Mendip District Council

Assessment of Special Landscape Features

November 2012

MENDIP ------~_. DISTRICT COUNCIL

Contents

Introduction 1

Relevant Policy 4

Methodology 4

Feature categorisation and assessment of quality 7

Designation of Features 32

Special Landscape Features Pro-formas 33

Assessment of Special Landscape Features 1 1 Introduction

1.1 Special Landscape Features were included in the Local Plan, which was adopted in December 2002. These features were described as being of particular value and therefore requiring special protection as they are often the most vulnerable areas and least able to accommodate change whilst retaining their particular value. Para 7.28 of the Local Plan goes on to say that some of the features are defined for their contribution to the scenic quality of the District whilst others have historical or cultural associations which make them special. The Local Plan included the following policy:

1.2 Policy EN7 – Development will not be permitted where it will have an adverse impact on the scenic value or integrity of the Special Landscape Features defined on the proposals map.

1.3 The following table (Table 1) lists the Special Landscape Features included in the Local Plan and a brief description that includes a reason for designation as included in Appendix 7 of the Mendip District Local Plan.

Table 1: Special Landscape Features within the Mendip Adopted Local Plan 2002 Name of SLF Description Alford Park Historic parkland Asham Woods, Chantry Prominent woodland block which is distinctive in the landscape, particularly when viewed from the north and east Barren Down, Shepton Hillside forming a backdrop to view of . Also has historical Mallet associations Barrow Hill, Panborough Knoll, rising from the levels Beacon Hill, Shepton Mallet Prominent wooded hill which forms the skyline from vantage points to the north and south. Also has historical associations Ben Knowle Hill, Prominent hill rising out of the levels. Also shows historic field patterns Blackers Hill, Gurney Slade Hillfort and valley complex Butleigh Park/Cedar Historic parkland with prominent tree avenue Avenue Dulcote Hill Prominent hillside, particularly when viewed from Wells Grove Wooded valley and lake Farleigh Castle, Farleigh Historic castle and its setting overlooking the River valley Hungerford Fenny Castle Hill Prominent hillfort rising from the levels Tor Nationally recognised hill with historic and cultural associations Harter’s Hill, Coxley Knoll, rising from the levels Holcombe Pools and church Steep sided wooded valley area Ivythorne Hill, Street Dramatic hillside forming backdrop to Street from the north and a feature of views from the levels to the north and south. Kings Castle/Tor Complex of historic earthworks combined with dramatic wooded hills and Woods/Lyatt, Wells valleys Beacon/Creech Hill Prominent range of hills Pool and associated Complex of ancient pool and medieval farming systems visible in the medieval areas landscape Mells Valley Dramatic wooded valley with a variety of archaeological features visible in the landscape, in particular a complex of industrial features from the 18th and 19th centuries Palace Fields and Park Historic parkland forming the setting to the Bishops Palace and southern Woods, Wells part of Wells

Assessment of Special Landscape Features 2 Spargrove Manor Complete complex of medieval farms and mills, with remains visible in the landscape Underwood, Wells Edge of , forming the backdrop to Wells Wearyall Hill, Glastonbury Dramatic hill forming the setting to Glastonbury with historic and cultural associations Worminster Prominent range of hills Down/Launcherley Hill

1.4 None of these special landscape features are within the two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty which lie in the district and they are therefore designated for their local significance.

1.5 In undertaking a review of policies within the Local Plan, as part of the work on the Local development Framework Core Strategy, it was decided that a review of the special landscape features was needed to determine whether the designations were still relevant and needed.

1.6 In December 2008 the Local Development Framework Core Strategy Further Issues & Options Consultation Paper was published. Within the consultation paper were three questions related to special landscape features, asked in order to determine whether people felt they were still relevant and necessary and whether there were any other landscape features that they thought should be designated. The questions asked can be found in box 1.

Box 1 Q100a: Do you feel that the Special Landscape Features described above should continue to be protected as part of the Core Strategy?

Q100b: Do you think there are any other landscape features that should be offered similar protection?

1.7 The consensus amongst respondents to the consultation was that they should continue to be protected. A question was raised over what designating something as a special landscape feature involves – would the landowner have an obligation to maintain it and would any public funding be available for this.

1.8 English Heritage raised the point that as many of the features are man-made and represent important archaeological sites there should be some acknowledgement of this aspect within the body of text that accompanies them. Many of the archaeological features are Scheduled Ancient Monuments of national significance.

1.9 A number of other features were proposed for protection under a SLF type policy:

Frome:  The area in Spring Gardens adjacent to the River  The southern side of the lake at Orchardleigh House where there is a huge variety of orchids that need protection  Marston Bigot Parklands  The medieval strip farm/historic field patterns at Packsaddle, Frome. This is the site of the confluence of the Mells and Frome rivers with industrial features of the 18th and 19th centuries including a woollen mill and an iron foundry.

Villages:

Assessment of Special Landscape Features 3  Ponter’s Ball to the east of Glastonbury, a large linear feature  The Lake Villages at Meare  The former Deer Park at Westbury sub Mendip  A wooded escarpment to the east of  The boundary of Ivythorn Hill should be extended along the hillside to include Walton Hill

Purpose of this paper

1.10 The main purpose of this paper is to investigate whether the special landscape features identified in the Mendip District Local Plan 2002 will continue to require special protection through a specific policy within the Core Strategy. The paper also intends to bring together various strands of information on the special landscape features in order for it to be evident why they deserve local designation. The same information will be collated for those potential special landscape features that were proposed through the consultation process for the Local Plan.

2012 Update

1.11 The first version of the Assessment of Special Landscape Features was published alongside the draft Core Strategy in February 2011. Comments were welcomed on the assessment and a number were received. The details of these can be found in the Consultation Report which accompanies the publication of the pre-submission Local Plan Part I.

1.12 One comment was concerned with the classification of Barrow Hill which was excluded from the list of Special Landscape Features as a result of the assessment in 2011. The respondent included a number of reasons why Barrow Hill should remain as a Special Landscape Feature whilst acknowledging the fact that development in this area was unlikely. This new evidence has been investigated and the pro-forma for Barrow Hill updated accordingly. Some further work has also been carried out in relation to Alford Park, the other feature that was not taken forward in the previous assessment. Again this is reflected on the updated pro-forma for this feature. The end result is that both features – Barrow Hill and Alford Park have been re-included in the list of Special Landscape Features which will continue to be protected through policy within the Local Plan Part I.

Assessment of Special Landscape Features 4

2 Relevant Policy

National Planning Policy Framework

2.1 At the time of the publication of the first version of this assessment, in February 2011, national planning policy was set out in a number of planning policy statements and planning policy guidance. Since then these policy documents have been replaced by the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). The relevant sections of the NPPF in relation to this assessment are detailed below.

Paragraph 109: 2.2 “The planning system should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment by protecting and enhancing valued landscapes…”

2.3 Paragraph 113: “Local planning authorities should set criteria based policies against which proposals for any development on or affecting protected wildlife or geodiversity sites or landscape areas will be judged. Distinctions should be made between the hierarchy of international, national and locally designated sites, so that protection is commensurate with their status and gives appropriate weight to their importance and the contribution that they make to wider ecological networks.”

2.4 Paragraph 126: “Local authorities should take into account…  The wider social, cultural, economic and environmental benefits that conservation of the historic environment can bring  Opportunities to draw on the contribution made by the historic environment to the character of a place

3 Methodology

3.1 It is important to understand the role local landscape designations can play and why it is they are valued. There is a connection between landscape and wellbeing and therefore safeguarding or enhancing areas with landscape value can help to achieve wider objectives linked to health, rural development and education as well as more direct objectives such as conserving biodiversity, improving recreation offer and protecting the historic environment.

3.2 What is the role of a local landscape designation such as a special landscape feature? The Scottish Natural Heritage Guidance on Local Landscape Designations1 suggests:

 to safeguard landscape features which are particularly valued and may have limited capacity for change  to promote understanding and awareness of the distinctive character and special qualities of the landscapes of a local authority area  to promote some of the most important outdoor settings for recreation and within a local authority area

1 Scottish Natural Heritage Guidance on Local Landscape Designations http://www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/publications/heritagemanagement/GuidanceonLocalLandscapeDesignations.pdf

Assessment of Special Landscape Features 5  to contribute to wider policies for guiding urban expansion, by specifically identifying and safeguarding areas of landscape importance within or close to existing settlements.

3.3 What makes a landscape feature ‘special’ and stand out amongst others can be subjective. It is therefore important to have a robust methodology for designating landscape features in such a way.

3.4 Stage 1: Define the type of feature that may qualify as a special landscape feature. Landscapes are made up of a number of differing types of feature, all with their unique characteristics. Each of the current and proposed special landscape features will be categorised depending on what ‘type’ of feature they are. Some features may well fall into more than one category. The main types of landscape features can be categorised as follows: 1. Landform: a physical feature. Landforms are categorised by characteristic physical attributes such as elevation, slope, orientation, stratification, rock exposure and soil type. Landform can also include elements such as mounds, hills, ridges, cliffs and valleys.2 2. Water forms: rivers, streams, canals, lakes, ponds and their associated valleys 3. Woodland: particularly ancient woodland, ancient hedgerows, hedge banks and green lanes 4. Trees: avenues, clumps or belts of trees 5. Ancient earthworks: castles, forts, ditches, barrows etc 6. Designed landscapes: of historic or cultural interest 7. Rare and interesting landscape types: hay meadows, water meadows, heathland, bogs and marshes 8. Natural geological features: gorges, caves, swallow, holes, rock formations

3.5 Stage 2: This stage goes on to examine the quality of the landscape features. This stage will look at those factors that make the features special and worthy of local protection. The factors that each of the landscape features are to be assessed against are: 1. Scenic beauty: does the feature have strong visual appeal? Is it a pleasing place to be in, at, on? Does it have aesthetic appeal when viewed from a distance? 2. Rarity or interest: is the feature rare or unique within the district? 3. Wildlife or ecological value: is the feature part of or does it contain protected wildlife habitats or species? If so at what level is this designation – international, national, local? 4. Archaeological value: does the feature have any archaeological value and what evidence is there of this? 5. Historical, literary, cultural or educational value: does the feature have any important historical or cultural associations? 6. Does the feature contribute to the settings of special buildings, building groups, ancient monuments or cherished views? 7. Viewpoints, vistas or landmarks: does the feature provide an important viewpoint or is it considered to be a locally important landmark? 8. Amenity: is the feature a well used place for recreation e.g. walking or known for its tranquillity? 9. Sense of place: does the feature contribute to local identity or a particular landscape character?

3.6 Each of the features will be assessed against these criteria using a matrix. A tick will indicate that the feature is considered to meet the criteria and this will be accompanied with an explanation and any evidence that supports this.

3.7 Stage 3:

2 Wikipedia – definition of landform http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landform

Assessment of Special Landscape Features 6 This stage is the actual designation of the landscape feature. A pro forma will be produced for each feature and will include the following information:  Boundary – a boundary needs to be established for the feature with reference to what is an appropriate area, identifiable boundary features, land management units  Area of the feature in hectares  Key attributes  Threats to character, integrity and quality  Guidelines for future management

3.8 Data Collection

A desk based study was carried out on each of the existing and potential landscape features in order to obtain a range of information. The data collected for each was:  Areas of ancient woodland (data obtained from GIS layers)  International wildlife designations: Ramsar sites; Special Areas of Conservation; Special Protection Areas (data obtained from GIS layers)  National wildlife designations: Sites of Special Scientific Interest (Natural data)  Local wildlife designations: Local Wildlife Sites (data obtained from GIS layers)  Scheduled Ancient Monuments – data from Historical Records  Areas of high archaeological potential  Sites of archaeological importance  Conservation Area - (data obtained from GIS layers)  Listed Buildings – Grade I, Grade II* and Grade II listed buildings from Listed Buildings records  Historic parks and gardens  Any historical evidence pertaining to the feature  Presence of public footpaths, bridleways, cycle paths  Whether the feature is owned or managed by an organisation such as English Heritage or the National Trust

3.9 Each of the sites was visited in order to gain an understanding of the scenic beauty and the sense of place of each of the features. It was also important to see the features from a distance and to look at the surrounding landscape from the features to ascertain whether they act as a landmark in the surrounding countryside.

Assessment of Special Landscape Features 7 4 Feature categorisation and assessment of quality

4.1 The following table outlines the information for stages one and two of the methodology. Each Special Landscape Feature is categorised by what type of feature it is. Many of these have more than one designation e.g. landform as well as woodland etc. Following this is a matrix. The first column lists the quality criteria that each feature is assessed against. The second column shows a tick where the feature meets the criteria and the third column gives information on the evidence of how the feature meets the criteria.

Table 2: Special Landscape Feature criteria matrix

Name of SLF: Alford Park ( Park) Type of feature:  Woodland  Designed landscape Quality criteria Meets quality criteria Evidence of how SLF meets criteria Scenic beauty

Rarity or interest Site includes traditional orchards which are typical of the  area Acknowledged wildlife or  Local Wildlife Site – Home Covert: predominantly ecological value broadleaved woodland with areas of plantation   Local Wildlife Site – Green Farm Meadow: unimproved, species rich neutral calcareous meadow and unimproved species poor orchard Archaeological value

Historical, literary, cultural or educational value Features contributing to the settings of special buildings, building groups, ancient monuments or cherished views Viewpoints, vistas or landmarks

Places noted for their local amenity, popular walks, contribution to countryside recreation, or tranquillity Features which Site includes traditional orchards which are feature of this contribute to local sense area. of place, identity, or  particular landscape character

Name of SLF: Asham Woods, Chantry Type of feature:  Woodland, particularly ancient woodland Quality criteria I Meets quality criteria I Evidence of how SLF meets criteria

Assessment of Special Landscape Features 8 Scenic beauty  Asham woods is a prominent woodland block is distinctive in the landscape, particularly when viewed from the north and east Rarity or interest It is the largest and most diverse of the ancient semi-  natural woodlands in the Mendip Hills. It has a range of unusual flora and fauna Acknowledged wildlife or   Mendip Woodlands Special Area of Conservation ecological value  SSSI

Archaeological value  Part of a the feature contains part of a Site of Archaeological Importance – Park (medieval) Historical, literary, cultural or educational value Features contributing to the settings of special buildings, building groups, ancient monuments or cherished views Viewpoints, vistas or  The wood can be seen from a distance from a number of landmarks directions. Very prominent feature within the landscape

Places noted for their The feature is served by a public footpath and the Mendip local amenity, popular Way long distance trail passes through a small part of the  walks, contribution to feature countryside recreation, or tranquillity Features which Asham Wood forms a prominent feature in the landscape contribute to local sense  and links the valley woodlands on either side of place, identity, or particular landscape character

Name of SLF: Barren Down, Shepton Mallet Type of feature:  Landform  Avenues, clumps or belts of trees Quality criteria Meets quality criteria Evidence of how SLF meets criteria Scenic beauty  A hillside which forms a backdrop to views of Shepton Mallet Rarity or interest  Barren Down has historical associations

Acknowledged wildlife or   SSSI – Viaduct Quarry ecological value Archaeological value   Area of archaeological interest, Barren Down Historical, literary,   Part of the SLF is within the Shepton Mallet cultural or educational Conservation Area value Features contributing to the settings of special buildings, building groups, ancient monuments or cherished

Assessment of Special Landscape Features 9 views Viewpoints, vistas or  Prominent feature that can be seen from the town. Also landmarks very good views of the town from Barren Down

Places noted for their  A popular dog walking location, well served by public local amenity, popular footpaths walks, contribution to countryside recreation, or tranquillity Features which  Indicative of the Sheppey Valley landscape character area contribute to local sense of place, identity, or particular landscape character

Name of SLF: Barrow Hill, Panborough Type of feature:  Landform  Landscapes of historic or cultural interest Quality criteria Meets quality criteria Evidence of how SLF meets criteria Scenic beauty

Rarity or interest

Acknowledged wildlife or ecological value

Archaeological value   Area of archaeological interest – Barrow Hill,  Area of high archaeological potential – Panborough Gap  The Somerset Historic Environmental Record details it as the site of Panborough Vineyard Historical, literary,   Lies next to the ‘Bleadney Gap’ through which the old cultural or educational flowed and this island was a stopping place value on the river for travellers in medieval times  A chapel, thought to be dedicated to St Padan, a local saint was located on Barrow Hill Features contributing to the settings of special buildings, building groups, ancient monuments or cherished views Viewpoints, vistas or landmarks

Places noted for their local amenity, popular walks, contribution to countryside recreation, or tranquillity Features which  Barrow Hill is one of a number of knolls that lie on the contribute to local sense levels and moors and contributes to the local sense of of place, identity, or place and landscape character particular landscape character

Assessment of Special Landscape Features 10

Name of SLF: Beacon Hill, Type of feature:  Landform  Woodland, particularly ancient  Ancient earthworks, castles, forts, ditches, barrows  Artefacts of historic or cultural interest in a landscape setting Quality criteria Meets quality criteria Evidence of how SLF meets criteria Scenic beauty  Prominent wooded hill which forms the skyline from vantage points to the north and south Rarity or interest  The site has historical associations

Acknowledged wildlife or   Local Wildlife Site – Lapwing Farm Field: three south ecological value facing, neutral to gently acid pasture/hay meadows, around an old field barn. Areas of dense scrub and marshland  Local Wildlife Site – Three Ashes Lane and Fields: complex site comprising green lane, marshy and unimproved neutral grassland and small areas of acid flush  Important geological site – Beacon Hill Wood: sequence of conglomerates and sandstones (fining upwards) belonging to the Portishead Beds, Old Red Standstone

Archaeological value   Ancient Monument – circular earthworks and barrows on Beacon Hill  Site of archaeological importance – Lapwing Farm  Site of archaeological importance – abandoned turnpike, former Bath road  Site of archaeological importance – the , Roman road  Site of archaeological importance – plantation bank, Beacon Hill  Area of archaeological interest – Beacon Hill, Stoke St Michael  Area of high archaeological potential - Beacon Hill, Stoke St Michael Historical, literary,  Beacon Hill is the highest point on eastern Mendip on cultural or educational which six iron-age burial mounds were discovered in value 1953. This group of tumuli are the largest known group of ancient burial mounds in Somerset Features contributing to the settings of special buildings, building groups, ancient monuments or cherished views Viewpoints, vistas or  Prominent wooded hill which forms the skyline from landmarks vantage points to the north and south

Places noted for their  The site is owned by the Woodland Trust and is a popular local amenity, popular walking destination being well served by public footpaths walks, contribution to countryside recreation,

Assessment of Special Landscape Features 11 or tranquillity Features which  Indicative of the local landscape character area contribute to local sense of place, identity, or particular landscape character

Name of SLF: Ben Knowle Hill, Wookey Type of feature:  Landform  Woodland, particularly ancient woodland  Avenues, clumps or belts of trees  Artefacts of historic or cultural interest Quality criteria Meets quality criteria Evidence of how SLF meets criteria Scenic beauty  A prominent hill rising from the Levels

Rarity or interest  The site contains some ancient woodland and is an important geological site Acknowledged wildlife or   SSSI – Ben Knowle Hill ecological value  Local Wildlife Site – River Axe: site with legally protected species  Local Wildlife Site – Ben Knowle Wood: ancient semi- natural broadleaved woodland  Local Wildlife Site – Ben Knowle Hill: species-rich calcareous grassland, scrub and broadleaved woodland

Archaeological value   Site of archaeological importance – medieval field system  Site of archaeological importance – mound at Hill Farm

Historical, literary,  The site shows historic field patterns cultural or educational value Features contributing to the settings of special buildings, building groups, ancient monuments or cherished views Viewpoints, vistas or  The hill is very prominent and can be viewed from all landmarks directions

Places noted for their local amenity, popular walks, contribution to countryside recreation, or tranquillity Features which  This area rises as a distinct ridge above the Moors contribute to local sense landscape, in contrast to the much smaller rounded of place, identity, or hillocks. Lanes extend past small, narrow, rectangular particular landscape hedged fields down to the moors character

Assessment of Special Landscape Features 12 Name of SLF: Blackers Hill Type of feature:  Landform  Ancient earthworks, castles, forts, ditches, barrows  Artefacts of historic or cultural interest in a landscape setting Quality criteria Meets quality criteria Evidence of how SLF meets criteria Scenic beauty

Rarity or interest  Prehistoric hillfort and valley complex

Acknowledged wildlife or   Local Wildlife Site - Crocks Bottom: species rich, ecological value ancient broadleaved woodland, calcareous grassland and marshy grassland in stream valley  Local Wildlife Site – Penny Mill Farm: semi-improved pasture Archaeological value   Ancient Monument – Small multivallate promontory fort on hill Historical, literary,  Blackers Hill marks the north-west end of a dense cultural or educational neolithic strip of settlement which runs to Maesbury hill value fort to the north of Shepton Mallet Features contributing to  The site provides the setting for the ancient monument of the settings of special a fort that sits on the hill buildings, building groups, ancient monuments or cherished views Viewpoints, vistas or landmarks

Places noted for their local amenity, popular walks, contribution to countryside recreation, or tranquillity Features which contribute to local sense of place, identity, or particular landscape character

Name of SLF: Butleigh Park/Cedar Avenue Type of feature:  Landform  Woodland  Avenues, clumps or belts of trees Quality criteria Meets quality criteria Evidence of how SLF meets criteria Scenic beauty  Historic parkland with a prominent avenue of cedar trees that extends from Butleigh Wood, past Butleigh Park to the edge of the moors Rarity or interest  The prominent avenue of cedar trees is a surprising feature of the landscape character area Acknowledged wildlife or  Local Wildlife Site – Moor Meads: an old parkland with ecological value areas of unimproved and semi-improved neutral grassland

Assessment of Special Landscape Features 13 Archaeological value  Site of Archaeological Importance – an historic garden

Historical, literary,  The majority of the features lies within the Butleigh cultural or educational Conservation Area value Features contributing to the settings of special buildings, building groups, ancient monuments or cherished views Viewpoints, vistas or landmarks

Places noted for their  The feature includes the cricket ground local amenity, popular walks, contribution to countryside recreation, or tranquillity Features which  The parkland and cedar avenue contribute to a sense of contribute to local sense place of place, identity, or particular landscape character

Name of SLF: Dulcote Hill Type of feature:  Landform  Woodland Quality criteria Meets quality criteria Evidence of how SLF meets criteria Scenic beauty  Prominent well wooded hillside, particularly when viewed from Wells Rarity or interest  Area of ancient woodland

Acknowledged wildlife or   Local Wildlife Site – Dulcote Hill Woodland: ancient ecological value semi-natural broadleaved woodland and unimproved calcareous grassland

Archaeological value

Historical, literary, cultural or educational value Features contributing to the settings of special buildings, building groups, ancient monuments or cherished views Viewpoints, vistas or  Prominent feature in the landscape, especially from the landmarks south where the bare rock is exposed

Places noted for their local amenity, popular

Assessment of Special Landscape Features 14 walks, contribution to countryside recreation, or tranquillity Features which  Contributes to the identity of the local area – exposed rock contribute to local sense a reminder of the quarrying past of the locality of place, identity, or particular landscape character

Name of SLF: Emborough Grove Type of feature:  Rivers, streams, lakes and ponds  Woodland, particularly ancient woodland Quality criteria Meets quality criteria Evidence of how SLF meets criteria Scenic beauty  Enclosed wooded valley and lake

Rarity or interest   Regionally significant geological site – Emborough Dam: sequence of alternating mudstones and sandstones belonging to the Upper Carboniferous Lower Coal Series  Area of ancient woodland Acknowledged wildlife or  Local Wildlife Site – Emborough Grove: broadleaved ecological value ancient woodland and open water in stream valley

Archaeological value   Site of archaeological importance – old workings Emborough Grove  Site of archaeological importance – Emborough Pond (Lechmere)

Historical, literary, cultural or educational value Features contributing to the settings of special buildings, building groups, ancient monuments or cherished views Viewpoints, vistas or landmarks

Places noted for their  Site is easily accessed and public footpaths run through local amenity, popular the wooded areas. The lake is also enjoyed by visitors walks, contribution to countryside recreation, or tranquillity Features which contribute to local sense of place, identity, or particular landscape character

Name of SLF: Farleigh Castle, Farleigh Hungerford

Assessment of Special Landscape Features 15 Type of feature:  Landform  Ancient earthworks, castles, forts, ditches, barrows  Artefacts of historic or cultural interest in a landscape setting Quality criteria Meets quality criteria Evidence of how SLF meets criteria Scenic beauty  Historic castle

th Rarity or interest  Remains of 14 Century castle

Acknowledged wildlife or  Local Wildlife Site – Farleigh Field: an unimproved ecological value calcareous grassland with broadleaved woodland and disused quarry Archaeological value  Ancient Monument – Farleigh Hungerford Castle Historical, literary,   Chapel of St Leonard - Grade I listed building cultural or educational value Features contributing to  The chapel contains rare medieval wall paintings and the settings of special family tombs. The crypt has the best collection of human buildings, building shaped lead coffins in Britain groups, ancient monuments or cherished views Viewpoints, vistas or landmarks

Places noted for their  Owned by English Heritage the castle is a popular place local amenity, popular to visit walks, contribution to countryside recreation, or tranquillity Features which  The castle and its setting overlooking the river Frome contribute to local sense valley gives a sense of place and Is an important feature of place, identity, or within the landscape particular landscape character

Name of SLF: Fenny Castle Hill Type of feature:  Landform  Ancient earthworks, castles, forts, ditches, barrows etc  Artefacts of historical or cultural interest in a landscape setting Quality criteria Meets quality criteria Evidence of how SLF meets criteria Scenic beauty  Prominent hill fort rising from the levels

Rarity or interest  One of a number of hills that occur on the levels this is also the site of a motte and bailey castle Acknowledged wildlife or ecological value

Archaeological value   Ancient Monument – Fenny Castle: a motte and bailey castle  Area of archaeological interest

Historical, literary,  Fenny Castle is a motte and bailey castle set on a small

Assessment of Special Landscape Features 16 cultural or educational natural hill. In C19 it is recorded that the remains of 20 value skeletons, possibly of a period predating the construction of the castle, were removed Features contributing to the settings of special buildings, building groups, ancient monuments or cherished views Viewpoints, vistas or landmarks

Places noted for their local amenity, popular walks, contribution to countryside recreation, or tranquillity Features which  The feature contributes to the character and historical contribute to local sense fabric of the surrounding area of place, identity, or particular landscape character

Name of SLF: Glastonbury Tor Type of feature:  Landform  Ancient earthworks, castle, forts, ditches, barrows etc  Artefacts of historic or cultural interest in a landscape setting  Landscapes of historic or cultural interest Quality criteria Meets quality criteria Evidence of how SLF meets criteria Scenic beauty A nationally recognised hill that due to its position in the low-lying peat moors, is visible from a very wide area Rarity or interest  Glastonbury Tor has many historical and cultural associations and is a very important local landmark Acknowledged wildlife or   Local Wildlife Site – Holywell Fields: site of semi- ecological value improved and unimproved neutral grassland, with marshy grassland, scrub and orchards  Local Wildlife Site – Glastonbury Tor and the Lynches: unimproved and semi-improved calcareous to neutral grassland  Local Wildlife Site – Higher Wick Farm  Local Wildlife Site – Whellers Field: unimproved neutral to acid grassland Archaeological value   St Michael’s Church – Scheduled Ancient Monument, monastic remains and other settlement remains on Glastonbury Tor  Area of high archaeological importance  Area of high archaeological potential  Somerset Historic Environmental Record: a natural hill to the east of Glastonbury, crowned by the ruined tower of St Michael’s Church and excavation has shown the presence of occupation on the summit from the prehistoric period onwards Historical, literary,  The Glastonbury Conservation Area includes the Tor. cultural or educational

Assessment of Special Landscape Features 17 value Glastonbury Tor has been the centre of many myths and legends. King Arthur is said to have been associated with the Tor and it is linked to the name Avalon. Features contributing to  The Tor provides an important setting for St Michael’s the settings of special Church that sits atop. buildings, building groups, ancient monuments or cherished views Viewpoints, vistas or  Glastonbury Tor is an important viewpoint and landmark, landmarks with views from the Tor and of the Tor for miles around. It is such a famous landmark that it is recognised internationally. Places noted for their  Many different users visit the Tor including for recreational local amenity, popular purposes. The site is owned by the National Trust walks, contribution to countryside recreation, or tranquillity Features which  The Tor has become synonymous with the town of contribute to local sense Glastonbury and significantly contributes to the local of place, identity, or sense of place and identity particular landscape character

Name of SLF: Harters Hill, Coxley Type of feature:  Landform  Artefacts of historical or cultural interest Quality criteria Meets quality criteria Evidence of how SLF meets criteria Scenic beauty

Rarity or interest

Acknowledged wildlife or ecological value

Archaeological value   Site of archaeological importance – field system Harters Hill

Historical, literary, cultural or educational value Features contributing to the settings of special buildings, building groups, ancient monuments or cherished views Viewpoints, vistas or landmarks

Places noted for their local amenity, popular walks, contribution to countryside recreation,

Assessment of Special Landscape Features 18 or tranquillity Features which  Knoll rising from the levels contribute to local sense of place, identity, or particular landscape character

Name of SLF: Holcombe Pools and church area Type of feature:  Rivers, streams, lakes and ponds  Woodland Quality criteria Meets quality criteria Evidence of how SLF meets criteria Scenic beauty  Steep sided wooded valley with lake

Rarity or interest  Ancient woodland

Acknowledged wildlife or   Local Wildlife Site – Loocombe Woods: predominantly ecological value ancient broadleaved semi-natural woodland surrounding ponds and along banks of north flowing stream  Local Wildlife Site – Shoots Wood: semi-natural, coppice with standards, ancient woodland with rich ground flora  Local Wildlife Site - Holcombe Church Field: unimproved grassland with scrub  Local Wildlife Site – Holcombe Wood: irregularly shaped ancient broadleaved woodland with stream and lake

Archaeological value   Site of archaeological importance – fishponds Loocombe wood  Site of archaeological importance – shifted village  Site of archaeological importance – Holcombe old churchyard  Area of archaeological interest – St Andrew’s Church and surrounding area

Historical, literary,  St Andrews Old Church mentioned in the Doomsday cultural or educational Book. The great plague killed almost the entire village of value Holcombe in 1348 and the old medieval village was buried in an attempt to stop the plague. The church, which is now in the middle of nowhere, is the only surviving building. Features contributing to  The woodland provides a picturesque setting to the old the settings of special church and churchyard buildings, building groups, ancient monuments or cherished views Viewpoints, vistas or landmarks

Places noted for their  A popular place for walking, the site is served by a local amenity, popular number of footpaths walks, contribution to

Assessment of Special Landscape Features 19 countryside recreation, or tranquillity Features which  The woodland, pool and church combine to create a real contribute to local sense sense of place of place, identity, or particular landscape character

Name of SLF: Ivythorne Hill, south of Street Type of feature:  Landform  Woodland, particularly ancient woodland Quality criteria Meets quality criteria Evidence of how SLF meets criteria Scenic beauty  A dramatic hillside that stands prominent from the levels to the north and south Rarity or interest  Areas of ancient woodland

Acknowledged wildlife or  Walton & Ivythorn Hill SSSI ecological value 

Archaeological value

Historical, literary, cultural or educational value Features contributing to  Forms a scenic backdrop to the village of Street from the the settings of special north and is important to its rural setting buildings, building groups, ancient monuments or cherished views Viewpoints, vistas or  Viewpoint with extensive views over the levels and village landmarks of Street

Places noted for their  Owned by the National Trust and a popular place for dog local amenity, popular walking walks, contribution to countryside recreation, or tranquillity Features which  Contributes to the sense of place and identity of the contribute to local sense village of Street of place, identity, or particular landscape character

Name of SLF: King Castle/Tor Woods/Lyatt Type of feature:  Landform  Woodland, particularly ancient woodland  Ancient earthworks, forts, ditches, barrows etc  Artefacts of historic or cultural interest in a landscape setting Quality criteria Meets quality criteria Evidence of how SLF meets criteria Scenic beauty  Dramatic wooded hills and valleys

Assessment of Special Landscape Features 20

Rarity or interest  Complex of historic earthworks

Acknowledged wildlife or   Local Wildlife Site – Dinder Wood: broad-leaved ecological value ancient woodland with area of mixed plantation  Local Wildlife Site – The Lyatt: unimproved calcareous grassland  Local Wildlife Site – Kings Castle Wood Reserve: ancient semi-natural broadleaved woodland  Local Wildlife Site – Strawberry Wood: ancient semi- natural broadleaved woodland  Local Wildlife Site – Tor Hill Wood: ancient, predominantly broadleaved, semi-natural woodland

Archaeological value   Ancient Monument – King’s Castle Enclosures: Iron Age defended settlement  Site of archaeological importance – field system, lyatt and Furzy Sleight, Dinder  Area of archaeological interest – land adjacent to Dinder Wood Historical, literary,  Historic earthworks including iron age settlement cultural or educational value Features contributing to  The woodland at Tor Hill, Kings Castle and Park Wood the settings of special are visually very significant features in the setting of the buildings, building city of Wells. Tor Hill Woods forms a dramatic backdrop groups, ancient to the park. monuments or cherished views Viewpoints, vistas or landmarks

Places noted for their  Served by public footpaths, regularly used local amenity, popular walks, contribution to countryside recreation, or tranquillity Features which  The woodland contributes to the character of the setting of contribute to local sense Wells of place, identity, or particular landscape character

Name of SLF: Lamyatt Beacon/Creech Hill Type of feature:  Landform  Woodland  Ancient earthworks, castles, forts, ditches, barrows etc  Artefacts of historic or cultural interest in a landscape setting Quality criteria Meets quality criteria Evidence of how SLF meets criteria Scenic beauty  Very prominent range of hills.

Rarity or interest  Historical and archaeological evidence – Roman and iron age Areas of ancient woodland

Assessment of Special Landscape Features 21 Acknowledged wildlife or   Local Wildlife Site – Lamyatt Beacon: semi-natural ecological value broadleaved woodland, part ancient, in three discrete blocks, separated by improved grassland

Archaeological value   Ancient monument – Hillfort at Fox Covert 550m NE of Lamyatt Lodge  Ancient monument – Roman building at Lamyatt Beacon, Creech Hill Site of archaeological importance – field system  Site of archaeological importance – Lynchets, Creech Hill  Site of archaeological importance – shrunken village east of Lamyatt  Site of archaeological importance – flint scatter, Creech Hill

Historical, literary,   Lamyatt Beacon was a key Roman Site and housed a cultural or educational temple value  Creech Hill was the site of an iron-age camp

Features contributing to  The hills and ridge provide a setting for the iron age hillfort the settings of special and Roman building buildings, building groups, ancient monuments or cherished views Viewpoints, vistas or  The hills and ridge are very visible from the surrounding landmarks landscape for quite some distance. Views from the hills/ridge are also far reaching Places noted for their local amenity, popular walks, contribution to countryside recreation, or tranquillity Features which  The site definitely has a prominent and imposing presence contribute to local sense that is important to the local sense of place and landscape of place, identity, or character particular landscape character

Name of SLF: and associated medieval areas Type of feature:  Rivers, streams, canals, lakes and ponds  Ancient earthworks, castles, forts, ditches, barrows etc  Artefacts of historic or cultural interest in a landscape setting Quality criteria Meets quality criteria Evidence of how SLF meets criteria Scenic beauty

Rarity or interest  A rare surviving example of medieval farming systems in a low lying area Acknowledged wildlife or   Local Wildlife Site – River Brue: rich aquatic flora and ecological value legally protected fauna  Local Wildlife Site – Hartlake River: site with legally protected species

Assessment of Special Landscape Features 22 Archaeological value  Very high archaeological value:  Ancient monuments – lake villages north west of Oxenpill  Site of archaeological importance – Meare graveyard  Site of archaeological importance – medieval walled garden, Manor Farm Meare  Site of archaeological importance – Duck Decoy  Area of high archaeological potential – the Meare Pool villages  Area of archaeological interest – covers almost all of the SLF Historical, literary,   Manor Farmhouse and outbuildings Grade I listed cultural or educational buildings value  Church of St Mary is Grade I listed  The Abbots Fish House is Grade I listed Features contributing to  Important to the character and setting of the group of the settings of special listed buildings buildings, building groups, ancient monuments or cherished views Viewpoints, vistas or landmarks

Places noted for their local amenity, popular walks, contribution to countryside recreation, or tranquillity Features which  Meare Pool is a very open landscape of large fields, contribute to local sense without tree cover and is part of the most open and of place, identity, or remote moorland in the district particular landscape character

Name of SLF: Mells Valley – east of Mells village along the Mells river corridor Type of feature:  River valley  Woodland  Artefacts of historic interest Quality criteria Meets quality criteria Evidence of how SLF meets criteria Scenic beauty  A dramatic wooded river valley

Rarity or interest  Within the district the feature is both rare and interesting

It contains a number of areas of ancient woodland Acknowledged wildlife or   Part of Mells Valley Special Area of Conservation ecological value  Two SSSIs – Old Ironstone Works and ,  Contains Local Wildlife Sites Archaeological value   Wadbury Camp Scheduled Ancient Monument  The Wadbury valley contains much industrial archaeology. Three of the six Fussell’s iron works

Assessment of Special Landscape Features 23 occur here.  Area of high archaeological potential around Great Elm village the south of which is within the boundary of the SLF Historical, literary,   Lots of evidence of the valley’s industrial past – cultural or educational remains of mills, cottages, lime kilns and leats value alongside river Features contributing to the settings of special buildings, building groups, ancient monuments or cherished views Viewpoints, vistas or landmarks

Places noted for their The site is a popular walking destination and is well local amenity, popular  served by public footpaths walks, contribution to countryside recreation, or tranquillity Features which Features combine to create a strong sense of place contribute to local sense  underlined by evidence of its industrial past of place, identity, or particular landscape character

Name of SLF: Palace Fields & Park Wood, Wells Type of feature:  Woodland  Designed landscapes of historic or cultural interest Quality criteria Meets quality criteria Evidence of how SLF meets criteria Scenic beauty  Historic Parkland

Rarity or interest

Acknowledged wildlife or   Local Wildlife Site – Park Wood East: ancient semi- ecological value natural broadleaved woodland  Geological site – Wells Road Exposure: roadside exposure of Triassic mudstones (veined with calcite) belonging to the Mudstone Group

Archaeological value

Historical, literary,   Historic Gardens – Bishops Palace Wells: Grade II* cultural or educational value Features contributing to  Forms the setting to the Bishops Palace and southern part the settings of special of Wells buildings, building groups, ancient monuments or cherished views

Assessment of Special Landscape Features 24 Viewpoints, vistas or  Extensive south-easterly views across the park towards landmarks Glastonbury Tor, while to the north the cathedral provides a series of designed picturesque views from the Palace pleasure grounds. Places noted for their  Footpaths radiate out from Wells and there is a high level local amenity, popular of public use walks, contribution to countryside recreation, or tranquillity Features which  Fields are generally very large and hedges are low, so contribute to local sense that the two Park Woods stand out all the more and the of place, identity, or undulating landform of the Lower Sheppey Valley particular landscape character area is emphasised. character

Name of SLF: Spargrove Manor Type of feature:  Woodland  Avenues, clumps or belts of trees  Artefacts of historic or cultural interest in a landscape setting Quality criteria Meets quality criteria Evidence of how SLF meets criteria Scenic beauty  Picturesque gently rolling farmland with some evidence of parkland Rarity or interest  Complete complex of medieval farms and mills, with remains visible in the landscape Acknowledged wildlife or   Local Wildlife Site – Milton Wood: ancient broadleaved ecological value woodland on north-facing slope

Archaeological value   Ancient monument – Moated Manor House site, Spargrove Farm  Site of archaeological importance – site of Albion Mill Silk Factory  Site of archaeological importance – shrunken village  Site of archaeological importance – Churchyard  Site of archaeological importance – deserted village, Spargrove  Site of archaeological importance – site of church, Spargrove  Area of archaeological interest – land between Milton Clevedon & Spargrove

Historical, literary,  Evidence of medieval farming and silk mills cultural or educational value Features contributing to the settings of special buildings, building groups, ancient monuments or cherished views Viewpoints, vistas or landmarks

Assessment of Special Landscape Features 25 Places noted for their  The site is served by public footpaths local amenity, popular walks, contribution to countryside recreation, or tranquillity Features which  Site very characteristic of landscape area of gently contribute to local sense undulating farmland of place, identity, or particular landscape character

Name of SLF: Underwood, Wells Type of feature:  Landform  Woodland  Natural geological features – gorges, caves, swallow holes, rock formations Quality criteria Meets quality criteria Evidence of how SLF meets criteria Scenic beauty  The edge of the Mendip Hills AONB, forms the backdrop to Wells Rarity or interest

Acknowledged wildlife or   Local Wildlife Site – Road: species rich ecological value lane verge  Local Wildlife Site – Underwood complex: broadleaved semi-natural ancient woodland and unimproved calcareous grassland Archaeological value

Historical, literary, cultural or educational value Features contributing to  Forms a scenic backdrop to the city of Wells from the the settings of special north and is important to its setting buildings, building groups, ancient monuments or cherished views Viewpoints, vistas or  A prominent feature in the landscape with good views of landmarks Wells and the surrounding landscape from the feature

Places noted for their  The site is very dramatic and abuts the Mendip Hills Area local amenity, popular of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is served by public walks, contribution to footpaths and provides accessible amenity to the north countryside recreation, west of Wells or tranquillity Features which  The features of the site, particularly the geological contribute to local sense features, are indicative of the local landscape character of place, identity, or and really give a local sense of place and identity particular landscape character

Name of SLF: Wearyall Hill, Glastonbury Type of feature:

Assessment of Special Landscape Features 26  Landform  Avenues, clumps or belts of trees  Artefacts of historic or cultural interest in a landscape setting Quality criteria Meets quality criteria Evidence of how SLF meets criteria Scenic beauty  Dramatic long, narrow, prominent hillside.

Rarity or interest  Well known for its historical connotations

Acknowledged wildlife or  Wearyall Hill is a regionally important geological site ecological value

Archaeological value   Site of archaeological importance – a Saxon canal  Site of archaeological importance – Roman pottery scatter on Wearyall Hill  Area of High archaeological potential on the west of the southern slope Historical, literary,  An important site as it is thought Joseph of Arimathea cultural or educational visited Glastonbury and planted a thorn tree on Wearyall value Hill. Today a direct descendant of the original thorn tree exists. Features contributing to  The site is important to the setting of Glastonbury the settings of special buildings, building groups, ancient monuments or cherished views Viewpoints, vistas or  A very prominent hillside that can be seen for miles from landmarks the low lying moors. Also offers views over the town and the surrounding landscape Places noted for their  A popular walking destination the feature is well served by local amenity, popular public footpaths. Much of the feature is also used for walks, contribution to grazing of animals. countryside recreation, or tranquillity Features which  This feature, and Glastonbury Tor contribute to the local contribute to local sense sense of place and identity of place, identity, or particular landscape character

Name of SLF: Worminster Down/Launcherley Hill Type of feature:  Landform  Woodland, particularly ancient  Avenues, clumps or belts of trees  Ancient earthworks, castles, forts, ditches, barrows etc  Artefacts of historic or cultural interest in a landscape setting  Natural geological features – gorges, caves, swallow holes, rock formations Quality criteria Meets quality criteria Evidence of how SLF meets criteria Scenic beauty  Prominent range of hills

Rarity or interest  Areas of ancient woodland and interesting geological features Acknowledged wildlife or   SSSI – Twinhills Woods and Meadows

Assessment of Special Landscape Features 27 ecological value  SSSI – Friars Oven  Local Wildlife Site – Twinhills Fields: unimproved neutral grassland  Local Wildlife Site – Smallford Wood: ancient woodland with rare plant species  Local Wildlife Site – Launcherley Wood & Pasture: a complex site comprising areas of ancient broadleaved woodland unimproved calcareous grassland and scrub  Local Wildlife Site – Combe Lane Fields: unimproved calcareous grassland  Local Wildlife Site – Worminster Down: herb-rich unimproved grassland, scrub and ancient broadleaved woodland  Local Wildlife Site – Worminster Down fields: unimproved calcareous grassland  Local Wildlife Site – The Roundabout: unimproved grassland on hill slopes with areas of broadleaved woodland  Local Wildlife Site – Knowle Hill Field: unimproved calcareous grassland  Local Wildlife Site – Knowle Wood: ancient semi- natural broadleaved woodland, unimproved calcareous grassland and scrub Archaeological value   Site of archaeological importance – hillfort cropmark

Historical, literary, cultural or educational value Features contributing to the settings of special buildings, building groups, ancient monuments or cherished views Viewpoints, vistas or  Great views of the surrounding landscape. Glastonbury landmarks Tor is a prominent feature on the skyline

Places noted for their  A very popular area for walkers, well served by public local amenity, popular footpaths walks, contribution to countryside recreation, or tranquillity Features which  As such a large feature it contributes heavily to the local contribute to local sense sense of place and the character of the landscape in that of place, identity, or area. particular landscape character

Assessment of Special Landscape Features 28 Table 3: Overall Matrix showing criteria met by Special Landscape Features SLF Scenic Rarity/ Wildlife/ Archaeological Historical/ Features Viewpoints/ Amenity Sense of Beauty Interest Ecological Value Cultural contributing Vistas/ value place/identity/ Value value to setting Landmarks local character Alford Park    Asham Woods       Barren Down         Barrow Hill   Beacon Hill         Ben Knowle Hill        Blackers Hill      Butleigh Park/Cedar        Avenue Dulcote Hill      Emborough Grove      Farleigh Castle         Fenny Hill Castle      Glastonbury Tor          Harters Hill   Holcombe Pools        Ivythorne Hill        King Castle/Tor Woods         Lamyatt Beacon,         Creech Hill Meare Pool       Mells Valley        Palace Fields & Park        Woods Spargrove Manor        Underwood, Wells        Wearyall Hill          Worminster Down       

Assessment of Special Landscape Features 29

4.2 The purpose of the Local Plan Policy EN7 was to protect Special Landscape Features from development where it would have an adverse impact on the scenic value or integrity of the Special Landscape Features. In order to ascertain whether the three features listed above should continue to receive protection through designation as a special Landscape Feature the potential of threat from development should be examined. For thoroughness this exercise has been carried out for all of the Special Landscape Features to determine any that are potentially threatened by new development.

Table 4: Potential threat from new development to Special Landscape Features Name of SLF Potential threat Details from new development? Mells Valley  Mells is identified as a primary village Core Policy 1 of the draft Local Plan Part I. It will be therefore accommodating some new development in the plan period although this is likely to be less than other primary villages due to its environmental and topographical constraints. However the boundary of the Mells Valley SLF is adjacent to the village development boundary. Asham Woods, Chantry  The nearest village named within the draft Local Plan to accommodate new development is Leigh on Mendip but this is over 1km from the boundary of the feature. Farleigh Castle, Farleigh  The nearest village named within the draft Local Plan to Hungerford accommodate new development is but this is over 2.5km from the boundary of the feature. Barren Down, Shepton Mallet  This feature sits adjacent to the development boundary of Shepton Mallet. Shepton Mallet will be accommodating 1300 homes over the plan period. As brownfield land will prioritised for new development there is the possibility of a negative impact upon the feature. Beacon Hill, Shepton Mallet  The villages of and Stoke St Michael sit less than 0.5km and 1km respectively from the boundary of the feature. These villages will both be accommodating some future development. Depending on the location of this new development there could be an impact on the SLF. Spargrove Manor  The feature lies over 1.5km from the village of . Although the village is earmarked from future development through the Local Plan it is not anticipated that this would result in a threat to the feature Holcombe Pools and church  The nearest village to this feature is Holcombe which lies area less than 0.5km away. Holcombe is identified as a secondary village in the draft Local Plan and therefore it is considered that there may be a potential threat from new development Worminster Down/Launcherley  The village of North Wootton is adjacent to the boundary Hill of the feature. This village has not been identified as a primary or secondary village in the draft Local Plan and therefore is considered to be open countryside where new development will be heavily restricted. Although the village of lies less than 1km away from the SLF the topography surrounding the village means development there is very unlikely to have impact upon the integrity of the feature. Lamyatt Beacon/Creech Hill  The feature lies adjacent to the development boundary of the village of Lamyatt. However through the draft Local Plan Lamyatt is no longer designated as a village

Assessment of Special Landscape Features 30 that will be accommodating new development but will now be classed as open countryside. As such it is not anticipated that the feature will be negatively affected by new development Blackers Hill, Gurney Slade  Less than 1km from the feature lies the village of one of the primary villages outlined in the draft Local Plan. It is possible that development here could have a negative impact on the feature if not properly considered Emborough Grove  The feature sits in open countryside Kings Castle/Tor Woods/Lyatt,  This feature sits adjacent to the development boundary Wells of Wells. Wells will be accommodating 1450 homes over the plan period. As brownfield land will prioritised for new development there is the possibility of a negative impact upon the feature. Underwood, Wells  This feature sits adjacent to the development boundary of Wells. Wells will be accommodating 1450 homes over the plan period. As brownfield land will prioritised for new development there is the possibility of a negative impact upon the feature. Palace Fields and Park  This feature sits adjacent to the development boundary Woods, Wells of Wells. Wells will be accommodating 1450 homes over the plan period. As brownfield land will prioritised for new development there is the possibility of a negative impact upon the feature. Dulcote Hill  The closest villages to this feature are Dulcote and Dinder. However they are no longer designated as villages that will be accommodating new development but will now be classed as open countryside. Any future development will therefore be heavily restricted.

There could however be a potential threat from the development of as an area of employment. Ben Knowle Hill, Wookey  The boundary of the feature lies directly adjacent to the development boundary of the village of Wookey. Wookey is designated as a secondary village in the draft Local Plan and therefore will be accommodating some new housing development over the plan period. Fenny Castle Hill  This feature sits in open countryside. Barrow Hill, Panborough  This feature sits in open countryside. Glastonbury Tor  The boundary of the SLF is directly adjacent to the development boundary of Glastonbury. Due to the very constrained nature of the town greenfield land is very scarce and there could be future pressure to release some land from the SLF boundary to accommodate development. Wearyall Hill, Glastonbury  The boundary of the SLF is directly adjacent to the development boundary of Glastonbury. Due to the very constrained nature of the town greenfield land is very scarce and there could be future pressure to release some land from the SLF boundary to accommodate development. Alford Park  This feature sits in open countryside. Meare Pool and associated  The boundary of the SLF is directly adjacent to the medieval areas development boundary of the village of Meare. Meare, along with neighbouring , form a primary settlement as part of the Core Policy 1 of the draft Local

Assessment of Special Landscape Features 31 Plan. They will therefore be accommodating some future development. Meare is however constrained by the floodplain that surrounds it. Therefore there could be a future threat to the SLF from development. Butleigh Park/Cedar Avenue  The boundary of the SLF is directly adjacent to the development boundary of the village of Butleigh. Butleigh is a primary settlement as part of the Core Policy 1 of the Local Plan Part I. It will therefore be accommodating some future development that could threaten the integrity of the feature. Ivythorne Hill, Street  The feature lies less than 0.5km to the south of Street. Street will be accommodating up to 1300 new homes through the Local Plan period. A greenfield site will be required and this could have an impact on the integrity of the feature if it is not sufficiently protected. Harters Hill, Coxley  The feature lies less than 0.5km to part of the village of Coxley. Coxley is identified as a secondary village through Core Policy 1 in the draft Local Plan

Potential additional features as suggested through Local Plan process

4.3 Those features suggested through the Local Plan, formerly Core Strategy, Issues & Options consultation were also examined as part of this assessment in order to determine whether they should also become designated as Special Landscape Features. None of the features were considered to warrant designation, the reasoning can be found in Table 5 below.

Table 5: Reasoning behind not designating these suggested features as SLFs Name of feature Reasoning Spring Gardens, Frome Not considered to be a specific feature that would require protection. The Mells River Local Wildlife site provides protection for the river area and there is also an area of archaeological importance. No threat from development as part of the Core Strategy proposals. The southern side of the lake Forms part of the Orchardleigh Estate and this is not under any threat from at Orchardleigh House future development through the Core Strategy and as such is it not considered to warrant designation Marston Bigot Parklands Designated as an Historic Park & Garden, a number of locally important wildlife sites and Ancient Monument designation cover all the necessary important features of this area. The area is not under threat from future development through proposals in the Core Strategy and as such it is not considered necessary to designate this area The medieval strip Not considered to be a feature in the same way that the other designated farm/historic field patterns at Special Landscape Features are. No threat of development from Core Strategy Packsaddle, Frome proposals. Ponter’s Ball to the east of This is a designated Ancient Monument but this is the only part of the feature. Glastonbury, a large linear The designation does give it suitable protection. It is not considered to be a feature feature in the same that the other designated features are. The Lake Villages at Meare These are already covered by the Meare Pools Special Landscape Feature Designation The former Deer Park at Part of the area covered by a local wildlife site, not considered to be a cohesive Westbury sub Mendip feature A wooded escarpment to the Not considered to be a feature in the same way that the other designated east of West Pennard Special Landscape Features are. No threat of development from Core Strategy proposals. The boundary of Ivythorn Hill Walton Hill already part of the Ivythorn Hill SLF should be extended along the hillside to include Walton Hill

Assessment of Special Landscape Features 32

5 Designation of Features

5.1 The remainder of the features will continue to be designated as Special Landscape Features through the Local Plan. The last part of this study, Stage 3, gives a pro-forma for each Special Landscape Feature that has been carried forward in the Local Plan. The pro-forma contains a map showing the boundary of the feature, the area of the feature in hectares, the key attributes, and guidelines for management. As none of these features are owned by Mendip District Council we are unable to have a direct influence on their management. Therefore listed against this on each pro-forma are the current management schemes in place upon the features. This information was obtained from the online mapping resource MAGIC which is run by Defra and Natural England.

5.2 Green Infrastructure Strategies will be prepared in the future for each of the Mendip towns. These strategies will identify specific open space priorities and provide a basis for the expenditure of development contributions collected under the policy. In rural areas Parish Councils will be encouraged to prepare their own strategies to help inform how development contributions will be spent. It is possible that local communities may wish to improve these features in some way, or improve links to them from settlements e.g. public footpaths and therefore communities could work with those responsible for the management of these features to do this.

Assessment of Special Landscape Features 33

Special Landscape Features Pro-formas

Alford Park, West Bradley

Area of SLF in hectares 7.86 ha

Key attributes Woodland Traditional Orchard Local Wildlife Site Designed Landscape Threats Limited - this feature sits in open countryside Current management schemes Entry Level Stewardship Scheme Boundary of Special Landscape Feature:

Th is. map is. re produced from Ordn.s.nce Survey ms leris l w ith the perm is ion of Ord nance Survey on behs lf of the Controller of HMSO ©Cl-own Copyrig ht. A eria l Photography © UK Paspectiv~ . oom 200 1 Una uthDfi5eei re.production infringes Cl-own oopyrig ht a ni:I may leai:I lo prose cution or civil p1D cee-d ings. Meni:l ip Dis.tricl: Counci l Li cens.e No:100019 309 Ai:li:l ition.a l lnf-orrns.lion © Me ni:l ip Distri ct Council

Assessment of Special Landscape Features 34

Asham Woods, Chantry

Area of SLF in hectares 193 ha

Key attributes Diverse ancient semi-natural woodlands International, nationally important wildlife sites Archaeological importance Recreational value

Threats No obvious threat from development Current management Woodland Grant Scheme schemes Boundary of Special Landscape Feature:

Vo!

This map is reproduced from O rdnan ce Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the ContIoller of HMSO © Crown Copyright. Aeria l Photography © UK Perspectives.corn 2001 Unauthorised reproducti on i nfringes Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civi l proceedings Mend ip District Council License No :100019309 Additional Information© Mendip District Council

Assessment of Special Landscape Features 35

Barren Down, Shepton Mallet

Area of SLF in hectares 31 ha

Key attributes Forms a backdrop to views of Shepton Mallet Nationally important wildlife site Archaeological importance Part of feature within Conservation Area

Threats This feature sits adjacent to the development boundary of Shepton Mallet. Shepton Mallet will be accommodating 1300 homes over the plan period. As brownfield land will prioritised for new development there is the possibility of a negative impact upon the feature.

Current management Traditional orchard priority habitat to SE of the site schemes Boundary of Special Landscape Feature:

Th is map is reproduced from Ordnance Survey material with the permission o1 Ordnance Survey on behaI1 o1the Controller o1 HMSO© Crown Copyright. Aerial Photography© UK Perspectii.res.com 2001 Unauthorised reproduction in1ringes Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Mendip District council Li cense No: 100019309 Additional Informati on© Mendip Distri ct Counci l

Assessment of Special Landscape Features 36

Barrow Hill, Panborough

Area of SLF in hectares 7 ha Key attributes Archaeological interest – Barrow Hill, Godney and Panborough Gap

Somerset Historic Environmental Record: site of Panborough Vineyard

Historical interest as area where old river Brue flowed and this island was a stopping place on the river for travellers in medieval times

A chapel, thought to be dedicated to St Padan, a local saint was located on Barrow Hill Threats Limited - this feature sits in open countryside Current management schemes None Boundary of Special Landscape Feature:

T his map is reproduced from Ordnance S urvey material l'llith the permissi on of O rd nance S urvey on behalf of t he Controll e1 of HM SO © Crol'lln Copyright. Aerial Photog raphy© UK Perspectiv es.c:om 2001 Unauthoris@d r@ producti on infring@s Crol'lln copy right and may lead to pros@cution or civil proc@@dings. Mendip Di:.trict Counci l License No:100019309 Addit i onal Information© Mendip Di:.trict Council

Assessment of Special Landscape Features 37

Beacon Hill, Stoke St Michael

Area of SLF in hectares 290 ha

Key attributes Prominent wooded hill Locally important wildlife sites Important geological site Ancient Monument High Archaeological importance Iron Age burial mounds Recreation resource

Threats The villages of Oakhill and Stoke St Michael sit less than 0.5km and 1km respectively from the boundary of the feature. These villages will both be accommodating some future development. Depending on the location of this new development there could be an impact on the SLF.

Current management Managed by Woodland Trust schemes Woodland Grant Scheme Entry Level Stewardship to SE of site A number of Countryside Stewardship Agreements Beacon Hill Wood a Woodland Trust Site Organic Entry Level Stewardship Boundary of Special Landscape Feature:

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Assessment of Special Landscape Features 38

Ben Knowle Hill, Wookey

Area of SLF in hectares Key attributes A prominent hill Ancient woodland Geological site National and locally important wildlife sites Archaeological importance Threats The boundary of the feature lies directly adjacent to the development boundary of the village of Wookey. Wookey is designated as a secondary village in the draft Core Strategy and therefore will be accommodating some new housing development over the plan period. Current management Entry Level Stewardship schemes Organic Entry Level Stewardship Traditional orchard priority habitat Boundary of Special Landscape Feature:

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This map is rep roduced from Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordn ance Survey on behalf of the Co ntroller of HMSO© Crown Copyright Aerial Photography© UK Perspectives.corn 2001 Un auth orised rep roduction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to pro secution or civil p1oceedings Mendip District Council License No:100019309 Additional Information© Mendip District Counci l

Assessment of Special Landscape Features 39

Blackers Hill

Area of SLF in hectares 24 ha

Key attributes Prehistoric hillfort Locally important wildlife sites Archaeological importance

Threats Less than 1km from the feature lies the village of Chilcompton one of the primary villages outlined in the Draft Core Strategy. It is possible that development here could have a negative impact on the feature if not properly considered

Current management Entry Level Stewardship (Part of site) schemes Boundary of Special Landscape Feature:

Assessment of Special Landscape Features 40

Butleigh Park/Cedar Avenue, north of Butleigh

Area of SLF in hectares 31.9 ha Key attributes Historic parkland with an avenue of Cedar trees Locally important wildlife site Archaeological importance Butleigh Conservation Area Threats The boundary of the SLF is directly adjacent to the development boundary of the village of Butleigh. Butleigh is a primary settlement as part of the Core Policy 1 of the Draft Core Strategy. It will therefore be accommodating some future development that could threaten the integrity of the feature. Current management Entry level stewardship schemes Boundary of Special Landscape Feature:

This map is reprodu ce d from Ordnance Survey materia l with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of t he Controller of HMSO© Cro wn Cop yright. Aeri al Ph otography© UK Pe rspectives.co rn 2001 Un authorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to pro secution or ci vi l proceedings. Mendip District Council License No: 100019309 Add it ional Information© Mendip District Council

Assessment of Special Landscape Features 41

Dulcote Hill

Area of SLF in hectares 33 ha

Key attributes Prominent well wooded hillside Ancient woodland Locally important wildlife site

Threats The closest villages to this feature are Dulcote and Dinder. However they are no longer designated as villages that will be accommodating new development but will now be classed as open countryside. Any future development will therefore be heavily restricted.

There could however be a potential threat from the development of Dulcote Quarry as an area of employment.

Current management schemes Entry Level plus Higher Level Stewardship

Boundary of Special Landscape Feature:

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This map is reproduced from Ordnance Survey material with the pe rmission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controlle r of HMSO© Cr o1111n Copyright. Aerial Photography© UK Perspectives.corn 2001 Unauthorised rep roduction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to prose cution or civil pro ceedings. Mendip Dis:t rict Co un cil Li cense No:10001 9309 Additional Information © Mendip District Counci l

Assessment of Special Landscape Features 42

Emborough Grove

Area of SLF in hectares 19 ha

Key attributes Enclosed wooded valley and lake Ancient Woodland Regionally significant geological site Locally important wildlife sites Archaeological importance Recreation value

Threats No obvious threat from development as the feature sits in open countryside

Current management Entry Level Stewardship (part of site) schemes Boundary of Special Landscape Feature:

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This map is reproduced from Ordnance Survey material w ith the permission o1 Ordnance Survey on behalf ofthe Controller o1 HM SO© Crown Copyright. Aeri al Photography© UK Perspectives.corn 2001 Un authorised reproduction infringes Crown copyri ght and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Mendip District Counc:il License No:100019309 Add itiona l Informatio n © Mendi p District Counci l

Assessment of Special Landscape Features 43

Farleigh Castle, Farleigh Hungerford

Area of SLF in hectares 50 ha

Key attributes Remains of 14th Century castle Locally important wildlife site Ancient Monument Grade I Listed Building Popular visitor attraction Threats No obvious threat from development as the feature sits in open countryside

Current management Owned by English Heritage schemes Boundary of Special Landscape Feature:

This map is reproduced from Ordnance Survey material with the permission of O rdnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of HMSO© Crown Copyright. Aerial Photography© UK Perspectives.corn 2001 Unaut horised reproduction i nfringes Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Mendip District Co unci l License No:100019309 Additional Informati on© Mendip District Counci l

Assessment of Special Landscape Features 44

Fenny Castle Hill

Area of SLF in hectares 5 ha

Key attributes Prominent hill fort Ancient Monument – Fenny Castle: a motte and bailey castle Area of archaeological interest

Threats No obvious threat from development as the feature sits in open countryside Current management None schemes Boundary of Special Landscape Feature:

This map is reproduced from Ordnance Sun.rey material with the permission of Ordnance Sun.rey on beha lf of the Co ntroll er of HM SO© Crown Copyright Ae ri al Photography© UK Perspectives.corn 2001 Una uthorised reprod uction infringes Crown copyri ght and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Mendip Dis:lrict cou nci l License No :10001 9309 Add itiona l Information© Mendi p Dis:lrict Counci l

Assessment of Special Landscape Features 45

Glastonbury Tor

Area of SLF in hectares 356 ha

Key attributes A nationally recognised hill that is an important local landmark Locally important wildlife sites Scheduled Ancient Monument Area of High Archaeological Importance Glastonbury Conservation Area Contributes to the setting of Glastonbury Historical associations Recreational resource used by many people Threats The boundary of the SLF is directly adjacent to the development boundary of Glastonbury. Due to the very constrained nature of the town greenfield land is very scarce and there could be future pressure to release some land from the SLF boundary to accommodate development. Current management National Trust site schemes Traditional orchard priority habitat Organic entry level stewardship Countryside stewardship agreement Woodland grant scheme Entry level plus higher level stewardship Boundary of Special Landscape Feature:

This map is reproduced from Ord nance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on beha lf o1the Controller of HM SO© Crown Copyrig ht Ae rial Phot ography© UK Perspectives.corn 2001 Una utho rised reprod uction infringes Cr own copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Mend ip District Council License No :100019309 Add itiona l Informat ion© Mendip District Council

Assessment of Special Landscape Features 46

Harters Hill, Coxley

Area of SLF in hectares 31 ha Key attributes Archaeological importance Threats The feature lies less than 0.5km to part of the village of Coxley. Coxley is identified as a secondary village through Core Policy 1 in the draft Core Strategy Current management schemes Entry level stewardship Boundary of Special Landscape Feature:

This map is reproduced from Ordnance Survey material l/llith the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of HMSO© Crol/lln Copyright. Aerial Photography© UK Perspectives.corn 2001 Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crol/lln copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Mendip District Counci l License No:100019309 Additional Information© Mendip District Council

Assessment of Special Landscape Features 47

Holcombe Pools and church area

Area of SLF in hectares 30 ha

Key attributes Steep sided wooded valley with lake Ancient Woodland Locally important wildlife sites Archaeological importance Recreational resource

Threats The nearest village to this feature is Holcombe which lies less than 0.5km away. Holcombe is identified as a secondary village in the draft Core Strategy and therefore it is considered that there may be a potential threat from new development

Current management A number of Countryside Stewardship Agreements schemes Woodland grant schemes

Boundary of Special Landscape Feature:

Th is map is rep roduced from Ordnance Survey material with the pe rm issio n o1 Ordnance Survey on behaI1 o1the Controller o1 HM SO © Crow n Copy ri ght. Aerial Photography © UK Perspectives.corn 2001 Una uthorised rep roduction infringes Crown copyright and may l ead t o prose cu tion or civil proceedings. Mendip District Council License No: 100019309 Additiona l Informati on © M endip Distri ct Co un ci l

Assessment of Special Landscape Features 48

Ivythorne Hill, south of Street

Area of SLF in hectares 100 ha

Key attributes Dramatic hillside that stands prominent from the levels Ancient woodland Nationally important wildlife site Important to the setting of the village of Street Important recreational resource

Threats The feature lies less than 0.5km to the south of Street. Street will be accommodating up to 1300 new homes through the Core Strategy Plan period. A greenfield site will be required and this could have an impact on the integrity of the feature if it is not sufficiently protected.

Current management National Trust Site schemes Entry level stewardship Traditional orchard priority habitat

Boundary of Special Landscape Feature:

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Assessment of Special Landscape Features 49

King Castle/Tor Woods/Lyatt

Area of SLF in hectares 62 ha Key attributes Dramatic wooded hills and valleys Complex of historic earthworks Locally important wildlife sites Ancient monument Iron age settlement The woodland contributes to the character of the setting of Wells Threats This feature sits adjacent to the development boundary of Wells. Wells will be accommodating 1450 homes over the plan period. As brownfield land will prioritised for new development there is the possibility of a negative impact upon the feature. Current management Woodland Grant Scheme (Tor Wood) schemes Entry Level plus Higher Level Stewardship Countryside Stewardship Agreements English Woodland Grant Scheme Boundary of Special Landscape Feature:

This map is reproduced from Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of HMSO© Crown Copyright Aerial Photography© UK Perspectives.corn 2001 Unauthorised re production infringes Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil p1oceedings Mendip District Council License No:100019309 Additional Information© Mendip District Council

Assessment of Special Landscape Features 50

Lamyatt Beacon/Creech Hill

Area of SLF in hectares 145 ha Key attributes Very prominent range of hills Ancient Woodland Locally important wildlife site 2 Ancient Monuments Archaeological importance Very far reaching views

Threats No obvious threat from development as the feature sits in open countryside

Current management Entry Level Stewardship (to south) schemes Countryside Stewardship Agreement (to north)

Boundary of Special Landscape Feature:

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This map is rep rod1Jced from Ordnance S1Jrvey material with the perm ission of Ordnance S1Jrvey on behalf of the Controller of HMSO© Crown Copyri ght. Aerial Photography © UK Perspectives.corn 2001 Una1Jthorised reprod1Jction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to prosec1Jtion or civil p1oceedings. Mendip District Co1J nci l License No:100019309 Additional Info rmation © Mend ip District Co1Jn ci l

Assessment of Special Landscape Features 51

Meare Pool and associated medieval areas

Area of SLF in hectares 348 ha

Key attributes Example of medieval farming systems Locally important wildlife site Very high archaeological value:  Ancient monuments – lake villages north west of Oxenpill  Sites of archaeological importance 3 Grade 1 listed buildings

Threats The boundary of the SLF is directly adjacent to the development boundary of the village of Meare. Meare, along with neighbouring Westhay, form a primary settlement as part of the Core Policy 1 of the Local Plan. They will therefore be accommodating some future development. Meare is however constrained by the floodplain that surrounds it. Therefore there could be a future threat to the SLF from development

Current management Entry level stewardship schemes Organic entry level stewardship Traditional orchard priority habitat Boundary of Special Landscape Feature:

This map is rep roduced 1rom Ordnance Survey material with the pe rm ission o1 Ordnance Survey on behalf o1 the Controller o1 HMSO© Crown Copyri ght Aerial Photography© UK Perspectives.corn 2001 Unauthorised rep roduction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to prosecuti on or civil p1oceedings. Mendip District Council License No:100019309 Additional Information© Mendip District Council

Assessment of Special Landscape Features 52

Mells Valley – east of Mells village along the Mells river corridor Area of SLF in hectares 185 ha

Key attributes Wooded river valley Ancient woodland International, national and locally important wildlife sites Scheduled Ancient Monument Industrial archaeology Remains of mills, cottages, lime kilns and leats alongside river Recreational value

Threats Mells is identified as a primary village Core Policy 1 of the draftLocal Plan. It will be therefore accommodating some new development in the plan period although this is likely to be less than other primary villages due to its environmental and topographical constraints. However the boundary of the Mells Valley SLF is adjacent to the village development boundary.

Current management schemes Woodland planning grant (English Woodland Grant Scheme Area Boundary of Special Landscape Feature:

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This map is reproduced from O rdnance Survey materia l with the p ermission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Cont ro ller of HMSO© Crown Copyright. Aerial Photography© UK Perspectives.corn 2001 Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may l ead t o prosecuti on or civ il proceedi ngs Mendip District Counci l License No:100019309 Addition.al Info rmati on© Mendip District Counci l

Assessment of Special Landscape Features 53

Palace Fields & Park Wood, Wells Area of SLF in hectares 51 ha Key attributes Parkland Grade II* Historic Garden Locally important wildlife site Geological site Forms the setting to the Bishops Palace and southern part of Wells Recreation resource Threats This feature sits adjacent to the development boundary of Wells. Wells will be accommodating 1450 homes over the plan period. As brownfield land will prioritised for new development there is the possibility of a negative impact upon the feature. Current management Entry Level Stewardship schemes Woodland Grant Scheme Boundary of Special Landscape Feature:

This map ,s rep roduce~1:r~:f0r1~ges dnance Crown Survey copy materiright andal 1111 m1tha , n of Ordnora ncecIvI I Suri.revp1oceed1r1gs on beh alf of the Cool,olle,Mendip o D1sir1ot Council L,oeose No 1000 19309 Unauthorised reprodu th1::de~; 1;~:ecut1on

Assessment of Special Landscape Features 54

Spargrove Manor

Area of SLF in hectares 114 ha Key attributes Complete complex of medieval farms and mills, with remains visible in the landscape Locally important wildlife site Ancient Monument Archaeological importance Recreation resource Threats No obvious threat from development as the feature sits in open countryside

Current management English Woodland Grant Scheme for woodland creation schemes Traditional orchard priority habitat

Boundary of Special Landscape Feature:

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Assessment of Special Landscape Features 55

Underwood, Wells Area of SLF in hectares 27 ha Key attributes Prominent feature in the landscape Forms a scenic backdrop to Wells and is important to its setting Locally important wildlife sites Accessible recreation area Threats This feature sits adjacent to the development boundary of Wells. Wells will be accommodating 1450 homes over the plan period. As brownfield land will prioritised for new development there is the possibility of a negative impact upon the feature. Current management Entry Level Stewardship schemes Boundary of Special Landscape Feature:

Assessment of Special Landscape Features 56

Wearyall Hill, Glastonbury

Area of SLF in hectares 33 ha Key attributes Prominent hillside Regionally important geological site Archaeological importance Strong historical associations Popular walking area Used for animal grazing Contributes to the setting of Glastonbury Threats The boundary of the SLF is directly adjacent to the development boundary of Glastonbury. Due to the very constrained nature of the town greenfield land is very scarce and there could be future pressure to release some land from the SLF boundary to accommodate development. Current management Organic entry level stewardship schemes Boundary of Special Landscape Feature:

This map is rep roduced from Ordnance: Survey material with the permission o1 Ordnance: Survey on behaI1 o1the Controlle r o1 HMSO© Crown Copyright. Ae ri al Photography© UK Perspectives.corn 2001 Unauthorised rep ro duction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Mend ip Di:s:1.r ict Council License No:100019309 Additiona l Informatio n © Mendip District Council

Assessment of Special Landscape Features 57

Worminster Down/Launcherley Hill Area of SLF in hectares 523 ha

Key attributes Prominent range of hills Ancient woodland Interesting geological features National and locally important wildlife sites Archaeological importance Very good views of surrounding countryside Important recreational resource Threats No obvious threat from development as the feature sits in open countryside

Current management Majority of site is Entry Level Stewardship schemes 2 small areas of traditional orchard priority habitat Boundary of Special Landscape Feature:

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This map is reproduced 1rom Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf o1 the Cont ro ller o1 HM SO© Crown Copyright Aeria l Photograp hy© UK Perspectives.co rn 2001 Unaut horised rep roduction infringes Crown copyright and m ay lead to prosecuti on or civil p1oceedi ngs. Mendip District Council License No :1000 19309 Additional Information© Mend ip District Counci l