CONTENTS
1.1 Introduction ...... 1
1.2 Landscape Character ...... 1
1.3 Influences on Character ...... 1
1.4 Character Areas ...... 1
1.5 Description and Analysis ...... 1
1.6 Landscape Classification ...... 2
1.7 The Character of England Map ...... 2
1.8 Landscape Design Guidance ...... 2
1.9 Landscape Tracts, Landscape Types and Landscape Units ...... 3
1.9.1 Eston Hills ...... 5
1.9.2 Redcar Flats ...... 20
1.9.3 East Cleveland Plateau ...... 31
1.9.4 Guisborough Lowland ...... 48
1.10 Summary ...... 56
1.11 Appendix 1, References ...... 56
1.12 Appendix 2, Glossary ...... 57 Redcar & Cleveland Landscape Character Assessment & Cleveland Redcar 1.1 Introduction Under this Landscape Character Assessment, the range of landscapes across the rural parts of the Borough outside the National Park are identified, mapped and described.
1.2 Landscape Character The Countryside Agency have defined character as a ‘distinct, recognisable and consistent pattern of elements in the landscape that makes one landscape different from another, rather than better or worse’. ( Ref 1)
1.3 Influences on Character The main factors affecting the landscape character across the Borough are: landform (influenced largely by underlying geology), the presence of woodland cover and field patterns with hedgerows, the degree of enclosure (by woodland or landform), the nature and scale of land use (including areas of biodiversity value), and proximity to urban areas and to the coast.
Glaciation has been a major factor in forming the topography of the region. The Tees Valley floor is overlain with boulder clay, whilst the Eston Hills and Upleatham Hills, which in geological terms are part of the North York Moors, are erosional outliers remaining after glaciation. There is a wide range of natural habitats and there are distinct distribution patterns of plant life, determined to a large extent by varying geology. (Ref 2)
1.4 Character Areas These character areas are considered initially at a broad scale, with four Landscape Tracts (recognisable areas of landscape, such as the ‘East Cleveland Plateau’), moving on to Landscape Types (such as ‘moorland fringe farmland’), and finally adding a place name for locational purposes, to identify, on the smallest scale, the individual Landscape Unit.
1.5 Description and Analysis The Character Assessment provides background and information on variations in landscape character and draws attention to wildlife habitats and ancient woodland. The Assessment also includes a description of each Landscape Tract and of each Landscape Unit, with an analysis of each Unit’s positive attributes and negative features.
Positive elements identified in the assessment include: variety of landform, accessibility by pedestrians, extensive Redcar & Cleveland Landscape Character Assessment & Cleveland Redcar
1 views, standing or running water, hedgerows and woodlands, wildlife habitats, and archaeological and historical features, and, at the coast, beach and cliffs. The presence, condition and nature of these elements, and the way in which they interact, produce visual interest and strength of character to a landscape.
Negative elements include: intrusive urban elements, (such as power lines and towers), urban edges, sparsity (or evidence of loss of) hedgerow or tree cover, limited public access and caravan sites.
1.6 Landscape Classification This analysis leads to an conclusion as to whether the landscape of each unit has a character which should be retained and where change would be damaging (as a Sensitive Landscape), or whether the landscape may be improved (as a Restoration Landscape). The landscapes of the Borough fall into one or other of these categories.
1.7 The Character of England Map On a nation-wide scale, the Borough spans two of the character areas identified in the map of ‘The Character of England. Landscape, Wildlife and Natural Features,’ (Ref 3). These two character areas are the Tees Lowlands, and the North York Moors and Cleveland Hills. Over England as a whole, the map, produced by the Countryside Agency and English Nature, identifies the character of the different landscapes of the countryside as a broad pattern; it acts as a base within which other bodies, including local authorities, can work to add detail at a scale suitable for the purpose of the assessment.
1.8 Landscape Design Guidance The findings of this assessment will be developed further as a landscape design SPD (Supplementary Planning Document), and adopted as part of the Local Development Framework. The guidance will be provided on a general level for all rural areas of the Borough, then presented as guidance for each Landscape Tract, and finally on the smallest scale, for each Landscape Unit.
Guidance for a Sensitive Landscape will be restricted to retention and minimal change. In contrast, for a Restoration Landscape, an outline of guidance for improvement will be provided; in practical terms, these improvement measures may be either linked to a development, or as part of countryside management per se. Improvements may take Redcar & Cleveland Landscape Character Assessment & Cleveland Redcar
2 the form of landscape measures with a purely visual purpose or the creation or extension of areas for biodiversity, although in effect the two aims are closely linked.
1.9 Landscape Tracts Under the Landscape Character Assessment, the countryside of the Borough is divided into four broad Landscape Tracts (similar in extent to those in ref 4). These represent recognisable areas of landscape, determined by a particular combination of physical and land cover characteristics and geographical context. Although these tracts cover large areas of land and may be quite diverse in character, they nevertheless have a distinctive local identity that sets them apart from neighbouring areas.
The four Landscape Tracts are as follows:
1 Eston Hills 2 Redcar Flats 3 East Cleveland Plateau 4 Guisborough Lowland
RECREATION IN WILTON WOODS Redcar & Cleveland Landscape Character Assessment & Cleveland Redcar
3 1.9.1 ESTON HILLS
Description The Eston Hills are characterised by a complex of prominent steep-sided hills linked by low saddles which form a parallel series of foothills, or outliers, to the main escarpment of the Cleveland Hills, which lie within the North York Moors National Park. Open moorland and wooded hillsides and escarpments contribute to the distinctive character of this area and give it an identity unlike any other part of the Borough. An area of parkland at Wilton is important within the tract.
Extensive and contrasting views are available from many locations; to the south there is the backdrop of the Cleveland Hills. To the north there are views over the urban and industrial developments of Teesside and Redcar.
The Eston Hills Tract consists of three distinct but closely grouped elevated areas: the Eston Hills upland between Dunsdale and Ormesby, the higher land at Upleatham, and that situated between Skelton and Slapewath. Associated with these uplands are ‘saddles’ of relatively lower land linking them and the slopes that edge them. Also included are the upper reaches of Skelton Beck, known as Tocketts Beck and Waterfall Beck in this tract.
Landscape Assessment Under the Character Assessment, the landscapes in this tract are classified into Sensitive Landscapes over the landscape units on the higher land, the beck valleys and the parkland, with Restoration Landscapes over the remainder. The uplands have a high strength of character, a product of a dominant landform and a strong woodland pattern. The lower-lying areas are characterised by a more open landscape structure of isolated woods and hedges set within a farmland context.
In the Sensitive Landscapes, changes in character are discouraged and the emphasis is on retention of landscape elements; indeed, changes will take on a visual prominence over much of this area on the more elevated parts. Location and design are of crucial importance. New planting for screening or integration should closely reflect the nature and detail of the existing vegetation.
In the Restoration Landscapes, landscape improvements are a priority, whilst retention of those features that do exist is important to integrate any new development into the Redcar & Cleveland Landscape Character Assessment & Cleveland Redcar
4 landscape, to act as the basis for new planting, or for the creation of ‘new landscape’.
Biodiversity On the Eston Hills themselves, the moor and much of the non-coniferous woodland over the upland areas and slopes are recognised as important sites for plant communities and are designated as SNCIs, while Lovell Hill Pools, near Wilton Lane, qualify for SSSI status. Woodlands and other habitats provide considerable biodiversity value. In recognition of its archaeological value, the moor, and its edges, are designated as ‘Eston Hills Historic Landscape.’ On the other uplands, woodlands (designated as SNCIs) cover peripheral slopes rather than the crests.
A number of woods are classified as either Semi natural or Replanted Ancient Woodlands; these are: Park Wood (near Guisborough), part of Wilton Woods, Yearby Wood, the woodland in Skelton Beck valley, part of Errington Wood and the woods to the west of Upleatham.
The upper reaches of Skelton Beck form a branched steep- sided wooded valley through much of this tract, with the woodland designated as SNCI, as is the vegetation and pond at Chaloner Pit near Mount Pleasant
Sites and areas of biodiversity value occur outside these designated sites, with value both in themselves and as wildlife links or potential areas for development of wildlife habitat. Redcar & Cleveland Landscape Character Assessment & Cleveland Redcar WILTON WOODS
5 6 Redcar & Cleveland Landscape Character Assessment 1 ilotfrln (Skelton) (Upleatham) Hillfootfarmland E11 Valley (Skelton) sides (Upleatham) E10 (Upleatham) E9 Eastern (EstonHills) slopes E8 Upland Upland (EstonHills) E7 SE slopes E6 (Wilton) (Tocketts NEslopes Becketc) E5 Wooded valley (EstonHills) (EstonHills/EstonMoor) E4 Parkland E3 Escarpment E2 Upland E1 Landscape Units of EstonHillsLandscapeTract Landscape Character Assessment INSERT MAP ESTON HILLS Redcar & Cleveland Landscape Character Assessment & Cleveland Redcar
7 DESCRIPTIONS OF LANDSCAPE UNITS
Landscape Unit E1 Upland ( Eston Hills / Eston Moor)
Landform An elevated plateau top, the westernmost part of the Eston Hills Tract, forming one of a discontinuous series of topographic outliers of the North York Moors (continuing to the east at Upleatham).
The Eston Hills, attaining 242m altitude at Eston Nab, are bounded by a scarp slope to the north and gentler slopes to the south. A shoulder of high land terminates the upland to the west linked to the main body of high land by a lower coll (crossed by Flatts Lane). To the east, an extension of the upland falls gently to the wooded course of Tocketts Mill Beck. Eston Moor occupies a central position within this landscape unit.
Land use Mixed farming (arable and grazing), wood pasture and mixed woodland (deciduous woods and coniferous plantations). Eston Moor is an area predominantly of heathy grassland. A number of footpaths provide access through the area.
Wildlife and other designations The moor and much of the non-coniferous woodland are designated as SNCIs (Eston Moor, Flatts Lane Complex and Wilton Woods Complex). A wide area covering much of the upland comprises the ‘Eston Hills Historic Landscape’, a designation which reflects the area’s archaeological value.
Landscape analysis
Positive attributes z A dominant landform, particularly to the north, where the scarp slope presents a marked contrast to the Tees Lowlands
z High strength of character, a product of a dominant landform coupled with a range of vegetation types
z Variety of habitat with considerable biodiversity and visual value
z Significant value of archaeological sites
z Accessible by the public
z Extensive views over a variety of landscapes
Negative attributes z Collection of masts on Eston Nab Redcar & Cleveland Landscape Character Assessment & Cleveland Redcar
8 Negative attributes z z z z z z z Positive attributes Landscape analysis Landscape’. eastern part ofthelandscapeunitfallswithin‘EstonHillsHistoric Much ofthewoodlandisdesignatedasSNCI(‘Flatts LaneComplex’)andthe Wildlife andotherdesignations agricultural fields,roughgrass,brackenandamenitygrassland. Varied landcoverrangingfromdensewoodland(largelydeciduous),to Land use gradients aremoreshallow. near its westernendbythevalleyfollowedFlatts Lane,beyondwhich on its higherlevels,becomingmoregentleasaltitudefalls,andinterrupted An undulatingscarpslope,onthenorthernedgeofEstonHills,steeper Landform E2 Escarpment(EstonHills) Landscape Unit perne 174isvisuallyintrusiveandproducestraffic noise appearance. A 174hasapoorlymanagedanddegraded Farmland nextto A Overhead powerlines Significant valueofarchaeologicalsites Accessible bythepublic Extensive viewsoveravarietyoflandscapes Variety ofhabitat withconsiderablevisualandwildlifevalue lowland prominentlandformpresentingasharpcontrasttotheadjacent A
9 Redcar & Cleveland Landscape Character Assessment 10 Redcar & Cleveland Landscape Character Assessment Negative attributes z z Positive attributes Wilton Conservation Area The unitisaformalgroupingoflandscapeandbuiltelements makingup Landscape analysis Area. estate onrisinggroundtothesouth.MuchofUnitisaConservation natural woodlandandSNCI(part oftheWiltonWoods complex)adjoinsthe No part oftheestate fallsunderawildlifedesignation,butanancientsemi- Wildlife andotherdesignations formal treeavenue. smallplannedestate villagewithchurch,castleandwoodedparkland with A Land use Gently slopingandlevellandatthefootofslopesEstonHills Landform E3 Parkland(Wilton Castle) Landscape Unit 174isvisuallyintrusiveandproducestraffic noise A scale reducedbyindividualtrees formal plantingwhichdefineanumberofspaces ofvariedsize,with The unithasastrongcharactercomprisingattractivebuiltformand Negative attributes z z z z z Positive attributes emphasises thetopographicvalleyform. predominantly openagriculturalland,andpresents alinear featurewhich The woodlandformsastrongvisualelementinthelocallandscapeof Landscape analysis woodland isalsodesignatedas Ancient Woodland. Dunsdale extendingoveracomplexofwoodlandsonEstonHills. The 15liesto westof the woodlandalong Tocketts Beck,andSNCIsiteLA 16)coversthiswoodlandandtheremainderof An SNCIdesignation(siteLA Wildlife andotherdesignations the tractboundarytoeast. Dense mixedwoodlandapart fromabreakatDunsdale,continuingbeyond Land use Narrow steep-sidedvalley, theupperreachesofSkeltonBeckcomplex. Landform E4 Wooded valley(DunsdaleWood /Tocketts Beck) Landscape Unit disturbance) Limited publicaccess(converselyabenefitinwildlifetermsreducing Sensory stimulationinrunningwaterandbirdlife Absence ofvisualintrusionbuiltelements (exceptatDunsdale) Intimate enclosure,seclusionandsenseoftranquility associated floraandfaunainanaturalwoodedrivercourse visualandbotanical qualityofsemi-naturalwoodlandwith ‘Natural’ 11 Redcar & Cleveland Landscape Character Assessment 12 Redcar & Cleveland Landscape Character Assessment Negative attributes z z z Positive attributes landform. streams onthissideforminglocalshallowvalleysandagentlyundulating general slopesdowntothesouthandmoresteeplynorth,with localisedhighpointatParkFarmandabroadsaddlecentrally, with A allowing extensiveviewsinthatdirection. with thetractboundedbywoodlandtothreesidesbutopennorth, An intermediatelandformlocatedbetweentwouplandsandlowlands, Landscape analysis None intheLandscapeUnititself. Wildlife andotherdesignations planting. some conifercontent),principally onstream-sides,andrecentwoodland Mixed farmingwithmedium-sizedandlargefields,established woods(with Land use forms thebaseslopesofUpleathamupland. north, withtwostreamsformingsmallshallowvalleys.Risinglandtotheeast centrally, withgeneralslopesdowntothesouthandmoresteeply The tracthasalocalisedhighpointatParkFarmandformsbroadsaddle Landform Upleatham upland,extendingnorthtowardstheflatterlandnear Yearby. The tractcoversthecol(orsaddle)betweenEstonHillsuplandand E5 Northeastslopes(EstonHills) Landscape Unit Neglected hedgesandevidenceofhedgerow loss Pylon towersandlinesareconspicuouselements provide apleasantcharacterofopennesswithanelementenclosure Extensive outlookcombinedwithviewsofuplandsandwoodlandswhich Negative Attributes z z z z z Positive Attributes with farmbuildings. plateau ismoreopen,withfewhedgesandtrees,exceptthoseassociated vegetation alongthebeck. To thenorthandeast,landscape ofthe with smalllinearwoodlandsandhedgesdividinglargefields,sporadic In thesouthernpart ofthetract,characterisan undulating landscape Landscape analysis containing newts, frogsandtoads(Phase1survey). whichconsistofsubsidenceponds SNCI knownas‘ChallonerPits’ Wildlife andotherdesignations and restoredlandfillareasoccurontheplateauarea. publicwastedisposalsite lower levels,farmbuildingsandstreamsides. A Mixed farmingwithlargefieldsandsmallisolatedwoodsassociatedthe Land use 173. and the A Beck, beyondwhichlevelsrisegenerallytowardtheGuisboroughBypass and avariedlandformcharacterisesthebroadshallowvalleyofChapel south andeast,butflatterlandcoverstheplateautoofDunsdale into thebroadvalleyofChapelBeck.Thetracthasageneralslopeto The tractcoversthesoutheasternslopesofEstonHillsupland,merging Landform E6 SouthEastSlopes(EstonHills) Landscape Unit blocks Neglected hedges,someovergrown,andlack ofanylargewoodland Relatively lowlevelofhedgerowdensity Pylon towersandlinesareconspicuouselements substantially openlandscapeoftheplateauarea Restored butunvegetated landfillsitesareobviouseven inthe Wood. from theB1269,andofnearbywoodlandon Tocketts Beckand atPark The elevatedpositionallowsextensiveviewstothesouth,especially 13 Redcar & Cleveland Landscape Character Assessment 14 Redcar & Cleveland Landscape Character Assessment Negative attributes z z z z Positive attributes woodlands andaccentuatedbythewell-definedsteepedgingslopes. The tractprovidesadominantlandformemphasisedbytheperipheral Landscape analysis Upleatham Village isaConservation Area. are foundandtherethreesmallpondswithmarginalplants. of 18thCenturycommercialorigins.Smallareasancientwoodlandspecies with arangeofwoodlandtypes:mixed,broadleavedandconiferplantations and SoapWell Wood, andareareplanted ancientwoodlandandanSNCI Section asaLocalNatureReserve. They consistofMarske BankPlantation Errington Woods areCouncil-ownedandmanagedbytheCountryside Wildlife andotherdesignations associated withtheformerUpleathamHall. fields tothewestofvillagehavingaparkland characteronland case ofErringtonWood. Agricultural fieldscovertheremainder, withthe Much oftheperipheralslopeuplandiswooded,mostnoticeablyin Land use to SkeltonEllersBeck. to allsidesexceptthesoutheastwheregentlerundulatingslopesdescend welldefineduplandboundedbysteepslopes lower landaroundDunsdale. A Moors separated fromthemainbodyofEstonHillsbysaddle The easternpart oftheEstonHills,anelevatedoutlierNorth York Landform E7 Upland(Upleatham) Landscape Unit of gappyhedges Relative lackofhedgerowtreesoverthehigher farmlandandanumber Local NatureReserveandhasopenaccess throughout An important recreationalresourceforlocalpeople.ErringtonWoods isa Both woodlandsandfarmlandaccessiblebythepublicalongpaths woodland pattern High strengthofcharacter, aproductofdominantlandform andstrong Negative attributes z z z Positive attributes west andsouth. woodland blocksandaccentuatedbythewell-definedsteepedgingslopesto The tracttakes theformofadominantlandform,emphasisedbylarge Landscape Analysis Plan asanSNCI. The woodlandonthesouthsideofuplandisalsorecordedinLocal SNCI (Hobdale Terrace nearBoosbeck)isdescribedas‘pasture withscrub.’ and FortyPenceWood) isanSNCI,part oftheSkeltonBeckComplex. An The woodlandonthewesternslopesofupland(ieRawcliffe BanksWood 2006). Slapewath (orRockhole)QuarryisanSNCIandproposedRIG(asatMarch Wildlife andotherdesignations the upland. The ClevelandWay follows Airy HillLane. the steeperslopesarewooded,butagriculturalfieldscoverremainderof and south-eastsides,butfallingmoregentlytowardsthenortheast.Muchof well-defineduplandboundedbysteepslopestowest Skelton EllersBeck. A Wooded farmlandseparated fromtheUpleathamuplandbyvalleyof Land use An elevatedoutlieroftheNorth York Moors. Landform E8 Upland(Skelton) Landscape Unit woodland blocks High strengthofcharacter, aproductofdominantlandform andstrong slopes dominantlandformemphasisedbystrongwoodlandblocksandsteep A Relative lackofhedgerowtreesoverthehigher farmland 15 Redcar & Cleveland Landscape Character Assessment 16 Redcar & Cleveland Landscape Character Assessment Negative attributes z z z Positive attributes Landscape analysis None intheUnit. Wildlife andotherdesignations playing fieldtothenorthofLane. Golf coursetothesouthofHobHillLaneandmixeduses,includingschool stream-side treesatPittHillsStell. Agricultural land,withasinglefieldboundarywoodlandstripconnectingto Land use altitude. Hills andtheUpleathamuplandtowardsnorth-east,whilstreducingin The tractformsabroadshoulderoflandextendingthehigherEston Landform E9 EasternSlopes(Upleatham) Landscape Unit farmland andanumberofgappyhedges Low levelofhedgerowdensity. Relativelackofhedgerowtreesoverthe Attractive scrublandclosetoSaltburn to thesouthanddistant tonorthandwesterlydirections) Relatively elevatedpositionallowsoutwardviews(closebyofwoodland Negative attributes z z z z z Positive attributes Landscape analysis replanted. Skelton Beck. This isalsoancientwoodland,bothsemi-naturaland An SNCIdesignationfollowsthewoodlandandassociatedclearingsalong Wildlife andotherdesignations blocks andstrips, sometimesassociatedwithhedgerows. beck inadiscontinuouspattern andextendupthevalleysidesaswoodland Predominantly agriculturalland,butwoodlandunits ofvariedsizesfollowthe Land use whilst onthehigherlandtoeachside,landformismoreuniform. and its smalltributary valleysformanundulatinglandformnearthebeck, Valley-side slopescentredonSkeltonBeck. The sinuouscourseofthebeck Landform E10 Valley Sides(Upleatham) Landscape Unit Barns Farm Public accesslimitedtopublicpath betweenUpleatham Churchand vegetation pattern Variety ofhabitat andgoodvisualvalueovervariedlandform Intimate enclosureatlowerlevels Extensive viewsfromhigherlevels and smallscalespaces nearthebeck valleyformofopennatureonits higher levels,gradingintoenclosure A 17 Redcar & Cleveland Landscape Character Assessment 18 Redcar & Cleveland Landscape Character Assessment Positive attributes z z Wildlife andotherdesignations Farmland boundedbywoodland Land use Wood). andtheincisedwoodedvalleyofSkeltonBeck(Waterfall ‘Skelton Upland’ gently-slopingshoulderoflandbetween thepartially woodedslopesofthe A Landform E11 Hillfootfarmland(Skelton) Landscape Unit Enclosed fieldwithhedgerows woodland hasSNCIstatus There arenodesignationswithinthelandscapeunititself, butperipheral .. REDCARFLATS 1.9.2 of thecoastal duneand inter tidalrockformationsare The wetlandatCoatham isdesignatedasSNCIandmuch Biodiversity planting tocreateanenhancedlandscapestructure. a hedgerowpattern ornetworkandcombinewith tree continue thelineofanexistingone,or, inpreference,form planting maycomprise,forexample,ahedgerow to Additional planting, orforthecreationof‘newlandscape.’ new development,toactasthebasisforadditional decline andloss,theirretentionisimportant to‘place’ denuded landscapearerelativelysparse, due to hedgerow as RestorationLandscape.Existingfeaturesinthis The remainderofthistract,inlandthecoast,isclassified landscape constituents. Grove, wherethepriorityisretentionofexisting parkland atKirkleathamandthewoodedvalleyHazel Other SensitiveLandscapeareasinthistractarethe successful establishment. where exposurewouldotherwisehinderorprevent areas andtoscreenbyplanting,withshelterprovided be taken tointegratethedevelopmentintoadjacenturban design areofmajorimportance, andopportunitiesshould development willbeveryopentoview. Locationand landscape, largelytheproductofmaritimeexposure,any tract isclassifiedasSensitiveLandscape.Inthisopen Under theCharacter Assessment, thecoastal zoneinthis Landscape Assessment character. corridors haveastronglocalinfluenceonlandscape Marske, NewSaltburnandthe A174 andrailway Wilton Works, andtheabrupturbanedgesofRedcar, features take onparticular importance. The industryat Long viewspredominateinthislandscape,andskyline gently slopinglandscape. and therearefewlandscapefeaturestointerrupttheopen, the enlargementoffields. The hedgerowpattern issparse farmland hasencouragedintensivearablecultivationand the inlandpart ofthetract,presencehighquality Eston Hillstothesouthandcoastnorth.Over The RedcarFlats arecontained bytheescarpmentof Description 19 Redcar & Cleveland Landscape Character Assessment 20 Redcar & Cleveland Landscape Character Assessment MARSKE FROMTHESOUTH wildlife linksorpotentialareasfordevelopmentofhabitat. designated sites,withvaluebothinthemselvesandas Sites andareasofbiodiversityvalueoccuroutside these SNCIs orSSSIs/SPAs 8Icsdwoe aly(HazelGrove) (Marske to Incisedwoodedvalley (RedcartoMarske) R8 Coastal farmland (Coatham Sands) R7 (CoathamMarsh) Coastal farmland R6 Sandy shoreline R5 (Kirkleatham) Coastal marsh R4 (SouthofRedcar Parkandestate land R3 (EastofWilton) Lowlandfarmland R2 Urbanisedfarmland R1 Landscape Units of RedcarFlats LandscapeTract Landscape Character Assessment Saltburn) and Marske) 21 x Redcar & Cleveland Landscape Character Assessment 22 Redcar & Cleveland Landscape Character Assessment DESCRIPTIONS OFLANDSCAPEUNITS Negative attributes z z Positive attributes Landscape analysis None ontheunititself. Wildlife andotherdesignations Reservoirs andgrassland,withperipheralwoodlandstrips. Land use continues asagentlenortherlyslope. The unitislocatedatthefootofsteepslopeWiltonWoods and Landform R1 Urbanisedfarmland(EastofWilton) Landscape Unit attributes) (Available viewsintothesiteareinsufficient todeterminenegative Areas ofwater, butwithlittlewildlifevalue Negative attributes z z z z z Positive attributes Landscape analysis None withinthisLandscapeUnit. Wildlife andotherdesignations Agricultural landofhighquality. Land use Predominantly flatorgentlyslopingfarmland. Landform R2 Lowlandfarmland(SouthofRedcarandMarske) Landscape Unit intrusive inalargelyopenlandscape industrialandurbanedges,with,inparticular, NewMarske ‘Hard’ absence ofhedgerowtrees Large fieldsizeandsparse fragmentedhedgerowpattern, withgeneral Lane andFishpondRoadisofwildlifevisualvalue Linear treeandscrubvegetation associatedwithRoger Dike,CatFlat Physical separation betweenurbanareas Extensive views,someofwhichincludethecoast 23 Redcar & Cleveland Landscape Character Assessment 24 Redcar & Cleveland Landscape Character Assessment Negative attributes z z z Positive attributes Landscape analysis Conservation Area. Wildlife andotherdesignations larger onesunderrecreationaluse. dominant elementoflanduseandenclosuretoaseriesopenspaces, the Outside thevillageitself, landuseismixed,withwoodlandprovidinga Land use Essentially flatlandformwithveryminorbroadundulations. Landform R3 Parkandestate land(Kirkleatham) Landscape Unit Woodland under-managed Parkland character Publicly-accessible woodlandandgrassedopenspaces Negative attributes z z Positive attributes Landscape analysis 3). Most oftheLandscapeUnitisanSNCI(LA Wildlife andotherdesignations Trust. Fresh waterponds,marshandgrasslandmanagedby Tees Valley Wildlife Land use Area oflowreliefwithlocalhillocks. Landform R4 Coastal Marsh(CoathamMarsh) Landscape Unit Views ofsteelworks Open waterandvegetation 25 Redcar & Cleveland Landscape Character Assessment 26 Redcar & Cleveland Landscape Character Assessment Negative attributes z z Positive attributes Landscape analysis Gare breakwaterinthe1860s. The SSSIalsoincludesCoathamRocks. freshwater marsh,whichhavedevelopedsinceconstructionoftheSouth includesintertidalmudandsand,sanddunes,saltmarsh Sands’ Marine Site. The SSSIasawhole,known‘SouthGareandCoatham Protection Area (SPA). The intertidalareaoftheSSSIisalsoaEuropean Much oftheLandscapeUnitisanSSSI,part ofwhichisalsoaSpecial Wildlife andotherdesignations eastern part. Open landextendingtoandincludingSouthGaregolfcourseinthe Land use Essentially flat. Landform R5 Sandyshoreline(CoathamSands) Landscape Unit Views ofsteelworks interest Coastal location,standing water, openviewstosea,fishing,wildlife Negative attributes z z z Positive attributes Landscape analysis cliffs withmaritimevegetation. an important winterfeedingareaforwadingbirds,andthelowboulderclay coversthesandyforeshore,whichis 7,‘RedcartoSaltburnCoast’ SNCI LA Wildlife andotherdesignations Sandy foreshore,backedbyopenagriculturalland. Land use agricultural field. Gently slopingforeshoreandlowcliff banksbackedbyanessentiallyflat Landform R6 Coastal farmland(RedcartoMarske) Landscape Unit Large agriculturalfields Obtrusive urbanedgestoRedcarandMarske The beach,seaviewsandopen,coastal character 27 Redcar & Cleveland Landscape Character Assessment 28 Redcar & Cleveland Landscape Character Assessment Negative attributes z z z Positive attributes Landscape analysis cliffs withmaritimevegetation. an important winterfeedingareaforwadingbirds,andthelowboulderclay coversthesandyforeshore,whichis 7,‘RedcartoSaltburnCoast’ SNCI LA Wildlife andotherdesignations Sandy foreshore,backedbyopenagriculturalland. Land use agricultural field. Gently slopingforeshoreandlowcliff banksbackedbyanessentiallyflat Landform R7 Coastal farmland(MarsketoSaltburn) Landscape Unit Large agriculturalfields Obtrusive urbanedgestoMarske The beach,seaviewsandopen,coastal character Negative attributes z z Positive attributes Landscape analysis 9)mixedwoodlandwitha goodrangeofwoodlandherbs. SNCI (LA Wildlife andotherdesignations Woodland. Land use Steep-sided woodedvalley. Landform R8 IncisedWooded Valley (HazelGrove) Landscape Unit Caravan siteonadjacentland topographic valleyform landscape andpresents alinearfeaturewhichemphasisesthe The vegetation inthegillformsastrongvisualelementlocal 29 Redcar & Cleveland Landscape Character Assessment 30 x Redcar & Cleveland Landscape Character Assessment .. EASTCLEVELANDPLATEAU 1.9.3 landscape elements. New plantingforscreeningor are discouraged,and the emphasisisonretentionof In theSensitiveLandscapes inland,changesincharacter Landscape classification. whilst theremainderoftractfallsinRestoration valleys andcoastareclassedasSensitiveLandscapes, Under thelandscapeCharacter Assessment, thewooded Landscape Assessment Kilton whichisvisibleoverawidearea. Lingdale. Others,though,remain,mostnotably thatat Mines andLumpsey, andsomehavebeenremoved asat heaps havenowbeenregradedandplanted,asatLiverton influence onthelandscapecharacter. Manyofthespoil heaps anddisusedmineralrailways,haveastrong associated withvillagesand,intheopencountryside,spoil has left its markonthelandscape,andpockets ofindustry historyofminingandrelatedindustrieswithinthetract A level. land, wheredramaticcliffs falltowave-cutplatforms atsea two points withinthistract;theseareseparated byhigher heavily-wooded valleysorgills,whichmeetthecoastat dissected byacomplexsystemofdeeply-incisedsheltered, also characterisedbyhedgesoneachside. The plateauis numberoflanesare scale farmlandborderedbyhedges. A plateau hasanexposed,openruralcharacterwithlarge- rising towardsthesouthtomeetNorth York Moors. The This tractcomprisesanopen,elevatedcoastal plateau Description ATCEEADPAEU ATPCLVIEW TYPICAL EAST CLEVELANDPLATEAU. A wildlife linksorpotentialareasfordevelopmentofhabitat. designated sites,withvaluebothinthemselvesandas Sites andareasofbiodiversityvalueoccuroutside these conditions. range ofspecies,associatedwithbothacidicandalkaline clays, withoakandashco-dominant. There isadiverse Woodland. Mostofthewoodlandsaregrowingonboulder woodland isalsoeitherSeminaturalorReplanted Ancient SSSIs (inthecaseofSaltburnGill);mostgill The gillwoodlandsinthetractaredesignatedasSNCIs,or Biodiversity planting tocreateanenhancedlandscapestructure. a hedgerowpattern ornetworkandcombinewithtree continue thelineofanexistingone,or, inpreference,form planting maycomprise,forexample,ahedgerowto planting, orforthecreationof‘newlandscape’. Additional new development,toactasthebasisforadditional retention oftheselandscapefeaturesisimportant to‘place’ few features(woodlandandhedges)largefields;the Landscape isessentiallyanopenone,withcomparatively The landscapeovertheareaclassifiedasRestoration vegetation. should closelyreflectthenatureanddetail oftheexisting importance. Newplantingforscreeningorintegration does take place,its locationanddesignareofcrucial protection ofcharacterisgivenpriority. Wheredevelopment where North Yorkshire andClevelandHeritage Coast,’ Landscape intheCharacter Assessment, iswithin‘The The coastwithinthistract,classifiedasSensitive the existingvegetation. integration shouldcloselyreflectthenatureanddetail of H LTA BV OLE LY‘CLIFFS’ THE PLATEAU ABOVE BOULDERCLAY 31 Redcar & Cleveland Landscape Character Assessment 32 Redcar & Cleveland Landscape Character Assessment 7Paeufrln (SofLoftus) Plateaufarmland P7 8Icsdwoe aly(SkeltonBeck) Incisedwooded valley P8 9Icsdwoe aly(SaltburnGill/ Incisedwoodedvalley P9 6Paeufrln (Skelton to Plateau farmland P6 1 nie oddvle (KiltonBeck/ Incisedwoodedvalley P10 1 osa amad(North ofBrotton) Coastal farmland P11 5Paeufrln (Lingdaleto Plateaufarmland P5 1 osa amad(Eastof Coastal farmland P12 1 osa amad(NorthofLoftus) Coastal farmland P13 4Moln rnefrln (Liverton) Moorlandfringefarmland P4 3Moln rnefrln (Moorsholm) Moorlandfringefarmland P3 2Moln rnefrln (SouthLingdale) Moorlandfringefarmland P2 1Iln aly(Margrove) Inlandvalley P1 Landscape Units of EastClevelandPlateauLandscapeTract Landscape Character Assessment Handale Beck) Millholme Beck) Brotton) Skinningrove) Saltburn) NETMAP INSERT 33 x Redcar & Cleveland Landscape Character Assessment 34 Redcar & Cleveland Landscape Character Assessment DESCRIPTIONS OFLANDSCAPEUNITS Negative attributes z z z z z z Positive attributes Landscape analysis 35). SNCI (LA Margrove Ponds, Tilery CarrPondsandtheshaleheaptogethermakeupan Wildlife andotherdesignations and allotments. Mixed landuse,includingarablefarmland,bothroughandimprovedgrazing, Land use south west. broad,relativelyflatvalleyfloorsloping generallyfromnortheastdownto A Landform P1 InlandValley (Margrove) Landscape Unit Many hedgerowsarefragmented The unvegetated part ofthespoiltipisconspicuous planting hasimprovedthesituation and theurbanedgeindustrialunits ontheother, althoughrecent Some harshinterfacesbetweentherurallandscapeononehand to adistinctiveandvariedcharacter Stone walls,waterbodiesandhedgerowsmakeanimportant contribution value Wetlands, grasslandandscrubvegetation provideconsiderablewildlife sloping valleysides Dramatic contrastbetweenthebroadflatvalleyfloorandsteeply Negative attributes z z z z z Positive attributes Landscape analysis 36). The westernwoodedsteepslopeisanSNCI,SkeltonWarren (LA Wildlife andotherdesignations smaller tothenorthnearsettlements. Field sizesaregenerallylargeinthesouthernpart ofthearea,becoming streams, andwoodlandcoversthesteepslopetoMargroveValley. Mixed arablefarmland,withpermanentpasture. Smallwoodlandbelts follow Land use wooded valleystotheothersides. broadplateauborderingmoorland tothesouthandenclosedbyincised A Landform P2 MoorlandFringeFarmland(SouthLingdale) Landscape Unit Detracting elements onvillageedges,includinguntidyland Hedges andstonewallsareneglectedinmanylocations General absenceofhedgerowtrees habitat diversity Low intensityoffarmingandpermanentgrasslandscrubprovide Moorland fringecharacter 35 Redcar & Cleveland Landscape Character Assessment 36 Redcar & Cleveland Landscape Character Assessment Negative attributes z z z z z Positive attributes Landscape analysis None ontheUnititself buttheperipheralwoodlandisanSNCI. Wildlife andotherdesignations Mixed arablefarmland,withpermanentpasture. Land use wooded valleystotheothersides. broadplateauborderingmoorland tothesouthandenclosedbyincised A Landform P3 MoorlandFringeFarmland(Moorsholm) Landscape Unit Detracting elements onvillageedges,includinguntidyland hedgerow loss Hedges areneglectedinmanylocationsandthereisevidenceof General absenceofhedgerowtrees habitat diversity Low intensityoffarmingandpermanentgrasslandscrubprovide Hedgerows andmoorlandfringecharacter Negative attributes z z z z Positive attributes Landscape analysis Woodland peripheraltothelandscapeunitis Ancient Woodland andSNCI. Wildlife andotherdesignations Mixed arablefarmlandwithpermanentpasture. Land use dissected) byincisedwoodedvalleystotheothersides. broadplateauborderingmoorland tothesouthandenclosed(andpartly A Landform P4 MoorlandFringeFarmland(Liverton) Landscape Unit General absenceofhedgerowtrees habitat diversity Low intensityoffarmingandpermanentgrasslandscrubprovide Moorland fringecharacter Hedgerows andperipheralwoodland 37 Redcar & Cleveland Landscape Character Assessment 38 Redcar & Cleveland Landscape Character Assessment Negative attributes z z z z z z z Positive attributes Landscape analysis Lumpsey GrasslandandMerrysWood Grassland(LAs19and61). 79) 23)andWygrave Wood (LA Claphow ReservoirWood (LA 24) SNCIs atKiltonMine, Thorpe Railway(LA Wildlife andotherdesignations Farmland anddispersedwoodlandblocks. Land use broadundulatingplateau. A Landform P5 PlateauFarmland(LingdaletoBrotton) Landscape Unit Intensively farmedlandwithlowwildlifevalue woodland cover Decline infieldhedgerowsandhedgerowtreeslowlevelof mining sites degraded appearanceduetoindustrial/commercialusesonformer Some abruptandintrusiveedgestolargevillageswhichhavea coast On elevatedlandintheunit,thereisa‘coastal feel’,with viewsofthe Several woodlandsandgrasslandsareimportant forwildlife landscape associated scrubvegetation providesimportant linearelementinthe Dismantled railwaysformvaluablewildlifeandrecreationcorridors Hedgerows aresignificantlandscapeelements, althoughindecline Negative attributes z z z z z z Positive attributes Landscape analysis SNCI andSSSIstatus. There arenodesignationswithintheunit,butperipheralwoodlandhas Wildlife andotherdesignations Farmland anddispersedwoodlandblocks. Landuse ridgedlandformseparating SkeltonBeckandSaltburnGill. A Landform P6 PlateauFarmland(SkeltontoSaltburn) Landscape Unit Intensively farmedlandwithlowwildlifevalue Decline infieldhedgerowsandhedgerowtrees Intrusive elementofSkeltonandBrottonBypass Hall There isasmallareaofattractivewoodlandassociatedwithRushpool On parts oftheunit,thereisa‘coastal feel’,withviewsofthe coast Hedgerows aresignificantlandscapeelements, althoughindecline 39 Redcar & Cleveland Landscape Character Assessment 40 Redcar & Cleveland Landscape Character Assessment Negative attributes z z z z Positive attributes Landscape analysis 32). Warren HousePlantation isanSNCI(LA Wildlife andotherdesignations Farmland andwoodlandblockscopses. Landuse broadlydomedlandformlyingtoeast ofHandaleBeck. A Landform P7 PlateauFarmland(SouthofLoftus) Landscape Unit Intensively farmedlandwithlowwildlifevalue Decline infieldhedgerowsandhedgerowtrees groupofthreecopses areprominent inthelandscape A Hedgerows aresignificantlandscapeelements, althoughindecline z z z z z z z Positive attributes Landscape analysis semi-natural andancientreplantedwoodland. lake. Mostofthewoodlandisclassedas Ancient Woodland, bothancient 16),exceptforthelandat MarskeMill,extendingtotheboating SNCI (LA Wildlife andotherdesignations dominates. Dense mixedwoodlandwithabreakatMarskeMill,wheregrassland Landuse Landscape Tract). (Upstream ofSkeltonCastle,thevalleyisincludedinEstonHills valleys, fromSkeltonCastletothesea,includingSaltburnValley Gardens. woodedstreamvalley, withonlyminorside Narrow steep-sidedvalley. A Landform P8 IncisedWooded Valley (SkeltonBeck) Landscape Unit Public accessibilityiseasierthaninmanywoodlands Sensory stimulationinrunningwaterandbirdlife Absence ofvisualintrusionbuiltelements Intimate enclosure,seclusionandsenseoftranquility associated floraandfaunainanaturalwoodedrivercourse visualandbotanical qualityofsemi-naturalwoodlandwith ‘Natural’ land withaboatinglake Saltburn Valley Gardensconsistofformallydesignedgardensandopen valley form predominantly openagriculturalland,andemphasisesthetopographic Woodland formsastrongvisualelementinthelocallandscape of 41 Redcar & Cleveland Landscape Character Assessment 42 Redcar & Cleveland Landscape Character Assessment Negative attributes z z z z z z Positive attributes Landscape analysis natural andancientreplantedwoodland. Most ofthewoodlandisclassedas Ancient Woodland, bothancientsemi- 12)overtheremainder. SSSI onmuchoftheeasternslopes,withSNCI(LA Wildlife andotherdesignations Dense mixedwoodland. Landuse the valleysides,forexampleHaggWood. to OldSaltburn,expanded inplacestoincludeassociatedwoodlandclose woodedstreamvalley, withside valleys, extendingfromMillholmeBridge A Landform P9 IncisedWooded Valley (SaltburnGill/MillholmeBeck) Landscape Unit disturbance) Limited publicaccess(converselyabenefitinwildlifetermsreducing Sensory stimulationinrunningwaterandbirdlife Absence ofvisualintrusionbuiltelements Intimate enclosure,seclusionandsenseoftranquility associated floraandfaunainanaturalwoodedrivercourse visualandbotanical qualityofsemi-naturalwoodlandwith ‘Natural’ form predominantly openagriculturalland,andemphasisesthestrongvalley Woodland formsastrongvisualelementinthelocallandscape of Negative attributes z z z z z z Positive attributes Landscape analysis RIGS (aRegionallyImportant GeologicalSite). semi-natural andancientreplantedwoodland.Whitecliff Wood includesa designated asLocalNatureReserveand Ancient Woodland, bothancient 25).Mostofthewoodlandis The woodlandsaredesignatedasanSNCI(LA Wildlife andotherdesignations Dense mixedwoodland. Landuse Whitecliff, Rosecroft andLoftus Woods. complexpattern ofwoodedvalleys,inwhicharefoundClarksons, A Narrow steep-sidedvalleys. Landform P10 IncisedWooded Valley (Kilton,Waytail andHandaleBecks) Landscape Unit disturbance) Limited publicaccess(converselyabenefitinwildlifetermsreducing Sensory stimulationinrunningwaterandbirdlife Absence ofvisualintrusionbuiltelements Intimate enclosure,seclusionandsenseoftranquility associated floraandfaunainanaturalwoodedrivercourse visualandbotanical qualityofsemi-naturalwoodlandwith ‘Natural’ valley form predominantly openagriculturalland,andemphasisesthetopographic Woodland formsastrongvisualelementinthelocallandscape of 43 Redcar & Cleveland Landscape Character Assessment 44 Redcar & Cleveland Landscape Character Assessment Negative attributes z z z z z Positive attributes Landscape analysis This landscapeunitlieswithin The Heritage Coast. 69)isasmall reservoirwithassociatedvegetation. Cattersty Pond(SNCILA 10)colonisedbyherb-richflora. Low MillslagtipisanSNCI(LA Wildlife andotherdesignations Brotton andsmallareasofscrubvegetation. Predominantly agriculturalland,withagolfcoursetothenorth-eastof Landuse Cliff. fall gentlytoeastandwestbutaretruncatedbyseacliffs, notably byHunt north-southridgeculminatesinthe domeofWarsett Hill,fromwhichlevels A Landform P11 Coastal farmland(northofBrotton) Landscape Unit Abrupt urbanedgetoBrotton cliff topandanadjacentarea The ClevelandWay andNational Trust landprovidepublicaccess tothe Ponds andvegetation atCatterstyPond Dramatic seacliffs andassociatedwildlife Open elevatedcoastal character z z z Positive attributes Landscape analysis diverse flora. 72). The fieldssupportanimportant near SkinningroveareanSNCI(LA (LA13), important forbirds,includingkittiwakes. The westward-slopingfields wave-cut platform makeuppart oftheSaltburntoStaithes CoastSNCI Boulby QuarriesareanSSSI. The sandstonecliff andtherocksforming Wildlife andotherdesignations to thecliff top. Predominantly agriculturalland. The ClevelandWay providespublicaccess Landuse Beck tothewestandseacliffs tothenorth. North-facing undulatingslopes,terminatedbythevalleyofSkinningrove Landform 12Coastal farmland(EastofSkinningrove) P Landscape Unit the NationalPark The landscapeunitformspart oftheHeritage Coastandliesadjacentto Dramatic seacliffs andassociatedwildlife Open elevatedcoastal character 45 Redcar & Cleveland Landscape Character Assessment 46 Redcar & Cleveland Landscape Character Assessment z z Negative attributes Landscape analysis None. Wildlife andotherdesignations Agricultural landwithfewhedges. Landuse An undulatinginland-facingslope. Landform Coastal farmland(northofLoftus) 13 P Landscape Unit Landscape Unittonorth Facing awayfromtheseaandwithlesscoastal characterthanadjacent General absenceofhedgerowtrees 1.9.4 GUISBOROUGH LOWLAND
Description This tract encompasses Guisborough and lies to the south of the Eston Hills. It is gently undulating with a distinctive lightly wooded character. Woodland blocks are numerous but small, and hedges tend to be thin or gappy with few trees. It is physically confined, sandwiched between Eston Hills to the north and the Langbaurgh Ridge to the south. The largely arable farmland is undulating in the west, but is flatter towards Guisborough and starts to rise towards Roseberry Topping.
GUISBOROUGH LOWLAND
The urban edge of Nunthorpe has an intrusive visual impact on fringe farmland, and the A171 is prominent locally.
Landscape Assessment The tract to the west of Guisborough takes its character largely from the hedgerow network over the farmland, with only scattered small woodlands, rather than from any strongly wooded content.
To the east of Guisborough, however, there is a varied character of farmland, hedges and woodland associated with the parkland at Gisborough Hall.
Under the Character Assessment, the landscape in this tract is classified as Restoration Landscape, except for the parkland at Gisborough Hall, which is a Sensitive Landscape. Redcar & Cleveland Landscape Character Assessment & Cleveland Redcar
47 In the Restoration Landscapes, improvement takes priority, whilst the retention of existing features is important to visually ‘place’ any new development, to act as the basis for additional planting, or for the creation of ‘new landscape’. Additional planting may comprise, for example, a hedgerow to continue the line of an existing one, or, in preference, form a hedgerow pattern or network and combine with tree planting to create an enhanced landscape structure. The landscape of this tract outwith the parkland is noted for the scarcity of hedgerow trees and the scattered small woodland blocks.
Biodiversity Grove Hill Plantation, to the west of Guisborough, and Upsall Carrs Plantation are SNCIs. To the east of Guisborough, however, there is a varied character of farmland, hedges and woodland associated with the parkland at Gisborough Hall, and SNCI designation covers small woodlands in and near the parkland and the vegetation along the former railway . Sites and areas of biodiversity value occur outside these designated sites, with value both in themselves and as wildlife links or potential areas for development of habitat.
Landscape Character Assessment of Guisborough Lowland Landscape Tract
Landscape Units
G1 Broad inland valley (Nunthorpe to Guisborough)
G2 Urban edge (South of Guisborough)
G3 Undulating farmland (South east of Guisborough)
G4 Parkland (Gisborough Hall)
G5 Undulating farmland (East of Guisborough) Redcar & Cleveland Landscape Character Assessment & Cleveland Redcar
48 INSERT MAP OF GBRO LOWLAND Redcar & Cleveland Landscape Character Assessment & Cleveland Redcar
49x 50 Redcar & Cleveland Landscape Character Assessment DESCRIPTIONS OFLANDSCAPEUNITS Negative attributes z z z z z z z Positive attributes landform relatetoasinuouspattern ofsmallstreamsdrainingthearea. low relief,areprominentinthelandscape.Lowbroadundulations characterised byafieldpattern withwoodlandblocks, which, becauseofthe seeminglyflatlandscapedominatedbyuplandstonorthandsouth A Landscape analysis for theexposureofanigneousintrusion. sites intheCountywithwaterviolet.LangbaurghRidgeisanSSSI,important The largestwoodland,Upsall CarrsPlantation, isanSNCI,oneofthefew Wildlife andotherdesignations small woodlandblocks. the southwithmedium-sizedfieldsinadistinctfieldpattern punctuatedwith Arable fieldsinthenorthpart ofthetractgradeintomixedfarmlandtowards Landuse 173andbackedbythehighlandof RoseberryCommonandthemoors. A Hills andLangbaurghRidge,withthesouthernboundaryformedbyroad Rather flatandlowlyingbutwithbroadundulations,locatedbetweenEston Landform G1 BroadInlandValley (NunthorpetoGuisborough) Landscape Unit Fragmented hedgerowsinmanyplaceswith fewhedgerowtrees Intrusive effect of roadsborderingthearea Rural characterwithoutintrusivedevelopment Attractive elevatedlandborderingareacontributetostrongcharacter Hedges providingstronglandscapepattern open landscape Presence ofwoodlandblocksformingstrongfeaturesinanessentially views andaddadistinctcharactertothearea bordering roads;Roseberry Topping andtheMoorsdominateinmany There areviewsouttotheuplandsnorthandsouth,infrom Negative attributes z z z Positive attributes Landscape analysis is anSNCI. None onthesiteitself, butthewoodlandtosouthinNationalPark Wildlife andotherdesignations Pasture. Agricultural land,withallotments, disusedrailwayandhorsegrazing landuse Gentle, fairlyuniformslopes. Landform G2 Urbanedge(SouthofGuisborough) Landscape Unit Urban edgeandneglectedappearance Dominant woodedslopetothesouth east character fromboth,butbecomingmoreruralintowardthe space enclosedbybothsteepslopes andurbanedge,taking its A 51 Redcar & Cleveland Landscape Character Assessment 52 Redcar & Cleveland Landscape Character Assessment z z Positive attributes Landscape analysis None onthesiteitself, butthewoodlandtosouthandnorthareSNCIs. Wildlife andotherdesignations disusedrailwaycuttingbisects theunit. A narrow inthewestnearButtLane,butarelargertosouthandeast. Agricultural land,withafieldpattern ofvariedscale;fieldsizesaresmalland Landuse occurs totheeastofBelmangate,evidenceMedievalfarmingpractices. slope atthefootofescarpment.Farmlandwithobviousridge-and-furrow gentlyundulatinglandformcomprising gentlyrisinglandtothebreakof A Landform G3 UndulatingFarmland(SEofGuisborough) Landscape Unit individual treesproduceaparkland character. and souththelandismoreopen,herearollinglandform stronghedgerowpattern isconspicuousnearButtLane;totheeast A the northingroundsofGisboroughHall Woodland providesenclosuretothesouthonescarpmentslopes andto Negative attributes z z z z z Positive attributes Landscape analysis Hall Wood. The landscapeunitcontains theSNCIsofFishpondPlantation andMeadow Wildlife andotherdesignations Large woodlandblocks,openspace, pasture, ponds,Priorygrounds. Landuse its eastside. The landisofvariedtopographybutrisesgenerallynorthward. The unitisbisectedbyGuisboroughBypass andborderedbyMuckyLaneon Landform G4 Parkland(GisboroughHall) Landscape Unit Rigid woodlandblocksontheeasternpart ofthelandscapeunit characteristic oftheeasternpart oftheBorough) landscape elements. MuckyLaneislinedwithhedges(more Parkland, woodlandandopenlandformanattractivecombinationof agricultural landtotheeast Other woodlandisdistributedinregularblocksovermoreopen parkland withseveralspecimentrees 171)whereittakes onthecharacterofa towards WhitbyRoad(A House andGisboroughHall,withthewoodlandbecominglessdense Substantial woodland(HorseParksWood) encompasses Gisborough Guisborough Conservation Area formalgroupingoflandscapeandbuiltelements makinguppart of A 53 Redcar & Cleveland Landscape Character Assessment 54 Redcar & Cleveland Landscape Character Assessment Negative attributes z z z Positive attributes Landscape analysis outside theSNCIbutwithin Ancient Woodland. 16). The tributary woodlandwithinthelandscapeunitlies and anSNCI(LA None onthesiteitself, butthewoodlandtoeastisan Ancient Woodland Wildlife andotherdesignations tributaries extendfromWaterfall Beck. Agricultural land,withafieldpattern ofmediumscale;projectingwooded Landuse Mucky Lane. Beck (SkeltonBeck)westwardtothecrestinlocallandformfollowedby An undulatinglandformwithlevelsrisingfromtheincisedvalleyofWaterfall Landform G5 UndulatingFarmland(EastofGuisborough) Landscape Unit There isevidenceofhedgerowloss Peripheral woodlandprovidesenclosuretotheeast to thewest Woodland providesenclosuretotheeastandrisinglandreduces views 1.10 Summary
Under the Landscape Character Assessment, landscape types over the Borough have been named, mapped and described, leading to a fuller understanding of the rich variety of landscapes in this area.
This Assessment has been prompted by guidance given by the Countryside Agency (Ref 1); in addition, Planning Policy Statement 7 (Sustainable Development in Rural Areas) promotes the use of landscape character assessment as a tool for landscape protection.
Work has started on the Heritage Hedgerows project for Redcar and Cleveland (March 2006), and its findings will increase knowledge and understanding of the development of the Borough’s landscape.
Landscape Character Assessment may be used for a variety of purposes. In this Borough, its findings will be developed as a landscape design SPD as part of the Local Development Framework augmented by a number of design principles and additional detail such as species selection. Redcar & Cleveland Landscape Character Assessment & Cleveland Redcar
55 1.11 Appendix 1, References
Ref 1 The Countryside Agency and Scottish Natural Heritage (2002). Landscape Character Assessment. Guidance for England and Scotland
Ref 2 Ian Lawrence. A Guide to the Wildflowers of Cleveland
Ref 3 The Countryside Agency and English Nature. Map of ‘The Character of England. Landscape, Wildlife and Natural Features.’
Ref 4 Woolerton Truscott (1992). The Cleveland Community Forest Landscape Assessment Redcar & Cleveland Landscape Character Assessment & Cleveland Redcar
56 1.12 Appendix 2, Glossary
ASNW (Ancient semi-natural woodland). This is woodland which is believed to have had a continuous woodland cover from 1600 AD to the present day, and is composed of native tree species which have not obviously been planted. Replanted Ancient Woodlands are ancient woods in which the former tree cover has been replaced, often with non-native trees.
LDF (Local Development Framework). This is a series of documents which will eventually replace the Redcar & Cleveland Local Plan that was adopted in 1999. It will consider how the Borough will develop over the next 15 to 20 years.
RIGS (Regionally Important Geological / Geomorphological Site). The designation is a means of recognising and protecting geodiversity for the future, and is the most important designation for sites which are not SSSIs.
SNCI (Site of Nature Conservation Importance).These wildlife sites, of local importance, are identified in local development plans where they are protected through the planning system.
SPA (Special Protection Area). These areas are afforded statutory protection under the Conservation of Natural Habitats Regulations (1994).
SPD (Supplementary Planning Document). These documents provide more detailed guidance on the implementation of policies in LDF development plan documents.
SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest). These sites are afforded protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) and represent England’s very best wildlife sites. They are designated by English Nature by virtue of their flora, fauna, or geological value. Redcar & Cleveland Landscape Character Assessment & Cleveland Redcar
57