is followed by a discussion on how any issues identified in the evaluation tables have been addressed. Comments are then provided on how the Boundary Setting Considerations set out in Guidance and elsewhere have been applied.

6.1.6 Several issues have arisen in relation to boundary setting and these are set out below: • Establishing a boundary where a landscape is in transition - where landscape quality and scenic quality is declining because of changes in topography and land uses or land is influenced by incongruous development beyond. In these circumstances evidence is reviewed including current planning and a pragmatic decision reached. • Determining whether features of interest on the margins should be included where they lie adjacent to land which does not meet the designation criteria. • Ensuring consistency of approach in defining extent.

25 Where the boundary follows a minor quiet rural lane or track which may be used for recreation, it has been included and is usually mapped to the edge of the metalled highway. Where Rights of Way exist alongside a proposed boundary, they are normally included. Where a boundary line follows a more major road, it is excluded. Where boundaries follow a railway, they follow the railway property boundary fence and not the track (rails). Embankments of road and railways are also excluded. Where no clear features exist on the ground, (for example where a boundary crosses an estuary or a road), it is acceptable to draw a boundary in a straight line from point to point where the end points are clearly identifiable features on the ground.

Northumberland Sandstone Ridges and Vales Final Report for Consultation January 2021

6.2 Boundary Tables

Boundary Section 1: Shotton to Yeavering (refer to Drawing 5)

Boundary Description: From the junction of the National Park and the English/Scottish boarder, the boundary extends northwest along the Scottish border and then heads north east along a field boundary to include Bowmont Hill. It then joins a track and the eastern side of the B6352 at Mindrum. It follows the B6352 as far as Mindrum Station where it takes a minor road and then field boundaries to include the steepest slopes of Moneylaws Hill, but excluding improved farmland. East of Moneylaws Hill it adopts the parish boundary along a stone wall before turning east along field boundaries as far as a minor road, to include the southern side of Wester Hill. On reaching the minor road it heads north and then south east along field boundaries to Howtel. On joining the B6352 it heads northeast and then adopts stone wall enclosures to include the south facing slopes of Kypie, Coldside Hills and Watch Hill. At Sandy House it joins a minor road heading south to Lanton and then heads east following the road round to Coupland and on to Yeavering where it re-joins the National Park boundary.

Boundary Considerations: Issues Influencing the Boundary Line

Key issues in this section include transitional landscapes and finding easily distinguishable features on the ground which a boundary can follow.

A proposed boundary was sought to include the distinctive hills which surround the Cheviot Massif and those that define the river valley whilst excluding slopes which have been significantly improved for agriculture and where there are high concentrations of small conifer plantations. This landscape is in transition as it moves away from the Cheviots and elevation decreases. Care has been taken to define a boundary within this transition ensuring that the land included closely relates to the Cheviots and has a strong sense of place. Care has also been taken to balance the need to draw the boundary within the transition with the need for it to follow easily distinguishable features and avoid an overly complex boundary. The boundary adopted follows tracks and field boundaries (both hedges and stone walls) in several instances.

Easily Distinguished Features Finding clearly identified features on the ground was a particular issue in this landscape. In many cases field boundaries were chosen. In the east this comprised stone wall boundaries but in the west boundaries are predominantly hedgerows.

Administrative Boundaries The boundary follows the English-Scottish boundary and does not included land within Scotland despite the foothills landscape continuing beyond.

Settlements The farmstead and Castle of Coupland are included.

Development N/A

Northumberland Sandstone Ridges and Vales Final Report for Consultation January 2021

Features of Interest The boundary has been drawn to include the main distinctive rounded hills which form the setting to the main Cheviot Massif and enclose the River Glen and Bowmont Water valleys. It includes the Ad Gefin Anglo-Saxon and prehistoric remains scheduled monument which is currently split by the National Park boundary and the high concentration of listed buildings found at Coupland.

Consideration was given to including the Flodden Field Registered Battlefield as a feature of interest which lies close to the boundary. However, the battlefield lies beyond the area which most closely associates with the Cheviot Massif. The battlefield focuses outwards on more undulating farmland which has been significantly improved, it has therefore not been included within the boundary.

Northumberland Sandstone Ridges and Vales Final Report for Consultation January 2021

Section 1

Section 2 Refer to Drawing 6

Key 0km 2.5km 5km Proposed valued landscape N Landscape Value Assessment Crown copyright an database rights 2020 Northumberland National Park Drawing 5: Boundary Section 1 Boundary section break Ordnance Survey 0100031673 66

Boundary Section 2: Middleton Hall to Wandon/B6348 (refer to Drawing 6)

Boundary Description: The boundary departs from the National Park at Middleton Hall adopting the minor road above Wooler Water first south, then east and then south again to the ford at the eastern end of Happy Valley. It then crosses the road to extend along a footpath across the valley to the A697. It crosses the main road and follows the back of woodland to the east excluding development at Haugh Head before adopting a minor road, then heading north along the back of woodland. From here it adopts a stone wall boundary at the bottom slopes of Weetwood Moor, crossing a minor road and St Cutherbert’s Way, before dropping down the slopes to the B6348. From here it follows the southern side of the main road (excluding it) and then crosses the road to follow the minor road across the Weetwood Bridge. It follows this minor road at the base of Doddington Moor until the junction with the B6525. Here it turns north along the eastern side of the B6525 as far as Doddington Village. On reaching the village, it adopts the backs of properties, excluding the village and then adopts a bridleway heading northeast past the golf course. At the edge of the open access land and moorland it adopts the stone wall boundary heading south over the moor, excluding land to the east which has been improved. It follows stone wall boundaries along the edge of the moor (in places also the Parish boundary) and extends to include notable archaeological sites. South of West Plantation it heads east again along stone wall boundaries to re-join a minor road and head north and east to West and East Hoton. On reaching the villages it continues southeast to the B6349. It turns west along the northern side of the road and then south along the boundary wall to Fowberry Tower and woodland and then minor track to Wandon on the B6348.

Boundary Considerations: Issues Influencing the Boundary Line The key issue associated with this landscape was the identification of clear features the boundary could follow which would also enable the higher quality intact moorland landscape to be included, while excluding those areas of significant agricultural improvement and small- scale conifer plantations.

The exclusion of development within the Wooler Water Valley was also a key consideration, especially around Haugh Head.

Easily Distinguished Features At the base of the hills and across the summits of Doddington Moor, stone wall boundaries have been adopted to define areas of valued landscape. Elsewhere the boundary follows minor lanes or B roads.

Administrative Boundaries Where the boundary crosses the top of Doddington Moor, the boundary follows stone walls which, in places, also form the Parish Boundary.

Settlements The settlement of Doddington has been excluded – this settlement contains a number of historic estate cottages but is dominated by the agricultural barns associated with Doddington Cheese. The settlement is not a conservation area and, although located at the foot of Doddington Moor, a suitable boundary could be defined which skirted around the back of the village.

Northumberland Sandstone Ridges and Vales Final Report for Consultation January 2021

Development There are no known allocated sites or planning permissions close to the boundary. It was noted that there are a number of possible housing sites on the southern outskirts of Wooler which may come forward for development in future. However, given that the Local Plan is still in preparation these have not been given significant weight.

Features of Interest Across Doddington Moor, as many archaeological features have been included as possible, without bringing in areas of farmland which have seen significant improvement. Stone river bridges at Weetwood and Fowberry have been included.

Northumberland Sandstone Ridges and Vales Final Report for Consultation January 2021

Section 1 Refer to Drawing 5

Section 3 Section 2 Refer to Drawing 7

100km

Key N 0km 2.5km 5km Northumberland National Park Proposed valued landscape Landscape Value Assessment Crown copyright an database rights 2020 Ordnance Survey 0100031673 Drawing 6: Boundary Section 2 Northumberland Coast AONB Boundary section break 68

Boundary Section 3: Wadon/B6348 to Chatton Moor/B6348 (refer to Drawing 7)

Boundary Description: From Wadon, the boundary follows the southern side of the B6348 as far as Chatton village. It skirts around field boundaries and the edge of development on the southern edge of the village before re-joining the B6348 and continuing east until reaching a rural track heading north. It follows the western side of the track northwards as far as the B6349. It crosses the road and continues along the western side of a minor road continuing northwards as far as Hazelrigg Mill. Here it takes a minor lane to the west and then adopts the course of Coal Burn, continuing in a northerly direction before following the western edge of woodland along the burn as far as Holburn Mill where it joins the burn and edge of woodland, once again. It then follows the farm track to Laverock Law, then northwards to a minor road. From here, it continues east along the minor road and then north at the road junction on the western side of the road, as far as the junction with the B6353. Here it turns east on the southern side of the road as far as Fenwick. On reaching the village, it skirts the backs of properties to a minor road heading south west and follows the lane southwards as it skirts the fringes of the Kyloe Hills past Detchant Lodge and Middleton. On reaching the outskirts of Belford, it extends around the rear of properties to the west of the village (excluding the caravan site) and adopts field boundaries and tracks including West Hall before joining the B6349. It then follows the northern side of the road in a south westerly direction across Belford Moor. Close to a road junction at Bowden Doors, it turns south east along a stone wall and public right of way and then further stone wall boundaries to include an area of open access land. It then picks up the Parish boundary and stone wall as far as the B6348 at Chatton Moor.

Boundary Considerations: Issues Influencing the Boundary Line A key issue in this section has been the identification of a boundary which excludes land which lacks distinction or scenic qualities or has suffered agricultural improvement and/or sporadic small conifer plantations which create a visually dominant pattern masking topographic or natural vegetation patterns. The dip slope landscape is less dramatic than the scarp and is a transitional landscape as it slopes towards the coast – defining a boundary within the transition has also been a key consideration.

Administrative Boundaries N/A

Settlements Chatton village is a conservation area and comprises an intact village on the River Till. However, it is not surrounded by high quality landscape, the land to the north of the village forming a more open and improved agricultural valley floor where landform is less distinct and the river flows in wide meanders. Vegetation is sparce and the area feels open and featureless in places, while the surrounding hills appear to be some distance away.

The villages of Fenwick and Belford were also excluded as they are both located on the edge of the Kyloe Hills and close to the margins of the transitional areas. Northumberland Sandstone Ridges and Vales Final Report for Consultation January 2021

Development There are no known allocated sites or planning permissions close to the boundary. It was noted that there are a number of possible housing sites on the southern outskirts of Chatton which may come forward for development in future. However, given that the Local Plan is still in preparation, these have not been given significant weight.

Features of Interest Although Belford Hall parkland is a feature of interest on the margins of the area, it is not intact and has undergone change in relation to golf course development. It was not possible to include the parkland without also including the whole of the village. The village historically is a coaching settlement closely associated with the A1 and it is located on the edge of the Kyloe Hills within the transitional landscape. On balance it was concluded that the settlement should be excluded, and the boundary drawn conservatively to the west.

The parkland of Middleton Hall has been included as it lies to the west of the minor road which flanks the transitional slopes of the Kyloe Hills.

Northumberland Sandstone Ridges and Vales Final Report for Consultation January 2021

Section 3

Section 4 Section 2 Refer to Drawing 8 Refer to Drawing 6

Key

N 0km 2.5km 5km Northumberland National Park Proposed valued landscape Landscape Value Assessment Crown copyright an database rights 2020 Drawing 7: Boundary Section 3 Ordnance Survey 0100031673 Northumberland Coast AONB Boundary section break 70

Boundary Section 4: Chatton Moor/B6348 to B6341 at Heiferlaw Bank (refer to Drawing 8)

Boundary Description: From the B6348, the boundary follows stone walls around Warenton/Chatton Moor and then the Cocklaw Burn and Parish boundary southeast through a conifer plantation at Cocklaw Dean and then southwest, skirting the edge of Chatton Moor. It continues southwards along the Burn which becomes Sandyford Burn and then along the edge of Stell Knowe where it bends to the west. At the corner of the conifer plantation, it heads south along a track and then southeast along the edge of the plantation. The boundary then adopts a post and wire fence demarcating the edge of heather moorland and the SSSI which runs southwest towards the moorland road. On reaching the road it crosses it and connects to Cragcleugh Burn. It follows the burn southeast then south as far as a track. It adopts the northern boundary of the track leading to East Ditchburn and includes the farm within the boundary. From here it continues along the south side of a minor road to West Ditchburn. On reaching Red Burn it follows a stone wall southeast around a woodland before continuing along the burn and then stone wall boundaries north of Crag Hill as far as a minor road. From here it adopts a stone wall on the eastern side of the road back to South Charlton, skirting the backs of properties to exclude the settlement. From here it adopts the road and then bridleway track south to Heiferlaw Bank, where it connects to the B6341.

Boundary Considerations: Issues Influencing the Boundary Line In this section, key issues relate to the transitional nature of the dip slope landscape as it gradually decreases in elevation to the east, the fragmentation of open moorland habitat due to agricultural improvement and the planting of small conifer blocks, and the presence of overt manmade features including turbines at Wandylaw and Middle Moor.

Care has been taken to draw the boundary within the area of transition, following clearly distinguishable features on the ground and excluding those areas most affected by land uses which undermine the special qualities of this upland landscape.

Care has also been taken to include land which forms an important setting to the historic settlement of Eglingham and which is historically associated with the village in terms of land management and past mining activity. Consideration was given to a boundary along the track and road at West Ditchburn which runs along a ridge line between the village and wider moorland to the northeast. However, north of this ridge the landscape continues to exhibit cultural heritage interest and is more intact than land further east. Particular scrutiny has been given to boundary setting in this transitional area. On balance, the shallow valley at East and West Ditchburn is considered to be at the higher end of the transitional landscape and contains features of interest. Whilst less outstanding than land further west, the boundary has been extended to include features of interest on the margins namely tree lined burns, historic farmsteads and ridge and furrow. Land further east has been excluded due to the presence of turbines, agricultural improvement and the fragmentation of moorland.

Boundary definition also considered the inclusion of larger conifer blocks on the fringes of the area namely Quarryhouse and Haughterlsaw. Reference was made to Forestry Commission felling and restocking proposals which confirm that the majority of Quarryhouse plantation will be felled and restocked with spruce and evergreen conifer in the next 15 years with the exception of the northwestern fringes which will be replanted with broadleaves along the burn. On this basis and considering the proximity and visual dominance of windfarm Northumberland Sandstone Ridges and Vales Final Report for Consultation January 2021

71 development in this area, these woodlands are excluded from the boundary. The mast and buildings at Quarryhouse were included in the boundary on the basis they were surrounded by qualifying land.

The definition of the boundary in this section has resulted in some areas of lesser quality being included e.g. around Shipley Hill and between the B6346 and East Bolton. These areas were noted as requiring particular scrutiny due to agricultural improvements and prominent large-scale farm development. Consideration was given to the exclusion of land south of the B6346 between East Bolton and the edge of Hulne Park which was noted as requiring particular scrutiny due to agricultural improvement and loss of enclosure pattern. However, the transitional nature of these landscapes, their relatively small extent and the fact that they are largely embraced by higher quality landscape (such as Beanley Moor and Hune Park) has enabled the boundary to be drawn further to the north and patches of lesser quality land to be washed over.

Easily Distinguished Features Identifying easily distinguishable features across open moorland landscape can be problematic. In this instance stone wall boundaries, which mark the edge of open moorland and nature conservation designations and burns which are also Parish boundaries, have been adopted along with roads and tracks.

Administrative Boundaries The boundary follows the Parish administrative boundary along Cocklaw Burn and Sandyford Burn for much of its length between the B6348 and Quarryhouse Moor.

Settlements The settlement of South Charlton has been excluded as it is located at a lower elevation on the edge of improved moorland. Whilst it is abutted by the more distinctive undulating hills at Longlee Moor and Crag Hill to the south and west it is otherwise not set within surrounding high quality landscape. Eglingham village is included due to its location nestled within high quality hills and moorland landscapes and its intact built form and conservation area status.

Development The boundary excludes areas of moorland and open access land where it is directly affected by wind farm development e.g. Wandylaw Moor or lies immediately adjacent to such development e.g. Rosebrough Moor and where the landscape is dropping in elevation and where semi-natural landscape patterns are disrupted by land use e.g. agricultural improvement and conifer block planting.

Features of Interest The Bewick and Beanley Moors Site of Special Scientific Interest covers much of the moorland in this section of boundary. It is divided into a number of separate units some of which are in unfavourable condition due to past management. In places the moorland is affected by the close proximity of conifer plantations and wind farm development. Where the moorland landscapes are intact and less affected by overt man-made elements or management issues, they have been included within the boundary.

Features of interest on the southeast margins of this area include the fine farmhouses of East and West Ditchburn which date from the 18th/19th century and which remain physically intact comprising 2 and 4 separate Grade II listed buildings/structures respectively. Immediately to the northwest is an extensive area of ridge and furrow earthworks in the vicinity of Red and Black Burn which extend onto the heather moorland to the north. These Northumberland Sandstone Ridges and Vales Final Report for Consultation January 2021

72 earthworks are likely to reflect medieval farm practices and have left a relic landscape, particularly evident when the sun is low. Careful consideration has been given to the inclusion of this landscape within the valued landscape on the basis of the features of interest balanced against the peripheral location and the transitional nature of the landscape, including visual intrusion from close proximity wind farm development. On balance this majority of these features have been included and the boundary has been drawn within the transition.

Northumberland Sandstone Ridges and Vales Final Report for Consultation January 2021

Section 3 Refer to Drawing 7

Section 4

50km 100km Section 5 Refer to Drawing 9

Key 0km 2.5km 5km Proposed valued landscape N Landscape Value Assessment Northumberland National Park Crown copyright an database rights 2020 Drawing 8: Boundary Section 4 Boundary section break Ordnance Survey 0100031673 73

Boundary Section 5: B6341 at Heiferlaw Bank to Eglingham Woods (refer to Drawing 9)

Boundary Description: The boundary continues along the western side of the B6341, heading south towards Alnwick. At the roundabout the boundary follows the stone wall which marks the outer edge of Hulne Park as far as the B road and then the western side of the B1340 south as far as the River Aln. On reaching the river the boundary adopts the southern bank of the river following this as far as the B6346. From here it heads east following the stone wall on the road and then a public right of way southwards to Park Drive. At Park Drive it crosses the road and follows the park stone wall boundary (adjacent to a track) southwest and then westwards, climbing up the slopes of Alnwick Moor as far as RRH Brizlee Woods. Here it adopts the Parish boundary along a stone wall and heads southwards, crossing a minor road and continuing along the field boundary which crosses the former railway. At Townlaw Cairn the boundary turns southwest continuing along the stone wall boundary to the B6341. Here it crosses the road and continues along the Parish boundary which is marked by field boundaries comprising post and wire fencing and stone walls on the eastern edge of a conifer plantation. At Thorny Knowe it turns spouthwest to Black Lough skirting along its southern shore and then heads south along field boundaries which mark the Parish boundary as far as Edlingham Woods.

Boundary Considerations:

Issues Influencing the Boundary Line Key issues in this landscape included the extent to which the conical hills to the north of Hulne Park form a visual setting to the parkland and define the Aln Valley, the appropriateness of using the Registered Park and Garden boundary as the extent of the valued landscape and the exclusion of Alnwick town as well as the identification of a clearly recognisable boundary across the moorland between Whittingham Vale and the coast. In defining a boundary in this section consideration was also given to land requiring particular scrutiny to the west around Glanton and Powburn (as defined in EAs 2 and 5) and south of the B6346 (as defined in EA 3). These areas are illustrated on Drawing 4. The weight of evidence supporting the inclusion of these areas was reviewed. In both areas incongruous features, areas of lesser quality, or proposed development/planning permissions were relatively small and surrounded by high quality landscape. On this basis the areas did not lie on the margins of the valued landscape and the boundary was therefore drawn further to the west.

Easily Distinguished Features The identification of clearly distinguishable features for the boundary to follow has been problematic in this section of the boundary. The open moorland which defines the southeastern skyline to Whittingham Vale is in transition as it extends towards the coast, lacking the distinction and scenic qualities and views which are afforded from its highest peaks and west facing slopes. Across the moorland there are stone wall boundaries but a number of them have been replaced by post and wire fencing. Consideration was given to including contiguous areas of open access land and moorland habitat, however enclosures were of mixed quality and robustness. On this basis it was decided to adopt enclosure boundaries (stone wall and post and wire) where they also mark the Parish boundary on the basis that the Parish boundary is well documented and has a degree of permanence. This excluded the main areas where moorland has been improved and where there was evidence of horticulture fencing, and gorse and bracken encroachment. Northumberland Sandstone Ridges and Vales Final Report for Consultation January 2021

Administrative Boundaries The boundary follows the Parish boundary between RRH Briselee to Eglingham Woods.

Settlements The whole of Alnwick was excluded from the valued landscape. Whist the town contains some exceptional built heritage which is closely associated with landscape it also comprises areas of less distinct townscape. The boundary was drawn to exclude all built development and to avoid the splitting of the settlement. Although there are glimpsed views of Alnwick in on the hillsides from the B6341, these are at some distance and do not detract from the scenic qualities within Hulne Park and Aln Valley.

Development There are a number of planning permissions for small scale housing developments at Glanton. The scale of these developments and high quality of surrounding land has resulted in the inclusion of the whole settlement.

Features of Interest The majority of the Registered Park and Garden associated with Hulne Park is included. Extensive areas of open access land where they form part of the west facing slopes have been included.

Northumberland Sandstone Ridges and Vales Final Report for Consultation January 2021

Section 4 Refer to Drawing 8

Section 5

Section 6 Refer to Drawing 10

Key Proposed valued landscape N 0km 2.5km 5km Landscape Value Assessment Northumberland National Park Crown copyright an database rights 2020 Drawing 9: Boundary Section 5 Boundary section break Ordnance Survey 0100031673 75

Boundary Section 6: Edlingham Woods to Garleigh Moor (refer to Drawing 10)

Boundary Description: From the northeastern corner of Edlingham Woods the boundary follows the Parish boundary along a post and wire fence, around the outside of the woods, as far as the A697. Here it crosses the road and continues southwest along the Parish boundary which demarcates the edge of moorland on Longframlingham Common, turning south along a stone wall to connect with the corner of a conifer plantation. From here it continues to the cairn at Shirlaw Pike, and then follows a post and wire fence along the edge of the woodland, as far as Trough Hill. From Trough Hill it turns west along enclosure boundaries to the edge of Linn Wood, skirting the edge of the woodland before adopting enclosure boundaries comprising post and wire fencing and hedgerows. It continues to the access road at Healey and adopts the eastern side of the access road down the hill slopes to the B6344. From here it crosses the River Croquet at the Black Burn lay-by, then turns west and south west along the edge of woodland and then adopts field boundaries and a track. From here it picks up the former line of the railway skirting round the hills that form the setting to Rothbury as far as a minor road. It then heads north along the road and then west along a footpath and field boundaries to join the B6342 and the Northumberland National Park Boundary.

Boundary Considerations: Issues Influencing the Boundary Line Key issues in this section of the boundary included the transitional nature of the landscape and need to identify a boundary which follows easily distinguishable features within the area of transition. In many cases, due to the declining quality of the landscape and open moorland character, there were few physical features for a boundary line to follow. As a result, the boundary follows post and wire fencing and tracks in a number of locations.

Land to the south of the River Coquet was reviewed in terms of its special qualities. It was concluded that this area was borderline in terms of its condition with a number of areas showing boundary loss and intensive agriculture. Nevertheless, the higher slopes were noted as performing an important setting to Rothbury and in defining the steep gorge in which the settlement sits. Some of these slopes are included in the Boarder Upland Nature Improvement Area and, on this basis, the boundary was defined to include the prominent hillsides.

Easily Distinguished Features In places the boundary follows post and wire fencing. Care has been taken to ensure that, where this is the case, the fencing is also associated with another feature such as a Parish boundary, the edge of moorland or woodland.

Administrative Boundaries The boundary adopts the Parish boundary in various places along its length. In some locations the Parish boundary is only marked by a post and wire fence.

Settlements Drawing the boundary to the east of Rothbury means that the whole of this settlement and that of Whitton and Thropton are included in the valued landscape reflecting the position of the settlements in the exceptional river valley/gorge between the rising land of the Simonside Hills to the south and Rothbury Forest to the north. Although Rothbury has experienced recent housing development much of this sits on the valley slopes and is contained by the Northumberland Sandstone Ridges and Vales Final Report for Consultation January 2021

76 scale of the hills which surround it. Only in a couple of instances has housing crept onto upper slopes or breaks the skyline. On balance, given the high-quality landscape setting of the settlements, it was concluded that the whole area should be included in the valued landscape.

Development It was noted that there are a number of housing sites on the southern outskirts of Rothbury and Thropton but, as noted above, these settlements were considered to lie within a wider sweep of qualifying land.

Features of Interest The boundary extends to the south east of Edlingham Wood in order to include a cairn field and cup and ring marked rocks northwest of Snook Bank which are a scheduled monument.

The whole of Rothbury and Whitton Conservation Areas are included.

Only the parts of the River Coquet and Coquet Valley Woodlands SSSI which are within a high-quality landscape setting are included. The eastern stretches of the river are in a transitional and less distinct landscape and have therefore been excluded.

The Boarder Upland Nature Improvement Area adjacent to the National Park and within/adjacent to the Coquet Valley is included.

Areas of ancient woodland east of Cragside are included in the area.

Northumberland Sandstone Ridges and Vales Final Report for Consultation January 2021

Boundary continguous with National Park Section 5 Refer to Drawing 9

Section 6

Boundary continguous with National Park

Key 0km 2.5km 5km Proposed valued landscape N Landscape Value Assessment Northumberland National Park Crown copyright an database rights 2020 Drawing 10: Boundary Section 6 Boundary section break Ordnance Survey 0100031673 77

7 Desirability

7.1 Introduction

7.1.1 This section takes a step back from the detailed evaluation and considers the identified valued landscape as a whole including:

• The special qualities of the valued landscape and how it is distinguished from wider countryside; and

• Opportunities for formal recognition of the valued landscape.

7.1.2 An overview of the full extent of the recommended Valued Landscape is illustrated on Drawing 11.

7.2 Special Qualities

7.2.1 This process of stepping back enables the special qualities of the area to be defined and is a process undertaken when designating nationally important landscape as part of forward planning and management. The purpose of landscape recognition is to conserve and enhance the landscape’s special qualities. Setting these qualities out is therefore essential to good decision making.

7.2.2 The Northumberland Vale and Ridges landscape lies between the Northumberland National Park and Northumberland Coast AONB. It is therefore helpful to understand the special qualities of these adjacent landscapes, not least because the Vales and Ridges landscape is contiguous and/or forms an important setting to them.

Northumberland National Park

7.2.3 The special qualities of the existing NNP are set out on page 8 of the NNP Management Plan (2016-2021). Four special qualities are described as follows, with emphasis added:

Distinctive Landscape Character

The interaction of people with nature in Northumberland National Park has produced a landscape of remarkable beauty and distinctive character that is enjoyed by the nation. Millions of people visit the National Park. The majority of the land in the National Park is in private ownership, with a proportion owned and managed by public bodies or charities. Northumberland National Park’s distinctive landscape character has been created by its topography, geology and the complex interaction of many different factors. Managed landscapes, widely dispersed settlements and

Northumberland Sandstone Ridges and Vales Final Report for Consultation January 2021

Landscape Value Assessment Drawing 11: Valued Landscape

Key

Recommended Valued Landscape

Northumberland National Park

Northumberland Coast AONB

0km 100km 50km 78

farmsteads, dry-stone walls, stunning scenery, mountain landscapes, rich cultural heritage-all combine to make Northumberland National Park the special place it is.

A Landscape Rich in Biodiversity and Geology

The underlying geology of Northumberland National Park, natural processes and human activity have combined to create a hugely varied landscape. These processes have created the unique conditions for a rich and diverse ecology to thrive; many nationally and internationally important habitats and species flourish within Northumberland National Park. 31% of the National Park comprises priority habitats and about a third of these are designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs).

A Rich Cultural Heritage

From Yeavering Bell in the Cheviots to the Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site and the Roman fortifications in the South, an exceptional range of archaeology provides the evidence of human activity in Northumberland National Park for several millennia. Local history, social activities and cultural traditions have left us a rich legacy. This cultural legacy has created a community spirit that is instilled with self-sufficiency, self-belief and determination. A strong tradition of livestock farming and upland rearing is deeply interwoven into local life and livestock sales and agricultural shows continue to play an important part in the lives of local people.

True Sense of Tranquillity

Tranquillity is a key component of experiencing Northumberland National Park. It is an emotional, spiritual quality, difficult to define by standard methods; nevertheless it is, overwhelmingly, what people have said they value. The 2011 Resident Survey revealed that 83% of residents think that ‘peace and tranquillity’ make the National Park a special place. Northumberland National Park is the most tranquil place in England and we regard tranquillity as one of its most special qualities. The dark skies over the National Park contribute greatly to this sense of peace, and have themselves been protected since the designation of the International Dark Sky Park (Gold Tier) in 2013.

7.2.4 In addition to these special qualities, the Management Plan sets out specific objectives associated with the setting of the National Park i.e. the land which lies adjacent and helps conserve and enhance the natural and cultural qualities of the National Park. Furthermore, Objective 5.2.1 stresses the need for the National Park Authority to work beyond its boundaries.

Objective 5.2.1 - To ensure the National Park has a role in leading on protected area management which relates to its natural and cultural assets.

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• Work across borders to deliver landscape-scale or regional projects that protect wildlife and cultural heritage and ensure landscape connectivity. • Share learning with and learn from other protected areas. • Continue to support the work of the Northern Upland Chain Local Nature Partnership (LNP) and the Border Uplands Partnership as a recognised Nature Improvement Area (NIA). • Use International Dark Sky Park status to promote best practice in the reduction of light pollution across the National Park and neighbouring areas.

Northumberland Coast AONB

7.2.5 The special qualities of the existing NCAONB are set out in the AONB Management Plan (2020-2024). The special qualities are divided into landscape, natural heritage and cultural heritage and those relating to the former are summerised below. Of particular note is the third to last bullet which highlights the importance of the inland sandstone hills which form a dramatic backdrop to the coast.

Landscape • Dramatic natural coastline of rocky headlands and cliffs contrasting with extensive sweeping sandy beaches and dynamic sand dune systems • Coastal and riverside setting of iconic historic and cultural landmark features which provide localised vertical emphasis within a predominantly horizontal landscape and seascape • Remote historic, cultural and spiritual qualities and ecclesiastical associations of the Holy Island of Lindisfarne Rocky Farne Islands archipelago, which features in many coastal views • Traditional coastal fishing villages clustered around small harbours • Views inland to the rounded sandstone hills and Cheviot Hills provide a dramatic and dynamic backdrop to the coast • Feeling of exposure and tranquillity on the flat, low lying open coastal plain and windswept coast, with sparse tree cover, huge skies and wide seascape views • Dark skies

Special Qualities of the Northumberland Vales and Ridges

7.2.6 Detailed evaluation of the Study Area has revealed qualities which distinguish the area from ordinary countryside and give it a significance, certainly, at a regional level. In places this assessment has revealed the landscape closely resembles the character and quality of the adjacent National Park. Many of the Study Area’s special qualities are similar to, if not the same as, those defined for the Northumberland National Park - namely distinctive landscape character, rich biodiversity, geology and cultural heritage and a true sense of tranquillity. The special qualities of the Northumberland Vales and Ridges landscape are summarised below:

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• Geographically unique location between the Cheviots and the coast affording a physical link and magnificent long range panoramic views across inland vales to the National Park and the drama of the coastal AONB.

• Strongly defined topography derived from sandstone geology and glacial processes giving rise to overlapping heather-fringed ridge lines and conical hills, each with a unique profile which embrace and define a sequence of sweeping inland farmed ‘vales’.

• Broad scale landscape where openness, large skies and little settlement combined with distant unfettered horizons, and give rise to a sense of being away from it all and high levels of tranquility.

• Visual delight from seasonally colourful and textured landscapes comprising a mosaic of semi-natural habitats such as parkland, lowland meadow and lowland heath and a patchwork farmland and woodland with few overt modern built features.

• Strong unity to local vernacular comprising occasional sandstone villages and country houses set in parkland and estate model farms with workers cottages peppering the landscape.

• Eye catching historic structures and buildings from river bridges to follies and country houses, scatter the landscape forming points of interest in the delightful, unfolding views within the vales.

• Internationally outstanding collection of rock art which expresses the association between the ridges and surrounding vales giving rise to spiritual connection with place and tangible historical time depth.

• High concentration of prehistoric sites, historic routes, e.g. Devil’s Causeway and St Cuthbert’s Way, and nationally important parkland landscapes, e.g. Chillingham Castle and Hulne Park.

7.2.7 These special qualities, coupled with the weight of evidence set out in the evaluation tables, above, and the designation history of the area, demonstrate there is a weight

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of evidence and consensus supporting the recognition of the area as a valued landscape.

7.3 Issues Affecting the Qualifying Area

7.3.1 Paragraph 3.4.4 above also highlighted the need to consider the issues affecting special qualities when determining if it is desirable to give formal recognition to a valued landscape and in determining the best mechanism for conserving and enhancing those special qualities.

7.3.2 In broad terms the issues affecting the valued landscape include the following:

• Proliferation of conifer plantations on areas of open farmland within the vales where they create visually discordant patterns;

• Expansion of settlements which undermine landscape setting and sense of place;

• Visual intrusion of large-scale man-made features which may interrupt unfettered skylines, undermining perceptions of scale and tranquility;

• Loss of archaeological and historic sites and features through agricultural improvement and lack of management;

• Intensification of arable farming, resulting in a loss of biodiversity and fragmentation of habitats and networks;

• Ad hoc development along key transport routes causing gradual urbanisation;

• Lack of information and, therefore, understanding and interpretation of the special features and qualities of the area.

7.3.3 Many of these issues and pressures are also experienced in the Northumberland National Park and Northumberland Coast AONB.

7.4 Mechanisms for Conserving and Enhancing Special Qualities

7.4.1 Land which is identified as valued may be considered for national designation by Natural England through their formal designation process or taken forward and formally recognised in local or Neighbourhood plans by local communities and planning authorities and thereby recognised in local planning policy.

7.4.2 As such, there are a range of different mechanisms which can be used to recognise and conserve and enhance valued landscapes. Given this valued landscape lies adjacent to the Northumberland National Park, coupled with the nature of its special qualities and issues affecting the area (as noted above), two important questions arise:

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• Should parts of the valued landscape be included in the existing National Park or AONB? • Should the valued landscape be recognised in planning policy, either through definition as a landscape equivalent to Heritage Coast or as a Landscape of Local Value?

• Where the landscape is not recognised through planning policy, should the valued landscape be a material consideration when considering land use change?

7.4.3 These questions are considered below.

The case for extending the Northumberland National Park or Northumberland Coast AONB boundaries

7.4.4 This assessment has identified a number of areas, contiguous with the existing NNP, where there is a weight of evidence to support inclusion of the land within the designation through a boundary review/extension. Nevertheless, it is also noted that just because an area may qualify for national designation does not automatically mean that designation will or should follow. Some of the areas identified are relatively small in extent, e.g. along the western Cheviot foothills (within EA5), while other areas are more extensive, e.g. Upper Coquetdale (within EA1). Here the nature of the National Park boundary wrapping around Upper Coquetdale, coupled with elevated views across the area from Rothbury Moors and Simonside Hills, means that the area plays a significant role in reinforcing the special qualities of the National Park. Similarly, EA 6, Glen and Bowmont Valley, is closely aligned and associated with the National Park and shares many of the exceptional qualities found in the Park. These areas merit further consideration for inclusion in the National Park.

7.4.5 The inclusion of part of the valued landscape within the Northumberland Coast AONB is more problematic. Although there is intervisibility with the Kyloe Hills and recognition that these hills play a role in providing a dramatic backdrop to the coastal AONB26, they are physically separated from it by an area of lesser quality land which carries significant infrastructure. The case for extending the AONB across intervening land is not strong but there may be a case for including the Kyloe Hills within the AONB as an ‘outlier’. AONBs which comprise outliers, or physically separated parcels of land, occur in a number of the AONBs in England, including the Cornwall Coast AONB and Forest of Bowland AONB.

7.4.6 In all cases of boundary extension there would need to be a full and detailed review of evidence by Natural England (the designating authority). Furthermore, past designation work and boundary reviews of National Parks and AONB is known to

26 The Landscape Sensitivity and Capacity Study, Northumberland Coast AONB, 2013 identified the hills from South Charlton to Fenwick as important in providing a backdrop and setting to the AONB.

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be a time-consuming process. On this basis it may be impractical and unwise to wait for such a process when other options for conserving and enhancing the area’s special qualities exist and where national designation could nevertheless be considered in future, when time and resources are available.

7.4.7 That said, the Northumberland National Park and Northumberland Coast AONB both work beyond their designation boundaries in land which lies adjacent and the desire for more collaborative partnership working is likely to encourage this approach in future. Should land be brought into the existing landscape designations, it would still leave a significant area, beyond, which this study has shown to be of high value and well above ordinary countryside. Therefore, additional measures to acknowledge this wider valued landscape are inevitably also required.

7.4.8 Inclusion of parts of the qualifying landscape within existing national designations will therefore only go part way to giving recognition to the Vales and Ridges landscape. Alternative approaches to recognition and conservation are therefore still required and these are explored below.

The case for recognition equivalent to Heritage Coast 7.4.9 An alternative model to giving recognition to the Vales and Ridges landscape could include the definition of the area using a mechanism akin to Heritage Coasts. Heritage Coasts do not involve a statutory designation process as required for National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

7.4.10 They were established to conserve the best stretches of undeveloped coast in England. A heritage coast is defined by agreement between the relevant maritime local authorities and Natural England.

7.4.11 The National Policy Framework and objectives for Heritage Coasts were developed by the Countryside Commission, a predecessor of Natural England, and ratified by government.

7.4.12 Heritage Coasts were established to:

• conserve, protect and enhance the natural beauty of the coastline, their terrestrial, coastal and marine flora and fauna; and their heritage features;

• encourage and help the public to enjoy, understand and appreciate these areas;

• maintain and improve the health of inshore waters affecting heritage coasts and their beaches through appropriate environmental management measures;

• take account of the needs of agriculture, forestry and fishing and the economic and social needs of the small communities on these coasts.

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7.4.13 Work to achieve the aims of Heritage Coasts is undertaken by the relevant local authorities with help from national and local stakeholders and local communities. Heritage Coasts are protected through development control within the planning system.

7.4.14 The Heritage Coast model is a possible option for the recognition of the Northumberland Vales and Ridges landscape, in the context of the Glover Review, which advocates the definition of complementary new national landscapes for the 21st century. Such a model would give definition to the area without the need for formal statutory designation. Furthermore, the recognition of the Vale and Ridges landscape would provide an opportunity for the National Park and AONB to broaden their nature recovery networks beyond their boundaries and across the valued landscape which lies between them. Recognition of the landscape in this way, could therefore provide a focus for collaborative working between adjacent protected landscapes and other partnerships such as Northumberland Biodiversity Partnership. The valued landscape could provide for nature networks connecting the National Park and coast. This type of initiative can already be seen with the Northumberland B-Lines.

The case for a Local Landscape Designation

7.4.15 The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) allows for the designation of valued landscapes and the recognition of them in local development plans. In England there are a number of local planning authorities which have locally valued landscapes with associated policy for the conservation and enhancement of the areas identified.

7.4.16 Case history in relation to planning appeals indicates that, where there is a local landscape designation, it is essential it is supported by a clear evidence base. The evaluation set out in this report provides that evidence base and articulates the special qualities of the Vales and Ridges landscape. On this basis, there is a case for the area to be recognised through a locally valued landscape designation within the Northumberland Local Plan (or any replacement of it) and or neighborhood 27 plans23F .

7.4.17 The Northumberland Local Plan is currently in preparation, having been submitted to the Secretary of State, and is undergoing examination at the time of writing. As noted above, the Local Plan currently does not retain the former Areas of High Landscape Value which were identified in the earlier Berwick and Alnwick local plans but rather relies upon landscape character assessment to ensure appropriate management and decision making in keeping with local character. This study has highlighted that many of the special qualities of the Vales and Ridges landscape are associated with their sense of scale and visual interconnectedness. These qualities

27 The results of this study have informed the emerging Eglingham Neighbourhood Plan but it is noted that the EiP for the Local Plan has regrettably closed. It may therefore be too late for this work and a local landscape designation to be considered in the Development Plan.

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are not easily expressed within the LCA which breaks the area down into smaller landscape types and areas. Furthermore, the description of character areas is not sufficiently detailed to portray the qualities of the Vales and Ridges landscape and Part D of the LCA acknowledged the need for detailed evaluation work, including field assessment, to determine landscape value. This work was never undertaken.

7.4.18 To the extent that the Vales and Ridges landscape is recognised in local or Neighbourhood plan policy though designation as a valued landscape, it would not be a simple reinstatement (or part reinstatement) of the previous AHLVs. This is because, following the application of current best practice in landscape evaluation, this assessment has identified an overall area slightly different to that of the old, contiguous AHLVs.

7.4.19 The evidence set out in this document provides an understanding of the special qualities of the area and therefore provides an independent and comprehensive articulation of these qualities which should inform policy making, management and planning decisions whether they fall within or are adjacent to the Valued Landscape.

7.4.20 Policy ENV3 of the emerging Local Plan makes provision for the consideration of ‘other relevant studies’ in decision making. This study may reasonably be considered such a study and should be a material consideration in decision making, whether or not the Valued Landscape is recognised in policy terms.

7.4.21 Where Landscape and Visual Impact Assessments are required in relation to development, this study will provide an assessment of landscape value and inform judgments on landscape sensitivity and effects. This is particularly valuable where development gives rise to effects over considerable distances and where the interconnectedness of landscapes is important to understand.

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8 Conclusions

8.1.1 This study has considered the Ridge and Vale landscapes found between the Northumberland National Park and Northumberland Coast AONB. It has highlighted the importance of visual interrelationships between landscapes and the extent to which higher ridges of land define inland ‘vales’. It has set out the special qualities of the area which raise it above ordinary countryside and reaffirms the value of this landscape as previously identified in relation to the Northumberland National Park and Areas of High Landscape Value, reflecting a high degree of consensus over several decades.

8.1.2 This evaluation provides detailed evidence as to the special landscape, wildlife and cultural qualities of the area which it is considered important to conserve and enhance. It is therefore recommended that the special value of this landscape is recognised in terms of both planning policy and decision making. That recognition should attribute to the landscapes concerned at least a local value equivalent to the former AHLV status previously applied although, as this assessment makes clear, parts of the area are strong candidates for national designation.

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