DOCSLIB.ORG

Hampshire Downs

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Hampshire Downs National Character Area 130 Hampshire Downs The National Character Area (NCA) following the Hampshire Downs (130) is particularly rich in arable plants: 79 out of 121 rare and threatened plants have been recorded since 1987, giving a total Important Arable Plant Area (IAPA) score of 372. This is one of the highest scores in the country, and thus the Hampshire Downs NCA should be prioritised for conservation measures. Seventeen of the 22 Section 41 (S41) arable plants listed under the NERC Act 2006 have been recorded in the Hampshire Downs. Of these, only seven plants have recent post-2000 recorded populations, and all of the plants appear to have declined in coverage. This is most apparent for pheasant’s-eye, ground- pine (which is at the western limit of its range in the UK), red hemp-nettle, annual knawel, spreading hedge-parsley and broad-fruited cornsalad. A 2013 survey of an estate near Basingstoke located a large population of annual knawel, which is only the second population to be identified since 2000 in the Hampshire Downs. In addition, a new population of shepherd’s-needle was found on the same estate in 2014, indicating that there is still plenty of potential to discover new populations of arable plants. The naturally occurring populations from the soil seed bank of cornflower have declined, but the plant is being used in many annual seed mixtures along with Austrian chamomile, corncockle and corn marigold which is boosting the number of locations with this species. Corn buttercup historically had a widespread distribution across the NCA, but no populations have been found since 2000. Further surveys of arable land may find more populations of Section 41 species, and locations with historical records should be a target along with adjacent arable land. The coincidence of S41 species indicates that the richest location is adjacent to Longparish. Access to this site has been restricted since a solar array was constructed adjacent to the field. It is not known whether the threatened arable plants survive on this site, which ought to be a priority for conservation measures. An assessment of suitable agri-environment scheme options indicates that some measures are in place on the adjacent estate which also has S41 species, but they miss some of the other rare plants such as spreading hedge-parsley. Development pressure is also a concern, and the tetrad west of Basingstoke with three S41 species is under threat from expansion of the urban area. In addition, there are concerns about the application of suitable management practices at other locations with S41 species. Further feedback to farmers and landowners is needed to ensure that the disturbance requirements for these plants are in place, as this is contrary to management for other threatened habitats, such as grassland, and the land managers may not realise the extent of the disturbance required by these annual plants to ensure their survival. The IAPA mapping indicates that in the Hampshire Downs there are 21 tetrads of European Importance, 83 of National Importance, and 85 of County Importance for arable plants. The distribution of these tetrads also follows the arable land that has been targeted for survey, and may not be the complete picture of the distribution of arable plants in the Hampshire Downs. Communities of arable plants and threatened species may be present in the southeast quarter of the NCA, which has not been as well-surveyed. In addition, there are suitable agri-environment measures present on these farms, and targeted surveys of these holdings would find out whether these measures are suitably located. In summary, the IAPA tetrad map does provide a good baseline for targeting agri-environment scheme measures and voluntary conservation measures, particularly cultivated margins. However, it is not a complete picture, and it is likely that there are undiscovered populations of rare and threatened arable plants in this particularly rich NCA. There is a need for additional surveys on holdings with historical and current populations of arable plants and feedback to land managers and Natural England Advisers, where appropriate, suggesting changes in management to help sustain populations of threatened plants and potentially resurrect populations from buried seed. Holdings that have agri-environment options suitable for arable plants should be surveyed to find out whether the management is suitably targeted, particularly if the farms are entered into higher-level options. Hampshire Downs Soils For the purpose of this mapping, soil has been categorised using the broad soil category dominant in the tetrad. The mapping does not show the finer changes in soils throughout the fields, and this can misrepresent particular hotspots of very chalky soil which tend to be very locally dominant where it is close to the soil surface. The most common soils in the Hampshire Downs NCA are within the clay category and is the dominate substrate for 323 tetrads. The clays tend to be overlaying chalk bedrock and are often very calcareous with outcrops of chalk at the surface where the soils are thin. Chalky soils are the second most common substrate present in the Hampshire Downs. 192 tetrads are dominated by these soils. Sandy soils are only present in two tetrads to the east of the Hampshire Downs. One tetrad in the southwest of the area is dominated by soils other than the three types above; it is deep soils along a river corridor. Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right 2015. ± Kilometers 5 Pheasant’s-eye Adonis annua There are a cluster of recent and mid- date pheasant’s-eye records from Wherwell (SU34W) to Basingstoke (SU55V). The chalk ridge in this area is known to be a hotspot for this plant. However, most of the records are historical, suggesting that there has been a recent decline. The most recent records are from Longparish (SU44G and SU44L) and Overton (SU44Y and SU54D). Data maintained by the Contains Ordnance Vice-County Recorder and Survey data © Crown provided by the Botanical copyright and database Society of the British Isles right 2015. and Ireland and accessed ± from the BSBI Distribution Kilometers 5 Database 2014. Contains Plantlife Important Arable Plant Area database data 2014. Ground-pine Ajuga chamaepitys There are three recently recorded populations of ground-pine in the Hampshire Downs. The western site is east of Wherwell (SU34W), and there are two sites close together near Freefolk Wood (SU44W and SU54B) and Roundham (SU54C). The populations in the Hampshire Downs are the most northerly locations for this plant in the UK. Contains Ordnance Data maintained by the Survey data © Crown Vice-County Recorder and copyright and database provided by the Botanical right 2015. Society of the British Isles and Ireland and accessed ± from the BSBI Distribution Kilometers 5 Database 2014. Contains Plantlife Important Arable Plant Area database data 2014. Thorow-wax Bupleurum rotundifolium Thorow-wax is critically endangered and possibly extinct in England. The recent (2009 and 2013) records from Hinton Ampner Gardens (SU52Y) in 2009 and 2013 were a deliberate introduction. The mid- date record at Four Marks (SU63S) in 1991 was also in a garden. All of the other records are historical. Contains Ordnance Data maintained by the Survey data © Crown Vice-County Recorder and copyright and database provided by the Botanical right 2015. Society of the British Isles and Ireland and accessed ± Kilometers from the BSBI Distribution 5 Database 2014. Cornflower Centaurea cyanus The Hampshire Downs are a known hotspot for cornflower. There are many populations that naturally occur from buried seed when the land is cultivated or disturbed. However, in more recent years cornflower has been included in amenity planting. This has made it difficult to differentiate which records are naturally occurring from the soil seed bank or introduced from sown mixtures. Much effort has been placed into determining the outcome of this distinction when the records have been collated by the vice-county recorder. There is the possibility that no known origin of the seed exists, particularly if it is a newly recorded population on farmland. Contains Ordnance Data maintained by the Survey data © Crown Vice-County Recorder and copyright and database provided by the Botanical right 2015. Society of the British Isles and Ireland and accessed ± Kilometers from the BSBI Distribution 5 Database 2014. Contains Plantlife Important Arable Plant Area database data 2014. Upright Goosefoot Chenopodium urbicum There is one record of upright goosefoot recorded near Thruxton (SU24S) in 2011. Several plants were recorded of this Critically Endangered species. Contains Ordnance Data maintained by the Survey data © Crown Vice-County Recorder and copyright and database provided by the Botanical right 2015. Society of the British Isles and Ireland and accessed ± Kilometers from the BSBI Distribution 5 Database 2014. Red-tipped Cudweed Filago lutescens There is one historical record of red- tipped cudweed from Grateley (SU24Q). This is just to the west of the Hampshire Downs National Character Area. Contains Ordnance Data maintained by the Survey data © Crown Vice-County Recorder and copyright and database provided by the Botanical right 2015. Society of the British Isles and Ireland and accessed ± from the BSBI Distribution Kilometers 5 Database 2014. Contains Plantlife Important Arable Plant Area database data 2014. Broadleaved Cudweed Filago pyramidata There are historical records from 1974 of a broadleaved cudweed population south of Chilbolton (SU33Z). Contains Ordnance Data maintained by the Survey data © Crown Vice-County Recorder and copyright and database provided by the Botanical right 2015. Society of the British Isles and Ireland and accessed ± from the BSBI Distribution Kilometers 5 Database 2014. Red Hemp-nettle Galeopsis angustifolia There are 11 recently recorded populations of red hemp-nettle from the Hampshire Downs. Overwallop (SU23T) – recorded from 2008 and 2009.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Flora of the Hampshire Downs
    Flora of the Hampshire Downs Naturetrek Tour Report 10 - 12 June 2011 Fly Orchid Narrow leaved Marsh Orchid White Fragrant Orchid Report and images compiled by Jon Stokes Naturetrek Cheriton Mill Cheriton Alresford Hampshire SO24 0NG England T: +44 (0)1962 733051 F: +44 (0)1962 736426 E: [email protected] W: www.naturetrek.co.uk Tour Report Flora of the Hampshire Downs Tour Leader: Jon Stokes (Naturetrek Leader & Naturalist) Participants: Gill Wright Jane Hughes Maureen Reynolds Valerie Storey Alison Barclay Chris Piper Day 1 Friday 10th June The group arrived at the hotel for dinner, after which we set off on our first outing. As the evening drew in we headed east towards Petersfield seeing a Roe Deer bounding down the road in front of us, before arriving at Coulters Dean Bank. Here Greater Butterfly Orchids were flowering and their faint perfume could be smelt on the damp evening air. Common Spotted Orchids and Wild Columbine were also part of the downs riches. Overhead bats flew and a Robin sang from the bushes but all too soon darkness set in, so we headed back to the hotel and bed. Day 2 Saturday 11th June The morning dawned bright and clear and we set off for our first visit of the day. Arriving at a small wet meadow, the first plants to be seen were Southern Marsh and Narrow Leaved Marsh Orchids, but unfortunately the meadow had been cut, so many of the other flowers were not visible. We therefore set off for Odiham Common, stopping briefly to look at a native Black Poplar.
    [Show full text]
  • Create a Cover Sheet for a Fax
    Agenda Item 8 Report PC 77/13 Appendix 2 SDNPA Landscape Architect response to Planning Consultation Application ref: 13/00844/FUL Description: Erection of 6 wind turbines with a maximum height of 130.5m and associated development for a period of 25 years, including meteorological mast, control building, electricity transformers, underground cabling, access tracks, crane hardstandings and vehicular access Address: Land At Woodmancott, Grid Ref: 457347 143175, Popham, Micheldever, Hampshire LPA Basingstoke and Deane District Council Summary response: Objection, The proposed development would have an adverse impact on the landscape, setting and special qualities of South Downs National Park, which the statutory National Park purposes, and other local, regional and national policies seek to protect. The proposal would affect views out of and into the National Park owing to the size, scale and extent of the proposed wind turbines in the landscape within the visual envelope of the National Park boundary. This would erode the quality of the breathtaking views which are noted as Special Qualities of the National Park. The likely cumulative impacts of a further potential windfarm at Bullington Cross, 7km to the west of the proposed site also forms part of the objection. Landscape Character Assessment The site is within the National Character Area (NCA) of the Hampshire Downs (JCA130). This character area extends from approximately Andover in the west to Alton in the east and includes a sizeable section of the National Park to the east of Winchester. The NCA describes one of the key characteristics of the Hampshire Downs as : ‘Strongly rolling downland with scarps, hilltops, and valleys which have an overall open and exposed character.’ Landscape character is considered to be continuous at the national scale between the proposed windfarm site and the National Park.
    [Show full text]
  • Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty EAST HAMPSHIRE
    Appendix 2 – Letter from the East Hampshire Area of Outstanding Beauty East Hampshire AONB Office Queen Elizabeth Country Park Gravel Hill Area of Waterlooville Hampshire P08 OQE Outstanding Natural Beauty Telephone: (023) 9259 1362 EAST HAMPSHIRE Fax: (023) 9259 2409 Mobile: 07710 590863 E-mail: [email protected] FAO Guy Riddoch East Hampshire District Council Penns Place Petersfield Hampshire GU34 11 February 2004 Dear Sir Petersfield Project for Integrated Renewable Energy Deployment – Wind Turbine on Butser Hill As a follow up to the report by Econergy on the results of the Petersfield Study, it has come to our attention in the EHAONB office that your Council’s Development Panel will be considering a report that includes a proposal to erect a single wind turbine on top of the South Downs, possibly on Butser Hill. As I have yet to see the agenda I cannot confirm this myself, but in the meantime I have been asked by members of the Planning Panel to write and inform of their concerns on such a proposal. The East Hampshire Joint Advisory Committee is fully supportive of the Government's policy to promote the growth of renewable energy production, and welcomes the general thrust of the draft policy document PPS 22. However, as pointed out to the ODPM's office, whilst renewable energy schemes can bring undoubted benefits, they can also have undesirable impacts that need to be balanced against these general benefits. The Planning Panel have asked me to clarify that a single wind turbine comparable to size of the ones erected at Swaffham in Norfolk would be extremely prominent and intrusive if located on Butser Hill.
    [Show full text]
  • 3C: Itchen Valley
    3C: ITCHEN VALLEY Valley floor in downland setting between Itchen Abbas and Ovington. Permanent pasture, numerous small woods and scattered individual trees, few hedges. Ovington – Clear chalk streams, oftenValley floor– Lower reaches urban There are numerous historic mills wooded banks. edge, pony paddocks and wooded and bridges – along the Itchen. (from ridge backdrop at Bishopstoke. SDILCA) Cheriton – canalised section of theItchen Valley Country park; sluice as Playing fields with poplar windbreaks Itchen on the left. part of restored water meadows. in Lower Itchen Valley. Hampshire County 1 Status: FINAL May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment Itchen Valley Hampshire County 2 Status: FINAL May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment Itchen Valley 1.0 Location and Boundaries 1.1 This character area includes the river valley floor and its sides which make up the visual envelope of the valley. The valley tops are defined approximately where there is a break/slackening in slope angle. The southern boundary is formed at the County/Southampton unitary edge. The upper most reaches of the valley follow three spring fed tributaries/headwaters, which join close to New Arlesford namely the Candover stream to the north, River Arle to the east and Cheriton stream to the south. 1.2 Component County Landscape Types Open Downs, Downland Mosaic Large Scale, Downland Mosaic Small Scale, River Valley Floor, Lowland Mosaic Medium Scale, Lowland Mosaic Small Scale, Lowland Mosaic Heath Associated, Settlement. 1.3 Composition of Borough/District LCAs: Winchester CC Eastleigh BC Upper Itchen Valley Broom Hill Farmland and Woodland Lower Itchen Valley Upper Itchen Valley Floodplain Lower Itchen Valley Floodplain Eastleigh Airport Itchen Valley Sports Pitches The extent of the valley sides is comparable with the two Itchen valley character areas in the Winchester assessment.
    [Show full text]
  • North West Hampshire Downs
    7A: NORTH WEST HAMPSHIRE DOWNS View from Ashmansworth – ridge top settlement over undulating chalk landscape which is well wooded. High proportion of assarts across thisFields are often bound by woodland Rolling pasture and arable fields – landscape. and shaws. some with field trees. There tends to be a more mixed ageFaccombe – typical of small ridge top Some hamlets are located in dry of farmsteads in this downland hamlets in the character area valleys along roads which stretch up landscape compared with other from scarp to the north such as downland areas. Dunley or from the Wallops / Test . Hampshire County 1 Status: Final May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment North West Hampshire Downs . Hampshire County 2 Status: Final May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment North West Hampshire Downs 1.0 Location and Boundaries 1.1 This character area comprises the north western downs in Hampshire which form the upland context beyond the Swift and Bourne Rivulet valley. Its northern boundary is defined by the steep chalk scarp (LCA 5C) while to the south the landscape undergoes a transition to a more open chalk upland (LCA 8D). To the east the landscape is bordered by the Test Valley and in the north east it makes a gradual transition to more open downland (LCA 8A). To the west this landscape continues over the county boundary. Overall this is a fairly complex landscape as a result of its topographic variation and mosaic of land uses. It is unified by its pattern of woodland cover and mainly southerly orientation around the Swift Valley. 1.2 Component County Landscape Types Downland Mosaic Small Scale, Open Downs, Downland Mosaic Large Scale.
    [Show full text]
  • Chapter 2 Formative Influences
    Chapter- 2 Formative Influences South Downs: Landscape Character Assessment October 2020 Chapter 2 Formative Influences Physical Influences Geology and Topography 2.1 The South Downs is dominated by a spine of Chalk that stretches from Winchester in the west to the cliffs of Beachy Head in the east. To the north of the Chalk the older sandy rocks of the Lower Greensand and soft shales of the Wealden Clays are exposed. The Chalk is separated from the Lower Greensand by a belt of low-lying ground marked by the Gault and a ‘terrace’ of Upper Greensand that lies at the foot of the Chalk scarp. To the south of the chalk the younger Tertiary rocks overlie the Chalk. The solid geology within in South Downs National Park can be viewed on the South Downs National Park LCA online map. The different rock formations are considered in chronological order below. The description includes the development of each rock formation, its composition, and its influence on the topography and character of the South Downs. A topographical map is also available on the LCA online map. Cretaceous rocks Wealden Series 2.2 The oldest rocks in the South Downs are those of the low lying clays of the Wealden Series that are exposed along the northern boundary of the study area. During the early part of the Cretaceous period, some 140 million years ago, a lake covered the area and it was during this time that the Wealden Clay was laid down. It consists of shales and mudstones with outcrops of siltstones, sandstones, shelly limestones and clay ironstones.
    [Show full text]
  • Countryman Pages
    june 2015 9 ngland’s thirty-three Areas of Out - has left us some fascinating treasures, Exploring the Estanding Natural Beauty (AONB) including the beautiful Uffington have been described as the “jewels of the White Horse, the magical Wayland’s English landscape”, and the North Wes - Smithy and several Iron Age hill forts. North Wessex Downs sex Downs, the third largest of these The AONB then sweeps south, fol - AONBs, is no exception. lowing the River Thames to Pang - Designated in 1972, the North Wes - bourne before encircling Newbury Steve Davison is in chalk country as he celebrates sex Downs encompasses 668 square and part of the Kennet Valley, to the region’s history and heritage miles of rolling chalk landscape, encompass the northern reaches of the stretching from its western tip near North Hampshire Downs. The south - Calne in Wiltshire across a broad arc ern edge stretches westwards, passing to the south of Swindon, passing north of Andover to take in the Vale of through Oxfordshire and Berkshire, Pewsey, and the market towns of with a steep scarp slope looking out Hungerford and Marlborough. over the Vale of White Horse, to meet The predominant feature is the the River Thames on its eastern edge, underlying Cretaceous (99-65 million adjoining the Chilterns across the years ago) chalk geology; the North Goring Gap. Wessex Downs cover one of the most Along the crest of the downs, fol - continuous tracts of chalk downland lowed for much of the way by the in England. The chalk itself is formed Ridgeway — probably the oldest green from the remains of billions of minute road in England — prehistoric man sea creatures (known as coccoliths) The rolling contours of the chalk downs overlooking the Vale of Pewsey.
    [Show full text]
  • View Brochure
    he picturesque village of Upton Grey was once the residence of Charles Holme, Ta leading figure in the Arts and Crafts movement that flourished between 1880 and 1920. In the village lies Holme’s 15th century Manor House, famed for its recently discovered and subsequently restored Gertrude Jekyll designed 4.5 acre garden. To this day it remains the most complete and authentic Jekyll garden in existence. Inspired by Charles Holme, ‘Holme Hill’ is just a short walk from the Manor House and perched on an elevated pasture with scenic views overlooking Upton Grey and the unspoiled Hampshire countryside. Sympathetically blending into the surrounding grassland, each of Holme Hill’s ten bespoke luxury homes is built on a spacious plot and features five bedrooms, superb open living spaces and professionally landscaped gardens. With direct access to picturesque walkways and numerous bridle paths, Holme Hill is a unique opportunity to live in the heart of some of Britain’s best countryside, whilst just a short distance from several thriving towns, road and transport networks. 3 Upton Grey ituated in the North Hampshire Downs between Alton, Farnham and Basingstoke, Sthe picturesque village of Upton Grey and its surrounding 2,503 acres, was once in the ownership of the ‘De Grey’ family from where the village took its name. To this day, the village retains its historical character as evidenced by the twenty seven listed buildings dispersed throughout several country lanes. The quintessential village amenities include the 18th Century, Grade II listed Hoddington Arms public house, 12th Century medieval St Mary’s Church, a village hall, shop, post office, as well as a charming duck pond.
    [Show full text]
  • Joint Core Strategy
    East Hampshire District Local Plan: Joint Core Strategy Adopted June 2014 Working in Partnership EAST HAMPSHIRE DISTRICT LOCAL PLAN: JOINT CORE STRATEGY Adopted by East Hampshire District Council - 8 May 2014 and by the South Downs National Park Authority - 26 June 2014 Foreword East Hampshire is a very special, beautiful place for all who live and work here and we want to keep it this way for generations to come. To help manage the future of the area, East Hampshire District Council and the South Downs National Park Authority have set out planning policies for 17 years. Our future plans address the needs for employment, housing, community facilities and other forms of development whilst ensuring the quality of our natural and built environment is conserved and enhanced, especially in the National Park. This document – the Local Plan: Joint Core Strategy – sets out how the Council and the National Park Authority propose to meet this challenge. In drawing up the Local Plan: Joint Core Strategy, East Hampshire District Council and the South Downs National Park Authority have worked closely with partner organisations and with local communities and agencies. We also asked you for your views about the future of the area throughout the preparation process. Many of you responded and we have looked at various ways of meeting the local needs that you identified, along with the national requirements with which we have to comply. We have come up with a Local Plan: Joint Core Strategy that we hope sets out a vision and policies for the future of the district that reflect your own aspirations.
    [Show full text]
  • East Hampshire Hangers & Greensand Terrace
    13B: EAST HAMPSHIRE HANGERS & GREENSAND TERRACE Chalk & Greensand Hangers near Selborne Butser chalk scarp- open downland in Greensand Hanger near Hawkley Greensand Terrace north of Selborne contrast to wooded hangers. – Wooded Downland Plateau backdrop Sunken lane near Nursted – Hawkley - on Greensand Terrace Selborne - building materials are Malmstone exposed with wooded Chalk Scarp behind drawn from a wide range of local materials Hampshire County 1 Status: FINAL May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment East Hampshire Hangers and Greensand Terrace Hampshire County 2 Status: FINAL May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment East Hampshire Hangers and Greensand Terrace 1.0 Location and Boundaries 1.1 The East Hampshire Hangers and Greensand Terrace marks the eastern edge of the chalk Hampshire Downs and its junction with the Wealden landscapes to the east. It extends southwards in a narrow band from the County boundary near Farnham to Petersfield, where it turns eastwards to encompass the north-facing scarp of the South Downs. In the central and lower northern section it is characterised by a distinctive double scarp, with the chalk to the west and the greensand hangers to the east, separated by an undulating terrace. The largest settlements are the villages of Selborne, Hawkley and East Worldham. 1.2 Component County Landscape Types Greensand Terrace, Greensand Hangers, Chalk Scarp, Downland Mosaic Small Scale. 1.3 Composition of Borough/District LCAs: East Hampshire District: Buriton Scarp Selborne Hangers to East Meon Scarp Selborne Greensand Terrace Ramsdean to Buriton Greensand Terrace Worldham Greensand Terrace This character area coincides with the local East Hampshire District Greensand Terrace and Major Scarps landscape types.
    [Show full text]
  • Excerpts from Farmstead and Landscape Character in Hampshire
    Excerpts from Farmstead and Landscape Character in Hampshire 3.7 Pilot Area 2 South Downs Within the pilot area there are two major physical features of the landscape: the scarp slope along the north side of the South Downs and the scarps with hangars aong the western edge of the Western Weald lowland and Heath. Within the Weald the Landscape Types show the great complexity and variety in the landscape and geology with Arable on Greensand, Mixed Farmland and Woodland, Pasture: Hangars Associated and Hangars on Greensand all occurring within a small area of landscape. Across the downland and valley areas the dominant Landscape Type is Chalk and Clay with large areas of Clay Plateau in the northern part of the area and Open Arable at the head of the River Meon and along the dip slope of the South Downs. 1 3.7.1 Farmsteads against Hampshire Landscape Character Areas In terms of the density of farmsteads in the landscape this figure shows that the area with the highest density of farmsteads lies in the north-eastern part of the pilot area. However, unlike the distribution of farmsteads across the boundary between the Hampshire Downs and North Hampshire Lowland and Heath character areas examined in the North Wessex Downs pilot area, there is not a marked difference in density along the boundary between the Hampshire Downs and the Western Weald Lowland and Heath. Instead, the density of farmsteads in the Hampshire Downs area increases nearer the boundary between the character areas where dispersed settlement increases – the consequence being many more isolated farmsteads and small hamlets compared to the western part of the character area where villages, such as Bramdean within the pilot area, are typical.
    [Show full text]
  • LANDSCAPE CHARACTER TYPE: River Valley Floor Originating in the Chalk of the Hampshire Downs- Predominantly Flowing South Into the South Hampshire Landscape
    LANDSCAPE CHARACTER TYPE: River Valley Floor Originating in the chalk of the Hampshire Downs- predominantly flowing south into the south Hampshire landscape. Smaller stream systems occur in the north. SIMILAR AND ASSOCIATED TYPES HAMPSHIRE DISTRICT AND BOROUGH LEVEL ASSESSMENTS Basingstoke: Valley Floor East Hampshire Chalk Valley Systems (valley floor plus sides) Eastleigh Tidal River Fareham Open Floodplain Farmland, Enclosed Floodplain Farmland. Gosport n/a Hart Floodplain Farmland Havant n/a New Forest River Floodplain (falls completely within the River Valley Floor type) Rushmoor Blackwater Valley Test Valley River Valley Floor Winchester Primary association: River Valley Floor Secondary association: River Valley Side (lower parts) SIMILAR AND ASSOCIATED TYPES IN NEIGHBOURING AUTHORITY ASSESSMENTS Dorset West Berkshire Upper Valley Floor, Lower Valley Floor West Sussex River Valleys (includes sides) Wiltshire Chalk River Valley (includes sides) Hampshire County 1 Status: Final Draft March 2010 Integrated Character Assessment River Valley Floor KEY IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS AND BOUNDARY DEFINITIONS The extent roughly follows possible flooding extents but is drawn on boundary features and breaks in contour spacing. Mapped where the river valley floor is perceived to be of a significant visual feature of the valley - upper reaches where the valley fades out to a dry valley is not mapped. Single channels becoming braided and divided in lower reaches of the chalk and the lowland setting sometimes with man made canals or remains of waterways such as the Itchen navigation and Titchfield Canal. Pasture dominated landscape with field boundaries often orientated to maximise accessibility to the water’s edge. Smooth flowing crystal clear waters – of international reputation for fishing.
    [Show full text]