7C: NEWTON VALENCE, FARRINGDON AND EAST TISTED DOWNS

View from eastern fringe of the character area – showing thick treed hedges and small woodland landscape, near Lower Farringdon.

Many enclosures are of medieval and Wooded and thick hedgerows and Very quiet small valleys such as a near post medieval origin – hedge banks / undulating landform – typical of much Chalk farm lynchet – Golegih Farm of the landscape

There are some sunken lanes Parkland landscape – Newton Valence Estate cottages at East Tisted especially in the southern half of the area on the dip slopes.

Hampshire County 1 Status: FINAL May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment Newton Valence Farringdon and East Tisted Downs

Hampshire County 2 Status: FINAL May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment Newton Valence Farringdon and East Tisted Downs

1.0 Location and Boundaries 1.1 This character area is located to the south of the Wey Valley between the greensand hangers to the east and the more elevated clay plateau to the west. As such it forms an intermediate elevated downland landscape which forms a transition between the steep slopes of the hangers and the wooded plateau.

1.2 Component County Landscape Types Downland Mosaic Small Scale

1.3 Composition of Borough/District LCAs: East Hampshire District Newton Valence

This character area has a broadly similar boundary to the East Hampshire District character area. A notable exception however is the exclusion of Chawton Village which falls within character area 3F to the north. The village was excluded on the basis that it sits on low lying land adjacent to the Lavant Stream (a tributary to the River Wey) and was therefore considered to relate to the valley landscape. Chawton House and parkland however is located on rising land to the south of the village and is included within this character area.

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

2.0 Key Characteristics  Gently rolling chalk landscape comprising rounded knolls and ridges, and dry chalk valleys.  Drift deposits of clay with flints cap the highest ridges and hills and become a more continuous deposit in the west.  Areas of heavy clay soils support woodland blocks, many of which are ancient.  Land use comprises a matrix of pasture and arable with notable areas of beech hanger woodland which is of nature conservation importance.  Enclosure patterns reflect mainly 15th to 17th century enclosure resulting in small scale wavy field patterns and areas of more recent field amalgamation with former drove routes and open field boundaries still evident often associated with sunken lanes and thick banked hedgerows.  Nucleated villages located in sheltered lower lying areas reflect former medieval manorial systems surrounded by open fields.

Hampshire County 3 Status: FINAL May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment Newton Valence Farringdon and East Tisted Downs

 Former deer parks and designed parks of the 18th and 19th centuries exert parkland character in some places e.g. Newton Valence, Chawton, Pelham Place and Rotherfield Park.

3.0 Physical Characteristics and Land Use 3.1 Solid geology comprises Middle and Lower Chalk which is overlain with patches of clay-with-flints giving rise to heavy clay soils particularly in the west and a more typical chalk downland character in the east where the chalk geology forms smooth rounded ridges/knolls e.g. Goleigh Farm (220m AOD), Selborne Hill (210m AOD) and Noar Hill (210m AOD). Between these hills are a series of sinuous dry valleys with calcareous fine silty soils. Overall this landscape is gently rolling agricultural land of medium quality.

3.2 The geology and soils in this landscape give rise to a mosaic of downland farmland (arable and pasture) and woodland. The heavy clay soils and drift deposits support considerable areas of woodland much of which is ancient e.g. Ian Down Copse and Goleigh Wood, as well as numerous field copses and game coverts. Between these areas of woodland are medium to small scaled field enclosures supporting both pasture and arable cultivation divided by hedgerows. In the northern part of this character area the landscape is strongly influenced by the designed parkland of Chawton House and in the southwest by Rotherfield Park, with associated field trees and veteran trees.

3.3 The area falls within the Environment Agency Wey Addlestone Bourne catchment area. Although the area does not contain any major watercourses (the river valleys form dry chalk valleys or winterbournes) this area is hydrologically important as part of a wider chalk aquifer.

4.0 Experiential/Perceptual Characteristics 4.1 The wooded nature of this landscape gives rise to an enclosed and inward looking landscape. This is relieved in the eastern parts of the area where elevated knolls provide occasional extensive long distance views eastwards over the hangers. The blocks of woodland and smooth rounded landform provide visual contrast and interest.

4.2 There is a moderate concentration of public rights of way and bridle paths providing easy access which is fairly dense and extensive compared with other downland landscapes. The Hangers Way long distance route extends into the eastern part of this character area south of Selborne Hill and the dismantled railway line from Alton is partly used by St Swithun’s Way in the north of this character area. Selboure Hill is a registered common providing open access which is popular for recreation.

4.3 This is a rural and tranquil landscape with low noise levels and a relatively low population density. Tranquillity is reduced adjacent to the A31. Pylons pass through the area between East Tisted and Upper Farringdon.

5.0 Biodiversity Character 5.1 This is an arable landscape with large patches of improved grassland occurring most frequently in the east. The area supports a significant proportion of the internationally designated habitat: the East Hampshire Hangers SAC which represent

Hampshire County 4 Status: FINAL May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment Newton Valence Farringdon and East Tisted Downs

beech forests in south-east England and is extremely rich in terms of vascular plants. The site is ecologically similar to sites selected in the Welsh Borders, despite its geographic location. The area covered by the SAC in this character area is also designated the Selborne Common SSSI and is located on the north-east facing chalk scarp overlooking the western limits of the Weald. It consists of beech-dominated woodland on a steep east-facing chalk slope, grading to a more mixed plateau woodland with relict open acid grassland on clay-with-flints. The age structure of the beech hanger is varied but old generations are notably absent. The well developed ground flora is species-rich. The hangers also contain the largest known population in Hampshire of the rare moss Mnium stellare.

5.2 Woodland is a significant habitat throughout the area, occurring as strips around fields and as small to large patches. Woodland types include broadleaved woodland (which dominates), small strips of mixed woodland, active coppice with standards occurring as strips in the north of the area and mixed plantation, a large patch of which occurs at Goleigh Woods. Forestry scrub is associated with woodland in places and often occurs in a mosaic with woodland types and there are some small patches of coniferous woodland. Gardens and unimproved grasslands provide further habitat. Ancient and semi-natural woodland is limited in this landscape but is most prevalent on the east of the area, associated with the hanger woodlands which extend eastwards into LCA 5B.

5.3 Parts of the east of the area are covered by the East Hampshire Hangers BOA. This BOA covers the steep chalk scarps, their associated woodland and ground flora.

5.4 There are less than 20 SINCs designated in this landscape character area, almost exclusively designated for the ancient and semi-natural woodland resource which they represent.

6.0 Historic Character 6.1 Archaeology 6.1.1 There is no Mesolithic evidence currently recorded in this character area, which lies to the south and west of known concentrations of Mesolithic evidence.

6.1.2 In the Neolithic period it would appear that this landscape was not settled, and may have been exploited less intensively and more extensively, such as by herding. Although there are some artefacts of Neolithic date there are only a limited number of Bronze Age burial mounds which support the theory of less intensive use of the area. Likewise there is no evidence of Iron Age settlement and only a limited number of Iron Age finds.

6.1.3 Similarly in the Roman period there is no evidence of settlement or sites, and this area appears to not be evolving as a landscape even as late as the Roman period.

6.1.4 In general this seems to be an area which was not intensively used through the prehistoric or the Roman period, but which may well have been exploited for herding, grazing and hunting. It is possible that the Wey valley to the north acted as a communications corridor to places further afield and as a result this landscape was by-passed and remained somewhat overlooked.

Hampshire County 5 Status: FINAL May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment Newton Valence Farringdon and East Tisted Downs

6.2 Historic Landscape 6.2.1 From the Anglo-Saxon period and into the medieval period, evidence for settlement and exploitation becomes more evident with the establishment of settlement and a sheep-corn husbandry system. Throughout the medieval period, communal sheep flocks pastured on the downs during the day, and were brought down onto the arable land at night to provide valuable manure. Much of today’s field pattern dates from the later medieval and early post-medieval periods (15th-17th centuries) when the open fields which surrounded the medieval settlements, such as Upper and Lower Farringdon, were enclosed. This period of enclosure produced irregular blocks of fields some of which are evident today where thick banked hedges are found, although many boundaries have undergone modification to create larger fields in the 20th century. The downland beyond these open fields, which occupied much of the landscape was enclosed informally, reflected in the small scale wavy fields and the regular enclosures. Downland in the north was enclosed by more formal means at a later date, resulting in more regular field patterns. Former drove routes are still evident as sinuous field boundaries. In the south of this area (south of East Tistead and Selborne Hill) is a pattern of field boundaries defined by thicker hedgerows and shaws, which reflect a different evolution which may possibly have origins as medieval or earlier field lynchets.

6.2.2 The existence of large blocks of woodland in this landscape, many of which are ancient, indicate that clearance of this landscape for agriculture did not advance as rapidly or extensively as other areas of the downs, perhaps in part due to the heavier soils found here and the limited exploitation of the area in earlier historic periods. The ancient woodlands that remain in today’s landscape provide evidence of timber exploitation including coppicing and charcoal burning.

6.2.3 Former areas of common and wood pasture where sheep would have been grazed have since been wooded e.g. Selborne Common, but it is likely that these areas remained unenclosed. Elsewhere there is evidence that some grassland areas were ploughed in the 13th century but then later abandoned. This abandonment is also reflected in the deserted village of East Tisted, perhaps reflecting the loss of population in this area during the period of the black death.

6.2.4 This area has had a strong tradition of hunting with evidence of medieval deer parks at Chawton, Newton Valance and Farringdon. This tradition has continued throughout the centuries with more recent 20th century woodlands planted as game coverts. In addition the number of designed landscapes e.g. Chawton House, Kitcombe House and Newton Valence Manor House indicate that there were a number of small scale yet wealthy landowners.

6.3 Built Environment 6.3.1 Sunken lanes are a feature of this landscape, as is the old dismantled railway between Chawton and West Meon which forms a wooded linear feature. The A32 extends along western fringe of this character area and contrasts with the random pattern and network of minor lanes which criss-cross the area connecting settlements and farmsteads. These rural lanes generally follow valleys rather than extending over the tops of chalk knolls or ridges.

Hampshire County 6 Status: FINAL May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment Newton Valence Farringdon and East Tisted Downs

6.3.2 The settlement pattern comprises small nucleated settlements which developed from manorial system origins and a pattern of dispersed farmsteads. The nucleated settlements originated as manorial houses with associated dwellings, farm buildings and often a church e.g. Chawton, Upper Farringdon, Newton Valance and East Tisted (Farringdon and East Tisted are both conservation areas). These churches form important focal points in the villages. In the 19th century improvements were made to the Rotherfield Estate which including demolishing part of East Tisted village and rebuilding it on the other side of the road, giving rise to the unified and distinctive Victorian period estate cottages seen today. Overall, settlement is integrated and contained within the landscape, within sheltered lower lying areas or enclosed by tree and woodland cover. Lower Farringdon has undergone the greatest change in terms of settlement form with new housing development occurring in part as a result of its location on the A32.

6.3.3 There is a wide variety of building material including Malmstone, flint and red brick with roofs of clay tile, slate and thatch.

6.3.4 The disused railway line which once connected Alton with West Meon is a notable relic feature in this landscape.

Hampshire County 7 Status: FINAL May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment Newton Valence Farringdon and East Tisted Downs

EVALUATION:

7.0 Forces for Change 1. Potential development of masts and other vertical structures. 2. Changes in agricultural practices relating to agricultural intensification and or land management grant schemes. 3. New development; including development of new large farm barns and village expansion. 4. Growth of tourism from South Downs National Park designation. 5. Climate change; storm and winterbourne frequency and intensity and possible crop changes.

KEY QUALITIES AND EFFECTS OF FORCES 7.1 Distinctive landform and topography comprising well wooded smooth simple rounded forms, dry sinuous valleys and distinctive knolls from which there are occasional extensive views eastwards. FORCES FOR CONSEQUENCES CHANGE: 1.2.3 Threats: Potential for visual disruption to rhythm and line of topography/skyline, including changes beyond the boundary of this character area. In particular potential pressure for wind farm development (either commercial or domestic) or other tall vertical structures, planting of confers as shelter belts, and built development, especially prominent large farm sheds.

Opportunities: Target agri-environment schemes to encourage the planting of new native woodland in order to accentuate and enhance topographic patterns, and the felling of woodland areas which may reveal distinctive topography or open up memorable views. Take into account the main ridges in assessing new development proposals (particularly development of vertical structures) and woodland planting – seek local opinion to help establish valued views. Encourage local studies to identify and retain key views with public access where there are elevated memorable views.

Hampshire County 8 Status: FINAL May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment Newton Valence Farringdon and East Tisted Downs

7.2 A strong network of treed hedgerows and woodlands which physically connect rare and vulnerable habitats such as small ancient woodland copses and beech forest hangers. FORCES FOR CONSEQUENCES CHANGE: 1.2.3 Threats: Trend towards the fragmentation of the habitat networks (and loss of island sites like Noar Hill in particular) from climate change, encroachment from farming and inadvertent agricultural management change. Past and potential future lack of traditional woodland management.

Opportunities: Support East Hampshire Hangers BOA targets including creation and linking steep chalk scarps, associated woodland and ground flora, particularly Noar Hill to the hangers, Goleigh wood and Lye wood, Lye wood down on south face of chalk ridge and other similar south facing north west – south east small ridges. Target agri-environment schemes to encourage ancient woodland reversion; eg Goleigh wood. Encourage the development of markets for wood products which support traditional approaches to woodland management.

7.3 Individual intact historic built character comprising unaltered farmsteads, small nucleated manorial villages and their rural settings with village churches that are focal points. Associated parkland landscapes and cultural associations add to local distinctiveness. FORCES FOR CONSEQUENCES CHANGE: All Threats: Potential for development which changes the layout of a settlement; undermines the historic character or; diminishes the focal point provided by the church. Potential for inappropriately sited development which does not reflect the traditional pattern and association with landform. Trend towards lack of management or loss of parkland to development or arable. Past loss of veteran trees through lack of management/limited replanting and potential for climate change which may result in the further decline and loss of veteran trees. Potential for new development and increasing population along with tourism pressures which places a strain on the rural lane transport network. Trend towards less use of vernacular building materials such as malmstone in extensions and new build – because of lack of availability/cost. Potential pressure for domestic scale wind farm development.

Opportunities: Encourage local level assessment including whole settlement appraisal and village design statements in order to articulate local distinctiveness and sensitive views. Use existing planning policies to conserve and protect built and settlement character in accordance with the Eat Hampshire District Core Strategy. Emphasise the historical importance of retaining the intactness and form of rural lanes through transport and rights of way planning. When designing new or built additions to farmsteads promote reference to historic building guidance documents (HCC, EH and local) and encourage the use of local building materials. Seek the development and use of conservation management plans for parkland estates which aim to retain key characteristics and features as well as ensuring a viable business.

Hampshire County 9 Status: FINAL May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment Newton Valence Farringdon and East Tisted Downs

7.4 The tangible antiquity of landscape elements including ancient deciduous woodland copses, wavy field boundaries, sunken lanes, mature hedgerows and remnant common which have been little altered by 20th C influences. FORCES FOR CONSEQUENCES CHANGE: 1 Threats: Past and future lack of traditional management, loss of veteran trees and hedgerows. Trend towards bank erosion along lanes by traffic (tourism related or local) and subsequent alternation to rural lanes including the introduction of concrete kerbs/drainage. Potential for lack of sensitive management of historic landscape features and inappropriate planting or new trees, hedges or woodland either in relation to species or location. Potential for loss / alteration of early field boundaries associated with 15th to 17th wavy field boundaries, open field systems and ladder fields.

Opportunities: Encouraging access and interpretation to enhance understanding and enjoyment in accordance with the South Downs Management Plan. Emphasise the historical importance of retaining the intactness and form of rural lanes through transport and rights of way planning. Target agri-environment schemes to encourage the restoration of field boundaries and systems to reinforce and enhance appreciation of the varied historic landscape character.

Hampshire County 10 Status: FINAL May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment Newton Valence Farringdon and East Tisted Downs