7A: NORTH WEST HAMPSHIRE DOWNS

View from Ashmansworth – ridge top settlement over undulating chalk landscape which is well wooded.

High proportion of assarts across thisFields are often bound by woodland Rolling pasture and arable fields – landscape. and shaws. some with field trees.

There tends to be a more mixed ageFaccombe – typical of small ridge top Some hamlets are located in dry of farmsteads in this downland hamlets in the character area valleys along roads which stretch up landscape compared with other from scarp to the north such as downland areas. Dunley or from the Wallops / Test

. Hampshire County 1 Status: Final May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment North West Hampshire Downs

. Hampshire County 2 Status: Final May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment North West Hampshire Downs

1.0 Location and Boundaries 1.1 This character area comprises the north western downs in Hampshire which form the upland context beyond the Swift and Bourne Rivulet valley. Its northern boundary is defined by the steep chalk scarp (LCA 5C) while to the south the landscape undergoes a transition to a more open chalk upland (LCA 8D). To the east the landscape is bordered by the Test Valley and in the north east it makes a gradual transition to more open downland (LCA 8A). To the west this landscape continues over the county boundary. Overall this is a fairly complex landscape as a result of its topographic variation and mosaic of land uses. It is unified by its pattern of woodland cover and mainly southerly orientation around the Swift Valley.

1.2 Component County Landscape Types Downland Mosaic Small Scale, Open Downs, Downland Mosaic Large Scale.

1.3 Composition of Borough/District LCAs: Basingstoke and Dean Test District Ashmansworth and Binley Down Faccombe Wooded Downs Lichfield Down Linkenholt Downs Wyke Down Rushmoor Wooded Downs Tangley and Doles Wood North Wessex Downs AONB Chute Forest- Faccombe Litchfield Downs

The character areas listed above have a high degree of correlation with each other and with this character area, with the exception of the southern extent. This reflects the fact that in the south the landscape is in transition and there is no clear demarcation or change in character. The southern boundary line which has been drawn reflects subtle changes in topography, land use, woodland cover and settlement.

1.4 Associations with NCAs and Natural Areas: NCA 130: Hampshire Downs NA 78: Hampshire Downs

2.0 Key Characteristics • Varied landform comprising high rolling hills cut by steep sided, long, sinuous dry valleys, scarps and dramatic combes. • Biodiversity value from remnant areas of chalk grassland and ancient woodlands.

. Hampshire County 3 Status: Final May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment North West Hampshire Downs

• Repeating pattern of woodland with long sinuous hangers on steep dry valley sides and extensive woodland blocks on clay capped summits. • Strong hedgerow structure defining arable fields, sometimes with hedgerow trees. • Mosaic of arable farmland between woodland with some pasture on steep slopes, former downland and valley bottoms. • A concentration of celtic origin field systems in the northwest of the character area still traceable in today’s landscape. • Varied field pattern including assart enclosures with wavy field boundaries and some areas of more large scale parliamentary enclosure. • Low density, dispersed pattern of nucleated ridge top and valley villages/hamlets and isolated farmsteads. • Generally inward looking and contained landscape as a result of topography and vegetation. • Unspoilt character, tranquil, rural and of high scenic quality (designated AONB).

3.0 Physical Characteristics and Land Use 3.1 The underlying solid geology is Upper Chalk with the Middle and Lower Chalks outcropping in narrow bands and with deposits of clay with flint across higher ridges. Soils are predominantly free draining calcareous except where there are deposits of clay where the soils become heavier. Landform is typical chalk upland with a rolling topography, dissected by dry v-shaped valleys. In the north and south of this character area the valleys are orientated north–south, flowing into the Swift Valley and towards the Anton Valley. These valleys can be steep sided forming long sinuous forms through the chalk upland. In the west of the area, south of Vernham Dean, there is a marked scarp similar to that further north in LCA 5C. The agricultural land quality of this area is predominately of medium quality, with small patches of poorer quality on steep chalk slopes.

3.2 This landscape contains extensive areas of interconnected woodland interspersed with areas of open and large scale arable cultivation and some remnant patches of grassland. This gives rise to a mosaic of land use patterns and a strong wooded and semi-enclosed character overall. There is a variety of woodland including sinuous semi-natural ancient woods which form hangers along the steep valley sides (e.g. Netherton Hanging Copse) as well as areas of more recent plantation woodland, some of which are replanted woods. Plantations occur mainly on the heavier clay soils in elevated areas such as Blagdon Copse and Long Copse. There are also smaller copses and game spinneys scattered throughout the area and some ancient woods include hornbeam coppice. The field patterns are generally medium in scale with wavy boundaries in the north and straighter boundaries in the south. Fields are defined by a strong pattern of hedgerows which vary in thickness and often contain hedgerow trees.

3.3 The area falls within the Environment Agency Test Upper catchment area. Due to the underlying chalk geology it is well drained and there are no streams or watercourses.

4.0 Experiential/Perceptual Characteristics

. Hampshire County 4 Status: Final May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment North West Hampshire Downs

4.1 This character area is one of great diversity, with experiences ranging from intimate and enclosed to dramatic and open depending on the particularly combination of landform and land cover. Taken as a whole, the rolling upland ridges combined with the distinct and repetitive patterns of woodland and steep sided valleys provide a strong degree of cohesiveness and unity.

4.2 The Test Way long distance footpath passes through the northern part of this character area. Other footpaths and bridleways form a good network of routes linking ridges with valleys and areas of woodland with open arable or former downland. Remnant areas of downland and common can still be found in the west and southern parts of this area and provide open access e.g. Hurstbourne Common. This is combined in the south with areas of accessible woodland e.g. Doles Copse and Long Copse.

4.3 The CPRE tranquillity assessment identifies this landscape as having medium to high tranquillity except in the areas around transport corridors including the A34 and A343 which pass though this landscape in a north-south direction. The extent of woodland cover and varied topography coupled with sparse settlement means that this landscape often feels remote, unspoilt and has high scenic quality which is reflected in its designation as AONB.

5.0 Biodiversity Character 5.1 This downland landscape character area comprises arable land with some improved grassland patches along roads and within urban areas. There are some isolated patches of unimproved calcareous grassland representing remnant areas of downland as well as patches of amenity grassland, providing further habitat variation.

5.2 Woodland tends to exist as small patches which interlink in places and include broadleaved woodland, plantations (mainly broadleaved or mixed) and parkland. There are also some patches of active coppice with standards mainly comprising oak-ash-hazel coppice and some areas of ancient semi-natural woodland with larger areas of replanted ancient woodland.

5.3 There are two SSSI designations. Rushmore and Conholt Downs SSSI comprises a series of chalk grassland habitats occupying a system of coombes in a folded chalk plateau. The coombe bottoms and westerly facing slopes support substantial tracts of chalk grassland which comprise a mosaic of shorter, rabbit grazed, species-rich turf, and more rank vegetation dominated by false oat-grass and, locally, by large, discrete patches of rosebay willowherb. Bare chalk rubble occurs on some steeper slopes, evidently derived from intensive rabbit grazing and these, in places, support a comparatively rich flora of bryophytes. Sidley Wood SSSI is an ancient secondary wood, developed over an ancient field system, situated on a south facing chalk promontory along the North Hampshire Downs. The wood assumes particular nature conservation importance for its stands of ancient hornbeam coppice: no comparable stands are known elsewhere in South Central England. Parts of Sidley Wood comprise pure hornbeam coppice: many of the stools are more than two metres in diameter, suggesting that the wood is of great age and of natural origin. Hornbeam is also abundant mixed with field maple, ash and hazel throughout much of the remainder of the wood, where the structure is oak standards over mixed coppice. Another SSSI - Combe Wood and Linkenholt Hanging - also extend into

. Hampshire County 5 Status: Final May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment North West Hampshire Downs

the north fringe of this area, although it mostly lies beyond the Hampshire county boundary.

5.4 There are 105 SINCs within this landscape character area. The largest is Doles Wood, covering 71.96 hectares and designated for its ancient and semi- natural woodland resource, including remnant ancient woodlands within more recent woods.

6.0 Historic Character 6.1 Archaeology 6.1.1 There are no Mesolithic sites recorded in this area, but there is a light and general spread of Mesolithic material, suggesting some very low level exploitation, perhaps with a preference to areas close to water courses. In Hampshire, evidence of Neolithic settlement is most frequently associated with areas of open downland which lie around the margins of this LCA.

6.1.2 There is little evidence of Bronze Age settlement and landscape exploitation. The central part of the character area remains only weakly represented by Bronze Age evidence, but there is some settlement and burial mound evidence on the south east margin over looking the Test. There is however an intriguing linear trend of Bronze Age barrows which follow approximately the line of the A343. It would be fanciful to explain this distribution as evidence of a deep root to this corridor, but this is a tempting explanation.

6.1.3 This pattern continues into the Iron Age along the southern and eastern margins, but also along the northern scarp, particularly where the topography of the scarp is breached (A34 gap). The core of the character area probably remained under exploited. However, there is an extensive area of Celtic field systems in the northern part of this LCA. It is critical to understand whether these are of Iron Age or Roman in date. If Iron Age it does suggest that an agricultural landscape started to emerge. If Roman, this may suggest that Roman estates were able to develop in an otherwise under exploited area.

6.1.4 Of particular importance is the relationship between the Celtic field systems embedded in the woods at Faccombe and the Celtic field systems still traceable within the present landscape around Faccombe. It is possible that there is a relatively intact later prehistoric or Roman landscape in this area.

6.2 Historic Landscape 6.2.1 This landscape can be divided into three main historic areas. The first relates to the land north of the Swift Valley where there has historically been a close relationship with the valley settlements and surrounding downland. Prior to enclosure these settlements would have operated a system of open fields with communal grazing on surrounding downland. The open fields seem to have been distributed particularly on the northern side of the Swift / Bourne streams, and associated with the small villages which tended to have favoured this side of the stream valley. Today, a rare pattern of fossilised open field or furlongs can be seen around the village of Binley. Beyond these fields, and historically connecting the settlement with the land to the south in the Swift valley is a pattern of ladder fields comprising north-south sinuous boundaries and east-west straight cross ‘ladder’ boundaries. This combined pattern

. Hampshire County 6 Status: Final May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment North West Hampshire Downs

of settlements, ladder fields and fossilised furlongs creates a landscape with considerable time depth which is readily appreciated.

6.2.2 The northern fringe of this landscape comprises predominantly irregular wavy assart field boundaries interwoven with assart woodlands and more recent 19th century plantations. This pattern indicates that parts of this landscape (particularly between Pilot Hill in the north and Bradley Wood in the southeast) were wooded and perhaps formed part of the Saxon Royal Forest of Chute. Wooded areas were gradually cleared in the 17th and 18th centuries and enclosed for agriculture resulting in the varied pattern of enclosures with wavy boundaries. Within this area it is also likely there were areas of open downland for sheep grazing which was then later enclosed in the 18th and 19th centuries by more formal enclosure. Remnants of downland can be found on the steepest slopes at Pilot Hill, Hart Hill Down and Conholt Down. In some places 20th century field amalgamation has created a larger scale field pattern known as ‘prairie fields’ e.g. around Cleve Down Hill and Doyley Hill Farm.

6.2.3 To the south the area is influenced by an extensive capping of clay with flints, such that the soils are heavier and have retained a high degree of woodland cover. Places names such as Doles may be derived from the Old English word Digerleah meaning ‘thick wood’ and further indicate that much of this upland area to the south of the Swift Valley was wooded and perhaps part of the Saxon Royal Forest of Chute. Within this area there are assarted woodlands, replanted assarted woodland and wooded areas over former common. As further north, the field boundaries are predominately wavy and date to enclosure in the 17th and 18th centuries.

6.2.4 There is a former deerpark at Crux Easton and a lime avenue that used to lead to the manor house still survives. Crux Easton Manor was the home of Edward Lisle, a keen agriculturalist. Other parkland landscapes can be seen at Tangley House and Park and Doles House and Bourne Park both in the southern half of this character area.

6.3 Built Environment 6.3.1 The road network consists of small rural lanes which are predominately orientated north-south connecting the downland with the river valleys and further reinforcing the general grain of this landscape. Most of the roads are narrow and sinuous following the valley bottoms. More major routes include the A343 and A34.

6.3.2 This landscape contains a distinctive pattern of nucleated villages which are located in the outer fringes of the area and comprise either hill top settlements e.g. Faccombe, Linkenholt and Littledown or valley floor settlements e.g. Vernham Dean, Netherton and Binley. Many of these villages/hamlets date to the early medieval or possibly Saxon period and originated as manorial settlements e.g. Netherton comprising a manor house, farm and church. Other settlements such as Ashmansworth developed as a result of its location just off the main thoroughfare of the A343 and as such adopted a more linear form along the road.

6.3.3 These nucleated settlements have undergone little change and still contain a high concentration of historic buildings. Appleshaw in the west, Ashmansworth and Vernham Dean in the east are covered by Conservation Areas. The villages of

. Hampshire County 7 Status: Final May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment North West Hampshire Downs

Appleshaw and Vernham Dean are characterised by their relatively high proportion of cob vernacular buildings, and thatched roofs. The Conservation Areas contain a markedly high concentration of listed buildings, mostly alongside roadways reflecting the row settlement plan form.

6.3.4 Farmsteads are dispersed throughout this landscape but are not frequent, further contributing to the generally unpopulated character of the area. They are most concentrated in the areas of assarted wavy field systems, with fewer in areas of more formal parliamentary enclosure. Traditional buildings materials include brick with flint, chalk cob and thatch with some timber framing in older buildings.

6.3.5 The scarp slope south of Vernham Dean along with the steep sided and sinuous nature of the dry valleys give this landscape a strong sense of place and combined with the mosaic of woodland, arable and remnant downland gives rise to an area with a high scenic quality.

. Hampshire County 8 Status: Final May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment North West Hampshire Downs

EVALUATION

7.0 Forces for Change 1. Changes in agricultural practice and land management, particularly associated with intensification of farming practices. 2. Potential development of masts and other highly visible vertical structures 3. Loss of tranquillity and local character as a result of main roads and incremental change. 4. Climate change, particularly tree loss (as a result of increased drought, storms and disease) and changes in agricultural patterns.

KEY QUALITIES AND EFFECTS OF FORCES 7.1 An inward-looking and contained landscape with a strong sense of cohesiveness and unity, due to its distinctive relationship between woodland and topography, which forms a repeating pattern of rolling chalk hills with hill-top woodland blocks incised by dry valleys containing long, sinuous “hanging” ancient woodlands. FORCES FOR CONSEQUENCES CHANGE: 1.2.3.4. Threats: Past (and potential future) lack of woodland management, potentially resulting in loss of distinctive woodlands from the landscape pattern. Localised visual intrusions (e.g. pylons) plus potential future demand for tall structures on open summits, which would be highly visible and affect the characteristic skylines of this character area.

Opportunities: Enhance the distinctive landscape pattern of topography and woodland, and conserve and enhance the open and wooded pattern of horizons and skylines. Use of woodland grant schemes to encourage traditional woodland management such as coppicing, thinning and replanting (including the management of locally distinctive hornbeam coppice) to maintain its presence within the landscape, in accordance with the AONB management plan.

7.2 Open arable fields (and pockets of pasture) defined by a strong hedgerow structure provide a contrast with the surrounding woodlands. FORCES FOR CONSEQUENCES CHANGE: 1.4 Threats: Trend towards weakening of the hedgerow structure, altering the characteristic appearance of the landscape. Pressure for increase in horse grazing, potentially leading to rank grassland with weeds, poorly-managed boundaries and inappropriate fencing.

Opportunities: Target agri-environment schemes to maintain and enhance thick hedgerow connections between woodlands, in order to retain the structure of the landscape, as well as providing habitat corridors. Avoid amalgamation of fields resulting in loss of hedgerows and field patterns. Encourage equestrian users to use sympathetic fencing/ boundary treatments.

. Hampshire County 9 Status: Final May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment North West Hampshire Downs

7.3 Areas of remnant chalk grassland and ancient woodlands are of high biodiversity value, and there is potential to restore additional areas of downland within the area. FORCES FOR CONSEQUENCES CHANGE: 1.4 Threats: Past (and potential future) changes in farming practices, including loss of livestock, so that some areas of pasture are no longer grazed, leading to scrub encroachment and loss of grassland biodiversity. Potential loss of biodiversity as a result of intensive agriculture, particularly on chalk grassland. Past (and potential future) lack of woodland management (plus possible tree loss as a result of climate change) resulting in reduced woodland biodiversity.

Opportunities: Target agri-environment schemes to encourage introduction of buffer strips at edges of arable fields to act as wildlife corridors and encourage plant communities. Retain and enhance existing remnant areas of downland and common, in accordance with BOA objectives and the North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan. Encourage the restoration of chalk grassland at suitable sites, in accordance with BOA objectives. Use woodland grant schemes to Increase active woodland management (in accordance with AONB management plan) to increase woodland biodiversity, and encourage diversification of species and planting pattern in areas of uniform plantation.

7.4 A landscape with a very strong sense of time depth, due to the combination of historic field patterns, prehistoric earthworks, Roman road routes, occasional parkland landscapes and a high concentration of historic buildings within settlements. FORCES FOR CONSEQUENCES CHANGE: 1.2 Threats: Potential damage to buried and upstanding archaeological features by ploughing. Past and future loss of historic field patterns due to field amalgamation or neglect of hedgerows. Possible loss of the landscape setting of historic features and buildings.

Opportunities: Agreements with farmers to avoid ploughing over areas of known archaeology. Sensitive interpretation/ signage along public rights of way (in accordance with CAP actions) explaining where they follow routes of Roman roads or other ancient trackways. Retain rare historic field patterns (for example, Celtic field systems around Faccombe and the fossilised open field/ furlong system around Binley.) Protection (including restoration or replanting if necessary) of parkland trees and other features. Use Village Design Statements to identify valued features and forms of villages. In particular this may emphasise the landscape setting to historic features and buildings, Propose reference to historic building guidance documents (HCC, EH and local) to ensure that any new development is sympathetic to traditional settlement pattern, building style and materials.

. Hampshire County 10 Status: Final May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment North West Hampshire Downs

7.5 A landscape with high levels of tranquillity, scenic beauty and accessibility, with a strong sense of remoteness due to the combination of sparse settlement, topography, woodland, and general lack of development in the area. FORCES FOR CONSEQUENCES CHANGE: 2.3 Threats: Future loss of tranquillity, particularly along main roads, and increased traffic on narrow rural lanes. Possible road improvements including kerbing, widening, signage and visibility splays potentially reduce the rural and distinctive character of the lanes. Trend towards lack of management of footpaths and bridlepaths may restrict access. Localised gaps in rights of way provision (e.g. Litchfield parish) limit access into the countryside. Potential for inappropriately sited development, particularly associated with infrastructure, would potentially reduce the area’s sense of remoteness, tranquillity and scenic beauty.

Opportunities: Use of the Rural Roads Initiative to retain the character of rural lanes whilst enabling them to meet highways standards. In particular, restore and manage road verges and hedgebanks to maximise their biodiversity value, especially where they contain unimproved grassland. Retain and enhance the existing PROW network and areas of open access such as remnant commons and accessible woodland, in accordance with CAP actions. Use planning policies and conditions to ensure that any new development is of an appropriate scale and well sited (taking advantage of vegetation cover) to conserve the area’s sense of remoteness and tranquillity. Avoid large-scale structures except where they can be satisfactory sited to minimise visual intrusion.

. Hampshire County 11 Status: Final May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment North West Hampshire Downs