Masterplan Topic Paper ~ LANDSCAPE CHARACTER ~

Contents

Background...... 2

Purpose of this paper...... 2

The landscape context to the Countryside Park...... 2

Components of the landscape ...... 7

Issues and opportunities...... 9

Summary ...... 13

Appendix 1. Summary of relevant objectives from South Devon National Character Area...... 17

This is one of five topic papers that have been prepared as reference material to accompany the Masterplan Report for Saltram Countryside Park on behalf of The National Trust, Plymouth City Council and Natural England.

The other papers cover the following topics: • Farming and Landownership • The Historic Landscape • Recreation and Access • Biodiversity

Copies can be downloaded from www.plymouth.gov.uk/saltrammasterplan

Land Use Consultants, Bristol. 15 February 2011

BACKGROUND Landscape, together with biodiversity, is everywhere, providing the spatial framework for green infrastructure functions, and this is same within the Saltram Countryside Park. It provides the setting for the lives of local communities and people, and is innately linked to the identity or essence of ‘the place’. An understanding of landscape character has therefore been key to developing a scheme for the Park which responds to place and the wider landscape context of Saltram and which can deliver the required functions whilst respecting, celebrating, conserving and enhancing the intrinsic quality and identity of Saltram. The landscape of the Countryside Park is varied, encompassing historic parklands and associated designed landscapes, estate farmland, riverine, marshland and estuarine landscapes and landfill. The landscape has not only considerable conservation potential and a strong sense of place, but also notable opportunities for enhancement which could be delivered through implementation of the proposals. This landscape context is set out below, together with a summary of how landscape issues and opportunities have informed the development of aspects of the Park proposals.

PURPOSE OF THIS PAPER This paper provides information about the physical landscape of the Countryside Park. It highlights the features that contribute to its distinctiveness and sense of place and provides context for the Master plan proposals. The paper is split into the following sections: • The landscape context to the Countryside Park; • Components of the landscape; • Issues and opportunities for maintaining and enhancing landscape character.

THE LANDSCAPE CONTEXT TO THE COUNTRYSIDE PARK This section identifies the character of the landscape, with reference to national, county and local level landscape character assessments, where available.

At the national level, the site lies within the South Devon National Character Area (NCA). South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and Heritage Coast lie to the south of the site, while Tamar Valley AONB lies to the north-west and Dartmoor National Park to the north- east. At the county level, the greater part of the site (all of the land north of Pomphlett Quarry) lies in the Ancient Pastoral Farmlands landscape description unit, an historic pastoral landscape of generally intimate scale and interspersed with scattered farms. Pomphlett Quarry and the southern boundary of the site are classified as Wooded Disturbed Land, and the site of Chelson Meadows (identified as Marine Levels), an unsettled landscape formerly given over to salt marsh associated with the River Plym or Laira, but now dominated by landfill.

The site is characterised by gently undulating, pasture-dominated farmland, with a designed and managed parkland core and relict areas of designed landscape (such as The Dell / ‘Happy Valley’) set within fragmented parkland (now largely grazed by tenant farmers), and wetland fringes to the west (reedbeds and areas of restored salt marsh associated with the Laira). The central core of the site, that is the registered landscape of Saltram Park, forms a clearly defined ‘island’, with demarcation provided by mature woodland belts flanking narrow streams and valleys. Prominent ‘sentinel’ woodlands such as Pomphlett Plantation and Hardwick Wood contain the designed landscape and mark the historic extents of the Estate when it was owned by the Parker family in the 19th and early 20th centuries. A wetland character partly persists to the edges of Chelson Meadows (a former creek of the Laira), although much of that landscape was radically altered due to landfill activity post 1950.

Elsewhere, field patterns are predominantly irregular, notably in the eastern-most wedge of the site beyond the registered landscape, and boundaries are typically formed by Devon hedgebanks (occasionally faced with local stone) and topped with hedges, all characteristic of the wider character area. Decline in field boundary management is evident in the Countryside Park as elsewhere in England, and post-and-wire fencing is also common. Roadside hedges tend to be intensively flailed, while in-field boundaries are often neglected, creating a visual contrast in the landscape between ‘immaculate low lines’ and ‘patchy bushy boundaries’. The eastern wedge of the site, north of the A38, is defined by a small-scale, intricate field boundary network, which shares aesthetic, landscape and visual characteristics with the land within South Hams District to the south (within the Dissected Plateau landscape type – the site for the proposed new settlement at Sherford).

The designed landscape including the formal gardens of Saltram House, the parkland, Hardwick Wood and Pomphlett Plantation are registered grade II*. Beyond the registered landscape, the network of small, early enclosure fields in the north-eastern most part of the study site, east of Dorsmouth Rock, forms part of the Plympton St Maurice Conservation Area. There are visual relationships between the motte and bailey castle within the Conservation Area core and this part of the site. Parts of the site are also designated for geological and nature conservation interest – Dorsmouth Rock is a Regionally Important Geology Site (RIGS), whilst the majority of the woodlands and ancient woodlands on site, and the designed landscape, are also County Wildlife Sites.

The landscape character context of the site is shown on Figure 1, topography on Figure 2 and floodplains/hydrology on Figure 3.

Features of the wider NCA include meadow grass-rich hedgebanks and cider orchards, both of which form elements of the site.

More information on the relevant NCA objectives, which have informed the analysis of landscape opportunities, is presented at Appendix 1.

Figure 1: Landscape character context of the site

Figure 2: Topography

Figure 3: Floodplains and hydrology (SFRA Zones 2 and 3)

COMPONENTS OF THE LANDSCAPE The site was visited on 13-14th July 2010, by Andrew Tempany and Will Cookson. For the purposes of the site survey, the County level Landscape Description Units were examined, together with aerial photography, Ordnance Survey Mapping and contour data. These sources were used to develop a series of local level landscape character areas within the site, to identify site specific landscape opportunities for the masterplan. Opportunities have been derived in response to the place and are to be used in site masterplanning to develop an appropriate strategy for each character area (protect/manage/plan etc). These initial opportunities are shown on Figure 7.2. The local landscape character areas which make up the site are shown at Figure 5 overleaf. They are the result of field walking and photography of key locations, and evidence gathered in relation to physical, cultural, experiential and visual landscape character, as well as issues relating to condition, quality, management, use and misuse.

The fieldwork identified 4 landscape types and 5 component local landscape character areas within these, identified in Table 1 below, and shown on Figure 5.

Table 1: Local landscape types and component character areas Landscape types Local landscape character areas Historic Estate Core Saltram Historic Estate Core Estuary and flats Laira Estuary and Flats Dorsmouth Small Scale Farmland; Small Scale Farmland Wixenford and Gables Small Scale Farmland Landfill Chelson Meadows Landfill

Figure 4: Site landscape character

ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES Key issues and opportunities relating to landscape and sense of place of the site are presented in the sketches at Figures 5 to 7, and summarised in the bullet points below. These have been used to help develop the issues map at Figure 8 and the identification of potential project opportunities at Figure 9.

In addition to the issues highlighted at Figures 6 to 8, there are ‘bigger picture’ issues in terms of landscape change, which may affect the site. These are climate change and the concept of ‘trapped countryside’. Climate change may have potential implications in terms of alteration/expansion of wetland landscape elements and changes to species composition within areas of structural landscape within the site. ‘Trapped countryside’ is likely to result from the developments at Plymstock Quarry and Sherford. Careful design and management will be required in relation to the peri urban environment, land use and surveillance and buffering the registered and historic landscape of Saltram Park.

Figure 5: Landscape and distinctiveness – site appreciation, part 1

Figure 6: Landscape and distinctiveness – site appreciation, part 2

Figure 7: Landscape and distinctiveness – site appreciation, part 3

A summary of key landscape opportunities for the site revealed through desk study and with reference to the interim objectives derived for the NCA is set out below, reinforced by initial site work. These have informed the development of the issues and opportunities illustrated within maps at drawings shown on Figures 8 and 9 and explained below.

• Strengthening the field boundary network. This can be achieved through restoration of hedgebanks, stone-facing and hedges and favourable management, particularly in the southern and eastern parts of the study area, as well as more active management of the ancient small scale enclosed farmlands in the wider study area (outgrown hedgerows). It should have the effect of making the landscape and the contrasting character areas ‘read’ more cohesively (e.g. to read the landscape as a multi layered hierarchy of designed landscape, parkland and historic farmland); • Continued and enhanced management of the orchard on the south eastern edge of Saltram Park. There is the potential for visitor interest at the centre of the site through reinstatement and part restoration of Bickham Farm buildings and associated ruins, and through enhanced 11

physical link to the recreational spine and radial route around the woodland belt of Saltram Park. The aim should be to reinstate something of a traditional/mature cider orchard character, with flowery mead/meadows and apiary integrated within – recognisably a place to be with a clear sense of identity. Expansion of the orchard and orchard restoration would be likely to be supported through HLS, as this is also one of the NCA objectives; • Management of Hardwick Wood (ancient semi-natural woodland) to maintain and improve access within it whilst maintaining/creating views out to Dartmoor in the north and the Park in the south; • Management of Saltram Wood (ancient semi-natural woodland) for nature conservation and landscape amenity purposes. Planning for succession should be incorporated, whilst managing and controlling views to the Laira and ‘essential landscape setting’ of Saltram. Enhancement should occur to the slightly disjointed network of woodland rides in Saltram Wood through improved circulation and signage to points of focus e.g. amphitheatre and the ‘Salty Sea Monster of Saltram Wood’. Linked to this is the possibility to enhance access to other features of landscape interest such as the sandy cove and spit at Point Cottage, e.g. to provide enhanced access to parts of the Laira and associated landscape experience; • Management of ridgeline woodlands in the south (including ancient semi-natural woodland north of Wixenford Farm). Expanding and re-linking woodland where appropriate and exploring the possibility of management through coppicing to supply a local source of woodfuel, as well as seeking to reinforce, to buffer and foil the site from the future urban village at Plymstock. There is also the potential to create new woodland surrounding the proposed development at Sherford and Plymstock, as well as the A38 corridor (this could link to potential future ‘green bridge’ over the A38), providing enhanced community and habitat linkage and further enhancing the connection of ancient woodland such as Hardwick Wood to the historic landscape; • Unimproved grassland buffer strips at the edge of fields (especially on the steeper slopes) to provide a buffer to soil erosion and benefit biodiversity; • Potential for restoration/creation of wetland habitats adjacent to the area’s streams. Within Saltram Park and the registered landscape these can also form foci for natural play and access to nature – spatial diversions and ‘stepping stones’ to relieve pressures on other part of the site. Linked to this is a clear opportunity to restore the designed landscape at Happy Valley, as a point of focus or destination on the recreational spine; • Management of Saltram Park – consider a more sympathetic approach e.g. uniformity/quality of tree-guards and footpath surfaces and materials palette. Blackson Piece present a key opportunity to reinstate an open parkland character and create a focus for low key recreation, deflecting pressures away from the house and gardens; • Maintenance/restoration of the historic listed buildings at Hardwick, Wixenford and Haye Farms; • Maintenance/restoration of historic features associated with Saltram Park, including the amphitheatre and the gate piers and lodges, considering their potential as viewpoints and sites of interest. In particular, Stag Lodge presents a key opportunity to be reinstated as an impressive approach – a clear sense of arrival through a transitional landscape from farmland to planned and designed landscape and to Saltram House; • Consideration of opportunity for some partial reinstatement of views to Saltram House within its wider landscape, as this was designed to be seen/celebrated from afar, and appears

strategically placed to survey the estate as whole. The approach from Stag Lodge presents an opportunity, as do the long views to the south front and parklands from Chelson Meadows. • Maintenance of ancient and veteran trees (potentially through pollarding), considering importance when designing views; • Creation of enhanced landscape gateways and approaches from the peri-urban environment. The approach via the National Cycle route from the Laira is a key example, and could be tied to / diverted through parkland restoration in the northern part of Chelson Meadows. This would create a legible landscape and visual relationship to Saltram House, and a better physical connection to the park; • Maintaining and creating access routes throughout the site as part of a cohesive network of inspiring and ‘incentivised’ access provision, creating new routes particularly in the east, both north and south of the A38, as well as south of Chelson Meadow. There are also opportunities to enhance/divert access via Marsh Mills and the bus route (Cot Hill Lodge). • Consideration is needed on the possible landscape futures for the eastern farmlands, post Sherford. Consideration of viable future land uses which add value to and enhance and reinforce the peri urban landscape character and options for farm diversification. This could include orchards and the creation of local scale productive landscapes/food production, low key eco tourism/accommodation linked to spine route/other access, restoring hedge-lined lanes as part of the historic green lane network, connecting Sherford and outlying villages (e.g. Plympton St Maurice) to the core of Saltram. • Opportunities for interpretation of the geological resource, e.g. at Dorsmouth Rock. • Whilst climate change is likely to be an issue in terms of future landscape and planting palette, it may create opportunities for an enhanced and expanded native planting palette.

SUMMARY The main emphasis of the proposals in landscape character terms has been to secure greater connectivity and legibility of the cultural, aesthetic and functional landscape of the Saltram Countryside Park. This includes consideration of the historic parkland core, the waterside and interaction with the Laira, and the future landscapes of Chelson Meadows and, with other topic papers, that of the eastern farmlands in proximity to the proposed new community at Sherford . Connectivity has been interpreted in various senses – for people, for wildlife and to secure improved landscape links, considering the future landscape and the potential for adaptation to landscape change and climate change.

Figure 8. Spatial summary of landscape issues

Figure 9. Spatial summary of opportunities to enhance landscape character

Appendix 1. Summary of relevant objectives from South Devon National Character Area

• Maintenance and enhancement of geological exposures and landforms • Restoration and enhancement of estuarine habitats • Restoration and enhancement of wildflower-rich Devon hedgebanks and hedges, especially adjacent to watercourses • Restoration and management of historic parklands and ancient orchards • Restoration of traditional buildings • Restoration and expansion of wetland habitats • Extensively-grazed grassland buffer strips running across slopes to provide a buffer to soil erosion • Management, restoration and re-linking of semi-natural woodlands, especially on steeper slopes • Expansion of woodland to north of Plymouth to help contain development and mitigate impacts upon Dartmoor • Planting of SRC and miscanthus appropriately sited within the existing pattern of woodlands and field patterns • Maintaining and improving access throughout the area’s Rights of Way network • Promoting sustainable tourism in Plymouth • Creation of new landscapes as the setting to the future expansion of Plymouth, including significant areas of semi-natural woodland and attractive new wetlands as part of SuDS

Source: Natural England (2010). Interim Objectives for the South Devon National Character Area