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SHARE THE VISION Landscape influences the quality of our vision. They will be of particular relevance working, travelling, domestic and to those who have the greatest influence on recreation lives. It reflects the richness of the landscape – farmers, developers, and our ecological and historic heritage. If engineers, and public bodies. we recognise this, we can develop and share a vision for tomorrow’s landscape. A SAD DECLINE The vision which this manual invites During the post-war period, there have been you to share is of a countryside which is dramatic changes in the Cambridgeshire diverse, reflecting local character and a landscape. Particularly in the 1980s, sense of place, consciously thought about observers alerted us to the environmental and managed, and which acknowledges decline of the countryside: critics felt that our affinity with nature and our need for much of what was valued had been lost and recreation and visual enjoyment. much of what was new was bland, These landscape guidelines insensitive and lacking character; the recognise the potential for everyone Cambridgeshire countryside of old had gone. involved with the rural landscape and its settlements to play a part in achieving that

Looking east across the fens from Ely Cathedral’s western tower. This is true, in the sense that there is no going backwards, no way of fully woodlands; development economics may discourage restoring many of the lost habitats, and no high design standards or innovations with landscape prospect of doing away with intrusive new creation; engineering standards and financial structures. Along with the loss of habitats constraints reduce the scope for achieving we have seen the erosion of a sense of environmentally sensitive road schemes; local place and local character, those difficult- authorities have reduced budgets, and so on. A to-define features of the countryside clearer vision should help to overcome these which create a special local identity and constraining factors. may inspire creative thought or give pleasure to the resident and visitor alike.

TIME FOR CREATIVE RENEWAL Some action has been taken to tackle these problems; central and local government, landowners and voluntary bodies have played a part. The planting programme in Cambridgeshire is one example. But the opportunities which present themselves now are of a much greater magnitude. They arise from: - the likelihood of major changes in farming, with the possibility that some land will no longer be needed for food production; - continuing economic and Decades of decline, at the approach to St. Neots from the population growth in the County; east. - growing environmental awareness The landscape guidelines for Cambridgeshire amongst the population at large; describe a series of ways in which new, richer and people are looking for better and more diverse landscapes can be developed. Just as more rewarding environments, both small detrimental changes cumulatively damage a urban and rural, and for reassurance landscape, so can small creative actions improve it, that we can live alongside nature. and develop a new character. The guidelines These guidelines are therefore illustrate how farmers, developers (and their forward-looking and endeavour to architects), engineers, local authorities, conservation offer creative inspiration. It is only volunteers, landscape professionals and the general through a vision of new standards public can contribute towards this objective. that problems of implementation can be overcome. There will indeed be problems: some will argue that agricultural economics are still ill disposed to the planting of trees and

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OBJECTIVES FOR LANDSCAPE (occasionally) in terms of designing large RENEWAL structures to ‘blend in’ with their The creative challenge of developing surroundings. Cambridgeshire’s countryside for the The reason for this is that most of the future has the following objectives: countryside has, in a sense, been thought of 1. Increase people’s awareness of as ‘looking after itself’. Woodlands, landscape quality. hedgerows, stone walls, villages, ancient 2. Mobilise care and action landmarks and other features have contrived, amongst the main bodies who play in their apparent (but not real) timelessness the most active role in generating to give us landscapes of considerable quality tomorrow’s landscapes. and character without the need for 3. Improve overall visual quality professional landscape and other design and strengthen the contrasts between inputs. Today, with evidence that the landscapes in different parts of the process of change often degrades rather than County (emphasising a sense of improves the landscape, the time has come place). for a fresh look at how we can reverse this 4. Integrate wildlife conservation trend. into landscape action at all scales Hence, these landscape guidelines are from planning at a county level, design-based; they also incorporate the through site planning, design and potential for integrating wildlife management, to the detailing of conservation measures into the process of “hard” and “soft” features at the change. They endeavour to give practical smallest scale. solutions of relevance to individual projects, 5. Protect and enhance historic and emphasise the need to conceive of these features. in the context of the wider landscape. They 6. Conserve existing features and offer models which can be applied in many create landmarks and ‘personality’ in situations throughout the County and adapted the landscape. to reflect local landscape characteristics.

COUNTRYSIDE CHANGE BY A CHALLENGE: SETTING NEW DESIGN STANDARDS Whilst high landscape quality is related to Individual sections of this manual are aimed habitat quality, it is strongly influenced at developers, highway engineers, drainage by visual characteristics. In this sense, engineers and farmers. Responsibility is also our perception of high quality countryside placed on planners to encourage higher landscapes is little different in principle to standards, using persuasion, planning our perception of high quality buildings conditions or enforcement as necessary. The or townscape. same principles apply to the general public, We readily accept that high quality conservation volunteers and other people architecture, urban compositions or parks who play a part in making the landscape. are the product of a conscious, creative design process. Traditionally, however, design has rarely been associated with the rural landscape, except in relation to better examples of afforestation and

Each section illustrates how the - road engineers to enhance the primary activities of these agencies stretch of countryside through which impact upon the wider environment and the highway passes; are responsible for shaping the - drainage engineers to find ways of countryside. It is a short step, therefore, matching landscape needs with for these groups to think more positively hydrological effic iency; about their roles in restoring and creating - local authorities to balance new landscapes in the decades ahead. It economy in land management with is necessary to think long term, to the public expectations for a better next generation and beyond. environment; If Cambridgeshire’s countryside is to - planners to ensure that all schemes be regenerated as proposed, it is essential which require it receive proper for: landscape design, provision and - developers to build care of the maintenance; local landscape and sympathy for - local councils, schools and its qualities into their projects; individuals to be ‘landscape - farmers to remember that conscious’, and to take part in landscape management is part of practical action, wherever possible. their role as custodians of the countryside;

Near Oakington: the need for a planned approach to landscape design.

FIVE ACTION POINTS built forms, local architectural styles and In order to achieve the vision set out in materials, rights of way and planning these guidelines, the following steps will designations. usually be necessary when considering 4. Ensure that the standards and individual projects: design ideas set out in these guidelines, 1. Seek professional landscape including the positive management of design or management advice at the trees throughout their lifespan, are earliest possible stage in a project costed and integrated into a project at and before other design decisions are an early stage. Improved landscape taken, thus ensuring an integrated standards should not be an unexpected design approach. or unwelcome financial burden but an 2. Understand an area’s history inherent part of any project which has through the study of documents, old an impact on its surroundings. maps archaeological sites and 5. Regard the costs associated with ancient features; former patterns and the standards set out in these guidelines features revealed by aerial as an essential part of and an photography can give ‘clues’ for the investment in a project, which can add design of new features. long-term value to a farm or other 3. Carry out an appraisal of the property, improve an owner’s quality of local landscape to include a survey life, and benefit the county’s tourist and analysis of elements such as industry; investing in a better landscape landform, ridgelines, views, existing can bring economic gains. vegetation, wildlife habitats, soils, historical or archaeological features,

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PLANNING AND Landscape criteria for new developments DEVELOPMENT include: - minimising impact on existing

landscape qualities and features NEW SETTLEMENTS AND MAJOR including habitats of value; TOWN EXPANSIONS - contributing positively to landscape Proposed new settlements and major quality, the potential for enjoying the expansions of urban areas are likely countryside, creative nature during the 1990’s in Cambridgeshire. conservation and environmental Developers face the challenge of education opportunities; satisfying more environmentally aware - ensuring new landscapes are purchasers, increased expectations from endowed with sufficient the public and media, and tougher management resources for securing planning requirements from the planning long-term care. authorities. They will need to respond with positive and creative proposals Landscape design criteria should form a key which ‘put something back’ into the aspect in the layout, form and urban landscape.

The edge of a new development, successfully linked to existing trees and hedges, at Bar Hill, near Cambridge design qualities of new developments. The environmental proposals will need to be secured as part In many situations, landscape criteria of the development through appropriate planning conditions, may well dictate the main form of a design briefs, master plans and legal agreements with the local development proposal. Whilst every planning authorities. situation is unique, it is expected that The following plans or ‘models’ illustrate examples of how developers, together with their major residential and industrial developments can relate to the professional advisers, should: surrounding countryside. The models are clearly not, however, - consider im portant existing representative of all possibilities, and developers should views from roads, paths and recognise and respond to the uniqueness of each individual public areas towards features situation. such as church spires, fine buildings or wider landscapes DEVELOPERS Plan for landscape gain, avoid adverse including off-site views where impact and seek individual design responses to each these may be affected by the situation. Seek professional advice - local authorities development’ avoid spoiling expect it! fine views; and consider framing or creating new views: Residential - pay special attention to the Edges to new residential developments can be treated positively edges of new developments, in landscape terms. especially where adjoining the countryside; avoid a clutter of back-garden fences, bland or repetitive building compositions and stark large- scale building masses; endeavour to achieve well- designed compositions of buildings/walls/landmarks/ planting, etc. on the edges of development, including the provision of effective hedge and woodland screens; - reflect local landscape character, particularly in the treatment of edges of developments, through the choice of appropriate native species, the pattern of woodlands/copses/hedgerows, the use of the landform and avoidance of hard lines and use of local materials for walls and

buildings; - seek opportunities for creative habitat enrichment e.g. through - visually diverse and attractive edges; the use of open watercourses - habitat gain; for surface water drainage in - countryside recreation opportunities place of underground pipes and - links with the wide landscape dense native species hedgerows - farmland protected from ‘urban blight’. with trees rather than ornamental shrubs or

coniferous hedging.

Industrial but where an especially fine architectural When designing new industrial buildings , consider siting, solution can be offered, it may be massing, form and colour and the impact this will have on appropriate to avoid screening and use the wider landscape. If this is achieved satisfactorily then planting as a foil or frame for walls, houses planting and other landscape works will enhance a good and other built forms. scheme. However, the only approach may be screening Developers should offer appropriate on- with dense, well-design woodland. site or off-site ‘gains’: - enhance approach roads by avenue planting, for example, or use hedges as a means of screening unattractive village or town margins; - seek opportunities for habitat creation, especially along edges to the development, e.g. in the form of hedges, copses, ditches and ponds.

OTHER DEVELOPMENT IN THE OPEN COUNTRYSIDE Despite the general aim of planning policy to restrict new development in the countryside, the requirements of agriculture, mineral working and waste disposal, and the demand for golf courses, etc. must be met. Since each project is likely to present a different landscape challenge, it is not possible to offer specific guidelines which meet every case. However, the guidelines set out for housing, industry, roads, etc. may be used selectively and the guidance - recognise that landscape features require space and allow for about landscape character in Chapter 4 will them in site selection and design - note landscape edge treatment is within site boundary; certain apply. - woodland screens or sof tens harsh industrial forms; Remember that new development in the - seek opportunities for habitat creation; countryside, although potentially damaging - links with the wider landscape. (especially in its early stages), can often yield positive benefits. SMALL TOWNS AND VILLAGES Development on the edges of smaller towns and villages should follow the principles set out for major developments. Consideration of the impact of the development on the wider landscape is as important as the impact on the development site itself. Pay special attention to the design of edges, especially where they form the outer perimeter of a town or village; sometimes complete screening by means of a broad hedgerow with trees or wider woodland belt will be an appropriate solution,

Creating attractive village edges - the sensitive integration of new development.

Harsh, poorly integrated new development. New development integrated by means of copse, hedgerows, trees and selected views of houses

A well-designed margin between the countryside and towns and villages, combining the screening effect of woodlands and hedgerows with good architectural design and habitat gain.

New housing poorly integrated on the perimeter, Leverington near Wisbech

There may be opportunities to create a planting, woodlands, wetlands and virtually new landscape or special features. grassland; Mineral workings and landfill, for example, - ensure major developments offer involve a lot of earth moving which may offer environmentally based features as an possibilities for creative design. integral part of the scheme. Possibilities include: woodlands, ‘pocket parks’, country DEVELOPERS Respond to local parks, off-site landscape improvements, character when developing in and nature reserves, environmental teaching around small towns and villages areas close to schools, land for informal and formal recreation and links to the CHECKLIST countryside via existing rights of way or Developers should: newly created footpaths; - seek professional landscape and, where - prepare management plans for landscape appropriate, ecological or archaeological areas indicating requirements such as advice at an early stage when considering thinning regimes, intended long-term new proposals; it is important to consider species composition and structure for new landscape, ecological and archaeological woodland areas, wetland habitat criteria at the site selection stage; management and methods for diversifying - create new landscape features and habitats and encouraging wildlife. wildlife habitats either on- or off-site, including earthworks, tree and shrub

Improving the approaches to existing towns and villages

Above: a bleak approach road and harsh edge Below: planting along the approach road conveys a sense of to new development detracts from the arrival and retains views to significant village landmarks. approach to village.

HIGHWAYS features (road, bridges, landforms, wildlife habitats, spatial character, trees, hedges, Cambridgeshire is criss-crossed by views, etc.). highways, varying in scale and impact from motorways to narrow country lanes. MAINTENANCE OF ROAD VERGES Roads can be either major visual Road verges probably constitute the largest intrusions, sources of pollution and area of grassland in the County. Their destroyers of landscape quality, or they significance as landscape features and can be attractive routes which take us havens for wildlife is heightened by their through the countryside. Roadside trees, prominence. hedges and verges add to the richness, Every so often there is a surprising diversity and special character of the splash of colour, marking the few remnants landscape. of species-rich grassland which were once Whether roads are primarily quite common. Around 90 such road verge intrusions into or a means of enjoying and sites in Cambridgeshire have now been diversifying the countryside depends very identified and marked for protection. There much on scale - major roads with heavy are many others of more local interest. traffic are clearly more difficult to Highway verges, which are certainly the road integrate environmentally than a quiet traveller’s closest impression of the County, country lane. However, design and siting reserve higher standards of management. are also important. Some are illegally ploughed or excessively trimmed where this is not required for safety ENGINEERS Collaborate with the reasons, and others receive no cut at all. landscape designer at an early Road verges are important as part of stage of the project and endeavour the highway, as landscape features and as to use the road building process wildlife corridors. They must not be creatively to achieve high quality neglected or treated as waste areas. new landscapes in the countryside. CHECKLIST NEW ROADS AND IMPROVEMENT New Roads and Improvement Schemes SCHEMES Highways engineers should: The landscape designer can help select - commission a landscape appraisal road alignments which minimise impact of a broad landscape corridor before on both the immediate road corridor and routes begin to be fixed from an the wider landscape through which the engineering viewpoint. Such an road runs. Later detailed work involves appraisal would not only identify advising on the specific route and aspects of the landscape which could designing the associated planting, be damaged by road constructions, landforms and other elements. but would identify local landscape There are likely to be major road characteristics and seek programmes in Cambridgeshire in the opportunities for landscape years ahead. Inevitably, should projects development and management which proceed, there will be a need to minimise could arise out of the road project; environmental impact. In addition, there - work closely with landscape is a need to be creative and to take architects, ecologists and advantage of the opportunities which new archaeologists through the design road construction presents. Landscape process in developing a preferred designers and engineers will be able to route for a new road or a widening work together far more effectively if the of an existing one; be prepared to road is viewed as a corridor of integrated

Principles for roads in the landscape

Based on Trunk Roads: England into the 1990s, published by the Department of Transport (1990)

A Woodland extended to roadside by G New hedgerow on highway boundary. planting on severed land. H Alignment of road protects ponds and trees. B Infill planting on severed land to screen village and create new copse. I Dense planting to break up scale of embankment. C Detailed design of bridge reflects local traditions, character and materials. J Dense planting to screen views from village.

D Design of walls, fences, hedges and tree K Off-site planting to protect village. planting, etc. along side roads reflects local character. L Views from road to hilltop landmark help establish a ‘sense of place’. E. Off-site planting to protect farm.

F Side slopes graded out and returned to agriculture.

Creative opportunities on major new roads - example

Before: New village bypass exposes views to After: New hedge and tree planting on verge and near existing housing. housing creates interest and provides screening.

Creative opportunities on existing country roads and lanes - example

Before After: Verge widened and differentially mown for wildflower establishment; mixed hedge and avenue trees planted; small damp meadow and pond created; all in association with adjoining landowner.

place a high value on - establish landscape budgets where environmental factors, even if it necessary for the upgrading of proves difficult or impossible to existing roads, as well as ensuring price them in purely financial adequate financial provision for terms; landscape work related to new roads. - where appropriate, look for Maintenance of Road Verges ways of widening the ‘road Highway engineers and landowners should: corridor’ to ensure proper - maintain road verge grassland by integration of landforms, cutting once a year (exceptions are woodlands, hedges, ponds and safety zones which my require more other features of landscape value, frequent cuts and protected including wildlife habitats; look conservation verges which need for opportunities to create special treatment); significant new features adjoining - prevent illegal ploughing; the road, even if they are not - maintain the offensive against required primarily to reduce the litter; impact on the environment; - avoid dumping on verges and seek - look for opportunities, in advice on proper restoration of partnership with other disturbed grassland; landowners or authorities, to - protect and manage roadside trees improve the landscape of the and hedges and encourage new wider ‘zone of impact’ visible planting consistent with road safety - from or associated with the road, especially on approach roads to thus improving the view from the towns and villages. road and using the process of road building to ‘put something back’ into the landscape; - ensure that the design of structures and use of material are sensitive to local land forms and establish a ‘sense of place’;

RIVERS AND DRAINAGE The need to secure flood alleviation has therefore destroyed many of the features, The County is roughly divided by water - which contribute to a richness of landscape courses into a north-east/south-west character and habitat diversity. In the fens, pattern. The lowland rivers of the Nene, an obviously man-made landscape, the Great Ouse and Cam flow towards the demands of efficient drainage are necessarily Wash and North Sea and in the fens have overriding. However, despite this, some been engineered into straight channels, recent schemes have created attractive for drainage purposes. landscape features and there is great scope The character and landscape for landscape enrichment. quality of the various rivers, streams and DRAINAGE ENGINEERS drainage channels in the County change Creative watercourse and catchment according to their drainage significance. management can be used to achieve The main rivers and their tributaries are major landscape improvements; work characteristically sluggish with high with landscape architects to achieve levels of silt, their waters chemically new stands in the future. enriched with nitrates and phosphates. Conservation is now very much part of the Drainage engineers have been active with remit of the National Rivers Authority these rivers, working to alleviate possible (NRA) and of the drainage authorities under flooding problems and improving field a code of practice ‘Conservation Guidelines drainage. This usually implies an for Draining Authorities’. The water Act increase in the channel capacity and the 1989 reinforces the earlier guidelines with a removal of obstacles, such as projecting special code of practice for the NRA. bushes and trees, islands and lush River and drainage corridors present vegetation growth. great opportunities for improving the In the fens, the maintenance of landscape. These should now be seized by embanked dykes and field drainage is viewing the watercourse in its wider particularly vital. Much of the land is at landscape setting and integrating features or below sea level and water in the dykes such as bridges, landforms, habitats and is often carried at a higher level with views. much reliance upon pumping. The Anglian Water plc, the National intensity of maintenance depends upon Rivers Authority, the Association of the flood risk or hazard to the surrounding Drainage Authorities, the Internal Drainage land. Boards and consultant drainage engineers are Thus the majority of the flood encouraged to: banks are intensively managed by close - think creatively about the potential mowing or grazing, and the channels kept they have as engineers to play a part clear of vegetation. in positive landscape improvement; - overcome procedural difficulties which may currently stand in the way of adopting the proposed broader outlook;

Before: Rivers as functional conveyors of water: After: Rivers as corridors; a rich landscape area with flood protection measures determine landscape great habitat diversity follows the river valley; character; former rich lowland landscape destroyed; meadows, marginal habitats, copses and trees create little or no opportunity for landscape enhancement character; outside this special area, an intensive and habitat renewal. farming landscape may exist.

- establish management plans or management process to develop a with effective timescale and scheme which is sympathetic to the budgets for the upgrading of character and quality of the existing watercourses and watercourse whilst achieving the landholdings, as well as ensuring necessary engineering requirements: that there is adequate funding for - look to creating significant new landscape work associated with features as well as conserving those new drainage proposals. existing features of landscape or nature conservation value. These CHECKLIST could include areas of wetland Drainage engineers should: habitats, native tree and shrub - commission an environmental planting, willows for pollarding, and appraisal of the catchment, river aquatic and marginal planting; valley or dyke corridor before - look for opportunities, in designing any alterations. This partnership with other landowners or appraisal would identify the authorities, to improve the landscape elements of the landscape which visible from or associated with the are important in relation to the river or dyke; river, what could be damaged by - apply the same criteria to other change, and where opportunities land-holdings owned by water exist for enhancement: companies or authorities and, if - work closely with landscape appropriate, to reservoirs and larger architects, ecologists and catchments. archaeologists through the design

FARMLAND 1. Natural regeneration: abandoned grassland will eventually Farmers are now thinking about their colonise with shrubs and trees to wider creative guardianship role in the become a woodland. Natural countryside. Some relish the opportunity regeneration can be an important to improve the character and diversity of method for creating new woodlands, the Cambridgeshire countryside. Others with the slower initial establishment appreciate that landscape improvements time being offset by minimal costs, can add to the capital value of their farm natural tree forms and the typically holding. This can be done more vigorous growth of trees established effectively if several adjoining from seed. The open ground and landowners work to improve a whole scrub stages can be as important as tract of countryside. the final woodland for wildlife. Some management in the form of THE FARM CONSERVATION PLAN thinning and coppicing may be The best way to integrate landscape beneficial to give structural improvements with the efficient running diversity. of the farming operation is through a farm 2. Management of existing conservation plan. woodlands: seek expert advice for Such a plan will ensure that ancient semi-natural woodlands, if wildlife conservation, rights of way they are even-aged, try to create a management, buildings, water features, new generation of trees through etc. are taken into account. Professional selective felling, restocking and advice may be needed and grant aid is other necessary work; plant shrubs available from several sources. such as hazel or holly (if appropriate to soil type and local landscape SOME IDEAS FOR FARMLAND character) as well as trees; manage LANDSCAPES for long-term health and diversity of The following sequence of plans, woodland types, taking into account representing a typical area of farmland, soil type, age, and management has been prepared as a series of models to history. illustrate how landscape improvements 3. Open ground: open meadows, can be directed in different ways. In rough grassland, marshy areas, practice, features from some or all of the water, reed beds and other open models would probably be used in habitats contribute in an important designing a farm landscape plan, the way to the texture of the landscape balance depending on practical and the diversity of its habitats. In opportunities, the local landscape the case of chalk downlands, for character and the character zones within example an open landscape of the County. grassland, with limited but carefully located tree planting, might form the TO PLANT OR NOT TO PLANT primary objective. Landscape improvement of a farm should 4. Hedgerow management: avoid not rely only on planting. Consider the severe trimming of some hedgerows; following, for example: allow some to grow freely; trim or coppice some sections of a hedge in rotation; allow individual tree or shrub species to grow up in a

Farmland Model A1: Existing arable landscape.

This represents ‘the starting point’, that is, a Trees and marginal vegetation have been lost typical contemporary farmed landscape in along the stream through intensive cultivation and Cambridgeshire. clearance. Ponds have been filled.

Modern agricultural practice has removed The woodland and occasional hedges are a many hedges and trees. Meadows have been reminder of the former landscape character. ploughed. Declining management threatens even their continuity. The few remaining hedgerows are heavily trimmed and gappy; hedgerow trees are dying.

Farmland Model A2: Reinstatement of former pattern.

Restoration of the older agricultural landscape Ponds, with reinstated natural growth of trees, may be possible in some areas, but it rarely scrub and marshy land along stream. suits modern agricultural methods. A small-scale landscape character. Replanting hedge-lines and trees to return to former field pattern and landscape character.

Farmland Model A3: Planting at field corners - spinneys and copses.

Copse planting is a possibility in field corners Linkage of copses by substantial hedgerows gives which could be difficult to cultivate with large visual and ecological benefits. machines. Grouping copses together makes a bigger impact. Improved tree cover with little loss of productive land. Copses on either side of a road create character and frame views. Care is needed to ensure small isolated copses do not lead to a ‘spotty’ landscape character.

Farmland Model A4a: Widening field margins - meadow.

Zones of meadow can be created, linked to Linkage is important. woods, hedges and streams for ecological and visual richness. Meadows should relate to other habitats such as streams, woods and hedgerows. Meadows can vary in size from narrow margins to large expanses. A variety of management regimes will promote a range of wildflowers and grasses.

Farmland Model A4b: Widen field margins - woodland belts.

Planting woodland edges and linear woodland Buffer zone around an existing wood creates a diverse belts along hedge-lines is another option. woodland edge.

Shrub and tree planting in widened field Large-scale spaces, bold landscape structure, strong sense margins creates woodland belts. of enclosure.

Reinforcement of dominant hedgerows creates a new larger-scale landscape structure.

Farmland Model A5: New woodland.

New woodlands can be created with a Shrubby edge to margins of wood and rides to increase balanced range of native species. species diversity and interest.

Planting of new woodland on land taken out of On rolling landforms, woodlands can be designed to agricultural production. complement the existing landform, or follow hedgerow pattern, or a combination of both (as shown here). Link with existing wood for visual and wildlife benefits.

Farmland Model A6: Improvements to stream side and margins

Linear areas with a small-scale character and Shelving, marshy margins for habitat diversity. ecological diversity can be developed. Marginal and aquatic planting. Creation of on- and off-stream ponds. Stream-side meadows combine with complex tree pattern.

Farmland Model A7: Footpath corridor improvements.

Concentrate landscape improvements on A variety of routes, open or enclosed by hedges, adds to the linear corridors for walking and riding, by the interest. creation of green lanes (grassy tracks, the character of which is enhanced through Attractive views can be enhanced by framing with planting. enclosure by hedges and/or trees along their boundaries). A sense of scale can be conveyed, e.g. contrast a narrow route with a view across open fields. Footpath routes could be designed to take advantage of landscape qualities and the opportunities they present.

Footpath corridor improvements: cross-sections

Rights of way across farmland are often Important rights of way can be transformed into green lanes obstructed by ploughed ground, narrow by the creation of landscape corridors. walking surfaces, poorly maintained or absent stiles and lack of signposting.

Farmers and landowners can help by managing their land to allow access for walking along rights of way; guidance is available from the local authorities

trimmed hedge; concentrate damage to archaeological sites improvements and conservation through agricultural practices: on hedges which have visual - look for opportunities to make a significance in the wider positive contribution to landscape landscape and/or are older or quality, including habitat creation species rich; trim during the and management; winter months to minimise the - be aware of the importance of impact on nesting birds and food conserving special features in the sources. landscape, such as species-rich 5. Water features: if there are hedges that may form ancient parish streams or ponds on the farm, or other boundaries, ancient semi- leave a margin uncultivated and natural woodlands, visually develop them, with planting as important ‘landmarks’ such as hill- necessary, to form a visually and top tree groups or road-side avenues, ecologically valuable feature; ponds, marshy areas, moats, burial even a 5m wide margin can be of mounds and other historical value, but the wider the better. monuments, all of which contribute Although you are dependent to to the richness and diversity of the some extent on the actions of countryside and which may have a neighbouring landowners there is story to tell in an historical sense: much you can do to maintain - pay attention to small-scale details water quality in your streams and such as bridges over ditches, stone ponds through sound walls, individually crafted gates, management. farm signs and gnarled old trees, 6. Archaeological sites: which all add to the quality of particular care should be taken to landscape; these should be carefully avoid damage to moated sites and conserved and they should provide to all traces of medieval the creative inspiration for new earthworks. They should be kept features in the countryside; clear of trees and scrub. Cleaning - consider the visual impact of farm of moats is encouraged, provided buildings and structures and look for archaeological advice is ways of integrating them in the followed. Landscape work near landscape; soften the impact of new village edges also needs care, as structures by careful consideration of these small villages have often location, design, colour and shrunk or shifted leaving associated planting; medieval earthworks in pasture - use native species appropriate to fields. the locality (see plantin g guidelines in Chapter 4); if possible use plants CHECKLIST of local provenance (e.g. grown from Farmers and landowners should: seed from old trees on the farm) or - consider their roles as where this is not possible, at least custodians and managers of the assure British original (an oak from rural landscape as well as Germany for example, whilst it may producers of agricultural products be of the same species as our English in a business context; Oak, may be genetically different); - place a high priority on avoiding environmental damage including

- prepare a farm conservation make an impact; ensure even minor plan which will integrate works are carried out in the context landscape improvements, wildlife of an overall masterplan or long- and archaeological conservation, term strategy - small amount of well- and rights of way management placed planting is better than a larger with the efficient running of the amount scattered throughout the farming operation; farm; - prepare such a plan in co- - remember that valuable grants, operation with adjoining farmers professional advice and even and landowners so that each volunteer helpers are available to put landholding is integrated in a the landscape plan into action; wider context and contributes to - think long-term; the character of the landscape character of the today’s finest landscapes can often area as a whole; be traced to planning or management -set aside a ‘landscape budget’ regimes going back one or two each year for environmental centuries or more - similarly, today’s improvement, as even a small generation needs to plan for the investment will, over the years, decades and centuries ahead. FARMERS AND LANDOWNERS Stand back from the farm as only a landholding and endeavour to see it as landscape in the wider context; think creatively about scenic quality and work with adjoining owners to improve the quality of the landscapes under your guardianship.

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CHERISH LANDSCAPE CHARACTER

One of the central objectives of these to respond to and build upon the key features of guidelines is that design and management in the existing landscape and also to create new the countryside should be more responsive to features in a co-ordinated and planned landscape place: that is, different landscapes should be renewal programme. sustained in different parts of the County, The recommended plant species given for reflecting the underlying geology, landform each character area have a sound basis, but local and history of land management. variations do exist and each design should be For this purpose the County has been responsive to the conditions and opportunities of divided into character areas on the basis of each individual site. distinctive existing landscape characters. The map illustrates the locations of the When planning new landscape works you are character areas. asked

AREA 1: SOUTH-EAST CLAY HILLS 1. Management of existing This is an undulating area, quite high for woodlands: ancient semi-natural Cambridgeshire, at about 100-120m above sea woodlands are important landscape, level on the hilltops. The small villages and historical and nature conservation hamlets have developed in more sheltered features, and those in the area should be situations, usually along the springline in the carefully conserved. Enhancement of shallow valleys. other woodlands could include selective Dense woodland and heavy soils deterred felling and re-stocking, while most woods prehistoric farmers. By medieval times all our would benefit from the creation of ‘edge present villages had been founded, although areas’ (see Farmland Models A4a and these are often recognisably later and less A4b). successful than villages to the east or west. 2. Creation of new woodlands: ideally Moated sites are common, making use of these should extend or link with existing water -retentive soil to give protection to woods, but free-standing woods of 2-5 homesteads in a newly settled landscape. hectares or more in the area would have a Landscape character derives from the significant impact (see Farmland Model scattering of farmsteads, and small settlements A5). They should be carefully sited with interspersed with farm woodlands. The field regard to: sizes are large, but are united by the gently - existing or potential views; rolling landform and woodlands. Earth banks - wildlife potential; are a distinctive feature along some roadsides, - landform and skyline; appearing to be a relic from the historic hedge - the broader pattern of the landscape. and bank field boundaries; a few still retain 3. Planting woodland belts and their hedges. Elsewhere surviving hedges, widened hedgerows: this will create bold often without trees, are trimmed low and can linear elements which link woods and created a mean appearance to the landscape. copses; if sensitively placed for maximum impact, such belts need not PRINCIPLES FOR LANDSCAPE involve large areas of land (see Farmland IMPROVEMENT AND MANAGEMENT IN Model A4b). THE SOUTH-EAST CLAY HILLS 4. Hedgerow management: simple Generally this is a small-scale and enhancement of the landscape could be satisfactorily composed landscape with achieved by allowing selected existing enclosure and form provided by the gently hedges to grow taller; those hedges with rolling landform and woodland blocks. the strongest visual and wildlife potential Nevertheless, improvements could usefully be should be selected for this purpose. direct towards the following principles: Historically significant hedgerows should be carefully conserved.

South-east clay hills: Carlton

5. Village edges: where unsightly situations, a more open village edge, fringes to village meet farmland, possibly with short avenues on the woodland belts or broach hedgerows entrance roads, will be more appropriate. can be used for screening where land is 6. Footpath corridor improvements; available. Views from roads can be landscape enhancement to local footpaths is obscured by planting along the road needed along selected routes (see Farmland margin. It is important to retain or Model A7). frame particularly important views of distant skylines, fine village views, church towers, etc. and in these

SOUTH-EAST CLAY HILLS Before: A rural landscape with great opportunities for Improvement.

Undulating landform gives shelter to Large open fields subdivided by low Small woodlands on skyline. small village hedges.

SOUTH-EAST CLAY HILLS After: A richer landscape with woods, taller hedgerows, meadow margins, stream landscape corridor and Improved village edge. Additional planting improves village Hedgerows allowed to grow Enlarged woodlands give broad-scale setting. taller to give small-scale enclosure. enclosure.

PLANT SPECIES GUIDELINES FOR Trees in hedgerows THE SOUTH-EAST CLAY HILLS Quercus robur (oak) Clay soils (except valley bottoms and dominant. wet sites) Fraxinus excelsior (ash) sub-dominant. Mixed Woodlands Acer campestre (field maple) Quercus robur (oak) sub-dominant. dominant tree, mixed woodlands. Fraxinus excelsior (ash) Avenues dominant tree, mixed woodlands. Quercus robur (oak) Prunus avium (wild cherry) Tilia sp. (lime) less common, mixed woodlands. Aesculus hippocastanum (horse chestnut) Acer compestre (field maple) environs of villages only glades, near edges. Avenues – all as single species, not mixed Corlus avellana (hazel) dominant shrub, edges, glades, scrub. Stream sides, wet clay soils Crataegus monogyna (hawthorn) Alnus glutinosa (alder) near edges, mixed thickets. dominant, in copses, small groups and river Sambucus nigra (elder) banks. occasional, understorey and edges. Salix alba (white willow) sub-dominant not in mixes Hedgerows, woodland edges and scrub Salix fragilis (crack willow) Crataegus monogyna (hawthorn) forms typical pollarded trees, also river banks. Corylus avellana (hazel) Salix caprea (goat willow) Prunus spinosa (blackthorn) scrubby copses. Rosa canina (dog rose) Corylus avellana (hazel) Malus sylvestris (crab apple) occasional on stream banks if not waterlogged. Acer campestre (field maple) Populus tremula (aspen) Cornus sanguinea (dogwood) in thickets; not in mixes. occasional. Fraxinus excelsior (ash) occasional where not waterlogged. Viburnum opulus (guelder rose) occasional as individuals and small groups. Cornus sanguinea (dogwood) occasional as individuals and small groups.

Chalklands:Babraham.

AREA 2: CHALKLANDS Wandlebury hill fort and in Anglo-Saxon times by the three great linear dykes which span the The complex history of settlement and the impact chalkland from the fen edge east of Cambridge to of people on the landscape over the centuries is the wooded edge on the higher claylands (a fourth particularly apparent in this part of the County. ‘Bran Ditch’ near Fowlmere has been almost Roman roads, Anglo-Saxon earthworks, large completely destroyed). fields, modern roads and developments are all These artificial elements overlie the interlinked. smooth rolling chalkland hills. The hills are The region was mostly too dry for early dissected by the two gentle valleys of the Granta settlement. However, this dryness and light and the Rhee, which converge to form the river vegetation meant that it was ideal for Cam just south of Cambridge. communications and it is traversed by a major The area was used for sheep farming well prehistoric and historic highway, the Icknield Way. into the nineteenth century, leading to the creation Its importance as a highway also gave it strategic of botanically rich grasslands which now only value. In the Iron Age it was controlled by survive in well-protected locations.

CHALKLANDS Before A denuded, intensely arable landscape

CHALKLANDS After Smooth, rolling profile to Wooded escarpment Beech hanger forms strong Good hedgerows and rising ground. emphasises landform. focal point on brow of hill. woodlands emphasise rolling landform and give sense of scale.

The majority of the chalkland is devoted The essentially geometrical field pattern to growing cereal crops, despite the frequently resulting from the downland hedge enclosure is poor, thin soils. It is a broad-scale landscape further subdivided in an area to the south-west of of large fields, low mechanically trimmed Newmarket. Here the relatively modern growth hedges and few trees. The eastern part of this and prosperity of the racehorse industry has area has a number of woodlands and shelter imposed a distinctive pattern of small, tree-lined belts which help to break up the long distant paddocks, which imparts a well-wooded character views and give some form and character. to the area. This has arisen from the need to Certain high points have small beech copses or provide shelter from cold winds and driving rain ‘hangers’ which are prominent and and also visual enclosure, to avoid external characteristic features in the open landscape. movements frightening the young horses. The stud farms are expanding away from the immediate surroundings of Newmarket, and no doubt their landscape pattern will also follow.

A rich and characterful river corridor; classic lowland landscapes can be recreated with the right design and management skills

PRINCIPLES FOR LANDSCAPE 5. Creation of landscape corridors IMPROVEMENT AND MANAGEMENT IN along river valleys: the valleys of the THE CHALKLANDS Rivers Granta, Rhee and Cam have a The future pattern is for a large-scale distinct small-scale intimacy which landscape defined by rolling hills, large fields, contrasts well with the surrounding bold shelter belts, sweeping masses of chalklands. Small woods and wetland woodland and occasional beech hangers.: meadows could be supplemented with 1. Planting new beech hangers: copses, lines of willows to be pollarded, could be placed on suitable, carefully and areas of marginal and aquatic sited knolls, hilltops and scarp-tops; vegetation (see Farmland Model A6). these would form focal points to 6. Hedgerows: selected hedgerows reinforce the local chalkland landscape should be reinforced, or managed for character. particularly significant impact, based 2. Management and creation of upon their visual and wildlife potential. chalk grasslands: the majority of the Historically significant hedgerows should grasslands should remain open and be carefully conserved, and new hedges uncluttered. The promotion of planted to emphasise the existing species-rich grassland on thin chalk landscape. soils would provide visual and wildlife 7. Footpath corridor improvements: value. Road verges should also be the Roman Road is an important route managed to promote plant diversity across the chalk landscape. Planting and interest. small woodlands at selected locations 3. Management of existing shelter such as hill tops or to frame views, as belts: these should be restocked to well as carefully managing the existing encourage young tree growth and fill rich flora, would enhance the route. A gaps. similar approach could be adopted for 4. Planting new mixed woodlands other footpaths in the area, concentrating and shelter belts: carefully sited to on a small number of linked corridors enclose large tracts of rolling farmland (see Farmland Model A7). and emphasise landforms (see Farmland Models A4b and A5).

8. Road corridor improvements: Tilia cordata (small-leaved lime) the M11 has had minimal planting to less common. soften its impact on the landscape. Carpinus betulus (hornbeam) The planting of selected embankments less common. and adjacent field margins with native Prunus avium (wild cherry) trees and shrubs would provide less common. interest for those using the road as Taxus baccata (yew) well as helping to integrate the road Small groups. with the surrounding countryside. Corylus avellana (hazel) 9. Conservation of the linear dominant shrub, understorey, edges, glades, dykes: selective removal of scrub scrub. growth and re-establishment of sheep Acer compestre (field maple) grazing, if possible, would enable the glades, near edges. massive scale of these historic Crataegus monogyna (hawthorn) earthworks to be appreciated and near edges, mixed thickets. promote chalk grass and flora Sambucus nigra (elder) communities. Some areas of scrub occasional, understorey and edges. should be retained for habitat and Ligustrum vulgaris (wild privet) visual diversity. The significance of occasional, edges. the dykes in the landscape could be Viburnum lantana (wayfaring tree) reinforced by managing adjacent strips occasional, edges. of agricultural land as grassland or scrub. Note: beech should be planted in single species 10. Newmarket stud farms: new groups of at least 500 sq. m. when used in investment in the expansion of stud woodland block; do not use in random mixes. farms is causing significant change. Shelter belts should be planned on less Hedgerows, woodland edges and scrub rigid lines and should respond more to Crataegus monogyna (hawthorn) the local landforms, hedges, copses Corylus avellana (hazel) and roads. The shelterbelts should be Prunus spinosa (blackthorn) planted with native tree and shrub Acer campestre (field maple) species for visual and wildlife Rosa canina (dog rose) benefits. Ligustrum vulgaris (wild privet) occasional. PLANT SPECIES GUIDELINES FOR Viburnum lantana (wayfaring tree) THE CHALKLANDS occasional.

Beech hangers Trees in hedgerows/avenues Fagus sylvatica (beech) Fraxinus excelsior (ash) Plus occasional additions of species from dominant, hedgerows. ‘mixed woodlands’ below. Fagus sylvatica (beech) mostly avenues; some hedgerows. Mixed Woodlands Acer campestre (field maple) Fagus sylvatica (beech) sub-dominant, hedgerows. Dominant mainly on shallow chalk soils where it may form large stands; smaller Avenues – all as single species, not mixed. groups in more diverse woods. Hedgerows – mixed. Fraxinus excelsior (ash) dominant; mixed woods.

AREA 3: WESTERN CLAYLANDS land has been brought into production by drainage and other soil improvements. Larger As in the South-eastern Claylands, dense farm units have created a need for large storage woodland and heavy soils deterred prehistoric buildings, which can be prominent in the farmers, and even Roman settlements are not landscape. commonly found in these regions. Population Small villages and hamlets are scattered pressure and the use of improved ploughs, throughout the area, usually in sheltered places however, led to many medieval settlements with existing trees. Small grass paddoc ks which have since been deserted or have typically occur on the edges of the villages. shrunken to tiny hamlets or single farms. Church spires and towers enliven the skyline. Ridge and furrow (a survival of medieval Existing and former wartime airfields at ploughing), deserted medieval villages, such Alconbury, Wyton, Molesworth, Glatton, as Wintringham, Weald and Washingley, and Warboys, Upwood, Kimbolton, Graveley, other substantial medieval settlement Staughton, Sibson, Bourn and Great Gransden earthworks, such as those at Steeple and Little have a significant impact on the area. Gidding, Hamerton, and Winwick, together with numerous moated sites and ruined PRINCIPLES FOR LANDSCAPE churches (at Denton and Woolley) are now all IMPROVEMENT AND MANAGEMENT IN features of this sparsely populated landscape. THE WESTERN CLAYLANDS This gentle undulating landscape is It would be unrealistic and inappropriate to subdivided by the shallow Ouse Valley attempt to restore the pre-war landscape of (landscape area 4). It consists of large-scale smaller fields with tree-lined hedges. Instead a arable farmland with open fields, sparse new landscape pattern that responds to the trimmed hedgerows and watercourses often demands of both modern agricultural practice and cleared of bankside vegetation. There are the need for landscape enhancement is necessary. scattered woodlands and approximately half of The vision is one of a fairly large-scale landscape these are ancient semi-natural woodlands of with large rolling fields enclosed by and considerable importance in the County sweeping around blocks and belts of woodland context. The biggest concentration of and broad hedgerows. In the valley bottoms, the woodlands is in the south-west corner of the objective should be to create small-scaled stream- County. Elsewhere individual woods are of side landscape zones with trees, copses, meadows importance in visual and nature conservation and other features. terms, but they tend to be isolated incidents in Where remnants of the old ridge and furrow an area dominated by arable farmland. survive as grassland or in woodland they should The landscape of this part of be preserved. Cambridgeshire has been greatly affected by Creation of the new landscape structure modern agricultural practices. Increased should be directed towards the following mechanisation has led to the removal of principles: hedgerows and amalgamation of fields. Many 1. Management of existing of the remaining hedges are ‘gappy’ and woodlands: the careful management of trimmed almost out of existence by regular ancient semi-natural woodlands and cutting. Dutch Elm Disease has taken a selective re-stocking and creation of considerable toll of hedgerow trees, and the ‘edge areas’ elsewhere (see Farmland extensive replanting which is still young has Model A4b) is essential. yet to make any major impact, although with 2. Creation of new woodlands: ideally over one million grant-aided trees having been these should be at least 2 hectares in size planted since 1974 significant change is likely and located so that they make a major over the next few decades. Marginal impact in relation to:

Western Claylands: Boxworth

- viewing points: of streams to create semi-wooded - wildlife potential; corridors of diverse habitats (see - landform and skylines. Farmland Model A6). The new woodland blocks may be 5. Hedgerows: selected hedgerows should planted to reflect landforms, thus be reinforced or managed for particularly developing a new character of wooded significant impact, based upon their visual skylines, distinctive clumps and and wildlife potential. Historically significant woodlands following the folds in the hedgerows should be carefully conserved, and land. Elsewhere, woodlands may be new hedges planted to emphasise the existing planted to reflect the existing or former landscape. field patterns, thus being derived from 6. Road margins: verges should be the inherited pattern (see Farmland managed for floral diversity; hedgerows with Model A5). In practice, a combination trees should be concentrated on lower slopes of these two approaches would emerge, to prevent loss of views from higher land and reflecting both old and new landscape planted to create a bold sequence of enclosed patterns. and open characters appropriate to the large 3. Planting of woodland belts: scale of the landscape (see Farmland Models probably based on existing hedgerows, A4a and A4b). linking woodland blocks, the belts 7. Footpath corridor improvements: a should be carefully aligned to reinforce small number of long-distance routes and also landforms and would enclose large areas circular/linking routes related to villages and of rolling farmland (see Farmland Model towns should be located, and landscape A4b). improvements implemented along their 4. Creation of landscape corridors in alignments; ideally these features will be valley bottoms: this will necessitate integrated with other new features as in 1 and setting aside 5-15m or more either side 4 above (see Farmland Model A7).

8. Village approaches: increased tree 10. Urban fringe: where the claylands cover with trees along road margins, border the Ouse Valley towns (St Ives, woodland belts alongside roads, planting at Huntingdon, St Neots) a substantial increase edges of villages and hedgerow planting is in tree and hedge cover is needed with trees desirable; it is important to ensure key along road margins, and woodland belts views are not lost. alongside roads and edges of developments. 9. Old airfields: there may be unsightly buildings which require fresh landscape treatment.

WESTERN CLAYLANDS Before

Dead tree Very little sense Poor, sparse Large, modern Small scrubland of landform or hedgerows. farm buildings on land difficult to enclosure. prominent on the cultivate. skyline.

WESTERN CLAYLANDS After Dead tree Tree line on Hedgerows Farm Woodland New woodland retained for hole- horizon helps to emphasise buildings on forms strong nesting birds. tie features landform and well horizon feature. Saplings together and give screened provides selected from enclose the character; by good hedge and space. tree planting planting. backdrop. allowed to grow in hedge. untrimmed.

PLANT SPECIES GUIDELINES FOR Avenues THE WESTERN CLAYLANDS Quercus robur (oak) Tilia sp. (lime) Mixed Woodlands Aesculus hippocastanum (horse chestnut) Quercus robur (oak) Environs of villages only. dominant tree. Avenues – all as single species, not mixed. Fraxinus excelsior (ash) dominant tree. Stream sides, wet clay soils Prunus avium (wild cherry) Alnus glutinosa (alder) less common. dominant, in copses and small groups. Acer compestre (field maple) Salix alba (white willow) glades, near edges. Sub-dominant, not in mixes. Corlus avellana (hazel) Salix fragilis (crack willow) dominant shrub, edges, glades, scrub. typical pollarded tree. Crataegus monogyna (hawthorn) Salix caprea (goat willow) near edges, mixed thickets. scrubby copses. Sambucus nigra (elder) Fraxinus excelsior (ash) occasional, understorey and edges. occasional where not waterlogged. Quercus robur (oak) Hedgerows, woodland edges and scrub occasional where not water logged. Crataegus monogyna (hawthorn) Corylus avellana (hazel) Corylus avellana (hazel) occasional on stream banks if not waterlogged. Prunus spinosa (blackthorn) Populus tremula (aspen) Rosa canina (dog rose) in thickets; not in mixes. Acer campestre (field maple) Viburnum opulus (guelder rose) Malus sylvestris (crab apple) occasional as individuals and small groups. Cornus sanguinea (dogwood) Cornus sanguinea (dogwood) occasional. occasional as individuals and small groups.

Trees in hedgerows Quercus robur (oak) dominant. Fraxinus excelsior (ash) sub-dominant. Acer campestre (field maple) sub-dominant.

AREA 4: OUSE VALLEY The new landscape envisaged can be created by following the principles below: Rivers provided a major means of 1. Creation of a riverside landscape communication until very recent times, and corridor: allocating zones 10-30m wide also a good water supply. Light, well-drained (increasing where possible up to the full gravel soils were ideal for prehistoric width of the floodplain) either side of the agriculture and also attracted Roman and river would conserve and/or produce a Anglo -Saxon farmers. Roman, medieval (and landscape of bankside trees, such as most modern) towns were situated on river willows and alders, together with wet crossings (e.g. Huntingdon/Godmanchester, St grazing meadows, marshlands and areas Ives, St Neots) and river valleys have always of open water (see Farmland Model A6). been the most populated areas. 2. Plantations of riverside willows The meandering River Ouse in its shallow and poplars: these would quickly valley bisects the claylands that form the provide strong elements of enclosure or western edge of Cambridgeshire. The margins screening where necessary.. of the river consist of a mosaic of flood plains 3. Planting bankside willows to be and grazing meadows, working and disused pollarded: carefully sited, these would gravel pits and lakes, sprawling housing areas add character and interest to parts of the and industrial estates. Elsewhere, the Ouse river corridor. Valley is characterised by thick hedges, trees 4. Small copses and large hedgerows: and fields. a framework should be established away from the river that could accommodate a PRINCIPLES FOR LANDSCAPE number of competing uses (see Farmland IMPROVEMENT AND MANAGEMENT IN Model A4b). THE OUSE VALLEY 5. Creation of meadows: especially in The River Ouse, with its distinctive floodplain the riverside areas and close to meadows, hedgerows and trees forms the basic settlements. landscape character of the area; but this is now 6. Development edges: woodland belts much influenced by flooded gravel pits and along the edges of development or roads urban expansion. In certain places the area’s would be valuable in screening unsightly landscape character has declined markedly as views. a result of developments. There is therefore, a need to create a bold landscape framework PLANT SPECIES GUIDELINES FOR THE which unifies and enhances many of these OUSE VALLEY disparate uses, creating a rich and interesting Clay soils (except valley bottoms and wet river corridor with a diverse mix of open and sites) enclosed spaces. Under the provisions of the Mixed Woodlands Cambridgeshire Aggregates (Minerals) Local Quercus robur (oak) Plan opportunities for further mineral working dominant tree. along the Ouse Valley corridor are limited. Fraxinus excelsior (ash) Proposals for extraction, restoration and after dominant tree. use will be determined with reference to both Prunus avium (wild cherry) county and district local plan policies and less common. landscape guidelines. Acer compestre (field maple) glades, near edges.

Ouse Valley: St. Ives

Corlus avellana (hazel) Salix alba (white willow) dominant shrub, edges, glades, scrub. Sub-dominant, not in mixes. Crataegus monogyna (hawthorn) Salix fragilis (crack willow) near edges, mixed thickets. forms typical pollarded trees, also river banks. Sambucus nigra (elder) Salix caprea (goat willow) occasional, understorey and edges. scrubby copses. Corylus avellana (hazel) Hedgerows, woodland edges and scrub occasional on stream banks if not waterlogged. Crataegus monogyna (hawthorn) Populus tremula (aspen) Corylus avellana (hazel) in thickets; not in mixes. Prunus spinosa (blackthorn) Viburnum opulus (guelder rose) Rosa cania (dog rose) occasional as individuals and small groups. Acer campestre (field maple) Cornus sanguinea (dogwood) Malus sylvestris (crab apple) occasional as individuals and small groups. Cornus sanguinea (dogwood) Fraxinus excelsior (ash) occasional. occasional where not waterlogged. Quercus robur (oak) Trees in hedgerows occasional where not water logged. Quercus robur (oak) dominant. Gravel soils Fraxinus excelsior (ash) Alnus glutinosa (alder) sub-dominant. dominant, in copses, small groups and river Salix alba (white willow) banks. dominant. Populus alba (white poplar) Acer campestre (field maple) Occasional, individuals, small groups. sub-dominant. Populus canescens (grey poplar) Occasional, individuals, small thickets. Avenues Salix caprea (goat willow) Quercus robur (oak) Scrub, thickets, not mixed. Tilia sp. (lime) Salix alba (white willow) Aesculus hippocastanum (horse chestnut) sub-dominant, not in mixes. environs of villages only. Quercus robur (oak) Avenues – all as single species, not mixed. Occasional, drier conditions, hedgerows, woodlands. Stream sides, wet clay soils Fraxinus excelsior (ash) Alnus glutinosa (alder) occasional drier conditions, hedgerows, dominant, in copses, small groups and river woodlands. banks.

A rich and interesting river corridor of open meadows with bankside trees, enclosed by large hedges and tree belts

AREA 5: GRAFHAM WATER 2. Management of existing Grafham Water is an example of a major new woodlands: integrated with 1 above, it man-made landscape feature. The flooding of would be important to ensure the careful a shallow valley to make the third largest man- management of ancient semi-natural made lake in England has provided a locally woodlands and the long term health of important centre for water-based recreation other existing woods by selective felling, and nature conservation. However, this is one re-stocking and the creation of varied instance where the provision of water has not edge types. (see Farmland Model A4b) improved the landscape or scenic qualities of 3. Creation of sheltered margins to the area; a great opportunity has been lost. the reservoir sides: marginal and aquatic The reservoir has an ‘introverted’ and plants could be established along the secluded character. It is separated from the shores. This would reduce erosion of the surrounding area by low, intensively farmed shorelines and add variety and interest to hills and small woods. In many situations a the foreground of views across the water. combination of hilly land and water provides a 4. Arable margins: the creation of a fine basis for an interesting landscape, but here transitional zone of meadows with copses the hills are too insignificant to enclose views and individual trees between the arable across the lake, yet they define an easily farmland and the shore would help to add identifiable boundary which prevents any some character. Combined with 3 above, sense of concealment or mystery about the an interesting, attractive landscape could size of the lake. Similarly the woodlands are be developed. not sufficiently well related to form a strong 5. Stream corridors: a number of small visual feature in the landscape. streams feed into the reservoir. The Even so, Grafham Water is an area which creation of semi-wooded corridors along is used by a large number of people. For this the stream sides would spread the reason, a programme of landscape influence of the transitional areas enhancement coupled with the recreational suggested in 4 above (see Farmland uses would be very worthwhile. Model A6) 6. Footpath corridor improvements: PRINCIPLES FOR LANDSCAPE there are a number of footpaths which IMPROVEMENT AND MANAGEMENT IN link the reservoir with the surrounding THE GRAFHAM WATER AREA small villages. These should be co- ordinated by the principles outlined above 1. Linking together existing to provide a series of recreational routes woodland: new woodlands, or strong around the reservoir (see Farmland Model woodland belts should be designed to A7) form an interesting diverse margin to 7. Public car parks and picnic areas: the reservoir. A series of spaces these areas are critical in formulating would be created which would be public impressions of the site. Landscape small-scale and sheltered and would works, including planting to provide enclose views onto and from the shelter, enclosure, direction of views and water. Priority for this work would interest would be valuable in achieving relate to significant improvements to significant improvements. existing facilities such as the watersports centre, public car parks, PLANT SPECIES GUIDELINES FOR THE picnic areas and viewpoints. GRAFHAM WATER AREA Landform and skyline would be Clay soils (except valley bottoms and wet emphasised by woodland planting. sites)

Mixed Woodlands Quercus robur (oak) dominant tree. Fraxinus excelsior (ash) dominant tree. Prunus avium (wild cherry)

less common.

Acer compestre (field maple) Acer campestre (field maple) glades, near edges. Malus sylvestris (crab apple) Corlus avellana (hazel) Cornus sanguinea (dogwood) dominant shrub, edges, glades, scrub. occasional. Crataegus monogyna (hawthorn) near edges, mixed thickets. Trees in hedgerows Sambucus nigra (elder) Quercus robur (oak) occasional, understorey and edges. dominant. Fraxinus excelsior (ash) Hedgerows, woodland edges and scrub sub-dominant. Crataegus monogyna (hawthorn) Acer campestre (field maple) Corylus avellana (hazel) sub-dominant. Prunus spinosa (blackthorn) Rosa cania (dog rose)

Grafham Water: western shore.

Avenues Salix caprea (goat willow) Quercus robur (oak) scrubby copses. Tilia sp. (lime) Fraxinus excelsior (ash) Aesculus hippocastanum (horse chestnut) occasional where not waterlogged. environs of villages only. Quercus robur (oak) Avenues – all as single species, not mixed. occasional where not water logged. Corylus avellana (hazel) Stream sides, wet clay soils occasional on stream banks if not waterlogged. Alnus glutinosa (alder) Populus tremula (aspen) dominant, in copses, small groups and river in thickets; not in mixes. banks. Viburnum opulus (guelder rose) Salix alba (white willow) occasional as individuals and small groups. Sub-dominant, not in mixes. Cornus sanguinea (dogwood) Salix fragilis (crack willow) occasional as individuals and small groups. forms typical pollarded trees, also river banks.

AREA 6: NENE PRINCIPLES FOR LANDSCAPE VALLEY/PETERBOROUGH IMPROVEMENT AND MANAGEMENT IN GRAVELS THE NENE VALLEY/PETERBOROUGH GRAVELS AREA Like the Ouse Valley, this was an important The aim should be to strengthen the distinct early settlement, reaching national landscape characteristics of the River Nene either significance in the Roman period when side of Peterborough. Durobrivae was a major town on Ermine St, To the east, the open fenland character surrounded by pottery kilns that produced should dominate. distinctive fine and course wares from a large 1. Management of the wetlands in part of eastern England. Prehistoric and around the Nene Washes: the Nene settlements and religious sites were Washes are widely recognised for their particularly important in the area of Maxey, nature conservation importance. Low - Etton and Bainton. key alterations to surrounding dykes and The character of the Nene Valley changes their margins would be beneficial to the greatly as it moves from the shallow appearance of the local landscape and undulations of the clay/limestone junction nature conservation. west of Peterborough to the flatter fen edge to 2. Planting around settlement edges: the east. the fringes of settlements would be Ferry Meadows Country Park and greatly enhanced by the planting of associated recreational facilities, such as the woodland belts to provide shelter and Nene Valley Railway, dominate the western screening to reduce the impact of their portion of this area. The intensive organised stark and often unattractive visual landscape around the lakes gradually changes appearance. to a pastoral agricultural use that still retains 3. Pollarded willows: some dyke-sides extensive areas of flood meadows and are characterised by rows of old pollarded associated sites of nature conservation interest. willows. A management cycle for Generally, field patterns are still evident repollarding those still remaining would with a fairly good cover of hedgerows and help to retain these as a feature. A few, trees. Riverside vegetation of trees, and carefully chosen sites could be planted diverse marginal and aquatic plants are to be with new willows to be pollarded to found in several locations, especially among maintain the continuity of this the backwaters. characteristic features. East of Peterborough the landform flattens West of Peterborough, the Nene Valley has an and the rivers has been adapted to the important recreational role. A successful planed rectilinear drainage pattern of the fens. The landscape has been established near the New recent excavations at Flag Fen indicate the Town. The extension of this further west is former importance of this area. The old proposed and should include the following: course of the River Nene meanders south to 1. Management of existing woods: this disappear in a series of small drains around will ensure the long-term survival of Farcet, whereas the new cut talking the river important landscape features, such as the heads directly east across the fens. This fen woods which form the backdrop to Ferry edge landscape consists of large open arable Meadows County Park. fields with sparse tree cover. The tall 2. Creation of small copses: associated chimneys of the brickworks based around the with footpaths or the meandering river, clay pits at Whittlesey and south of these would add character and interest as Peterborough punctuate the skyline. well as having wildlife value.

Nene Valley: Stibbington. PLANT SPECIES GUIDELINES FOR THE NENE 3. River corridor improvements: VALLEY/PETERBOROUGH GRAVELS AREA a range of opportunities exist to Clay soils (except valley bottoms and wet sites) improve and diversify the margins of the River Nene. These include Mixed Woodlands riverside tree planting and habitat Quercus robur (oak) improvements such as creating dominant tree. seasonal wetlands, on-stream slack Fraxinus excelsior (ash) water areas, off-stream ponds and dominant tree. establishment of appropriate marginal Prunus avium (wild cherry) and aquatic plants (see Farmland less common. Model A6). Initially this could Acer compestre (field maple) concentrate on the low-key waterside glades, near edges. recreational areas at Alwalton, Water Corlus avellana (hazel) Newton and Stibbington. dominant shrub, edges, glades, scrub. 4. Railway corridor Crataegus monogyna (hawthorn) improvements: landscape near edges, mixed thickets. improvements to create selected vistas Sambucus nigra (elder) or viewpoints by hedge, tree and occasional, understorey and edges. copse planting would improve the attractiveness of the Nene Valley Hedgerows, woodland edges and scrub Steam Railway. Crataegus monogyna (hawthorn) 5. Footpath corridor Corylus avellana (hazel) improvements.: the Nene Way is an Prunus spinosa (blackthorn) important recreational route. Features Rosa cania (dog rose) integrated with 3 and 4 above would Acer campestre (field maple) produce a co-ordinated programme Malus sylvestris (crab apple) that could significantly improve the Cornus sanguinea (dogwood) quality of the Nene Valley (see occasional. Farmland Model A7).

Quercus robur (oak) Trees in hedgerows occasional where not water logged. Quercus robur (oak) Corylus avellana (hazel) dominant. occasional on stream banks if not waterlogged. Fraxinus excelsior (ash) Populus tremula (aspen) sub-dominant. in thickets; not in mixes. Acer campestre (field maple) Viburnum opulus (guelder rose) sub-dominant. occasional as individuals and small groups. Cornus sanguinea (dogwood) Avenues occasional as individuals and small groups. Quercus robur (oak) Tilia sp. (lime) Gravel soils Aesculus hippocastanum (horse chestnut) Alnus glutinosa (alder) environs of villages only. dominant, copses, small groups, river banks. Avenues – all as single species, not mixed. Populus alba (white poplar) occasional, individuals, small thickets. Stream sides, wet clay soils Populus canescens (grey poplar) Alnus glutinosa (alder) occasional, individuals, small thickets. dominant, in copses and small groups. Salix caprea (goat willow) Salix alba (white willow) scrub, thickets, not mixed. Sub-dominant, not in mixes. Salix alba (white willow) Salix fragilis (crack willow) Sub-dominant, not in mixes. forms typical pollarded trees, also river Quercus robur (oak) banks. Occasional, drier conditions, hedgerows, Salix caprea (goat willow) woodlands. scrubby copses. Fraxinus excelsior (ash) Fraxinus excelsior (ash) Occasional, drier conditions, hedgerows, occasional where not waterlogged. woodlands.

AREA 7: NORTH-WEST LIMESTONE ancient semi-natural woodlands and other woods are valuable sites of nature conservation interest. This compact area, a remnant of the former A number of relic floral grassland sites, including Rockingham Forest, has a distinct character some road verges, are also of significance. they is typical of much of Northamptonshire Barnack Hills and Holes and Castor Hanglands rather than Cambridgeshire. It has fine are particularly fine landscape sites with landscape qualities which need careful considerable nature conservation value. management and selective improvements. Small villages with buildings constructed in PRINCIPLES FOR LANDSCAPE local limestone, many with Collyweston slate IMPROVEMENT AND MANAGEMENT IN roofs, are located in these low limestone hills. THE NORTH-WEST LIMESTONE AREA Mixed farming still occurs in the area, so the Essentially the aim is to achieve contrasts traditional pattern of fields enclosed by hedges between areas of small-scale intimate landscape or drystone walls is characteristic. Arable character full of detail and interest, and open fields tend to be larger, and many of the fields sweeping amongst and enclosed by bold hedgerows have been removed. Here the masses of woodlands. In the future, a greater landscape can nevertheless be attractive with sense of enclosure should be developed by careful the large rolling fields following between woodland planting and management. Within this significant woods and small copses, which framework, detailed restoration and habitat provide a sense of enclosure and also frame creation projects relating to drystone walls and long-distance views. There are some fine flower-rich road verges, for example, can be carried out.

North-west Limestone: west of Peterborough

1. Management of existing 4. Hedgerows: selected hedgerows woodlands: this should aim to achieve should be reinforced or managed for the progressive conversion of conifer particularly significant impact, based plantations to mixed broad-leaved upon their visual and wildlife potential. woodlands where possible and the Historically significant hedgerows should careful management of ancient semi- be carefully conserved, and new hedges natural woodlands and re-stocking, planted to emphasise the existing coppicing and creation of ‘edge areas’ landscape. elsewhere (see Farmland Model A4b). 5. Footpath corridor improvements: a 2. Road margins: the repair of number of footpaths in the area have been drystone walls, replanting of hedges improved by waymarking and the with trees and management of verges construction of stiles and footbridges. for floral diversity would help retain The next stage is to enhance the or restore some of the small-scale, experience of walking through this intimate nature of this area which has landscape by the creation of features of been degraded by the loss of field interest, vistas and viewpoints along the hedgerows. key footpath corridors (see Farmland 3. Drystone walls: a maintenance Model (A7). programme is essential; new walls 6. Planting a few carefully located should be built in the traditional woodland belts: linking woodland blocks pattern where possible. and aligned to reinforce landforms, the woodland belts would enclose open,

NORTH-WEST LIMESTONE Before Loss of hedgerows. Poor health of hedgerow trees Significant woods and copses give good enclosure to broad views

NORTH-WEST LIMESTONE After Hedgerows replanted along road Verges managed for grass and floral New woodlands to improve sense of sides. diversity. scale and enclose rolling landform.

enclose open, rolling areas of farmland Hedgerows, woodland edges and scrub and enhance significant views. If Crataegus monogyna (hawthorn) suitably sited, these may help to Corlus avellana (hazel) reduce the visual dominance of the Prunus spinosa (blackthorn) electricity transmission lines which Acer compestre (field maple) bisect the area. Rosa cania (dog rose) 7. Villages: most villages are Malus sylvestris (crab apple) attractive and have, generally, been protected from unsympathetic Trees in hedgerows peripheral development. The villages Fraxinus excelsior (ash) are an integral part of the landscape sub-dominant. and often combine successfully with Quercus robur (oak) it. Attention should be focused on dominant. improvements to village entrances, Acer campestre (field maple) and tree and hedge planting to subdue sub-dominant. the visual dominance of overhead Malus sylvestris (crab apple) wires and screen views into the rear of properties. Ensure that key features Avenues/village approaches such as avenues at Southorpe, or Quercus robur (oak) views to prominent landmarks such as Aesculus hippocastanum (horse chestnut) church towers, are not lost. Tilia sp. (lime) 8. Grassland: some of the thinner Avenues – all as single species, not mixed. limestone soils give marginal yield for arable crops in dry years, creating the potential to transfer them to grassland. The species -rich meadows at Barnack Hills and Holes and the superb Castor Hanglands illustrate the potential for achieving particularly fine landscape, including species -rich grassland, on limestone soils.

PLANT SPECIES GUIDELINES FOR THE NORTH-WEST LIMESTONE AREA

Mixed Woodlands Fraxinus excelsior (ash) dominant tree. Quercus robur (oak) dominant tree. Prunus avium (wild cherry) Acer compestre (field maple) glades, near edges. Corlus avellana (hazel) main understorey shrub, glades and thickets. Crataegus monogyna (hawthorn) near edges, thickets. Sambucus nigra (elder) occasional, understorey and edges.

AREA 8: FENLAND tidal salt water in the brooks, and the rearing of sheep and cattle. Various HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT canals were made, mainly for transport, The fens are a complex landscape covering linking major rivers, or, like the Fen 550 sq. miles produced from draining the tidal Causeway, connecting the Peterborough basin of the Wash. The area has undergone region with East Anglia. The canal continual transformation since the last ice age became silted and was later turned into a 10,000 years ago, as with each relative change road. An even longer waterway, the Car in sea level the balance between saltmarsh, Dyke, linked Lincoln with Peterborough fen, bog and woodland has altered. Large- from where connection with Cambridge scale drainage work in Fenland stems from the could be made via natural rivers and human desire to manage these potentially finally by the Cambridgeshire Car Dyke productive lands. This has been achieved in cutting through Cottenham and three principal phases spanning the last 2,000 Waterbeach years. 2. In the early Middle Ages much of the remaining fenland was drained through 1. The silty marine deposits lying ‘assarting’, the process by which common around the Wash became habitable for land is enclosed by private landowners. the first time during the Roman period This produced extensive areas of pasture with the construction of a sea wall and the products which formed the basis around the Wash to exclude the of the wealthy Fenland economy – meat, highest tides. The nature of the butter, wool, livestock and traditional settlement was rural with farm products of reed, sedge and peat. clinging to the higher ground along the 3. The final major phase of drainage levees of steams and rivers. The main was designed by Vermuyden and economic activities were salt implemented in the seventeenth century, production, using fen peat and the with an elaborate system of drains and

Fenland: 16ft drain at Stonea

river diversions, including the LANDSCAPE CHARACTERISTICS construction of the Ouse washes. This Fenland is a landscape of contrasts and variety. scheme enabled deep drainage of the Superimposed upon the regimented and highly southern peat fens leading to the organised drainage patterns is a much more conversion of pasture to arable haphazard pattern of settlement and tree cover. It cultivation, which in turn accelerated is a large open landscape and although appearing the shrinkage of peat resulting in the monotonous, it is in fact characterised by need to maintain most of Fenland by continuous change as the visual characteristics of continued pumping into the now high one fen merge into the next. The open landscape drainage channels and rivers. provides distant views where the scattering of clumps and individual trees merge together to FENLAND ARCHAEOLOGY produce a feeling of a more densely tree-covered Fen islands and edges are exciting horizon. archaeological areas because their build-up of There are many ‘islands’ which rise above the peat has protected early sites. Lowest levels flat ocean of the fens. These range in size from are still wet and therefore preserve organic the dominant Isle of Ely which rises over 20m materials and other evidence. The area has above the adjacent peat fens, to much smaller always been rich in natural resources (e.g. features which are elevated an almost waterfowl, peat, reed) and was settled imperceptible metre or two. These islands are wherever changing water levels permitted. significant in the landscape: most are occupied by Early prehistoric habitation was widespread settlements or farmsteads which, with their and the Romans organised drainage and associated tree cover, gives them special farmed the fens as an imperial estate, probably prominence. Heavier soils predominate on the concentrating on wool and leather production larger islands, resulting in a landscape more for the army. Saxon monks actually typical of the Western Claylands with mature experienced wetter conditions providing them trees and thick hedgerows. with remote strongholds at Ely, Ramsey and In the expansive open landscape isolated Thorney. agricultural buildings, farmsteads and loose-knit Peat shrinkage is constantly exposing new villages are often prominent against a background archaeological sites in the Fenlands, and of a constantly changing sky where vast therefore up-to-date information is always cloudscapes provide drama and visual delight. needed before development or planting There is considerable variation within schemes are planned. Survey work carried out Fenland, each fen having its own characteristics. by English Heritage’s Fenland Project Journeying through Fenland these subtle changes provides invaluable information for individual in character become gradually apparent with the sites. constant change in the balance of landscape components.

Wide open spaces; distant trees merge to form a softened horizon, but uncluttered spaces of several square miles in extent create a dramatic and dominant character.

Examples of areas within Fenland with Tree and Hedge Planting strong individual characteristics include: 1. Around agricultural buildings and - the larger islands of higher ground such farmsteads: modern farm operations, as a March, Chatteris, Haddenham and Ely. require large, industrially scaled These have more tree cover, retained buildings. The scale of the fen landscape hedgerows and often extensive areas of can enable these to become an acceptable grassland; element in distant views. Careful siting - the Duke of Bedford’s former estate at and choice of colour cladding is Thorney where nineteenth-century planting important. Attempts at screening need to on a grand scale has produced a landscape be equally bold to succeed. However, it strongly influenced by tree belts and is not necessary to surround buildings avenues; with trees. Planting up to quarter of a - the fruit-growing area around Wisbech hectare of trees in front, to the side or including villages such as Parson Drove, even behind buildings will soften the Wisbech St Mary and Leverington, situated harsh outlines of buildings and combine on the northern silt fens. Here an early to form visual ‘islands’ within the open settlement pattern with an irregular layout Fenland. of connecting roads combines with mature 2. Isolated trees and clumps: a trees in the villages and orchards characteristic features of Fenland is the surrounded by windbreaks of poplar or scattering of lone trees, often willows of hawthorn to produce a distinctive pollarded origin, which grow on drove landscape; edges, road verges, out of ditch banks or - land adjacent to the Ouse and Nene adjacent to buildings. Small-scale Washes, and other large drainage channels planting is needed if the presence of where huge linear grassy banks dominate isolated mature trees is to be maintained the landscape; in the landscape. The regular shape of - extensive plantations of poplars in the fen fields and the large number of drains Shippea Hill area, once grown for match provide few obvious sites for planting production, have produced blocks of even occasional trees. A willingness to woodland in scale with the open landscape: tolerate ‘lone’ trees in an arable - extensive linear planting of poplars and environment will be needed by farmers willow on field edges and road verges in and landowners, to perpetuate their the Isleham-Prickwillow area on the presences in Fenland. initiative of vegetable growers has 3. Planting of avenues/tree belts: the produced features which now dominate the planting of avenues and lines of trees can local landscape; do much to improve and diversify the - remnant wet fenlands at Wicken, Holme landscape if undertaken on an appropriate and Woodwalton dominate the local scale. The tree belts in the Thorney area landscapes and provide a sharp contrast are appropriate because they were with modern usage of the fens. planted on a grand scale by the Duke of Bedford and in combination they produce PRINCIPLES FOR LANDSCAPE the character of that area. An isolated IMPROVEMENT AND MANAGEMENT IN avenue or tree belt is likely to appear out THE FENLAND AREA of place on its own, within an open The fens are large open landscapes. Their landscape. present character is a result of the interrelation The planting of avenues/tree belts between the regimented pattern of drains and should be undertaken: roads and the more scattered elements of trees - within areas already characterised by and settlements. In many areas the essential similar features; character is the open view of land, sky and the - where the scale of work is appropriately field drains. Any landscape proposal must suit large, e.g. as part of a planned scheme the massive scale of the landscape and be in covering a large estate; keeping with the local character of the particular area.

Fenland Before Wide sweeping vistas where the farm buildings are the main element to break the skyline

FENLAND After Planting concentrated around the No planting along Encourage verge and dykeside vegetation for wildlife. farmhouse and its ‘industrial’ scale drove because this buildings. This would provide shelter would conflict with the and soften the forms of the buildings. wide open vista.

- after consideration has been paid to 5. Settlements and large the qualities of the existing landscape development s: many Fenland villages and the impact on the belts on have suffered from unsightly fringe existing views, e.g. will an existing development. Planting thick hedgerows prominent view of Ely Cathedral be with trees or wide shelterbelts on the lost? margins would soften harsh boundaries 4. Planting of new woodlands: between rear gardens and farmland. true woodland is largely absent from These types of landscaping Fenland, though records show that opportunities should be incorporated some ancient woodland did survive into sizeable developments affecting the on the larger fen islands until quite edges of settlements. Entrances to some recent times, the last site being villages would be improved by tree cleared at Doddington earlier this planting along verges. Avenue planting century It is on these larger islands of large trees with scale and presence, that new woodland planting would be such as horse chestnut, is appropriate. most appropriate. For example, there Tree planting within the settlements will would be substantial benefits from soften their profiles and reinforce their establishing extensive new woodlands island character within the open fen on the fen islands round Ely, Chatteris setting. and March.

Fenland Village Entrance : Before

Fenland Village Entrance : After

6. Fen islands: opportunities species by extending clearance cycles. should be sought to increase tree cover through hedgerow planting, and Recreating Wet Fenland the creation of new copses and In the intensively managed fenland landscape few woodland, thus providing a contrast areas of semi-natural fenland remain. All to the surrounding fens. At the practical opportunities for recreating wet fenland transition area between fen and should be exploited. island, the creation of small grass paddocks surrounded with thick PLANT SPECIES GUIDELINES FOR THE hedges and trees or areas of woodland FENLAND would reinforce the contrast and the sense of moving from one landscape Since many of Fenlands’ trees are of planted to another. origin we will find that the typical naturally occurring species such as willow, ash, oak and Management of Dykes and Drains elm are very commonly supplemented with In managing these features opportunities introduced horse chestnut and sycamore. As a should be taken to enhance the landscape and general rule these should only be used in villages conservation value by: or in association with buildings - reprofiling banks; - creating dyke deltas; - encouraging more diverse grass and flora

Fenland: the Isle of Ely from Stuntney.

Peat and silt Fenland Fen islands Fraxinus excelsior (ash) Fraxinus excelsior (ash) Salix alba (white willow) Quercus robur (oak) Alnus glutinosa (alder) Acer compestre (field maple) Quercus robur (oak) Malus sylvestris (crab apple) Acer compestre (field maple) Prunus avium (wild cherry) Betula pendula (birch) Populus alba (white poplar) Populus alba (white poplar) Salix caprea (goat willow) Populus robusta (hybrid black poplar) Crataegus monogyna (hawthorn) Salix caprea (goat willow) Corylus avellana (hazel) Salix cinerea (grey willow) Cornus sanguinea (dogwood) Crataegus monogyna (hawthorn) Prunus spinosa (blackthorn) Viburnum opulus (guelder rose) Ligustrum vulgare (wild privet) Cornus sanguinea (dogwood) Aesculus hippocastanum (horse chestnut) Cornus sanguinea (sycamore

Selected dykes could form linear landscape corridors through the fens. Here, a smaller-sale character is appropriate, with meadow, copses, pollarded willows, changes of level and wetland habitats. From these more sheltered corridors, there would be contrasting views out to the open Fenland beyond.

5 ______

MAKE IT HAPPEN

DEVELOPERS, LANDOWNERS, - Chalk grassland: at one time, the LAND MANAGERS, FARMERS, chalklands were extensively covered by VOLUNTEERS grassland with sheep grazing, a When it comes to action to safeguar d or management regime which led to improve the landscape, you are in the floristically very diverse and attractive front line. You are expected to follow the meadows. These are now largely lost due guidelines in this manual. When all do to conversion to intensive arable so, we shall witness the much needed production. The Institute of Terrestrial transformation of the Cambridgeshire Ecology has been conducting trials near landscape. There may be help available, Royston over some years to assess the should you need it, from the local feasibility of restoring the chalkland authorities or from a variety of other meadows and thus a ‘downs’ character. It sources. is proposed that an extensive area be Please bear in mind the need for major transformed back to a traditional chalk imaginative projects which may be grassland, with the help of ITE’s promoted by the local authorities and experience, with the objective of government agencies and help if you can. associated public access, environmental For example: education use and wildlife conversation. - New Cambridgeshire forests: these - Arboretum: it is envisaged that an would consist of multi-purpose arboretum could help revitalise an woodland blocks interspersed with existing woodland or parkland estate and farmland, as described in the Rural form a natural extension to it. Some of Strategy. Possible locations are on the the benefits would be: to enhance the Chalklands south-east of Cambridge, present range of public open space the Western Claylands to the west of facilities; to provide a series of walks or the A1, or to the south and west of trails through a variety of landscapes; to Peterborough. provide a source of educational or - Major countryside routes: the scientific studies; and to create a new County and District Councils have landscape feature adding to the richness promoted several medium- to long- of Cambridgeshire’s environment. distance paths which include the Roman Road, Wimpole Way, Ouse LOCAL AUTHORITIES Valley Way and Hereward Way. These routes often follow historic The county, district and parish councils of trackways, link features of interest and Cambridgeshire have a vital role to play in cross a variety of landscape characters. the implementation of these guidelines They could be much enhanced through through: landscape renewal within their visual - policy guidance; corridor, by creating new green lanes, - planning control; hedges, small-scale habitat - education and publicity; improvements and features such as - guardianship; ‘landmark’ copses and avenues. - direct action.

ACTION THROUGH POLICY - require developers and other who GUIDANCE submit proposals to show not only how In addition to this manual there is a range impact on the countryside is minimised but of planning and other rural policy also how the development can contribute to documents which include guidance on the richness, diversity and character of the landscape issues: area; use Tree Preservation Orders to - County Structure Plan; safeguard existing trees and ensure through - District Local Plans; planning conditions that landscape proposals - Aggregates Local Plan; are properly carried out; - Cambridge Green Belt Local Plan; - expect all significant proposals to be - Ouse Valley Recreation Local Plan; supported by a landscape response which - Cambridgeshire Rural Strategy. has been properly prepared by a qualified landscape architect or other discipline as When these documents are viewed, the appropriate; effectiveness of the policies should be - maintain a dialogue with developers to assessing terms of the landscape discuss how best the principles contained guidelines, in particular to establish in these guidelines can be achieved; whether sufficient emphasis is placed on - ensure that the planning control system creative policies and the need to develop is properly supported by professional landscape character and a sense of place. landscape advice, either by appointing one or more landscape architects to their INFLUENCE THROUGH PLANNING staff or by using consultants to assist ‘as CONTROL required’. The county and district councils have considerable influence through the INFLUENCE THROUGH EDUCATION planning system over development within AND PUBLICITY and adjoining the countryside, although Through environmental education in schools, there are significant exclusions (such as a new generation of children can grow up small farm buildings and forestry). In with a better understanding of their addition, their powers are clearly limited environment and their relationship to it, in by statute and may be overturned on particularly, they should be encouraged to appeal. understand that the environment is not a Nevertheless, the planning system vague concept and something that only should be used to reinforce the principles, happens elsewhere, in the Amazon jungle or contained within these guidelines. In the upper atmosphere, or that it is entirely particularly, planners are encouraged to: outside their control as individuals, but is as - be positive in encouraging much as anything their local landscape - development which, provided it is town, village and countryside. Through this acceptable in broad planning terms, offers appreciation, children can be encouraged to a creative response to change in the take an active role in caring for the countryside and also environmentally countryside and helping to implement some based ‘planning gain’; of the proposals contained in these - place greater emphasis, at an earlier guidelines. stage, on requiring landscape assessments For the general public, leaflets, booklets, or (for larger or more sensitive exhibitions and television programmes are developments) environmental statements important media in helping to open eyes to to be prepared; countryside issues. Through interpretive programmes, people can understand the forces which shape the countryside, form

views on priorities and future directions achieved than if each organisation works to and, perhaps, actively contribute to its own objectives dependent on its own improving landscape quality through their resources. The Rural Strategy provides the own activities and influence on others. framework for this, and examples of effective joint projects include the ACTION THROUGH GUARDIANSHIP Peterborough, Ouse Valley and Cambridge Parish councils are best placed to know Green Belt countryside management which landscape features are valued by projects. their local communities. Local concern, Local authorities should: and the action which flows from it, is one - review the policy framework and of the best ways of ensuring the protection consider whether sufficient emphasis has and conservation of locally cherished been placed on the need to develop landscapes. landscape character and a sense of place; - use the planning system creatively to DIRECT ACTION reinforce the principles of the guidelines; Local authorities can take a leading role in - review their commitment to promoting action to conserve and improve environmental education and the landscape. Owing to limitations on interpretation, as it is through information staff time and resources, local authorities and understanding about the countryside often work most effectively as ‘enablers’ that care and concern is engendered; by: - encourage local communities to identify - supporting and encouraging the the special features of their local voluntary section, e.g. with grant aid; landscapes and take action to conserve - providing advice and support for the them; many private landowners and farmers - review, and if possible strengthen, their who wish to act as custodians of the role as grant-aiding and enabling countryside; organisations to promote more action on - raising the level of public knowledge the ground; and appreciation of the landscape, thus - review their commitment to landscape building motivation for action. improvement in the countryside on landholdings where they have direct Local authorities may also engage in control - this will include land in various direct action through landscape local authority departments such as improvement on their own land (where Education, Transportation and they may be setting an important example Recreation; as on County Farms Estate) or by working - be prepared to research and promote in co-operation with others. They can plug major new landscape initiatives in into the large network of organisations conjunction with other interested (national and local; official and private) organisations. who share concern for our landscape heritage. By this means far more can be can be

SOURCES OF ADVICE AND GRANT AID LOCAL AUTHORITIES

Cambridgeshire County Council · Advice on all aspects of countryside Countryside Projects Unit management Castle Court · Grant aid Castle Hill Cambridge CB3 0AP Tel: 01223 717445

East Cambridgeshire District Council · Planning and arboriculture advice The Grange Nutholt Lane Ely Cambs CB7 4PL Tel: 01353 665555

Fenland District Council · Planning and arboricultural advice Fenland Hall County Road March Cambs PE15 8NQ Tel: 01354 654321

Huntingdon District Council · Planning and arboricultural advice Pathfinder House · Grants for small tree planting schemes St Mary’s Street · Ouse Valley Countryside Management Huntingdon Project - advice and grants for small Cambs PE18 6TN improvement works Tel: Huntingdon 01480 456161

Peterborough City Council · Planning and arboricultural advice Town Hall · Peterborough Countryside Management Bridge Street Project - advice and grants for small Peterborough improvement works Cambs PE1 1HG Tel: Peterborough 01733 63141

South Cambridgeshire District Council · Planning, conversation and arboricultural 9 - 11 Hills Road advice Cambridge CB2 1PB · Grants for tree planting and surgery in Tel: Cambridge 01223 351795 villages

Cambridge City Council · Planning and arboricultural advice The Guildhall Cambridge CB2 3QD Tel: Cambridge 01223 358977

COUNTRYSIDE COMMISSION

Countryside Commission · Promotion of countryside conservation (Eastern Region) · Advice and grant aid for a range of Ortona House landscape and countryside conservation 110 Hills Road initiatives Cambridge CB2 1NL Tel: Cambridge 01223 354462

FORESTRY COMMISSION

Forestry Commission · Advice on commercial management and Great Eastern House new planting through the Commission’s Tenision Road grant schemes Cambridge CB1 2DU Tel: Cambridge 01223 314546

ADAS

ADAS Boxworth · Agricultural advisory service including Boxworth conservation advice Cambridge CB3 8NN Tel: 01954 267666

FWAG

Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group · Whole farm conservation advice and MAFF Block B evaluation of conservation features Government Buildings Brooklands Avenue Cambridge CB2 2DR Tel: Cambridge 01223 455812

WILDLIFE TRUSTS

THE Wildlife Trust of Bedfordshire & · Survey and advice on management of Cambridgeshire wildlife sites 3b Langford Arch London Road Sawston Cambridge CB2 4EE Tel: Cambridge 01223 712400 · Survey and advice on management of Northamptonshire Wildlife Trust wildlife sites in the Peterborough area Lings House Billing Lings Northampton NN3 8BE Tel: Northampton 01604 405285

ENGLISH NATURE Ham Lane House, Ham Lane · Nature conservation advice and grant aid Nene Park · Advice on management of ‘statutory’ Orton Waterville wildlife sites Peterborough PE2 5UR Tel: 01733 405850

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS

Landscape Institute · Landscape advice 6-8 Barnard Mews · List of landscape architects London SW11 1QU Tel: 020 7350 5200

CHARTERED SURVEYORS

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors · Land agency advice 12 Great George Street · List of chartered surveyors Parliament Square London SW1P 3AD Tel: 020 7222 7000

CHARTERED FORESTERS

Institute of Chartered Foresters · Advice on commercial forestry 7A St Colme Street · List of consultants Edinburgh EH1 6AA Tel: 0131 225 2705