The Landscape Character of Derbyshire Dales The Landscape Character of Derbyshire Dales PREFACE

Introduction

Derbyshire Dales has a varied and diverse landscape, from the open moors of the Dark Peak to the flat floodplains of the Trent valley. This document identifies and describes the key features and characteristics of the landscape of Derbyshire Dales outside the Peak District National Park. This has been achieved by undertaking a landscape character assessment of the district, a process of dividing the landscape into units of land with common characteristics. There are many characteristics that define the landscape. These can essentially be divided into the physical and natural processes; such as geology, landform and soils and human processes affecting settlement, enclosure patterns and land cover.

This document is a reproduction of those parts of the assessment undertaken by Derbyshire County Council which relate directly to Derbyshire Dales District Council. The original document -”The Landscape Character of Derbyshire” was published in 2004.

The Purpose of the Landscape Assessment

The assessment is meant to guide and promote a number of primary planning aims:

Aim 1: Landscape Character and Diversity To maintain and enhance the overall quality and diversity of landscape character across the district, the distinctive sense of place and individual identity of each particular area.

Aim 2: Managing Change To support and complement planning policies by helping to ensure that new development respects and where practicable contributes towards enhancing the local character and sense of place of the landscape.

Aim 3: Biological Diversity To support and complement the aims of the Biodiversity Action Plans for Derbyshire Dales, enriching biological diversity throughout the wider countryside and encouraging the sustainable management of the district’s Landscapes.

The Approach

The assessment recognises the important role that development plays, not only as a component of landscape character but also in contributing to the conservation, enhancement and restoration of character and local distinctiveness. Providing guidance for the design and location of new development in the countryside is, therefore, an important aspect of any landscape character assessment.

It is important to recognise what this document does not do. It does not label areas as attractive or unattractive, high or low quality. All areas have features that contribute to or detract from the overall qualities of an area and this assessment is an objective exercise to identify these features and understand their development.

Urban areas have been excluded. The study does, however, identify the overall contribution they make to settlement patterns and how they influence the landscape immediately surrounding them.

Within Derbyshire Dales a total of 19 Landscape Character Types (LCTs) have been identified within 5 National Landscape Character Areas (LCAs). These are fully described within the document along with planting and landscape management guidelines for each LCT.

The information supports the District Council’s Supplementary Planning Document concerning Landscape Character and Design and will provide the basis for landscape advice and decision making in a wide range of situations including: the formulation of planning policy, development control and countryside management. Additionally the work will inform and assist in the development of countryside strategies and management guidelines.

The Landscape Character of Derbyshire Dales The Landscape Character of Derbyshire Dales CONTENTS

Landscape Character Area Landscape Type Page No

DARK PEAK...... 1 Open Moors...... 3 Enclosed Moors...... 7 Settled Valley Pastures...... 11 Riverside Meadows...... 17

WHITE PEAK...... 21 Plateau Pastures...... 25 Limestone Slopes...... 31 Limestone Dales...... 35

DERBYSHIRE PEAK FRINGE AND LOWER DERWENT...... 39 Enclosed Moors and Heaths...... 43 Wooded Slopes and Valleys...... 47 Wooded Farmlands...... 51 Settled Farmlands...... 55 Riverside Meadows...... 61

NEEDWOOD AND SOUTH DERBYSHIRE CLAYLANDS...... 67 Settled Plateau Farmlands...... 69 Settled Farmlands...... 73 Sandstone Slopes and Heaths...... 79 Riverside Meadows...... 89

TRENT VALLEY WASHLANDS...... 93 Lowland Village Farmlands...... 95 Riverside Meadows...... 101

The Landscape Character of Derbyshire Dales The Landscape Character of Derbyshire Dales DARK PEAK CHARACTER AREA 51 An upland landscape of high moors and settled valleys

Landscape Character Types

¥ Open Moors ¥ Settled Valley Pastures ¥ Riverside Meadows ¥ Enclosed Moorland

“Should you tire of the valleys and desire to breathe a larger air, the moors are never far distant - moors gloriously open and grand....These are the real moors of heather and bracken which flame with brown and yellow and purple in the autumn.” p8 JB Firth ‘Highways and Byways in Derbyshire’

contrast between the wild much of its character to the moorland and the small-scale underlying geology of Millstone domesticated farmland within the Grit sandstone. This hard Location of Dark Peak in-bye land around the margins. ‘gritstone’ interspersed with softer These differences form the basis shales has given rise to this Introduction for the sub-division of the Dark distinctive landscape of ‘high The Dark Peak extends over a Peak into Landscape Character moors’ dissected by broad valleys large area of north west Types. and narrow rocky ‘cloughs’. Derbyshire although much of it Gritstone outcrops creating rocky lies within the administrative Buildings constructed from the tors punctuate these extensive boundaries of the Peak District local ‘gritstone’ and dry stone areas of upland plateaux defining National Park. In Derbyshire the walls in the same material the Open Moors. Moorland tops Dark Peak extends from Glossop reinforce the character and provide long uninterrupted views and New Mills in the north and provide a visual link to the with vertical cliff faces referred to west to the urban fringes of underlying geology. as ‘edges’ regularly defining the Sheffield in the east and as far Moorland Fringe. Collectively south as Matlock. For the Physical Influences these rocky outcrops add to the purposes of the Derbyshire The Dark Peak is a dramatic wild and exposed nature of this Landscape Character upland landscape that owes landscape. Assessment the Dark Peak character area also includes the small area of the South West Peak and Manchester Pennine Fringe character areas that lie within Derbyshire.

The expansive moorland of the Peak District is one of the most extensive semi-natural wilderness areas in England. Much of the moorland is traditionally managed River alluviium for grouse shooting and sheep grazing. Hedgerows and dry Millstone Open Moors Grit & sandstone stone walls enclose the more } Grit Clay shale Series sheltered valleys around these Moorland Fringe upland plateaux to provide Enclosed Moorland pasture for dairy farming with some beef cattle. Settled Valley Pastures Riverside Meadows The visual and environmental value of this landscape lies in the

Dark Peak Character Area 51 1 The plateau tops, rising to 636m mesolithic period when hunter the open expanse of the moors. at Kinder Scout, are heavily gatherers were attracted to even Where the stone is fissile it has dissected by drainage channels. the highest moors, as indicated been used for roofing. Where run-off has been sufficient by finds of stone tools. The extent to create rivers like the Goyt and of settlement in the Bronze Age is Roads and tracks are infrequent Derwent these have eroded dramatically illustrated by the throughout. They are generally through the gritstone to form surviving landscape on the East direct and follow straight lines as broad, often steep sided, upland Moors. Here, because of the lack they cross the Open Moors and valleys that have provided the of agricultural improvement, Enclosed Moorland. Some were focus for settlement and farming remains of field systems, former Roman roads or historic highlighted in Settled Valley settlements and ritual monuments packhorse routes. Roads, railway Pastures. Sometimes scree and survive from the second lines and even canals are more exposed rock located within these millennium BC. a feature of Settled Valley valleys provide a link to the wild Farmlands and Riverside moorland character above the Much of the agricultural Meadows, taking advantage of valley sides. landscape seen today has the easier gradients and serving developed over the last the local populations and Natural Influences millennium. The Domesday Book industrial sites. Semi-natural vegetation is a key describes the area as sparsely Railway characteristic with extensive settled and economically bridges at areas of heather and grass backward. Much of the area was Chapel-en- le-Frith moorland defining the Open included in the Royal Forest of Moors and making a significant the Peak, and remained so until Roads contribution to Moorland Fringe the 17th century. Although the extending and Enclosed Moorland. Open Moors remain unsettled and up the free of man-made features, the valley The lower lying in-bye land lower lying margins of the sides are associated with Settled Valley Moorland Fringe and Enclosed few but Pastures retains traditional hay Moorlands are characterised by tend to meadows and unimproved scattered farmsteads built in the occur as winding country lanes pasture, and steep slopes and local gritstone. Villages are sometimes sunken, with steep sheltered cloughs retain areas of confined to the valley bottom and narrow road verges. Remnant semi-natural broadleaf woodland. lower slopes of the Settled Valley moorland in many road verges is Where boundaries are not Pastures and often contain a reminder of the character of the maintained woodlands are industrial terraces that once wider landscape. Even where the gradually being lost as stock housed workers from the local land either side has been graze on young trees and prevent textile industry. agriculturally improved, these can natural regeneration. In recent provide valuable floristic years grassland management has remnants. been intensified on the lower valley slopes and reduced The Open Moors have been towards the moorland, making the managed for grouse shooting and distinction between moorland and sheep grazing since the early enclosed farmland less distinct, 19th century. Periodic burning thus creating a gradual transition and regular grazing has ensured from one to the other. the retention of the characteristic The industrial revolution saw the land cover that is seen today. All of these land-uses provide development of large textile mills valuable habitats for wildlife. in the Riverside Meadows and the Heather moorland is a particularly associated expansion of rare national habitat providing a settlements like New Mills. nesting site and food source for a number of rare birds. Broadleaf Dry stone walls, constructed of woodland remains a key the local gritstone are a distinctive characteristic of Settled Valley feature of the Dark Peak and Pastures where along with field especially the Enclosed boundaries, meadows and Moorlands. Although walls extend pastures it constitutes a mosaic of Other Considerations into the valley bottoms the lower wildlife habitats. slopes tend to be enclosed by ¥ Peak District National Park hedgerows which together with Human Influences ¥ Special Landscape Areas the small fields create a more Evidence of human activity on the ¥ Peak District BAP enclosed character in contrast to Dark Peak dates from the Dark Peak Character Area 51 2 LANDSCAPE TYPE: OPEN MOORS

An upland landscape of rolling highland plateaux of heather moorland with a distinct sense of remoteness and ‘wildness’.

Key Characteristics Where the moorland is grazed some acid communities may Gently to moderately rolling highland plateau establish. Over-grazing can be a Raw peat soils and blanket bog over gritstone problem often characterised by Unenclosed heather moorland extensively grazed by sheep the presence of Nardus stricta Distinct absence of trees grass. This is an important habitat Many important archaeological (prehistoric) features for ground nesting birds. Open and exposed landscape with expansive views Tree Cover blanket bog which infill the Geology and Landform This is a treeless landscape hollows of the underlying geology These moorland plateaux and hill owing to the elevation, the to create a smooth undulating summits are strongly influenced wetness of the underlying soils land surface. The peat develops by the underlying geology of the and the generally harsh climate as a consequence of the cold, Millstone Grit Series. The that makes tree growth difficult. wet climate that inhibits microbial bedrock, of Namurian age, is hard This lack of trees creates an open activity which decomposes and difficult to erode, creating and exposed landscape with organic matter. With time the broad tracts of upstanding expansive views. highland, rising to over 600 organic matter accumulates to create deep peat soils usually metres at Kinder Scout. The Enclosure between 2-4m thick but majority of this landscape extends It is essentially an unenclosed sometimes as deep as 6m. northwards as a broad, expansive landscape although on the more plateau, but around the edges isolated moorland summits there This landscape has low where river valleys have eroded may be very occasional dry stone agricultural value being used through the gritstone there are walls dividing the landscape into predominantly for sheep grazing outliers of moorland plateaux very broad enclosures. occurring as occasional summits. or grouse in an extensive farming system. Transport The upstanding nature of this A key feature of these landscapes landscape creates a strong sense Ecology is their remoteness and Much of this landscape is covered of elevation and space, with inaccessibility. There is the very by heather moorland comprising panoramic views over occasional main route crossing Calluna, cross-leaved heath and surrounding countryside these moorland plateaux but for bilberry. In the wettest areas the most part access can only be heather is replaced by cotton- Soils and Land Use gained on foot. The soils are raw peat and grass and Sphagnum moss.

Dark Peak Character Area 51 3 Built Environment Summary It is an unsettled landscape owing These hill summits and moorland plateaux are formed by hard to the hostile climate and low agricultural value of the land. upstanding Millstone Grit to form the most elevated landscapes in the However, there may be evidence county. Overlain by deep peat and blanket bog this landscape has little of pre-historic man in the agricultural value being used for extensive sheep grazing or grouse presence of standing stones and rearing. ancient earthworks.

It is a landscape characterised by extensive semi-natural vegetation in the form of heather moorland. The climate, soils and grazing ensure that no trees are able to grow, so the landscape retains an open aspect with expansive long distance views.

With little agricultural value this is also an unsettled landscape, although there is evidence of early man’s existence through the presence of standing stones and prehistoric earthworks.

Dark Peak Character Area 51 4 LANDSCAPE TYPE: OPEN MOORS

Planting and Management Guidelines

Open, rolling treeless landscape of heather moorland.

Excluding the Peak District National Park

Primary woodland character: Open / unwooded

Primary tree character: Treeless

Woodland vision: Open / unwooded

Tree vision: Treeless

Dark Peak Character Area 51 5 Dark Peak Character Area 51 6 LANDSCAPE TYPE: ENCLOSED MOORLAND

An open, upland-farming landscape on broad rolling hill summits with patches of remnant moorland. Dry stone walls enclose regular fields and straight roads join occasional isolated farmsteads.

on wet moorland. Where pasture has been improved or on free Key Characteristics draining soils then some dairying occurs although in many areas Moderate to steeply sloping gritstone hills during the winter there is a high Peaty, podsolized soils over gritstone risk of poaching. Gritstone outcrops on hill summits and steeper slopes Rough grazing and areas of damp pasture with patches of rushes Ecology Patches of heather, gorse and bilberry especially where fields are A landscape with widespread reverting back to moorland patches of semi-natural Medium to large regular fields bounded by dry stone walls vegetation either as heather Unwooded landscape other than occasional amenity trees around moorland, with areas of Calluna, farmsteads cross-leaved heath and bilberry, Sparsely scattered gritstone farmsteads some with stone slate roofs or acid grassland where Nardus Open landscape with expansive views and Molinia grasses are dominant. Where pasture has Geology and Landform Soils and Land Use been improved through liming and The underlying Millstone Grit The variable nature of the fertiliser applications, then habitat strongly influences this upland geology and landform gives rise value is low or confined to field landscape creating a series of to a diverse range of soil types, margins and road verges. There gritstone hills. The gritstone is all characterised by their acidic, are also patches of gorse and hard and difficult to erode, which podsolic nature. At higher bracken on steeper, free draining creates these gently rolling hill elevations the soils are shallow slopes. summits or small upland and have a peaty surface horizon. plateaux. Exposed rock outcrops On steeper slopes the soils are Where drainage is impeded and are frequent on the steepest well-drained and loamy, whilst soils are slowly permeable then slopes forming in places small over drift and on gentler summits, patches of rush pasture with gritstone edges. Some lower lying they are slowly permeable, Juncus are locally frequent. At summits are overlain with drift seasonally waterlogged and fine. higher elevations and associated from Palaeozoic sandstones and All soils remain acidic where they with steeper slopes bare rock is shales adding further to the are not limed. common, providing another subdued nature of the rolling valuable habitat. This is an plateaux. The resultant land use is low important landscape for ground quality pasture for stock rearing nesting birds.

Dark Peak Character Area 51 7 Tree Cover are straight, and together with the The wet soils, exposure and often regular shaped fields, reflect the uncontrolled sheep grazing relatively late enclosure of this associated with these upland hills landscape from moorland. Place and plateaux seriously restrict names like Matley Moor and tree growth so this is essentially a Matlock Moor reflect the former treeless landscape. However, land cover of these areas. there is the occasional small plantation block or tree group in Transport association with occasional The roads are straight and direct, isolated farmsteads. having uniform width verges, Built Environment again reflecting the late enclosure The settlement pattern is Enclosure of this landscape. They connect dispersed with farmsteads Dry stone walls constructed from the sparsely scattered farmsteads sparsely scattered through the the local gritstone enclose large established at the time of landscape. These are traditionally regular fields. Many of these walls enclosure. constructed from the local gritstone with stone slate and Staffordshire blue clay tile roofs.

Summary An open, upland farming landscape on broad rolling hill summits, formed by upstanding sandstone of the Millstone Grit Series. All the soils are free draining, coarse loams but where they are thinnest or under remnant semi-natural vegetation they become impoverished, acidic and humic.

The present land-use is pastoral although until the award of parliamentary enclosure these areas would have been essentially semi-natural. Heather and bilberry would have been prevalent, although the moorland character is evidenced today with sporadic occurrences of gorse and bracken. Where marginal fields have been abandoned these have quickly reverted back to moor and heath with birch scrub.

Individual sandstone farmsteads are scattered and would have followed the parliamentary enclosure of these areas. This late enclosure is characterised by regular and geometric shaped fields bounded by dry-stone walls. The moorland summits are inherently unwooded and trees are scarce other than those planted around farms for shelter and the occasional patch of colonising birch scrub. This creates an open landscape with expansive views.

The majority of roads are straight with fairly wide uniform width verges and would have been established at the time of parliamentary enclosures. The road verges now function as remnant habitats for many of the semi- natural heath land species.

Dark Peak Character Area 51 8 LANDSCAPE TYPE: ENCLOSED MOORLAND

Planting and Management Guidelines

An open, unwooded landscape on broad, rolling hill summits punctuated by occasional small tree groups around farmsteads.

Excluding the Peak District National Park

Primary woodland character: Open / unwooded

Primary tree character: Localised amenity tree groups

Woodland vision: Open / unwooded

Tree vision: Localised amenity tree groups

● Conserve and enhance the tree groups that occur within and around rural settlements and isolated farmsteads.

Note At Matlock Moor there has been large-scale afforestation of the landscape by the Forestry Commission to create extensive commercial woodland. Today local people value this landscape as a recreational resource for walking, cycling and nature conservation. A defining characteristic of Enclosed Moorland is its open and unwooded character. It would be unrealistic and undesirable to remove these large plantation woodlands. However, their visual and biodiversity value could be enhanced by allowing oak, birch and moorland species to develop around the edges as a link and in keeping with their moorland context.

Dark Peak Character Area 51 9 LANDSCAPE TYPE: ENCLOSED MOORLAND

Woodland Species Mix

# Amenity Trees - appropriate tree species for planting as amenity trees associated with settlement should include locally occurring large woodland species, eg Sessile Oak (Quercus petraea), Pedunculate Oak (Quercus robur), and Ash (Fraxinus excelsior).

Dark Peak Character Area 51 10 LANDSCAPE TYPE: SETTLED VALLEY PASTURES

A settled, pastoral farming landscape on gently sloping lower valley sides, dissected by stream valleys. Dense watercourse trees, scattered boundary trees and tree groups around settlement contribute to a strongly wooded character.

Key Characteristics with much of the land down to Moderate to steep lower valley slopes dissected by stream valleys permanent pasture. Grass yield Poorly draining soils over Carboniferous shale and sandstone potential is good although there is Pastoral farming with extensive improved pasture the risk of poaching on the Localised bracken in some road verges and rushes associated with heavier lower lying soils during damp hollows wet periods. Some of the steeper, Wooded character associated with tree belts along streams and upper slopes over gritstone are cloughs, scattered hedgerow trees and tree groups around less intensively grazed and a settlement and farmsteads coarser more acidic grassland Small irregular fields enclosed by mixed species hedgerows and predominates. occasional dry stone walls Network of winding lanes with irregular verges, sometimes sunken Ecology on steeper slopes Much of this landscape is Settled landscape of small nucleated settlements and scattered intensively farmed as permanent stone farmsteads with stone slate roofs pasture and improved grassland Stone terraces on lower slopes associated with historic mills and leys have little floristic Enclosed landscape with views filtered by trees interest. However, there are some very occasional species rich hay meadows. Where drainage is Geology and Landform Soils and Land Use impeded or the soils are slowly A landscape strongly influenced The variable nature of the permeable, patches of wet by the underlying geology and underlying geology ensures there grassland with Juncus are defined by the steep to gently is similar variation in the soils. On frequent. On the upper slopes sloping lower valley sides of the lower less steep slopes, over over gritstone there may be broad upland valleys. Where shale, the soils are slowly localised patches of acid rivers have eroded through the permeable, seasonally grassland dominated by Nardus Millstone Grit they have exposed waterlogged and loamy, over clay. and wavy hair grass. Where the the underlying shale to create On the steeper slopes over soils are thinner and free draining these undulating lower valley gritstone there are coarser loams particularly associated with steep slopes. Further variation is over rock, or finer loams over slopes and road verges, heathy created by small stream valleys, slowly permeable subsoil. which dissect the main valley as plants like bracken, heather and bilberry are locally common. they drain the surrounding high The traditional land use on these moors. soils is stock rearing and dairying

Dark Peak Character Area 51 11 A network of stream valleys At higher elevations trees are less Built Environment dissecting the main valley sides apparent due in part to the A well settled landscape assist in connecting these exposure and poorer soils, giving containing towns, villages, small patches of habitat in the farmed way to a more open moorland groups of cottages, and scattered landscape, which is reinforced by landscape. Tree species tend to farmsteads. Most traditional the hedgerow boundaries. These be broad-leaved and pre- buildings are constructed of the river corridors have dense tree dominantly oak and ash. local gritstone with Welsh slate belts and the occasional patch of Sycamore is often associated and some surviving stone slate alder carr. Many of the stream with transport routes, and alder roofs. courses have associated ponds along the watercourses. and mill ponds that function as Much of the built environment has important habitats for amphibians. Enclosure a distinctive architecture relating Those that have silted up have A landscape of small, irregular to the building tradition of the now reverted to alder carr. fields enclosed predominantly by Manchester area and to its hedgerows, although there are industrial heritage, particularly the Several springs and soughs occasional and locally frequent textile industry. provide wet marshy conditions walls especially on higher ground. and lateral water flows, which Hedgerows tend to be a mix of support isolated patches of species, including holly, hawthorn, species rich marsh. hazel and blackthorn. Their species composition suggests Tree Cover that the fields may have been Trees are well represented cleared directly from woodland, throughout to give the overall and that the woodland trees and effect of a strongly wooded shrubs were retained to form the landscape. Dense tree belts, hedgerows. sometimes wide enough to form woodland bands, occur along Transport Many settlements like Chapel-en- narrow, tributary stream valleys There is a dense network of le-Frith, Whaley Bridge and New dissecting the main valley sides. winding lanes, with irregular width Mills, have spread out along lower These combine visually with the verges. Sunken lanes are a valley slopes and owe their origin scattered trees in the hedgerows feature on sloping ground, though to the harnessing of water power to filter the views. Small groups of they avoid the very steepest and their expansion to the amenity trees are also found slopes. There are also green industrial age. Terraces of associated with settlement and lanes, some that run just to weavers’ cottages, some with particularly with dispersed isolated farmsteads, together with sloping roof lines, and later farmsteads. Small remnants of footpaths linking settlements. Victorian terraces are a ancient woodland persist and characteristic feature of the valley these contribute further to the Much of this landscape has been sides. wooded character. utilised as transport corridors with major roads and railways taking advantage of the gentler lower valley slopes. This is particularly notable where the A6 trunk road and railway runs between Whaley Bridge and Disley.

Bluebell woods

Dark Peak Character Area 51 12 Summary This is an upland landscape associated with the lower slopes of broad upland valleys formed by rivers eroding through the Millstone Grit to expose the shale beneath. Tributary valleys that dissect the main valley sides to create an undulating landform provide further interest.

This is a well settled landscape taking advantage of the natural shelter offered by the lower valley sides, the better agricultural soils and the good communications. There are discrete settlements like Whaley Bridge and Chapel-en-le-Frith, small groups of cottages and industrial terraces, and scattered farmsteads. There is a dense network of lanes connecting the villages with the dispersed farmsteads, with main roads and railway lines hugging the lower slopes immediately off the floodplain.

Trees are well represented throughout giving the overall impression of a well-wooded landscape. Many of the tributary valleys feeding the main valleys form wooded cloughs, some of ancient origin, and these woodland belts are supplemented by scattered hedgerow trees, amenity tree groups associated with settlement and secondary woodland along roads and railway lines. Many of the woodlands have an irregular outline reflecting the irregular field patterns and winding lanes.

This is a pastoral landscape and many of the fields are down to permanent improved pasture. However with altitude the grazing becomes less intensive and the pasture tends to be unimproved and therefore of greater importance ecologically.

Dark Peak Character Area 51 13 LANDSCAPE TYPE: SETTLED VALLEY PASTURES

Planting and Management Guidelines

A well wooded pastoral landscape of small organic woodlands, occasionally of ancient origin, with densely scattered hedgerow and watercourse trees.

Excluding the Peak District National Park

Primary woodland character: Densely scattered small woodlands

Primary tree character: Densely scattered hedgerow and dense watercourse trees.

Woodland vision: Widespread small-medium woodlands

Tree vision: Densely scattered hedgerow and dense watercourse trees.

Typical woodland size range: 0.5 - 15 ha small-medium

Woodland pattern: Organic

● Small-medium scale woodland planting ● Where opportunities arise the removal of coniferous plantation woodland should be encouraged. ● Conserve and restore all ancient woodland sites and restock with locally occurring native species. ● Promote linked extensions to ancient woodland by natural regeneration and planting. ● Ensure the use of indigenous tree and shrub species, including a proportion of large, long lived species. ● Ensure the management and enhancement of hedgerow trees - through selection and natural regeneration, or by planting. ● Encourage the management of scrub and secondary woodland to link with existing habitats and woodland. ● Enhance the visual and ecological continuity of river corridors by management, natural regeneration and planting of riparian trees. ● Ensure the conservation and management of mature/veteran trees within hedgerows.

Dark Peak Character Area 51 14 LANDSCAPE TYPE: SETTLED VALLEY PASTURES

Woodland Species Mix Neutral/Base Rich Soils More Acidic Soils Waterlogged Conditions on all soil types Primary Tree Species 50% Primary Tree Species 50% Primary Tree Species 50% Betula pendula Silver Birch Betula pendula Silver Birch + Alnus glutinosa Alder Betula pubescens Downy Birch Betula pubescens Downy Birch Betula pubescens Downy Birch Quercus petraea Sessile Oak Quercus petraea Sessile Oak Salix caprea Goat Willow Quercus robur Pedunculate Oak Quercus robur Pedunculate Oak Salix fragilis Crack Willow

Secondary Tree Species 20% Secondary Tree Species 20% Secondary Tree Species 20% Major Major Major Fraxinus excelsior Ash Ilex aquifolium Holly Betula pendula Silver Birch Ilex aquifolium Holly Sorbus aucuparia Rowan Ilex aquifolium Holly Minor Populus tremula Aspen Minor Malus sylvestris Crab Apple Quercus petraea Sessile Oak Prunus padus Bird Cherry Quercus robur Pedunculate Oak Sorbus aucuparia Rowan Tilia cordata Small Leaved Lime

Shrubs 10-30% Shrubs 10-30% Shrubs 10-30% Major Major Major Corylus avellana Hazel Corylus avellana Hazel Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Salix aurita Eared Willow Minor Salix cinerea Grey Willow Lonicera Minor periclymenum Honeysuckle Prunus spinosa Blackthorn Rosa canina Dog Rose Viburnum opulus Guelder Rose

Open space 0-20% Open space 0-20% Open space 0-20%

+ Watercourse Trees - tree species most appropriate for planting as watercourse trees. Hedgerow Species Mix Suitable hedgerow plants Suitable hedgerow trees

Primary 70-75% Primary 70-75% Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Fraxinus excelsior Ash Quercus petraea Sessile Oak Secondary 25-30% Quercus robur Pedunculate Oak Corylus avellana Hazel Ilex aquifolium Holly Secondary 25-30% Prunus spinosa Blackthorn Acer campestre Field Maple Tilia cordata Small Leaved Lime Tilia platyphyllos Large Leaved Lime

Occasional 0-5%* Malus sylvestris Crab Apple Prunus padus Bird cherry Sorbus aucuparia Rowan Ulmus glabra Wych elm

* only to be used if occurring locally within the landscape character type

Dark Peak Character Area 51 15 Dark Peak Character Area 51 16 LANDSCAPE TYPE: RIVERSIDE MEADOWS

Gentle valley floors contain upland rivers, lined with dense trees. Hedgerows enclose small, sub-regular fields in a pastoral landscape, interrupted by the occasional historic mill.

Some areas are permanently waterlogged and some wet Key Characteristics hollows retain flood water long Gentle valley floors, with narrow flood plains containing after the majority of the floods meandering rivers have subsided. The traditional Seasonally waterlogged soils over alluvium land use is permanent grassland Low intensity permanent pasture due to the heavy waterlogged Localized patches of rushes in damp hollows nature of the soils and harsh Dense trees along watercourses, comprising of alder and willow climate. Scattered boundary trees Small, sub-regular fields enclosed by hedgerows and dry stone walls Ecology Lanes along edges or crossing flood plains with gritstone bridges The wet meadows, found in over the rivers hollows in the flood plain, remain Industrial heritage associated with gritstone mills powered by water partly flooded for much of the Strong sense of enclosure from adjacent slopes year. They support a marshy vegetation with rushes and are important remnants of a Geology and Landform water from the adjoining land into diminishing habitat type. Riparian The flat base of the valley is upon the river and so is permanently trees add to the ecological value alluvium, formed when the river waterlogged (Bridges 1966). The particularly where there are floods, slows down and deposits flood plain is generally flat in patches of willow carr. the sediments it carries. At the profile, with a gentle gradient edge of the valley base, there are downstream. There are hollows in Further habitat diversity is gentle slopes. They are underlain the flood plain reflecting the past provided by bands of scrub and by Carboniferous shales and course of the river. Along the river secondary woodland that are unconsolidated material margins, there are often colonising abandoned pasture. deposited by weathering and noticeable banks called levees. downslope movement of material These form due to the deposition Tree Cover from the valley sides. of sediment as flood waters wane and return to the river channel. There are lines of scattered alder and willow along the banks of the The underlying sediment on the river including the occasional flood plain consists of alluvial Soils and Land Use patch of willow carr. mud lying over gravels. The The soils are clayey loams, which gravel acts as an aquifer, carrying are seasonally waterlogged.

Dark Peak Character Area 51 17 woodland and scrub associated Built Environment with abandoned and neglected Historically there would have pasture. Tree cover, together with been little built development on the valley landform, creates a the flood plain. Farmsteads would small scale enclosed landscape. have occupied the higher ground to the edge of the valley, where Enclosure the risk of flooding was less. The valleys are fringed on either However, scattered throughout side of the main rivers by a band this landscape are water-powered of one or two fields, with fairly gritstone mills and a few later straight boundaries. The fields are steam-powered mills, often enclosed by thorn hedgerows and constructed of red brick with dry stone walls. prominent chimneys.

Transport The gentle valley bottoms contrast with the steep slopes of adjacent landscape types and form the obvious route for Trees line river banks transport corridors. Lanes are not numerous but, where they occur There are also occasional mature they tend to run along the edge of trees along field boundaries. the flood plain, raised up on embankments to reduce the risk These are principally oak and ash. Corn mill at Rowsley of flooding. Occasionally roads The tree cover is greatly cross the rivers over gritstone intensified by the secondary bridges.

Summary Fast flowing meandering rivers dissect Carboniferous sandstones and shales to form gentle valley floors with narrow flood plains. The soils are heavy clay loams prone to prolonged seasonal waterlogging.

These soils have traditionally supported meadowlands grazed by cattle. Fields tend to be medium sized enclosed by a mix of dry-stone walls and thorn hedgerows. Boundaries tend to be straight although the edge of the flood plain is often sinuous.

Within the flood plain there are occasional mature hedgerow trees, predominantly oak and ash, with scattered trees, usually alder, along the river banks. The river corridor has a strong sense of enclosure created by the steep valley sides and extensive secondary woodland.

Due to the risk of flooding this landscape would have been unsettled, with farmsteads being located on the valley sides. The valleys were transformed during the industrial revolution when industrialists built large mills to harness the power of the water. Some mills with associated weirs and pools remain today, converted to new uses.

Lanes are scarce and tend to cut across the flood plain but there are major roads and railway lines located at the edges, often on embankments.

Dark Peak Character Area 51 18 LANDSCAPE TYPE: RIVERSIDE MEADOWS

Planting and Management Guidelines

An open floodplain with dense watercourse trees.

Excluding the Peak District National Park

Primary woodland character: Unwooded

Primary tree character: Dense watercourse trees

Woodland vision: Occasional small wet woodlands

Tree vision: Dense watercourse trees

Typical woodland size range: 0.5 - 5 ha small

Woodland pattern: Organic/ linear

● Ensure the use of indigenous tree and shrub species, including a proportion of large, long lived species. ● Ensure a balance is maintained between new woodland planting and areas of nature conservation value. ● Enhance the visual and ecological continuity of river corridors by management, natural regeneration and planting of riparian trees.

Dark Peak Character Area 51 19 LANDSCAPE TYPE: RIVERSIDE MEADOWS

Woodland Species Mix Waterlogged Conditions on all soil types Primary Tree Species 50% + Alnus glutinosa Alder Betula pubescens Downy Birch + Salix caprea Goat Willow + Salix fragilis Crack Willow

Secondary Tree Species 20% Major Betula pendula Silver Birch Ilex aquifolium Holly Minor Quercus petraea Sessile Oak Quercus robur Pedunculate Oak Tilia cordata Small Leaved Lime

Shrubs 10-30% Major Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Salix aurita Eared Willow Salix cinerea Grey willow Minor Prunus spinosa Blackthorn Rosa canina Dog Rose Viburnum opulus Guelder Rose

Open space 0-20%

+ Watercourse Trees - tree species most appropriate for planting as watercourse trees. Hedgerow Species Mix Suitable hedgerow plants Suitable hedgerow trees

Primary 85-100% Primary 70-75% Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Fraxinus excelsior Ash Quercus petraea Sessile Oak Occasional 0-15% Quercus robur Pedunculate Oak Corylus avellana Hazel Secondary 25-30% Acer campestre Field Maple

Dark Peak Character Area 51 20 WHITE PEAK CHARACTER AREA 52 A gently rolling upland, limestone plateau punctuated by steep sided dales, scattered villages and isolated farmsteads within a pastoral setting

Landscape Character Types

¥ Plateau Pastures ¥ Limestone Slopes ¥ Limestone Dales

“ ...it was veined with a network of old stone walls, dividing the fields, and broken here and there with ruins of old lead-mines and works. A sparse stone farm bristled with six naked sharp trees. In the distance was a patch of smoky grey stone, a hamlet...... stone fences under the sky, looking for the curves downward that indicated a drop to one of the underneath, hidden dales.” DH Lawrence ‘The Virgin and the Gypsy’

Location of White Peak Introduction The majority of the limestone plateau tend to have deeper The White Peak character area is plateau has deposits of silty, deposits. Here the drift has located in the west of the county, wind-blown drift (brown stoneless formed a matrix with the course, most is within the Peak District silts) over the limestone bedrock. resistant silica residues of National Park. It stretches from These mask the influence of the weathered limestone (Ratchel). Castleton in the north, to limestone at the soil surface The soils formed over Ratchel are Wirksworth in the south. An giving rise to neutral or acidic naturally coarse, thin peaty soils. upland landscape, comprising a soils. These soils are well- These soils support rough limestone plateau and deep drained, dark brown silt-loams grassland or a mosaic of limestone dales, it includes the farmed as pasture and rough heathland shrubs. spa towns of Matlock Bath in the grazing. The soils of the upper east and Buxton in the west. It strongly contrasts with the adjacent gritstone landscape of the Dark Peak to the north and west, whilst the transition to the Peak Fringe in the south is more gradual.

Physical Influences The White Peak is strongly influenced by the weathering and erosion of the underlying carboniferous limestone, formed 350 million years ago by the deposition of calcium carbonate rich skeletal remains upon the seabed. Hydrothermal veins Carboniferous associated with volcanic activity Limestone Moorland Limestone left vast mineral deposits of Plateau Pastures galena (lead ore), fluorspar, calcite, copper and barytes Limestone Dales which run through the bedrock. Limestone Slopes

White Peak Character Area 52 21 Glacial meltwaters and large wooded; it is an open landscape freshwater snails and newts, as streams dissecting the soft with expansive views. Small well as being important landscape bedrock were responsible for the plantations, shelter belts and features. creation of the Limestone Dales. localised tree groups around The erosion of the limestone settlements, made up of usually Human Influences occurred above and below ground sycamore or beech, are a The White Peak has been a focus with water finding its way into distinctive feature. of settlement since early faults and fissures, creating caves prehistoric times and numerous and caverns. Over time these Following early forest clearance surviving monuments indicate the would collapse to form steep and the leaching of lime, the extent of settlement and use of sided slopes of exposed stone. naturally alkaline soils became the landscape. These include Some dales still have rivers and acidic and supported heathland Neolithic henge monuments like streams meandering through species, which became dominant the Bull Ring at Dove Holes. them, but others are seasonal or by the sixteenth century. The Bronze Age round barrows dry at the surface, the water remaining heathland is survive in numbers on the crests passing through a series of fragmented, mainly occurring on of hills and late prehistoric and underground cave systems. uncultivated land, like road Romano-British settlements and Today the dry dales maintain a verges and railway field systems like Rainster character similar to that of the wet embankments. Rocks, Brassington also survive, dales. as do rare examples of burial Wetland habitats are generally mounds of Anglo-Saxon date. Natural Influences confined to the Limestone Dales. The White Peak is significant in The rivers of the dales are of high Field patterns within the White Britain, as the junction between water quality and are therefore Peak are not as diverse as those southern and northern species of valuable to wildlife. The in surrounding character areas, plants and animals. Variations in permeable nature of limestone largely as a result of a relatively landform, soil and a diverse and the upland topography simple topography. The history of agricultural means the plateau has no characteristic dry stone walls, improvements have produced a significant wetland habitat. Dew constructed from local limestone, broad range of wildlife habitats ponds or ‘meres’, are an dominate the landscape. Isolated and associated species, many of exception. They were constructed stone barns were often which are of national and on the plateau as watering holes incorporated within the stone international importance. for cattle by lining a hole with clay walls, forming a distinctive feature and sand. These ponds are of the area, although many have The main habitats on the plateau valuable for some aquatic species become derelict. today are grasslands associated and amphibians such as with dairy farming and rough grazing. Unimproved, species rich, hay meadow and pasture are of greater value for wildlife but have declined dramatically due to agricultural intensification. The majority of grassland is improved for grazing and silage or haylage production. Occasional flower rich meadows and calcareous grasslands can be found in the Plateau Pastures but are more commonly restricted to the Limestone Dales and roadside verges.

Ancient semi-natural woodland is a feature of the Limestone Dales but does not generally occur elsewhere within the area. Defined by irregular outlines and a mixture of broad-leaved tree species, predominantly ash, they are associated with the steepest valley sides. Overall tree cover is a strong feature of the dales. The Plateau Pastures are not densely White Peak Character Area 52 22 The strip fields around villages, occurring minerals, running in Within villages lanes are are a distinctive feature of the veins through the limestone, have characteristically narrow and Plateau Pastures and Limestone also been exploited. Lead ore has winding, often with variable width Slopes. They indicate the been mined from Roman times to verges reflecting the undulating piecemeal enclosure of an earlier the early 20th century and at nature of the surrounding open field system. Later private or times brought significant wealth to landscape. Between the parliamentary field enclosure of the area. Although lead mining is settlements there is a network of former wastes and commons is no longer a major industry the straighter, more direct roads. well represented throughout the evidence of past workings are still Modern transport links, such as area particularly within Plateau present, and are especially the A6, and railway lines utilise Pastures and Limestone associated with the Plateau the valleys of the Limestone Moorland. In these areas the field Pastures. Dales, as components of routes patterns are typically regular in through the county. shape, of medium to large size The White Peak is not a densely dissected by straight roads. The settled landscape. There are A very good example of the way field walls have been built using nucleated villages within Plateau this landscape has been overlain quarried stone and are neater in Pastures and Limestone Slopes, by successive periods and types appearance than the random many originating in Saxon and of man’s activity may be seen rubble walls of earlier periods. medieval times, usually around Rainster Rocks, north connected by straight enclosure west of Brassington. Here the The Limestone Dales are largely roads. The traditional building earthwork remains of a Romano- unenclosed due to the material is random rubble local British settlement lie adjacent to inaccessible nature of the steeper limestone with roofs of stone extensive medieval ridge and slopes. Stone walls are slates brought from the Dark furrow, which in turn are overlain occasionally found cutting across Peak area. by the remains of lead mining and the valleys, but many of these are the field walls of 19th century now falling into disrepair. These limestone villages are a enclosures. key characteristic of the area. The limestone has been exploited Outside the villages, isolated Other Considerations on a small scale for hundreds of farmsteads occur, again years but large scale quarrying constructed of the local limestone ¥ Peak District National Park has occurred in more recent with stone tile or slate roofs. The and Peak District BAP times. Modern quarries have had Limestone Dales remained ¥ Special Landscape Areas a major visual impact on the largely unsettled due to their landscape, leaving large voids topographical inaccessibility. that can be seen for miles across the open plateau. Other naturally

White Peak Character Area 52 23 White Peak Character Area 52 24 LANDSCAPE TYPE: PLATEAU PASTURES

A gently rolling, upland limestone plateau characterised by nucleated limestone villages, dry stone walls, a pastoral land-use and open and expansive views

Pasture, and particularly dairying, is the dominant land use in this Key Characteristics landscape. Most of the fields A gently rolling upland plateau have been ploughed and Fine, silty brown soils (over silty, loess, Aeolian drift) over reseeded to improve the pasture. Carboniferous Limestone Some unimproved grassland is Stock rearing on improved pasture still found where the ground is Limestone outcrops on hill summits and steeper slopes unsuitable for cultivation such as, Small shelter blocks of plantation woodland and tree groups around on the more exposed crests and villages and farmsteads steeper slopes where soils are Medium to large regular fields enclosed by dry stone walls with thin and often grazed by sheep. narrow strip fields around settlements Straight roads with uniform verges Ecology Small pits and hummocks in areas of historic lead mining Prior to enclosure these Nucleated limestone villages and isolated limestone farmsteads with landscapes would have been slate roofs Small isolated field barns covered with semi-natural neutral Open landscape with expansive views grassland, with calcareous grassland and some scrub on the Geology and Landform Soils and Land Use steeper, thinner soils. However, The underlying Carboniferous The soils are well drained, fine since enclosure much of the Limestone strongly influences this silty brown earths over a free ecological value has diminished upland landscape creating a draining bedrock and Aeolian with remnant habitats now broad upland plateau. The drift. These are characteristically confined to the more marginal limestone bedrock is hard and shallow to moderately deep, hillcrests and slopes where slowly eroded, giving rise to a being shallowest on the steeper exposed rock is prevalent. Very moderately rolling landform of slopes and hillcrests. Deeper occasional patches of numerous minor hill summits with soils tend to be associated with unimproved pasture may still be exposed rock. Large areas of deeper accumulations of drift. Any encountered in less intensively limestone were subsequently calcareous influence from the farmed areas and on the verges overlain with a variable thickness underlying geology is of green lanes and trackways. of Aeolian drift adding to the counteracted by the high There is little floristic interest in subdued nature of this rolling elevation of this plateau, where the improved grassland that plateau and masking the high annual rainfall is common, exists today. influence of the limestone on soil leaching occurs and soils are and vegetation. naturally acid. White Peak Character Area 52 25 Where vein minerals and Enclosure road name emphasising the particularly lead, outcrop at or Dry stone walls constructed from former unenclosed waste and near the surface these have been the local limestone enclose common. One notable road in this exploited by small scale medium to large regular fields. landscape is the A515, which runs quarrying. Some of the resultant The dry stone walls are distinctive for a large part on the line of a spoil and disturbed land being constructed of random former Roman road. associated with such workings sized limestone rubble. Many of have created local historic the walls are straight, and Built Environment landscape features in the area. together with the regular shaped A landscape containing nucleated These often support very rare fields, reflect the relatively late villages like Monyash, vegetation swards with specialist enclosure of this landscape from Chelmorton and Taddington. The species like leadwort. waste and common. limestone village is a key characteristic. Cottages and Contrasting with the broader farmsteads are constructed from plateau there are narrow strip the local Carboniferous fields around the villages that Limestone, often random rubble, create a very prominent and with stone and Welsh slate roofs. distinctive field pattern. The strip fields are indicative of enclosure Between villages there are from open fields, and much of this sparsely scattered farmsteads, enclosure may have been established at the time of Leadwort piecemeal taking place over a parliamentary enclosure. Again long period of time. these are traditionally constructed Tree Cover from the local limestone, often This exposed upland plateau is Transport random rubble, with slate roofs. inherently sparsely wooded. Roads within villages can be quite Outside the village centre, there Following the initial clearance of dense and winding with variable are many, small, isolated stone woodland, extensive grazing by width verges often centred on a barns located along the livestock would have prevented village green. However these boundaries of fields and integrated regeneration. At the time of roads extend from the village into the dry stone walls. enclosure, there would have centre and quickly give way to the been few timber trees. During more direct roads of the The limestone plateau has a strong the enclosure of this landscape landscape beyond. A dense association with the former lead small plantation blocks and network of green lanes and tracks mining industry and there is still shelterbelts were planted, and supplements this road network. evidence of this in areas where small tree groups associated fields have small pits and with isolated farmsteads are also The roads beyond the village are hummocks, creating, in parts, a a characteristic feature. Many of straight and direct, having uniform relict industrial landscape. the plantations are non-native width verges again reflecting the Quarrying in general is a prominent comprising mainly of sycamore later enclosure of this landscape. feature. Once small in scale, some and beech. The roads connect the sparsely areas are now dominated by large scattered farmsteads established modern quarries with their Tree cover is more apparent at the time of enclosure. Moor associated plant. around the villages where there Lane is a commonly recurring are scattered boundary trees adjacent to some walls and small amenity groups within the settlement and around individual dwellings. The dominant species is ash although sycamore is prevalent often replacing ash trees.

Adjacent to some field boundaries isolated hawthorns have established. Some areas are more wooded than others but the overall effect is that of an open landscape with expansive views.

Narrow, fossilised strip fields around villages

White Peak Character Area 52 26 LANDSCAPE TYPE: PLATEAU PASTURES

Summary The Plateau Pastures is a simple yet distinctive pastoral landscape strongly influenced by the underlying geology. The Carboniferous Limestone has given rise to an elevated and for the most part gently rolling upland plateau. This elevation, allied to the general lack of tree cover, allows for long distance and panoramic views.

The soils are inherently thin over the limestone and regularly leached by the high rainfall. As a result the predominant land-use is stock rearing associated with dairying and many of the fields are down to improved permanent pasture.

The cultural patterns of this landscape are strong and very distinctive. The whole of the plateau is divided into regular shaped fields enclosed by dry stone walls. There are discrete limestone villages scattered across the plateau. Very distinctive small and narrow strip fields again enclosed by walls, suggesting the extent of former open fields, surround the villages.

Tree cover is also a distinctive feature although it is rarely visually prominent. It occurs primarily as small plantation blocks and shelter belts sparsely scattered throughout the landscape with localised trees and tree groups associated with villages and isolated farmsteads.

The unifying influence of the limestone as a locally distinctive building material, together with strong pastoral traditions and lack of modern development, ensures that the landscape retains its rural character.

White Peak Character Area 52 27 LANDSCAPE TYPE: PLATEAU PASTURES

Planting and Management Guidelines

Open, pastoral landscape on a rolling upland plateau punctuated by sparsely scattered, but visually prominent, small plantations with tree groups around farmsteads and settlement.

Excluding the Peak District National Park

Primary woodland character: Thinly scattered small plantations

Primary tree character: Localised amenity tree groups

Woodland vision: Thinly scattered small plantations

Tree vision: Localised amenity tree groups

● Conserve and enhance the tree groups that occur within and around rural settlements and isolated farmsteads. ● Conserve and enhance the plantations.

Note

Plantation woodlands primarily planted for shelter, comprised mainly of sycamore and sometimes beech, are visually striking features of this landscape character type. Their dense crowns and lack of understorey vegetation often creates silhouetted skyline features contrasting in the wider landscape with the naturalistic upland ash woods of the limestone dales.

As a key landscape characteristic and within the context of the visual appearance of this landscape there is a strong argument to conserve and enhance this distinctive woodland character.

The woodland species mix has been developed to take account of this fact.

White Peak Character Area 52 28 LANDSCAPE TYPE: PLATEAU PASTURES

Woodland Species Mix Base Rich Soils

Primary Tree Species 85% # Acer pseudoplatanus Sycamore

Secondary Tree Species 5-15% # Fagus sylvatica Beech # Fraxinus excelsior Ash Ulmus glabra Elm

Shrubs 0-10% Major Corylus avellana Hazel Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Ligustrum vulgare Wild Privet Minor Cornus sanguinea Dogwood Ilex aquifolium Holly Prunus spinosa Blackthorn Viburnum opulus Guelder Rose

Open Space 0-20%

# Amenity Trees - tree species most appropriate for planting as amenity trees associated with settlement, or other locally occurring large woodland species.

White Peak Character Area 52 29 White Peak Character Area 52 30 LANDSCAPE TYPE: LIMESTONE SLOPES

A landscape of small, nucleated limestone villages and dispersed farmsteads nestling within moderate to steeply sloping limestone slopes. Distinctive dry stone walls enclose former open fields and semi-regular fields with a pastoral land use.

beginning to colonise. This sometimes occurs with localised Key Characteristics patches of gorse and bracken. Steep slopes Other features of interest include Fine, silty brown soils over silty, aeolian drift over Carboniferous exposed rock and scree with their Limestone associated flora and fauna. There Localised bare rock outcrops on steeper slopes are also habitats of particular Stock rearing on permanent pasture interest in areas of former lead Small semi-regular and strip fields enclosed by dry stone walls mining. Small, isolated field barns Villages with limestone and slate roofed farmsteads and cottages Tree Cover Small pits and hummocks in areas of historic lead mining Tree cover is apparent throughout this landscape with scattered Geology and Landform to be associated with the deeper boundary trees, small woodland The underlying geology strongly accumulations of drift. blocks and extensive patches of influences this upland landscape scrub colonising abandoned creating a moderate to steeply Pasture, and particularly dairying, pasture. Most of the woodland is sloping fringe to the limestone is the dominant land use with associated with the steeper less plateau. The Carboniferous much of the land being farmed in cultivable slopes where soils are Limestone is hard and slowly a low intensity system. The thinnest and stony. eroded giving rise to an steepness of the slopes, allied to undulating landform with many the thin soils and rocky outcrops, The overall effect is that the trees minor hill summits and extensive seriously restrict opportunities for provide filtered views through the amounts of exposed rock. providing improved pasture. landscape, although there are long distance views to the slopes Soils and Land Use Ecology beyond as a result of the sloping The soils are fine loamy brown Ecological value lies in the topography. earths over a free draining extensive area of unimproved bedrock and Aeolian drift. These grassland typically dominated by Enclosure are characteristically shallow to common bent and sheep’s Dry stone walls constructed from moderately deep, being fescue. Where pasture has been the local limestone enclose small shallowest on the steeper slopes abandoned, or on the steepest to medium, semi-regular fields. and hillcrests. Deeper soils tend more sheltered slopes, scrub is The walls are distinctive being

White Peak Character Area 52 31 constructed of random size Other features in this landscape limestone rubble. With the are the small pits and hummocks abandonment of some pasture found in many fields, associated many of them have been with the historic lead mining neglected and are in a poor industry. Most of the remains date condition. from the 17th to 19th centuries although some are earlier. Transport Quarrying in general is a There is a dense network of prominent feature. Once small in winding lanes with irregular width scale, some areas are now verges. Most of the lanes connect Limestone villages nestled into dominated by large modern the small villages and farmsteads, the landscape quarries with their associated winding themselves through the Outside the settlements, there are plant. landscape and avoiding the isolated stone barns located steepest slopes. There are also a along the boundaries of fields and number of green lanes, like the integrated into the dry stone Limestone Way, and footpaths walls, many of which are now that run between the settlements. derelict.

Built Environment This is a settled landscape of nucleated limestone villages and scattered farmsteads and cottages. These are traditionally constructed from the local limestone, often random rubble, with stone or Welsh slate roofs.

Summary This is a landscape strongly influenced by the underlying Carboniferous Limestone geology creating a moderate to steeply sloping fringe to the limestone plateau. The hard and resistant rock is slowly eroded giving rise to an undulating landform with minor hill summits and extensive amounts of exposed rock.

The soils are characteristically variable relating to landform, being thinnest on the steepest slopes and hillcrests. The thin soils allied to the steepness of some slopes and the extent of exposed rock ensures that unimproved pasture and rough grazing supports low intensity grazing by livestock.

The landscape is well settled with villages and scattered farmsteads traditionally built in the local limestone with stone slate roofs. Beyond the village and scattered throughout there are small stone field barns often integrated into the dry stone walled boundaries.

Unlike other areas of the limestone plateau tree cover tends to be more apparent occurring as scattered trees or tree groups around settlements but also as small woodland blocks and extensive patches of scrub colonisation. The trees filter views through the landscape but there are open long distance views to slopes beyond.

White Peak Character Area 52 32 LANDSCAPE TYPE: LIMESTONE SLOPES

Planting and Management Guidelines

Moderate to steeply sloping pastoral landscape with scattered small plantations, occasional semi-natural woodland and small tree groups around farmsteads and settlement.

Excluding the Peak District National Park

Primary woodland character: Thinly scattered small plantations and semi natural woodland.

Primary tree character: Localised amenity tree groups

Woodland vision: Densely scattered small-medium plantations

Tree vision: Localised amenity tree groups.

Typical woodland size range: 0.5 - 15 ha small-medium

Woodland pattern: Regular/ organic

● Small scale woodland planting ● Promote linked extensions to ancient woodland by natural regeneration and planting. ● Ensure a balance is maintained between new woodland planting and areas of nature conservation value. ● Encourage the management of scrub and secondary woodland to link with existing habitats and woodland. ● Conserve and enhance the tree groups that occur within and around rural settlements and isolated farmsteads. ● Ensure new woodland does not conflict with features (e.g. ridge and furrow) that help to define landscape character.

White Peak Character Area 52 33 LANDSCAPE TYPE: LIMESTONE SLOPES

Woodland Species Mix Calcareous soils

Primary Tree Species 50% Acer campestre Field Maple # Fraxinus excelsior Ash

Secondary Tree Species 20% Major Malus sylvestris Crab Apple Sorbus aucuparia Rowan Ulmus glabra Wych Elm Minor Prunus padus Bird Cherry Taxus baccata Yew

Shrubs 10-30% Major Corylus avellana Hazel Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Minor Cornus sanguinea Dogwood Ilex aquifolium Holly Prunus spinosa Blackthorn Viburnum opulus Guelder Rose

Open space 0-20%

# Amenity Trees - tree species most appropriate for planting as amenity trees associated with settlement, or other locally occurring large woodland species.

White Peak Character Area 52 34 LANDSCAPE TYPE: LIMESTONE DALES

Narrow, deeply incised river valleys with steep slopes and extensive amounts of exposed rock. There are blocks of ancient woodland, areas of scrub and rough grassland grazed by sheep.

Narrow strips of alluvial soils are found along the Dove and the Key Characteristics Wye associated with the narrow Very steeply sloping valley sides flood plain. Very shallow loamy soils over Carboniferous Limestone Frequent bare rock outcrops and scree slopes As the slopes are often too steep Areas of scrub dominated by hawthorn for improved pasture or Blocks of ancient woodland afforestation, the land is used Rough grazing by sheep in enclosures bounded by dry stone walls mainly for rough grazing by sheep. This semi-natural grassland is of good grazing The valley floor is characterised Geology and Landform value. Narrow, steep sided valleys have by a narrow, flat floodplain. The rivers are fast flowing with a rocky been cut into the Carboniferous Ecology river bed giving a strong sense of Limestone by the headwaters of The ecology of these dales is an movement. minor streams and rivers flowing intimate mix of semi-natural away from the limestone plateau. habitats, ranging from deciduous The steep valley sides with rock The principle rivers forming these woodland dominated by ash, outcrops in association with the dales are the Wye, the Lathkill scrub woodland with hawthorn narrow river corridor create a and the Dove. The result is a and large tracts of unimproved strong feeling of containment. series of distinctive limestone grassland. The low grazing dales. In contrast to wet dales pressure on these slopes Soils and Land Use many of the smaller dales are dry distinguishes them from other Very shallow, loamy upland soils owing to the fact that water limestone landscapes and lie over the limestone. These soils percolates through the bedrock. maintains the floristic diversity of are thinnest on the steeper rocky the grasslands. The grasses are slopes and deeper in the valley The dale sides have frequent characterised by fescues, and floor. Dark humose surface outcrops of the grey-white many small herbs like common horizons predominate; most soils limestone sometimes forming rockrose, wall-pepper and wild are non-calcareous but precipitous rock buttresses with thyme can be found on the rockier calcareous soils also occur. scree slopes. soils and outcrops.

White Peak Character Area 52 35 Where broad-leaved woodland Now the railway lines are mainly prevails it tends to be dominated disused many have become by ash with hazel although attractive recreational routes. sycamore is now common. There Where dales have been are also some scattered trees unaffected by transport links they along the riverbanks dominated remain relatively unspoilt, by willow and hawthorn. accessed only by footpaths and bridleways, often steep in places. Overall the woodland cover coupled with the steep valley Built Environment Cowslips and orchids sides can create a strong sense Human habitation is not a feature The river channel is an important of enclosure and visual of these limestone dales owing to ecological corridor and often containment. their topographical inaccessibility. retains its natural bank profiles Some man-made activities do with some occasional marginal Enclosure impact in the form of modern aquatic vegetation and riparian This is essentially an unenclosed quarries, lead mining remains and trees. landscape although occasional water management systems. dry stone walls divide the valley. Occasional mills built in the local Tree Cover Many of these walls are now stone to harness water power Tree cover is a key feature of neglected and in a poor condition. survive, generally converted to these dales although its extent is other uses. variable. Some valley sides like Transport those in the Wye valley are Some of these dales have been Although many dales remain extensively wooded with broad utilised as transport corridors with uninhabited there has been tracts of ancient semi-natural major roads and railways running extensive urbanisation of the woodland. In other valleys in the valley bottom or on the Matlock dale through Matlock woodland cover is more sporadic valley sides. This is particularly Bath and its feeder valleys at and is associated with scrub notable in the Wye Valley where Bonsall Brook and Via Gellia. woodland dominated by the main A6 trunk road and a Matlock Bath is a late Georgian hawthorn. railway line run up the valley. and Victorian creation, developed as a popular spa and inland resort. Many of the Regency and Victorian villas and terraces are built in brick finished with stucco rather than the local stone.

Wood anemone in ancient woodland The A6 through Wye Dale

Summary The headwaters of minor streams have carved through the Carboniferous Limestone geology to form narrow, deeply incised and steeply sloping valleys. The valley sides are characterised by steep, rocky cliffs and scree slopes, making them inaccessible for most uses other than rough grazing by sheep.

Thin soils and light grazing have ensured that many of the original habitats such as ancient woodland and species rich calcareous grassland have remained in excellent condition and support species of national importance.

Many dales have been utilised as transport corridors, where roads and railways run parallel to the narrow watercourse. Some former railway lines have been converted to long distance footpaths and bridleways.

The steep valley sides and rocky cliffs coupled with the narrow valley sides impart a strong sense of enclosure and visual containment. Where the dales remain free of infrastructure they retain a tranquil and secluded character, although paradoxically this tranquil character attracts heavy recreational use.

White Peak Character Area 52 36 LANDSCAPE TYPE: LIMESTONE DALES

Planting and Management Guidelines

Narrow, deeply incised river valleys with widespread semi-natural woodland, much of ancient origin and scattered watercourse trees.

Excluding the Peak District National Park

Primary woodland character: Widespread large semi-natural broadleaved woodlands.

Primary tree character: Scattered watercourse trees

Woodland vision: Widespread large woodlands

Tree vision: Scattered watercourse trees

● Conserve and restore all ancient woodland sites by natural regeneration or use of locally occurring native species. ● Ensure the use of indigenous tree and shrub species, including a proportion of large, long lived species. ● Ensure a balance is maintained between new woodland planting and areas of nature conservation value. ● Enhance the visual and ecological continuity of river corridors by management, natural regeneration and planting of riparian trees.

White Peak Character Area 52 37 LANDSCAPE TYPE: LIMESTONE DALES

Woodland Species Mix Calcareous Soils Waterlogged Conditions on all soil types Primary Tree Species 50% Primary Tree Species 50% Acer campestre Field Maple Alnus glutinosa Alder Fraxinus excelsior Ash Fraxinus excelsior Ash + Salix fragilis Crack Willow

Secondary Tree Species 20% Secondary Tree Species 20% Major Major Malus sylvestris Crab Apple Betula pubescens Downy Birch Sorbus aucuparia Rowan Minor Ulmus glabra Wych Elm + Salix capraea Goat Willow Minor + Salix cineraea Grey Willow Prunus padus Bird Cherry Taxus baccata Yew

Shrubs 10-30% Shrubs 10-30% Major Major Corylus avellana Hazel Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Crateagus monogyna Hawthorn Minor Cornus sanguinea Dogwood Ilex aquifolium Holly Prunus spinosa Blackthorn Viburnum opulus Guelder Rose

Open space 0-20% Open space 0-20%

+ Watercourse Trees - tree species most appropriate for planting as watercourse trees.

White Peak Character Area 52 38 DERBYSHIRE PEAK FRINGE AND LOWER DERWENT CHARACTER AREA 50 An undulating well-wooded, pastoral landscape on rising ground between the Derbyshire Coalfield and the Peak District

Landscape Character Types

¥ Enclosed Moors and Heaths ¥ Wooded Slopes and Valleys ¥ Settled Farmlands ¥ Wooded Farmlands ¥ Riverside Meadows

“Little flowery fields of every shape and size, square fields, triangles, fish-shaped fields with odd corners, rhomboids, bounded by green hedgerows and black walls, linked arms and ran up hill and down dale, round the folded hills out of sight into countless valleys beyond where the sun set.” p16 Alison Uttley ‘The Country Child’

Location of Peak Fringe and the heart of the area from with the development of the new Lower Derwent Area Cromford to Derby taking in the factory system, facilitated by the settlements of Belper and construction of large water Introduction Duffield. With steep, wooded powered textile mills. The Derbyshire Peak Fringe and valley sides in the north, the Lower Derwent is a Character floodplain broadens towards This early industrialisation was Area exclusive to Derbyshire, Duffield with the Derwent however largely arrested by being a transitional landscape meandering through it. Towards competition from Lancashire and between the Derbyshire Coalfield the north of the area smaller fast Yorkshire and land use has in the east, the Needwood and flowing brooks were dammed to remained predominantly pastoral South Derbyshire Claylands to harness water power and the with mixed stock rearing and the south and the Peak District Derwent valley itself became a rough grazing. Where topography (comprising the Dark and White cradle of the industrial revolution allows there is some mixed Peaks) to the north west. For the purposes of the Derbyshire Landscape Character Assessment this area also includes the southern limits of the Yorkshire Southern Pennine Fringe within the county.

The landscape has a typical elevational range of 100m to 300m although the landform, comprising bands of sandstone and mudstone, is distinctly undulating as it rises from east to west forming the foothills to the Peak District.

Central to the character of the area are the river valleys, the Ecclesbourne, the Amber and most notably the Derwent. The Derwent valley extends through Derbyshire Peak Fringe and Lower Derwent Character Area 50 39 farming with occasional arable grassland associated with and furrow of their former open fields. Woodland is well limestone outcrops, and acid fields survive. Towns like represented throughout with grassland and heath associated Chesterfield and Wirksworth also extensive ancient semi-natural with steep slopes over sandstone. have early origins, the former as a woodland occupying steep valley Roman settlement and the latter sides and smaller woodlands Ancient semi-natural broadleaf probably from the 8th century AD. elsewhere. Species rich woodland is a prominent hedgerows with hedgerow trees characteristic of the Wooded The present day settlement are prevalent in the east although Slopes and Valleys. Wooded pattern is variable. Nucleated in the most elevated areas Farmlands occur most notably villages, such as Brassington and towards the Peak District these along the steep valley sides of the Bradbourne, are features of the give way to gritstone walls. Derwent. These woodlands are Settled Farmlands, whilst the made up typically of oak, birch Wooded Slopes and Valleys have From north to south the area and hazel with many ancient a more dispersed settlement includes a number of small towns woodland indicator species such pattern with scattered farmsteads such as Wirksworth and Belper, as bluebell amongst the ground and small hamlets nestled into although the settlement pattern is layer. predominantly dispersed with many scattered and isolated farmsteads. In the north the expansion of Chesterfield is slowly introducing urban fringe activities such as ‘horsiculture’ into an otherwise agricultural landscape. A similar pattern is developing in the southern fringe, near Derby.

Physical Influences The underlying geology is the cause of transitional changes in the landscape. Bands of sandstone, mudstone and coal measures in the east give way to a predominance of sandstone and gritstone as the land rises towards the Peak District. Occasional outcrops of Although stone walls are a the hillsides. There are urban Carboniferous limestone also feature of the Enclosed Moors influences associated with the occur within the Wooded Slopes and Heaths, many fields, at lower expansion of Chesterfield into the and Valleys at Ashover and Crich elevations, are defined by mixed eastern fringes of the Wooded and add some local diversity. In species hedgerows with Farmlands. Wirksworth, Duffield the south, near Belper, a Millstone hedgerow oaks which act as and Belper have also expanded Grit scarp called the Chevin and ecological corridors, connecting in size. Most notable is Belper, another at Alport Heights are other habitats. with large modern residential considered to be the last outliers areas now extending into the of the Pennine chain, which, in Human Influences open Gritstone Heaths and the case of Alport Heights, affords Evidence of prehistoric settlement Commons. long distance, panoramic views in this area is particularly common over lower lying landscapes to the to the west on the fringes of the The predominant building material south and west. White Peak. Elsewhere the throughout is gritstone with stone Romans developed an extensive or Welsh slate roofs. Where the Natural Influences pottery industry around Peak Fringe abuts the White The predominant land-use is Hazelwood and the presence of Peak the traditional buildings pasture for stock rearing although medieval moated sites in the combined limestone and gritstone the quality of the grasslands is Ecclesbourne Valley may suggest with stone slate or clay tiled roofs. variable. Within the Enclosed relatively late colonisation of In the southern parts, towards Moors and Heaths soils tend to woodland. Villages like Derby and Ashbourne, red brick is be poor quality and the land-use, Bradbourne and Brassington also more evident as a building without agricultural improvement, had an early origin and fine material particularly in the is rough grazing. Much grassland examples of the medieval ridge construction of large water- tends to be neutral in character powered textile mills. but there is localised calcareous Derbyshire Peak Fringe and Lower Derwent Character Area 50 40 Because of the topography and associated buildings and the relief of this landscape many landscape of the Derwent Valley settlements, which lie within it, now form the basis of the often in valley bottoms, may be Derwent Valley Mills World observed from an elevated Heritage Site. viewpoint, thereby emphasising their significance within the *A more detailed description of the cultural landscape. landscape of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site may be found in The World Heritage Site Management Plan. Long before the industrial Belper Mill revolution, life was sustained by At Cromford and Belper the mill Other Considerations industrial as well as agricultural masters also built houses, shops, activity and evidence of schools, churches, chapels and ¥ Special Landscape Areas abandoned mines and quarries farms to sustain the local ¥ Lowland Derbyshire BAP makes a significant contribution to workforce and their families. ¥ Peak District BAP the area’s character. This ‘cultural landscape’ is now ¥ Derwent Valley Mills recognised as a World Heritage World Heritage Site Industries have included small Site. Collectively the mills, other scale coal mining within the Wooded Farmlands, lead and iron mining, glass making, and limestone and gritstone quarrying within the Wooded Slopes and Valleys and Enclosed Moorland. Modern day quarry activity is particularly evident around Wirksworth, Crich and Ashover.

The area’s strongest cultural association is with the industrial revolution, when early industrialists like Richard Arkwright and Jedediah Strutt in the late 18th century, built large cotton mills powered by water within the Riverside Meadows.

Workers cottages at Cromford

Derbyshire Peak Fringe and Lower Derwent Character Area 50 41 Derbyshire Peak Fringe and Lower Derwent Character Area 50 42 LANDSCAPE TYPE: ENCLOSED MOORS AND HEATHS

An open, farming landscape on broad rolling hill summits with patches of remnant moorland. Dry-stone walls enclose regular fields and straight roads join occasional sandstone farmsteads.

frequent liming to prevent the Key Characteristics development of an organic Rolling highland summits surface mat and subsequent Thin soils over hard sandstone bedrock reversion to moorland (Bridges Pastoral farming, sheep and dairy cattle 1966). Widespread bracken, localised gorse and patches of remnant moorland habitat Ecology Sparsely scattered trees beside farmsteads and along some field Prior to enclosure, these boundaries landscapes would have been Regular pattern of fields, bounded by dry-stone walls covered in heathy acid grassland. Regular lanes with uniform width verges There would have been Sparsely scattered sandstone farmsteads with stone slate roofs widespread gorse, bracken, heather and bilberry. Patches of These valleys become deeper Geology and Landform these species persist in remnants. and steeper as they fall off onto These hill summits are underlain Particularly significant is the patch the adjacent slopes. by rocks of Namurian age of the of gorse, bracken and broom at Millstone Grit Series. The bedrock Alport Heights. Bracken and Soils and Land Use of the summits around Cromford gorse are found along roadside Soils have a coarse loamy texture Moor is hard sandstone. The high verges. There is little floristic and are free draining due to the ground at Crich Stand is upon an interest in the improved grassland underlying permeable sandstone. inlier of grey Dinantian that exists today. A small area of The thinnest best drained soils Limestone. The limestone has this landscape type at Crich can become very acid, particularly been folded upwards and the occurs over an outlier of under semi natural vegetation. overlying sandstone has been carboniferous limestone and as a Over the mudstone, the drainage eroded, leaving deposits of head result has calcareous grassland is poorer and the soils can be beside the limestone. associations. seasonally waterlogged. Where erosion has cut through Tree Cover Pasture is the dominant land use the sandstone the bedrock is The moorland summits are in this landscape. Most of the softer, grey, marine mudstone and inherently very sparsely wooded. fields have been ploughed and there are localised deposits of The traditional land management reseeded, and are grazed by head. The lower ground by stock rearing has prevented cattle and sheep. The soils tend associated with the shale forms the regeneration of trees. There to become quite acid and require gentle valleys on the summits. are occasional trees in field Derbyshire Peak Fringe and Lower Derwent Character Area 50 43 boundaries and trees planted Near Shottle and Crich, the roads type. These farmsteads are around farmsteads, providing curve around ownership scattered through the landscape. shelter in an otherwise exposed boundaries. These curving lanes Occasional large farms are found landscape. There are very have irregular width verges and on the late enclosed summits. occasional small plantations and are enclosed by a mixture of The smaller farms tend to be areas of scrubby woodland, hedgerows and dry-stone walls, more densely packed around including birch, rowan and sallow, again suggestive of Shottle and Crich. Small field that have developed on localised a period of earlier enclosure. barns, removed from the main slopes over thin, free draining farmstead are a prominent feature acidic soils but the overall Built Environment of this landscape type. A modern perception is that of an open, Grey to brown sandstone quarry at Crich impacts upon the unwooded landscape. farmsteads with Staffordshire blue landscape. There is also evidence tile or stone slate roofs are the of earlier lead mining in the area. Enclosure dominant vernacular building Dry-stone walls, made of irregular blocks of local grey to brown sandstone enclose medium sized Summary fields. The boundaries on the These hill summits and moorland fringes are formed by upstanding higher ground tend to be straight sandstone of the Millstone Grit Series with a small outcrop of Dinantian which suggests late enclosure of the open common. Limestone at Crich. All the soils are free draining, coarse loams but where they are thinnest or under remnant semi-natural vegetation they become impoverished and acidic.

The present land-use is pastoral although before enclosure these areas would have been essentially semi-natural. Heather and bilberry would have been prevalent in the more northern areas with gorse, broom and bracken dominating at Alport Heights. Where marginal fields have been abandoned these have quickly reverted back to moor and heath with birch scrub. Near Shottle and in the Crich area, there is a more irregular Individual sandstone farmsteads are scattered and would have followed field pattern, bounded by a mixture of dry-stone walls and the parliamentary enclosure of these areas. Late enclosure is supported mixed species hedgerows by the regular and geometric shaped fields bounded by dry-stone walls. containing holly, suggesting These moorland summits are inherently unwooded and trees are earlier enclosure. scarce, other than occasional boundary trees and those planted around Transport farms for shelter. This creates an open landscape with expansive views. Straight roads, with fairly wide, uniform width verges connect The majority of roads are straight with fairly wide, uniform-width verges the isolated farmsteads on the and would have been established or re-aligned at the time of late enclosed summits. parliamentary enclosures. The upland area around Alport Heights has winding lanes with irregular verges and is possibly an area of earlier enclosure. The road verges now function as remnant habitats for many of the semi-natural heath land species.

Derbyshire Peak Fringe and Lower Derwent Character Area 50 44 LANDSCAPE TYPE: ENCLOSED MOORS AND HEATHS

Planting and Management Guidlelines

An open, unwooded landscape on broad, rolling hill summits punctuated by occasional small plantations and tree groups around farmsteads.

Primary woodland character: Open / unwooded

Primary tree character: Localised amenity tree groups

Woodland vision: Open / unwooded

Tree vision: Localised amenity tree groups

● Conserve and enhance the tree groups that occur within and around rural settlements and isolated farmsteads.

Derbyshire Peak Fringe and Lower Derwent Character Area 50 45 LANDSCAPE TYPE: ENCLOSED MOORS AND HEATHS

Woodland Species Mix

# Amenity Trees - appropriate tree species for planting as amenity trees associated with settlement should include locally occurring large woodland species, eg Sessile Oak (Quercus petraea), Pedunculate Oak (Quercus robur), and Ash (Fraxinus excelsior).

Derbyshire Peak Fringe and Lower Derwent Character Area 50 46 LANDSCAPE TYPE: WOODED SLOPES AND VALLEYS

This is a landscape of small pastoral fields on undulating, rising ground. Woodlands on steeper slopes, hedgerow and streamline trees contribute to a strongly wooded character.

pasture or hay. There are Key Characteristics occasional arable fields on the better drained soils over Upland, undulating ground rising up to moorland sandstone. Slopes are moderate to steep, and steepen along stream valleys Poorly draining soils over bands of mudstone and harder sandstone Ecology Permanent pasture for sheep and dairy cattle The network of watercourses, Widespread bracken and localised gorse, found particularly on the often linked with woodland bands, thinner soils of steeper slopes provide the key wildlife habitat in Densely scattered small to medium ancient woodlands and some this landscape character type. secondary woodland, mostly on steeper slopes and along streams This network links isolated Densely scattered hedgerow trees patches of habitat in the farmed Irregular field pattern bounded by mixed species hedgerows landscape, reinforced by the Dry-stone walls are also widespread, usually defining a more regular hedgerows. On the thin, well- field pattern drained soils over sandstone Network of winding lanes, often sunken on steeper slopes, with rocky there are patches of heathy acid banks grassland with bracken, gorse Dispersed sandstone farmsteads with stone slate roofs with localised and occasionally heather. clusters Bracken is widespread along field boundaries and on road verges. Geology and Landform Soils and Land Use The underlying bedrock is Soils are variable, reflecting the Tree Cover sandstone and mudstone of the range of underlying geology and Patches of semi natural woodland, lower coal measures and the steepness of slope. Over the many of ancient origin, are Millstone Grit. The upstanding, sandstone bands and on steeper widespread. They are particularly higher ground is underlain with slopes there are coarse loamy, associated with the agriculturally sandstone, while the valleys are well-drained soils. Seasonally poor soils on steep slopes and the cut into the softer mudstone. waterlogged gley soils are found heavy soils at the base of valleys. There are localised seams of over the mudstone bands or on The woodlands, especially ancient coal, which have been exploited the lower lying slopes. All of the woodlands, tend to be small to by mining. For much of the area, soils are agriculturally poor and medium in size, with an irregular the beds dip towards the East consequently the dominant land outline. On acid soils the woodland from the high moors. use is permanent grassland for is generally upland oakwood

Derbyshire Peak Fringe and Lower Derwent Character Area 50 47 containing sessile and pedunculate This suggests that the fields were oak, together with downy and silver cleared directly from woodland, birch, holly, rowan and hazel. and that the woodland trees and shrubs were used to form the hedgerows. Place names like Dronfield Woodhouse suggest medieval clearance of woodland.

Dry-stone walls define a more regular pattern of fields, suggesting later enclosure of open ground or common land. On the higher ground, the areas enclosed by walls were open Small areas of wet woodland moorland prior to enclosure. occur on the waterlogged soils of flushed slopes and low-lying Transport Built Environment ground. Such wet woodlands There is a dense network of The majority of historic buildings support ash, birch and hazel winding lanes, with irregular width are constructed of local mixed with alder. Hedgerow trees verges. Sunken lanes are a sandstone, traditionally roofed have a strong influence in some feature on sloping ground, though with stone slates. Farmsteads parts of the landscape, though they avoid the very steepest are dispersed throughout the they tend to be rarer on areas of slopes. There are also green landscape, though there are former open field or common. lanes, some that run just to occasionally clusters of Oak and ash are the main isolated farmsteads together with farmsteads and cottages. boundary trees, though holly is footpaths linking settlements. also noticeable. Ancient woodland and hedgerow oak and holly may be indicative of a more extensive Summary ancient wooded landscape. Trees It is the intimate mix of the lower coal measures and Millstone grit, are often found around which has given rise to this undulating, rising landscape. As a result farmsteads, where they provide the soils are highly variable from thin impoverished soils over the some shelter and soften the impact of buildings. Where upstanding sandstone, to heavy gleyed soils in the damp hollows and streams are bounded by gentle small valleys. Between these extremes there will be localised variation slopes, there is usually a related to geology and relief. continuous line of streamline trees, particularly alder. All the soils are agriculturally poor so this is a landscape traditionally Enclosure associated with woodland. Indeed much of the early settlement and This is a landscape of small clearance would have been by woodland assarting. This is reflected in fields, enclosed by hedgerows the widespread dispersal of individual farmsteads and the large and dry-stone walls. Hedgerows contain a mix of species, number of small, irregular fields with mixed species hedgerows. including holly, hawthorn, hazel, field maple and ash. The The resulting landscape is a mix of pastoral farming with small, hedgerows often define a very irregular woodlands, many of ancient origin, on the steeper irregular field pattern. uncultivable slopes. These woodlands along with hedgerow trees give the landscape a distinctly wooded character. Hedgerow trees are predominantly oak with some ash which, along with the mixed species hedgerows, may be indicative of a previously more extensive ancient wooded landscape.

Country lanes are sinuous, often sunken, winding their way through the landscape avoiding steeper slopes. The road network is dense, again reflecting the moderate to high density dispersal of farmsteads.

Irregular field pattern suggesting direct clearance from woodland.

Derbyshire Peak Fringe and Lower Derwent Character Area 50 48 LANDSCAPE TYPE: WOODED SLOPES AND VALLEYS

Planting and Management Guidelines

A rising, undulating landscape with many semi-natural woodlands, some of ancient origin, along steep slopes and valley sides with densely scattered hedgerow and watercourse trees.

Primary woodland character: Densely scattered small-medium woodlands.

Primary tree character: Densely scattered hedgerow and dense watercourse trees.

Woodland vision: Widespread small-medium woodlands

Tree vision: Densely scattered hedgerow and dense watercourse trees.

Typical woodland size range: 0.5 - 15 ha small-medium

Woodland pattern: Organic

● Small-medium scale woodland planting ● Conserve and restore all ancient woodland sites and restock with locally occurring native species. ● Promote linked extensions to ancient woodland by natural regeneration and planting. ● Ensure the use of indigenous tree and shrub species, including a proportion of large, long lived species. ● Re-establish and enhance physical links between existing isolated woodland and hedgerows. ● Ensure the management and enhancement of hedgerow trees through selection and natural regeneration, or by planting. ● Encourage the management of scrub and secondary woodland to link with existing habitats and woodland. ● Enhance the visual and ecological continuity of river corridors by management, natural regeneration and planting of riparian trees. ● Where opportunities arise the removal of coniferous plantation woodland should be encouraged. ● Ensure the conservation and management of mature/veteran trees within hedgerows.

Derbyshire Peak Fringe and Lower Derwent Character Area 50 49 LANDSCAPE TYPE: WOODED SLOPES AND VALLEYS

Woodland Species Mix Neutral/Slightly Acid Soils More Acidic Soils Waterlogged Conditions on all soil types Primary Tree Species 50% Primary Tree Species 50% Primary Tree Species 50% Betula pendula Silver Birch Betula pendula Silver Birch + Alnus glutinosa Alder Betula pubescens Downy Birch Betula pubescens Downy Birch Betula pubescens Downy Birch Quercus petraea Sessile Oak Quercus petraea Sessile Oak Salix caprea Goat Willow Quercus robur Pedunculate Oak Quercus robur Pedunculate Oak Salix fragilis Crack Willow

Secondary Tree Species 20% Secondary Tree Species 20% Secondary Tree Species 20% Major Major Major Fraxinus excelsior Ash Ilex aquifolium Holly Betula pendula Silver Birch Ilex aquifolium Holly Sorbus aucuparia Rowan Ilex aquifolium Holly Minor Populus tremula Aspen Minor Malus sylvestris Crab Apple Quercus petraea Sessile Oak Populus tremula Aspen Quercus robur Pedunculate Oak Prunus avium Gean Tilia cordata Small Leaved Lime Sorbus aucuparia Rowan

Shrubs 10-30% Shrubs 10-30% Shrubs 10-30% Major Major Major Corylus avellana Hazel Corylus avellana Hazel Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Salix aurita Eared Willow Minor Salix cinerea Grey Willow Lonicera periclymenum Honeysuckle Minor Viburnum opulus Guelder Rose Prunus spinosa Blackthorn Rosa canina Dog Rose Viburnum opulus Guelder Rose

Open space 0-20% Open space 0-20% Open space 0-20%

+ Watercourse trees - tree species most appropriate for planting as watercourse trees.

Hedgerow Species Mix Suitable hedgerow plants Suitable hedgerow trees

Primary 70-75% Primary 95-100% Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Fraxinus excelsior Ash Quercus petraea Sessile Oak Secondary 25-30% Quercus robur Pedunculate Oak Acer campestre Field Maple Corylus avellana Hazel Occasional 0-5%* Ilex aquifolium Holly Malus sylvestris Crab Apple Prunus avium Gean Occasional 0-5% Prunus padus Bird Cherry Lonicera periclymenum Honeysuckle Sorbus aucuparia Rowan Viburnum opulus Guelder Rose * only to be used if occurring locally within the landscape character type

Derbyshire Peak Fringe and Lower Derwent Character Area 50 50 LANDSCAPE TYPE: WOODED FARMLANDS

This is a mixed farming landscape on undulating ground. Woodlands, hedgerow and streamline trees contribute to a strongly wooded character.

Bracken is widespread along field Key Characteristics boundaries and on road verges. Undulating, intermediate landform, with gentle slopes Poorly draining soils over mudstone with localised sandstone Tree Cover and coal seams Patches of semi natural Localised bracken on thinner soils over sandstone woodland, some of ancient origin, Scattered ancient woodlands are widespread, ranging in size Scattered hedgerow trees locally dense in places from small remnants to large Dense tree cover along streams blocks such as Hardwick Wood Areas of irregular fields bounded by mixed species hedgerows near Wingerworth. Historic map Small to medium fields, enclosed by hedgerows evidence suggests that woodland Curving lanes with irregular verges was even more widespread in the Scattered sandstone farmsteads and occasional hamlets nineteenth century. The irregular

Geology and Landform traditionally have supported The underlying bedrock is permanent grassland for grazing dominated by mudstone of the and hay. Arable crops would have Lower Coal Measures. Within the been largely confined to the mudstone, there are bands of lighter soils on the sandstone. sandstone, forming the higher ground, and seams of coal which Ecology have been exploited by mining. A network of watercourses, often There is a subdued undulating linked with woodland bands, landform, with few steep slopes. provides the key wildlife habitat in this type. This network, reinforced Soils and Land Use by hedgerows, links isolated Seasonally waterlogged, gley patches of habitat in the farmed soils are found over the mudstone landscape. On the thin, well- bands. Over the localised drained soils over sandstone, sandstone bands there are free there are patches of heathy acid draining, thinner soils. The heavy grassland with bracken, gorse soils over the mudstone are and occasionally heather. difficult to work and would Streamside flora in woodland. Derbyshire Peak Fringe and Lower Derwent Character Area 50 51 Enclosure supplement the main road This is a landscape of small and network and footpaths connect medium fields, enclosed by farmsteads. hedgerows. Many hedgerows contain a mix of species, including holly, hawthorn, hazel, field maple and ash. The hedgerows often define an irregular field pattern. outline of the remaining woods indicates the gradual clearance of ancient woodland for agricultural land. On acid soils the woodland is generally upland oakwood containing sessile and pedunculate oak, together with downy and silver birch, holly, rowan and hazel. Some woodlands are dominated by birch, indicating regeneration Irregular field patterns suggest direct clearance from woodland. following past felling. Small areas Built Environment of wet woodland occur on This suggests that the fields were The majority of historic buildings waterlogged soils of flushed cleared directly from woodland, are constructed of local slopes and low-lying ground in the and that the woodland trees and sandstone, roofed with Welsh or valley bottoms. Such wet shrubs were used to form the stone slates. Farmsteads and woodlands have ash, birch and hedgerows. Thorn hedgerows groups of cottages are dispersed hazel mixed with alder. Amenity define more regular field patterns, throughout the landscape. The trees are found around indicating a later enclosure of presence of coal in the area and farmsteads and other settlement. open field, or extensive woodland the expansion of Chesterfield Near continuous bands of trees, clearance. Hazel is often found have contributed to widespread principally alder and willow, follow along with the hawthorn, which development of red brick housing. the numerous water-courses. reflects the local abundance of Of special interest is the Mature oak and ash trees are woodland saplings to supplement development at Wingerworth, on found along many hedgerows. thorn hedgerows. the site of a former country house The ancient woodland and park, reflecting its former hedgerow trees are further Transport boundaries. evidence of a more extensive There is a network of curving ancient wooded landscape. lanes, with irregular width verges. These elements combine to form Green lanes and farm tracks a well-wooded landscape.

Summary In this transitional landscape, where the Lower Coal Measures give way to the Millstone Grit Series, the landform is gently rolling, relating to the contrasting bands of mudstone and sandstone. The mudstone dominates and is overlain by seasonally waterlogged soils, with thinner free draining soils over sandstone. The result is a landscape of permanent pasture and woodland on the heavy soils, with occasional arable fields on the lighter soils. In more recent times there has been an expansion in arable farming.

Woodland and hedgerow trees are prevalent creating a well-wooded landscape. Woodlands of varying size have irregular shaped boundaries, as do many fields, suggesting these fields originated from woodland clearance. Mixed species hedgerows, with oak trees, also reflect a previously more extensive ancient wooded landscape.

The dispersed nature of individual farmsteads further suggest clearance by woodland assarting. Some small nucleations do occur and are associated with small areas of former open fields. The country lanes are winding, relating to the undulating topography and form a dense network connecting the isolated farmsteads.

Derbyshire Peak Fringe and Lower Derwent Character Area 50 52 LANDSCAPE TYPE: WOODED FARMLANDS

Planting and Management Guidelines

A well wooded landscape of small, organic woodlands, some of ancient origin, with densely scattered hedgerow and watercourse trees.

Primary woodland character: Densely scattered small-medium woodlands.

Primary tree character: Densely scattered hedgerow and dense watercourse trees.

Woodland vision: Widespread small-medium woodlands

Tree vision: Densely scattered hedgerow and dense watercourse trees.

Typical woodland size range: 0.5 - 20 ha small-medium

Woodland pattern: Organic

● Small-medium scale woodland planting ● Conserve and restore all ancient woodland sites and restock with locally occurring native species. ● Promote linked extensions to ancient woodland by natural regeneration and planting. ● Ensure the use of indigenous tree and shrub species, including a proportion of large, long lived species. ● Re-establish and enhance physical links between existing isolated woodland and hedgerows. ● Ensure the management and enhancement of hedgerow trees through selection and natural regeneration, or by planting. ● Encourage the management of scrub and secondary woodland to link with existing habitats and woodland. ● Enhance the visual and ecological continuity of river corridors by management, natural regeneration and planting of riparian trees. ● Ensure the conservation and management of mature/veteran trees within hedgerows.

Derbyshire Peak Fringe and Lower Derwent Character Area 50 53 LANDSCAPE TYPE: WOODED FARMLANDS

Woodland Species Mix Neutral/Slightly Acid Soils More Acidic Soils Waterlogged Conditions on all soil types Primary Tree Species 50% Primary Tree Species 50% Primary Tree Species 50% Betula pendula Silver Birch Betula pendula Silver Birch + Alnus glutinosa Alder Betula pubescens Downy Birch Betula pubescens Downy Birch Betula pubescens Downy Birch Quercus petraea Sessile Oak Quercus petraea Sessile Oak + Salix caprea Goat Willow Quercus robur Pedunculate Oak Quercus robur Pedunculate Oak + Salix fragilis Crack Willow

Secondary Tree Species 20% Secondary Tree Species 20% Secondary Tree Species 20% Major Major Major Fraxinus excelsior Ash Ilex aquifolium Holly Betula pendula Silver Birch Ilex aquifolium Holly Populus tremula Aspen Ilex aquifolium Holly Minor Sorbus aucuparia Rowan Minor Malus sylvestris Crab Apple Quercus petraea Sessile Oak Populus tremula Aspen Quercus robur Pedunculate Oak Prunus avium Gean Tilia cordata Small Leaved Lime Sorbus aucuparia Rowan

Shrubs 10-30% Shrubs 10-30% Shrubs 10-30% Major Major Major Corylus avellana Hazel Corylus avellana Hazel Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Salix aurita Eared Willow Minor Salix cinerea Grey Willow Lonicera periclymenum Honeysuckle Minor Viburnum opulus Guelder Rose Prunus spinosa Blackthorn Rosa canina Dog Rose Viburnum opulus Guelder Rose

Open space 0-20% Open space 0-20% Open space 0-20% + Watercourse trees - tree species most appropriate for planting as watercourse trees.

Hedgerow Species Mix Suitable hedgerow plants Suitable hedgerow trees Primary 70-75% Primary 95-100% Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Fraxinus excelsior Ash Quercus petraea Sessile Oak Secondary 25-30% Quercus robur Pedunculate Oak Acer campestre Field Maple Corylus avellana Hazel Occasional 0-5%* Ilex aquifolium Holly Malus sylvestris Crab Apple Prunus avium Gean Occasional 0-5% Prunus padus Bird Cherry Lonicera periclymenum Honeysuckle Sorbus aucuparia Rowan Viburnum opulus Guelder Rose * only to be used if occurring locally within the landscape character type

Derbyshire Peak Fringe and Lower Derwent Character Area 50 54 LANDSCAPE TYPE: SETTLED FARMLANDS

A gently undulating to rolling pastoral landscape over mixed sandstone, mudstone, limestone and drift geologies, characterised by densely scattered hedgerow trees and lines of trees along watercourses. Limestone villages and sparsely scattered farmsteads give the impression of a well settled landscape.

Over the limestone the soils are Key Characteristics shallow, free draining loams Gently undulating to rolling upland landscape becoming more calcareous where Seasonally waterlogged soils over mixed Carboniferous and the soils are thinnest or slopes Permo-Triassic geology and glacial till are locally steep. Where Dairy farming on permanent pasture and grass leys sandstone predominates soils are Scattered hedgerow trees, predominantly ash, that provide filtered often free draining brown earths. views Dense lines of trees along watercourses The generally heavy nature of Small to medium sized semi-regular and strip fields enclosed by these soils ensures that pasture hedgerows and occasional dry stone walls predominates with dairying and Widespread ridge and furrow stock rearing on improved Dense network of winding lanes with irregular width verges permanent pasture and grass Discrete villages with buildings of limestone and Staffordshire blue leys. tiles or Welsh slate roofs and scattered outlying farmsteads all creating the sense of a well-settled landscape Ecology Much of this landscape is intensively farmed as improved Geology and Landform For the most part the resultant This is a landscape with a mixed landform is gently undulating to permanent pasture with grass geology, reflecting the transition rolling, with distinct elevated leys. As a result much of this from the upland limestone in the plateaux where the glacial till and agricultural landscape is of little north to the softer Mesozoic rocks limestone prevail. ecological value. However, there further south. As a result there are are isolated patches of outcrops of Carboniferous Soils and Land Use unimproved grassland and hay limestone and limestone shales The range of soils reflects the meadow associated with steeper around Hognaston Winn. By diversity of the underlying slopes, which provide local contrast, the geology just north of geology but for the most part the floristic interest. Where limestone Ashbourne is a mix of Permo- soils are fine loams and silts over outcrops, around Hognaston Triassic sandstones and clayey, slowly permeable Winn, there is localised mudstones. Significant areas of subsoils. As a result many are calcareous grassland. glacial till, capping the underlying seasonally waterlogged, making hard geology, further diversify the them difficult to cultivate and Terrestrial corridors are important surface geology. prone to poaching by livestock. with many well-managed Derbyshire Peak Fringe and Lower Derwent Character Area 50 55 hedgerows. Hedgerow trees, farmsteads. Villages tend to be predominantly ash but also oak small like Bradbourne, Carsington and sycamore, add to the and Hognaston. Between the ecological interest. These villages there are scattered corridors are supplemented by a farmsteads. Where this landscape network of watercourses fringed abuts the limestone, small field by dense lines of riparian trees. barns become a feature of the Woodland tends not to be a landscape. Because of the habitat type in this landscape topography and relief many although there are some localised buildings within it are observed broad-leaved estate woodlands from an elevated viewpoint, associated with the parkland at emphasising their significance in Tissington. There are also a Medieval strip fields associated with the the landscape. number of mature parkland trees nearby village of Brassington that add to its ecological value. These still have evidence of medieval ridge and furrow. They Tree Cover are some of the best examples in The gently rolling landform and the county. ease with which this landscape can be farmed ensures that woodland is not generally in evidence. Exceptions to this rule are the small broad-leaved estate woodlands associated with the The predominant building parkland landscape around and materials are carboniferous including the settlement at limestone with Staffordshire blue Tissington. There are also tiles or Welsh slate for roofing. Towards Ashbourne red brick localised parkland trees including Medieval ridge and furrow mature lime and horse chestnut. becomes more evident and The majority of fields are predominates as the main enclosed by hedgerows, which Despite the lack of woodland, tree building material. tend to be predominantly cover is well represented hawthorn, although along lanes throughout due to the densely Tissington has its own particular and historic boundaries hedges scattered hedgerow and character being an estate village are more mixed, with species like watercourse trees. Collectively set within parkland and accessed holly and hazel. Dry stone walls, these trees, mainly ash but via a formal gateway. constructed in limestone, are sometimes oak and sycamore, dominant in some areas, as for filter views through the landscape. Most of the villages have grown example at Hognaston Winn. Over the limestone, where dry little although modern infill Where walls occur then the stone walls enclose fields, tree development has modified their landscape appears more open cover is sparser and views more original loose knit character. With and the field pattern is more open and distant. the intensification of farming evident. practices there is an increasing Enclosure demand for large modern barns, This is a landscape of Transport which are often poorly designed There is a dense network of predominantly small to medium and sited. winding lanes throughout this sized semi-regular fields enclosed landscape often with irregular by hedgerows, although the field There are localised effects of lead width verges. The exception to size and pattern varies locally, mining around Carsington and this is on the limestone at reflecting the diverse history of Brassington. Hognaston Winn where there is enclosure. This cultural pattern very little access. There are many remains essentially intact, The greatest visual impact on this footpaths and green lanes although there has been some landscape type has resulted from connecting the small settlements field amalgamation in areas of the creation of the large reservoir and scattered farmsteads. more intensive farming. at Carsington, with its associated visitor buildings. There is also a Several examples of strip fields Built Environment quarry with a processing plant at This is a well settled but sparsely enclosed from former open fields Ballidon that has a localised populated landscape, comprised survive, most notably around impact on this landscape. of villages originating in the Brassington and Bradbourne. medieval period and scattered

Derbyshire Peak Fringe and Lower Derwent Character Area 50 56 LANDSCAPE TYPE: SETTLED FARMLANDS

Summary This is a landscape of fairly diverse geological composition with Palaeozoic, Mesozoic and drift materials giving rise to a gently undulating to rolling upland landscape. Although there is some local variation in soil, relating to the variations in both geology and landform, they tend to be free draining fine loams over clay subsoils that are prone to short-lived seasonal waterlogging.

Primarily this is a cultural landscape shaped by its settlement pattern and land-use. A key feature is its settled character. The area demonstrates human activity from the prehistoric period with evidence of settlement since the Roman period. Many of the villages are certainly early medieval in origin. Although not densely populated there is a general scattering of small villages and farmsteads throughout, constructed in the local vernacular style of local limestone with Welsh slate or Staffordshire blue clay tile roofs.

The settled nature of this landscape type has ensured that the landscape has been well utilised for agriculture and the predominant land-use is pastoral associated with dairying. Much of the permanent pasture is now improved. This pastoral landscape is defined by small semi-regular and strip fields enclosed by hedges and occasional dry stone walls. These narrow strip fields have been enclosed from former medieval open field systems and today historic ridge and furrow is a widespread and visually prominent feature of this landscape type.

Trees are well represented, associated with scattered hedgerow trees and dense lines of watercourse trees. Woodlands are not a characteristic feature although they occur locally as small estate woodlands around Tissington. Trees help to define the small to medium scale by filtering views through the landscape. Over limestone or where the glacial till creates upstanding plateaux, trees are more sparsely scattered and there is a distinct sense of elevation with views over lower lying land.

There are localised impacts of quarrying at Ballidon and lead mining remains are a significant feature around Brassington and Carsington.

Derbyshire Peak Fringe and Lower Derwent Character Area 50 57 LANDSCAPE TYPE: SETTLED FARMLANDS

Planting and Management Guidelines

A gently undulating pastoral landscape of very few woodlands but densely scattered hedgerow and watercourse trees.

Primary woodland character: Unwooded

Primary tree character: Densely scattered hedgerow and dense watercourse trees

Woodland vision: Occasional small woodlands

Tree vision: Densely scattered hedgerow and dense watercourse trees

Typical woodland size range: 0.5 - 5 ha small

Woodland pattern: Organic or regular

● Ensure the use of indigenous tree and shrub species, including a proportion of large, long lived species. ● Ensure the management and enhancement of hedgerow trees-through selection and natural regeneration, or by planting. ● Enhance the visual and ecological continuity of river corridors by management, natural regeneration and planting of riparian trees. ● Ensure the conservation and management of mature/veteran trees within hedgerows. ● Ensure new woodland does not conflict with features (e.g. ridge and furrow) that help to define landscape character.

Derbyshire Peak Fringe and Lower Derwent Character Area 50 58 LANDSCAPE TYPE: SETTLED FARMLANDS

Woodland Species Mix

Neutral/ Slightly Acid Soils Waterlogged Conditions on all soil types Primary Tree Species 50% Primary Tree Species 50% Betula pendula Silver Birch + Alnus glutinosa Alder Betula pubescens Downy Birch + Betula pubescens Downy Birch Quercus petraea Sessile Oak Salix caprea Goat Willow Quercus robur Pedunculate Oak + Salix fragilis Crack Willow

Secondary Tree Species 20% Secondary Tree Species 20% Major Major Fraxinus excelsior Ash Betula pendula Silver Birch Ilex aquifolium Holly Ilex aquifolium Holly Minor Minor Malus sylvestris Crab Apple Quercus petraea Sessile Oak Populus tremula Aspen Quercus robur Pedunculate Oak Prunus avium Gean Tilia cordata Small Leaved Lime Sorbus aucuparia Rowan

Shrubs 10-30% Shrubs 10-30% Major Major Corylus avellana Hazel Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Salix aurita Eared Willow Minor Salix cinerea Grey Willow Lonicera periclymenum Honeysuckle Minor Viburnum opulus Guelder Rose Prunus spinosa Blackthorn Rosa canina Dog Rose Viburnum opulus Guelder Rose

Open space 0-20% Open space 0-20%

+ Watercourse trees - tree species most appropriate for planting as watercourse trees. Hedgerow Species Mix Suitable hedgerow plants Suitable hedgerow trees Primary 70-75% Primary 70-75% Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Fraxinus excelsior Ash

Secondary 25-30% Secondary 25-30% Corylus avellana Hazel Quercus petraea Sessile Oak Ilex aquifolium Holly Quercus robur Pedunculate Oak

Occasional 0-5% Occasional 0-5%* Lonicera periclymenum Honeysuckle Malus sylvestris Crab Apple Viburnum opulus Guelder Rose Prunus avium Gean Prunus padus Bird Cherry Sorbus aucuparia Rowan

* only to be used if occurring locally within the landscape character type

Derbyshire Peak Fringe and Lower Derwent Character Area 50 59 Derbyshire Peak Fringe and Lower Derwent Character Area 50 60 LANDSCAPE TYPE: RIVERSIDE MEADOWS

Broad, flat flood plains, hold meandering rivers, with scattered trees along the river bank. Scattered boundary trees and transport routes punctuate the pastoral landscape.

However, the heavy soils and risk Key Characteristics of flooding make the flood plain Flat, broad flood plains containing meandering rivers difficult to work for arable Seasonally waterlogged soils over alluvium cropping. Subsequent changes in Low intensity permanent pasture the organisation of agriculture Localised patches of rushes in damp hollows shifted cropping to the better Scattered, locally dense trees along watercourses, widespread drained soils away from the flood alder and localised willow plain, leaving permanent Scattered trees along field boundaries grassland as the dominant land Regular shaped fields, bounded by hawthorn hedges use. Lanes along edges or crossing flood plains with gritstone bridges over the rivers Ecology Active and disused railway lines with secondary woodland along The River Derwent is a fairly wide embankments and deep river along this section, Historic textile mills with relatively clean water. The River Ecclesbourne is narrower Geology and Landform formed by the deposition of and has largely unpolluted water, This landscape lies on the flood sediment by floodwaters as they making it very valuable as a plains of the Derwent and wane. freshwater habitat. The wet Ecclesbourne Rivers. These flood meadows, found in hollows in the plains are fairly broad and contain Soils and Land Use flood plain, remain partly flooded meandering rivers. The The soils are clayey loams that for much of the year. They underlying sediment consists of are seasonally waterlogged. support marsh vegetation with alluvial mud lying over gravels Some areas are more rushes and are important deposited by the rivers in times of permanently waterlogged and remnants of a diminishing habitat flood. The gravel acts as an some wet hollows retain type. aquifer, carrying water from the floodwater long after the majority adjoining land into the river and of the floods have subsided. Further habitat diversity is so is permanently waterlogged Some fields around Allestree and provided by bands of scrub and (Bridges 1966). In places there Duffield contain ridge and furrow, secondary woodland that fringe are natural raised banks to the providing evidence of arable the transport corridors. The rivers, called levees. These are cultivation in the medieval period. stretch of surviving Cromford

Derbyshire Peak Fringe and Lower Derwent Character Area 50 61 Canal, from Cromford to plain, raised upon embankments grinding corn, with its associated Ambergate, is a valuable to reduce the risk of flooding. weir and mill pool. Farmsteads freshwater habitat. It is not Occasionally roads cross the river occupied the higher ground to the severely silted and supports a upon gritstone bridges. The main edge of the valleys, where the risk profusion of aquatic and marginal Derby to Matlock road, follows the of flooding was less. There are vegetation as well as a rich route of former turnpike roads. It occasional farmsteads on the aquatic fauna. runs along the Derwent Valley for slightly higher, better drained most of its course and is bounded areas within the flood plain. Mills Tree Cover by gritstone walls. and farmsteads were There are lines of scattered trees predominantly built of local along the banks of the rivers, There is a dense network of direct gritstone with Welsh or mainly alder but with an public footpaths crossing the occasionally Cumbrian slate occasional willow. flood plains, connecting the roofs. scattered farmsteads along the edges of the valleys. The railways Richard Arkwright and Jedediah were built in the mid 19th century Strutt transformed the role of and followed the flat flood plains, these river valleys following the on causeways, through gritstone building in 1771 of the world’s first tunnels and over stone and iron successful water-powered cotton bridges. The railway line in the spinning mill in Cromford. Ecclesbourne valley is now disused.

There are also scattered mature The Cromford Canal, which trees, principally oak and ash, originally ran from Cromford to along field boundaries. Langley Mill, opened in 1794. It Ornamental parkland trees such formed an important transport as specimen oak, ash and horse route for the early industry that chestnut extend into this developed in the Derwent Valley, landscape around Duffield. There although it fell into disuse with the East Mill, Belper are pollarded willows in the advent of the railways and now When their business partnership Ecclesbourne valley. stops abruptly, at Ambergate. folded, Arkwright stayed in Cromford while Strutt developed The tree cover is greatly new mills at Belper and Milford. In intensified by the secondary addition to the mills, houses, woodland that occurs beside road shops, inns, schools, churches, and rail links and along the chapels and farms were built to Cromford Canal. This woodland is sustain the mill workers. These, often dominated by sycamore, together with the historic which limits its interest as a transportation infrastructure and habitat. Increased woodland here watercourses, constitute the occurs as a consequence of the Derwent Valley Mills World development of the Derwent Heritage Site. At Milford the mill Valley as a transport corridor and workers cottages follow the is not part of its inherent contours snaking along the valley character. sides above the mills. There are several distinctive farmsteads Enclosure Leawood Pump House built by the Strutts in the area. Thorn hedgerows enclose medium sized fields. Many of the Built Environment boundaries are straight, although Historically there was little built on some are more curving, indicating the flood plain, excepting the earlier enclosure. There are occasional gritstone water mill for occasional dry-stone walls in the Derwent Valley. A sinuous hedge or wall often defines the edge of the flood plain.

Transport Lanes in this landscape tend to run along the edge of the flood

Derbyshire Peak Fringe and Lower Derwent Character Area 50 62 LANDSCAPE TYPE: RIVERSIDE MEADOWS

Summary The lower reaches of the Derwent and Ecclesbourne rivers flow through broad flood plains. The meandering rivers have deposited alluvial materials during times of flood, the resultant soils being heavy, clay loams prone to prolonged seasonal waterlogging.

These soils have traditionally supported meadowlands grazed by cattle. However there is evidence of ridge and furrow suggesting that in medieval times some crops may have been grown on a small scale. Fields tend to be medium sized and enclosed by thorn hedgerows. These boundaries are often straight but some are curved, possibly reflecting some of these earlier medieval strips.

The flood plain is open although there are mature hedgerow trees, predominantly oak and ash, with scattered groups, usually alder, along the riverbanks.

Due to the risk of flooding this landscape would have been unsettled although some modern housing estates now extend into the flood plain. Lanes are scarce and tend to cut across the flood plains. Major roads and railway lines, constructed on embankments, are located at its edges.

Derbyshire Peak Fringe and Lower Derwent Character Area 50 63 LANDSCAPE TYPE: RIVERSIDE MEADOWS

Planting and Management Guidelines

An open floodplain with dense watercourse trees.

Primary woodland character: Unwooded

Primary tree character: Thinly scattered hedgerow and dense watercourse trees.

Woodland vision: Occasional small wet woodlands

Tree vision: Thinly scattered hedgerow and dense watercourse trees.

Typical woodland size range: 0.5 - 5ha small

Woodland pattern: Organic/ linear

● Ensure the use of indigenous tree and shrub species, including a proportion of large, long lived species. ● Ensure a balance is maintained between new woodland planting and areas of nature conservation value. ● Enhance the visual and ecological continuity of river corridors by management, natural regeneration and planting of riparian trees.

Derbyshire Peak Fringe and Lower Derwent Character Area 50 64 LANDSCAPE TYPE: RIVERSIDE MEADOWS

Woodland Species Mix Waterlogged Conditions on all soil types Primary Tree Species 50% + Alnus glutinosa Alder Betula pubescens Downy Birch Salix caprea Goat Willow Salix fragilis Crack Willow

Secondary Tree species 20% Major Betula pendula Silver Birch Ilex aquifolium Holly Minor Quercus petraea Sessile Oak Quercus robur Pedunculate Oak Tilia cordata Small Leaved Lime

Shrubs 10-30% Major Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Salix aurita Eared Willow Salix cinerea Grey Willow Minor Prunus spinosa Blackthorn Rosa canina Dog Rose Viburnum opulus Guelder Rose

Open space 0-20%

+ Watercourse trees - tree species most appropriate for planting as watercourse trees. Hedgerow Species Mix Suitable Hedgerow Plants Suitable Hedgerow Trees Primary 85-100% Primary 95-100% Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Fraxinus excelsior Ash Quercus petraea Sessile Oak Occasional 0-15% Quercus robur Pedunculate Oak Corylus avellana Hazel Occasional 0-5%* Malus sylvestris Crab Apple Prunus avium Gean Prunus padus Bird Cherry Sorbus aucuparia Rowan

* only to be used if occurring locally within the landscape character type

Derbyshire Peak Fringe and Lower Derwent Character Area 50 65 Derbyshire Peak Fringe and Lower Derwent Character Area 50 66 NEEDWOOD AND SOUTH DERBYSHIRE CLAYLANDS CHARACTER AREA 68 A settled, pastoral landscape on gently rolling lowlands.

Landscape Character Types

¥ Settled Plateau Farmlands ¥ Estate Farmlands ¥ Settled Farmlands ¥ Riverside Meadows ¥ Sandstone Slopes and Heaths

“...and where at every turn he came upon some fine old country-seat nestled in the valley or crowning the slopes, some homestead with its long length of barn and its cluster of golden ricks, some grey steeple looking out from a pretty confusion of trees.....And directly below them the eye rested on a more advanced line of hanging woods, divided by bright patches of pasture or furrowed crops...” p16 George Eliot ‘Adam Bede’

hedgerow trees. Woodlands are Natural Influences few but locally occurring parkland, The predominant land-use is such as that at Kedleston Hall pasture, mainly for dairy farming, makes a significant contribution to with some arable cropping where Location of Needwood and the overall character of the area. topography allows, particularly in South Derbyshire Claylands Settled Plateau Pastures. Within Small red brick villages and Derbyshire, unlike the Needwood Introduction estate farms are distinctive area, woodland is not a prominent Located in the south west of the features, and although some characteristic, although there is a county, the Needwood and South settlements west of Derby have strong sense of enclosure Derbyshire Claylands comprise expanded through post-war pertaining to the patchwork of two distinct areas separated by development, the landscape fields enclosed by hedgerows the River Dove, which also forms retains a deeply rural character. with hedgerow trees. Although the administrative boundary much of the pasture has now between Derbyshire and Physical Influences been improved there are still Staffordshire. The distinctive Within Derbyshire this character remnants of unimproved pasture wooded landscape of Needwood area is defined by an underlying and meadows. Some older lies exclusively within geology of Mercia Mudstones, hedgerows are species rich. Staffordshire. with Sherwood sandstone to the north overlain in the north and Where the underlying geology is The remainder of this Character west by a thin covering of glacial defined by sandstone in Area within Derbyshire, is rolling drift. Differential erosion by Sandstone Slopes and Heaths, lowland over glacial till and numerous narrow streams, locally occurring heathland with Mercia Mudstones that were draining from the Peak Fringe, gorse and heather is still to be amenable to early settlement and has created a gently undulating to found, though mostly confined to farming. In contrast to the rolling landform with the glacial the steepest slopes or road Needwood area there is less drift defining the more upstanding verges. woodland and more settlement Settled Plateau Farmlands. with small villages and scattered Historic parks, like Kedleston, farmsteads and cottages. Ridge The wide valley and Riverside make a locally significant and furrow and the earthworks of Meadows of the River Dove, contribution to the ecological deserted villages suggest the which also separates the area value of Estate Farmlands area was once more densely from Needwood, define the through the presence of veteran settled. western and southern limits of parkland trees and the presence this area within the county. of plantation woodland. Land-use is typically dairy farming with some arable, set within a framework of hedgerows and

Needwood and South Derbyshire Claylands Character Area 68 67 Human Influences the rural character and sense of Elizabethan buildings most Evidence of early activity is antiquity of this landscape. In notably Somersal Hall. generally rare. However, Iron Age contrast within the former and Roman settlement has heathland associated with Settled recently come to light suggesting Plateau Farmlands and the area was more extensively Sandstone Slopes and Heaths settled in the pre-medieval period roads are often straight and direct than previously believed. with uniform verges. Later, country house parks were The agricultural quality of the land Somersal Herbert Hall would always have attracted developed at Osmaston, Sudbury and most notably at Kedleston. Winding country lanes bounded settlers and the present pattern of by plump mixed species settlement was established in the Kedleston Hall, set within the Estate Farmlands landscape, hedgerows help define the rural Anglo-Saxon period, as indicated character of the area and provide by the place name evidence and remains today as one of the finest examples of a Georgian setpiece, a sense of enclosure particularly the number of villages already where the lanes have become present by the time of Domesday the hall and park both being designed by Robert Adam. sunken within the minor valley Book. sides. On areas of former The predominant building common and heathland Following the Norman Conquest associated with Settled Plateau extensive tracts of land were set material within the villages is red brick and, with the exception of Farmlands and Sandstone Slopes aside for royal hunting forests. and Heaths roads are often Duffield Frith is a good example villages like Brailsford, they have remained relatively small and straight and direct with uniform extending over a large area and width verges. encompassing a number of deer loose knit in character. More important buildings, like churches parks including those at Mansell Other Considerations and Ravensdale Park near and the manor house may be constructed in the local Muggington. Park pale (bank and ¥ Special Landscape Areas sandstone. Some very occasional ditch enclosure boundary), ¥ The Lowland Derbyshire examples survive of half timbered earthern bank gateways, deer BAP courses and other historic Winding country lane landscape features survive to give these former park landscapes a distinctive character. They also incorporate remaining fragments of heathland, particularly within Sandstone Slopes and Heaths at the northern extremity of the area.

In the Settled Farmland the density of settlement in the middle ages was greater than it is today, as indicated by the surviving earthworks of deserted and shrunken villages such as Hungry Bentley and Muggington and the surviving ridge and furrow of the former open fields. Settlement also spread onto commons and heaths in the late and post Medieval period most notably at Hulland Ward with its typical wayside cottages and straight roads.

Enclosure of the landscape began early and areas were already enclosed by the early 17th century. The winding and often sunken country lanes bounded by plump mixed species hedgerows are in part a product of the long history of enclosure and add to Needwood and South Derbyshire Claylands Character Area 68 68 LANDSCAPE TYPE: SETTLED PLATEAU FARMLANDS

A medium scale predominantly pastoral landscape found on gently rolling upland plateaux over glacial till. There is a distinct sense of elevation characterised by extensive views over lower ground filtered by scattered boundary trees and small woodlands. Hedgerows enclose small and medium sized fields.

Key Characteristics Ecology A gently rolling upland plateau extending onto ridge tops Much of this landscape type is Slowly permeable, seasonally waterlogged soils over glacial till intensively farmed as permanent Pastoral farming with some cropping pasture or for cereals. The Marl pits forming small ponds improved grassland and Densely scattered boundary trees and occasional small woodland cultivated fields have little blocks ecological interest. Where Small to medium fields surrounded by hedgerows drainage is impeded patches of Parkland estates wet grassland with rushes occur. Areas of former common land with clusters of red brick/clay tile Small fragments of degraded cottages rush communities are found in Scattered red brick and blue clay tile roofed farmsteads and estate damp patches and hollows. farms Terrestrial corridors in the form of hedgerows and small blocks of Geology and Landform waterlogged fine loam over clayey soils. The gentle relief broad-leaved woodland persist This plateau landscape is strongly but these are declining due to influenced by the underlying associated with this landscape type ensures that there is little agricultural intensification and geology with reddish till (glacial field amalgamation, most drift) overlaying Palaeozoic and run-off, so the slowly permeable soils are waterlogged for long noticeably in the Shirley Mesozoic sandstone and shales Common/ Brailsford areas. for the most part. This occurs as a periods in the winter and are then series of “fingers” or narrow inaccessible to stock and machinery. Where the underlying sandstone ridges extending southwards from is closer to the surface there are the higher plateau between the significant patches of bracken in gentle valleys of the Spinneyford This is moderately good mixed farmland although dairying and hedgerows and along road Brook, Wyaston Brook and verges. The network of lanes Cubley Brook. improved grassland and leys dominate. Autumn sown crops of around Bradley is particularly rich in bracken. Soils and Land Use wheat, barley and oil-seed rape The soils found consistently are found throughout this type but principally in the Bradley and The many marl pits support throughout this landscape are valuable base-rich wetland slowly permeable, seasonally Shirley / Brailsford areas in the east. communities. Older pastures, Needwood and South Derbyshire Claylands Character Area 68 69 particularly if poorly drained, can The cultural pattern is generally purposes. The cultural pattern of develop a distinctive base-rich intact here but is declining in the this area has been obliterated as association. At Hulland Moss, a areas of regular shaped fields as a consequence of the removal of SSSI, there is an important a result of modern farming all field boundaries, small example of lowland bog and practice. woodlands, the diversion of lanes heath with areas of dry oak and and the levelling of ground on a wet alder woodland. Fields are enclosed by large scale. hedgerows which can be species Tree Cover rich in areas of earliest enclosure, Built Environment Boundary trees are scattered with holly, hazel and field maple, This is a landscape of widely throughout, giving filtered views, to predominantly hawthorn in scattered farmsteads and small often over extensive areas. areas of late Parliamentary settlements. The villages, which Occasional small blocks of broad- enclosure. are found on this landscape type, leaved woodland and shelter such as Bradley, Shirley, groups are found. Transport Yeaveley, Alkmonton, Wyaston, The predominant tree species are The strong ridgelines were originally very small oak and ash but there is also characterising this landscape nucleated settlements surrounded some sycamore. Remnant have been utilised for transport by open fields, mainly originating parkland blocks can be identified and there is a fairly dense in the medieval period. in some areas, most notably at network of country lanes. Former Osmaston Park, with its double turnpike roads like the A52 and Elsewhere dispersed common- avenue of mature elm trees. A517 took advantage of this side cottages can be found, higher ground. Many of the roads typically with long, narrow Enclosure follow the ridgelines, tending to gardens running parallel to the This is a landscape of generally be straight and direct, especially lanes and formed from the medium sized semi-regular fields where they cross former enclosure of wide verges. although the size and pattern has commons. Where roads cross significant local variation as a former wasteland, names like Almost without exception result of the diverse history of Moor Lane, near Osmaston, traditional buildings are built enclosure. This varies from reflect past character. In areas of of mellow red brick with narrow, curving strip fields to the early enclosure, where lanes are Staffordshire blue clay tile roofs. regular, almost geometric shapes more curved, road verges are of resulting from the late enclosure of irregular width, as opposed to the All the settlements have grown common lands as seen at Shirley wider more uniform width verges significantly in recent years with Common. Former commons occur on former common. Many much unsympathetic suburban frequently in this type and the footpaths link settlements and style housing, some in the form of names are still retained, such as dispersed farmsteads. ribbon development. Osmaston by Snelston Common, Roston contrast is an attractive unspoilt Common, and Shirley Common. Two large military airfields were estate village, with several established in the 1940’s, each to thatched and rustic properties in Several pockets of very small the south of Ashbourne. Both are the self consciously picturesque irregular shaped fields still now used for alternative style of the early Victorian period. survive. A good example is the intricate field pattern at Hole in Summary the Wall near Yeldersley but there A landscape shaped by its underlying geology of glacial drift over is also evidence of early sandstone and shale, creating a landform of narrow, upland plateaux. enclosure of open fields at Long distance views are limited by trees that are found scattered Bradley, Offcote and Underwood. throughout most hedgerows. However, with incisions of lower lying land there is a distinct sense of elevation.

Soils over glacial till are heavy and seasonally waterlogged, lending themselves to good quality pastures for dairy farming but the gently rolling landform ensures that the land-use is more mixed, with autumn sown crops like barley and wheat.

The settlement pattern is a key feature. Although not densely populated there is a general scattering of farmsteads with the occasional small village, like Bradley, Yeaveley and Wyaston with their origins in the medieval period or earlier. The traditional buildings are typically built in brick with Staffordshire blue clay tile roofs.

Irregular field patterns

Needwood and South Derbyshire Claylands Character Area 68 70 LANDSCAPE TYPE: SETTLED PLATEAU FARMLANDS

Planting and Management Guidelines

A gently undulating pastoral landscape of very little woodland but densely scattered hedgerow trees.

Primary woodland character: Thinly scattered small plantations

Primary tree character: Densely scattered hedgerow trees.

Woodland vision: Thinly scattered small plantations

Tree vision: Densely scattered hedgerow trees.

Typical woodland size range: 0.5 - 5 ha small

Woodland pattern: Regular plantations

● Ensure the use of indigenous tree and shrub species, including a proportion of large, long lived species. ● Ensure the management and enhancement of hedgerow trees - through selection and natural regeneration, or by planting. ● Ensure the conservation and management of mature/veteran trees within hedgerows. ● Ensure new woodland does not conflict with features (e.g. ridge and furrow) that help to define landscape character.

Needwood and South Derbyshire Claylands Character Area 68 71 LANDSCAPE TYPE: SETTLED PLATEAU FARMLANDS

Woodland Species Mix Neutral/more acidic soils Primary Tree Species 50% Acer campestre Field Maple Fraxinus excelsior Ash Quercus robur Pedunculate Oak

Secondary Tree Species 20% Major Betula pendula Silver Birch Malus sylvestris Crab Apple Minor Populus tremula Aspen Prunus avium Gean Prunus padus Bird Cherry Salix cinerea Grey Willow Sorbus aucuparia Rowan Taxus baccata Yew

Shrubs 10-30% Major Corylus avellana Hazel Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Minor Cornus sanguinea Dogwood Lonicera periclymenum Honeysuckle Prunus spinosa Blackthorn Rhamnus cathartica Purging Buckthorn Rosa canina Dog Rose Viburnum opulus Guelder Rose

Open Space 0-20%

Hedgerow Species Mix Suitable hedgerow plants Suitable hedgerow trees

Primary 70-75% Primary 70-75% Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Fraxinus excelsior Ash Quercus robur Pedunculate Oak Secondary 25-30% Acer campestre Field Maple Secondary 25-30% Corylus avellana Hazel Acer campestre Field Maple Ilex aquifolium Holly Prunus spinosa Blackthorn Occasional 0-5%* Sorbus aucuparia Rowan Occasional 0-5% Malus sylvestris Crab Apple Cornus sanguinea Dogwood Prunus avium Gean Lonicera periclymenum Honeysuckle Prunus padus Bird Cherry Rhamnus cathartica Purging Buckthorn Rosa canina Dog Rose * only to be used if occurring locally within Viburnum opulus Guelder Rose the landscape character type

Needwood and South Derbyshire Claylands Character Area 68 72 LANDSCAPE TYPE: SETTLED FARMLANDS This is a broadly undulating to gently rolling, lowland, and dairy farming landscape over Permo-Triassic sandstones and mudstones. Tree cover is defined by scattered hedgerow trees, lines of trees along watercourses and the occasional small woodland or copse. There are clusters of red brick farmsteads and cottages along a dense network of country lanes creating a well settled landscape.

Key Characteristics The land-use is predominantly Gently undulating to rolling lowland dissected by minor stream dairying and stock rearing on valleys with localised steep slopes improved permanent pasture and Seasonally waterlogged soils over Permo-Triassic mudstone, leys. There is some arable siltstone and sandstone farming where the local Dairy farming on permanent pasture with localised arable cropping topography and soil conditions Small woodland blocks and copses associated with steeper slopes dictate, particularly around Scattered oak and ash trees along hedgerows Shirley, Brailsford and Somersal Dense lines of trees along streams Herbert. Indeed this is amongst Small to medium size semi-regular and strip fields enclosed by some of the finest agricultural hedgerows land found in the county being Extensive ridge and furrow officially classified Grade 2. Network of winding lanes often sunken on steeper slopes Small clusters of red brick and blue clay tile farms and cottages Ecology Much of this landscape is intensively farmed either as Geology and Landform Soils and Land Use improved permanent pasture or The underlying geology of Permo- As with much of the lowland arable cropping. As a result much Triassic mudstone, siltstone and Midlands, the soils are is of little ecological value. sandstone and occasional consistently reddish, fine loamy or However there are isolated Carboniferous sandstone creates silty over clay, with slowly patches of unimproved grassland a broadly undulating to gently permeable subsoils. The slow and hay meadow, associated with rolling lowland landscape. Where permeability of the subsoils small family farms and steeper sandstone defines the eastern makes them susceptible to short slopes, which provide local flank of the Dove Valley the periods of waterlogging making floristic interest. ground rises steeply to form a them difficult to cultivate and distinct escarpment before prone to poaching by livestock. Terrestrial corridors are important gradually falling away to the east, Where the slopes are locally with many well-managed, mixed forming a series of incised steep over sandstone the soils species hedgerows. Hedgerow valleys. The landform becomes are coarse loams and silts, and trees, predominantly oak and ash, ever more gentle and subdued free draining. add ecological interest. towards the Trent Valley in the south.

Needwood and South Derbyshire Claylands Character Area 68 73 Valley they create a strong sense available between settlements. of enclosure with more restricted On the steeper slopes around views. Norbury and Snelston lanes are very narrow and often sunken. The well treed character is further supplemented by localised Adjacent to the Dove Valley many parkland with its mature routes run parallel to the river specimen trees and small mixed corridor, taking advantage of the species game coverts. At natural gradients, whilst in the Well managed mixed species hedgerow Longford Park there are several south lanes travel due north from These terrestrial corridors are small plantations and game the Trent Valley. The line of the supplemented by a network of coverts. former Ashbourne to Uttoxeter watercourses, fringed by dense railway can clearly be seen lines of riparian trees. There are Enclosure following the edge of the patches of rush pasture This is a landscape of floodplain to the River Dove and associated with the stream predominantly small to medium marking the western limits of this corridors, most notably at sized semi-regular fields enclosed landscape type. Mercaston Marsh, a designated by hedgerows, although the field SSSI. size and pattern varies locally, A former Roman road connecting reflecting the diverse history of Derby (Derventio) to Rocester is On the steeper slopes in the west enclosure. This cultural pattern followed by the modern Long there is more woodland, some of remains essentially intact Lane, though this deviates from which is of ancient origin. although there has been some the original route at Alkmonton to Parkland, such as that at field amalgamation in areas of follow an easier gradient. Snelston, provides additional arable farming. ecological benefit with its many There are many footpaths and mature specimen trees and Several examples of strip fields green lanes connecting the small occasional small game coverts. enclosed from former open fields settlements and scattered The value of small plantation survive, most notably in farmsteads. woodlands is often limited by the Hollington and Boylestone presence of coniferous species. parishes, where fields display Built Environment evidence of medieval ridge and This is a well settled but sparsely On the steepest slopes over furrow. populated landscape containing sandstone there are heathy small villages, isolated groups of associations, with bracken roadside cottages and scattered occasionally found in the farmsteads. Villages tend to be hedgerows and road verges. small like Somersal Herbert and Marston Montgomery and some Tree Cover loose knit, such as Roston and The fertile soils and intensive Norbury on the eastern flanks of agriculture associated with this the Dove. Many of the villages landscape type ensure that have their origins in the medieval woodland is poorly represented. period. Some have shrunken in Exceptions to this rule are size since the middle ages and are interlocking woodlands like Eaton characterised by the earthworks of Wood and Bradley Wood, that former crofts and tofts, such as at follow the steeper slopes of the Thurvaston. Others have Fossilised strip fields associated with the Dove and Henmore Valleys, nearby village of Hollington disappeared altogether and creating a distinct wooded edge. remain only as earthworks, Both woodlands are rare Many hedgerows contain a good sometimes with single farms such examples in this area of ancient variety of species indicating age as Hungry Bentley. semi-natural woodland with oak and maturity. These include holly, and ash. hazel, blackthorn, dog rose and Between villages there are hawthorn. scattered farms and cottages. Despite the lack of woodland, tree The predominant building material cover is well represented Transport is a warm red brick with throughout, due to the densely There is a dense network of Staffordshire blue clay tiles. Some scattered hedgerow and winding lanes throughout this local reddish sandstone is also watercourse trees. Collectively landscape, often with irregular used, usually for more important these trees filter views through width verges. In some areas the buildings like the parish church the landscape and at lower network is so dense and intricate and manor houses. A few timber elevations north of the Trent there are a choice of routes framed buildings survive although

Needwood and South Derbyshire Claylands Character Area 68 74 these are no longer a prominent Most of the villages have grown Due to the intensive nature of the feature of the area. very little though modern infill farming regime and the large size development has modified their of some farms, bulky and poorly Snelston has its own particular original loose knit character. sited modern farm buildings character, being the estate village Modern suburban development dominate many areas. Some of the former Stanton Hall with a has been largely restricted to the traditional farm buildings have number of cottages and estate outskirts of Ashbourne and been converted to residential use buildings in the picturesque style. Clifton. and there is a growing quantity of sub-urban type housing development in some parts.

Summary Like much of the Midlands lowlands the landform and topography is shaped by the underlying sequence of Permo-Triassic mudstones, siltstones and sandstones. The differential weathering of this geology gives rise to gently rolling landscape within incised valleys, locally undulating where the sandstone is most prevalent. Although there is some local variation in soils, relating to the variations in both geology and landform, they tend to be free draining fine loams over clay subsoils that are prone to short-lived seasonal waterlogging.

A key feature of this landscape is its settled character. Although not densely populated there is a general scattering of small villages, laneside cottages and farmsteads throughout, constructed in the local vernacular style of red brick with Staffordshire blue clay tile roofs, and a few older, timber framed buildings

The area’s settled nature reflects its long history of exploitation for agriculture. The predominant land-use is pastoral associated with dairying. Much of the permanent pasture is now improved and some fields have been set aside for fodder crops. Increasingly there is a trend for more arable farming particularly where gradients and drainage allow.

Trees are well represented, associated with scattered hedgerow and dense lines of watercourse trees. Woodlands occur infrequently, mostly associated with the steeper slopes of the Dove Valley or localised parkland, in the form of small plantations and game coverts. The trees help to define the small to medium scale by filtering views through the landscape. At lower elevations towards the Trent Valley, tree cover can give a strong sense of enclosure particularly on views to the north.

Needwood and South Derbyshire Claylands Character Area 68 75 LANDSCAPE TYPE: SETTLED FARMLANDS

Planting and Management Guidelines

A gently undulating pastoral landscape of very few woodlands but densely scattered hedgerow and watercourse trees.

Primary woodland character: Occasional small woodlands

Primary tree character: Densely scattered hedgerow and dense watercourse trees.

Woodland vision: Occasional small woodlands

Tree vision: Densely scattered hedgerow and dense watercourse trees.

Typical woodland size range: 0.5 - 5 ha small

Woodland pattern: Organic / linear

● Ensure the use of indigenous tree and shrub species, including a proportion of large, long lived species. ● Ensure the management and enhancement of hedgerow trees-through selection and natural regeneration, or by planting. ● Enhance the visual and ecological continuity of river corridors by management, natural regeneration and planting of riparian trees. ● Ensure the conservation and management of mature/veteran trees within hedgerows. ● Ensure new woodland does not conflict with features (e.g. ridge and furrow) that help to define landscape character.

Needwood and South Derbyshire Claylands Character Area 68 76 LANDSCAPE TYPE: SETTLED FARMLANDS

Woodland Species Mix Neutral/slightly acidic soils Waterlogged conditions on all soil types Primary Tree Species 50% Primary Tree Species 50% Acer campestre Field Maple + Alnus glutinosa Alder Fraxinus excelsior Ash + Salix fragilis Crack Willow Quercus robur Pedunculate Oak

Secondary Tree Species 20% Secondary Tree Species 20% Major Major Betula pendula Silver Birch Betula pubescens Downy Birch Malus sylvestris Crab Apple Quercus petraea Sessile Oak Minor Salix caprea Goat Willow Populus tremula Aspen Minor Prunus avium Gean Ilex aquifolium Holly Prunus padus Bird Cherry Populus tremula Aspen Salix cinerea Grey Willow Sorbus aucuparia Rowan Taxus baccata Yew Shrubs 10-30% Shrubs 10-30% Major Major Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Corylus avellana Hazel Minor Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Prunus spinosa Blackthorn Minor Rhamnus cathartica Purging Buckthorn Cornus sanguinea Dogwood Salix purpurera Purple Willow Lonicera periclymenum Honeysuckle Salix triandra Almond Willow Prunus spinosa Blackthorn Salix viminalis Osier Rhamnus cathartica Purging Buckthorn Rosa canina Dog Rose Viburnum opulus Guelder Rose Open space 0-20% Open Space 0-20%

+ Watercourse Trees - tree species most appropriate for planting as watercourse trees.

Hedgerow Species Mix Suitable hedgerow plants Suitable hedgerow trees

Primary 70-75% Primary 70-75% Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Fraxinus excelsior Ash Quercus robur Pedunculate Oak Secondary 25-30% Acer campestre Field Maple Secondary 25-30% Corylus avellana Hazel Acer campestre Field Maple Ilex aquifolium Holly Prunus spinosa Blackthorn Occasional 0-5%* Malus sylvestris Crab Apple Occasional 0-5% Prunus avium Gean Cornus sanguinea Dogwood Prunus padus Bird Cherry Lonicera periclymenum Honeysuckle Sorbus aucuparia Rowan Rhamnus cathartica Purging Buckthorn Rosa canina Dog Rose * only to be used if occurring locally within the landscape character type

Needwood and South Derbyshire Claylands Character Area 68 77 Needwood and South Derbyshire Claylands Character Area 68 78 LANDSCAPE TYPE: SANDSTONE SLOPES AND HEATHS

A landscape of moderate to steep sandstone slopes with prominent rounded undulations and hillocks forming the upper slopes. Predominantly a pastoral landscape, there are small woodlands and scattered hedgerow trees.

Key Characteristics Prominent landform of moderate to steeply sloping sandstone valleys and slopes with rounded undulations along the slopes Ecology Well drained sandy soils These free draining sandy soils A pastoral land-use on steeper slopes with mixed farming on gentler will naturally support acid gradients grassland and heathy habitats. In Heathy associations with patches of gorse on steeper slopes and areas of unimproved pasture on bracken along some hedgerows and road verges the steepest slopes patches of Tree cover defined by scattered hedgerow trees, predominantly ash, acid grassland persist. Where this and patches of woodland grassland has become neglected Small to medium sized regular and sub-regular fields with mixed gorse is beginning to colonise and species hedgerows there are some sizeable patches Sparsely settled landscape with the very occasional red brick and of gorse thicket. In other areas of clay tile farmsteads and roadside cottages neglected pasture and grassland some localised scrub has developed. Geology and Landform winter rainfall even on the steepest slopes. This is a landscape associated Another habitat type of this with moderate to steeply sloping landscape is woodland which valleys and slopes created by an The relatively steep slopes and impoverished nature of the soils features as small patches underlying geology of Permo- throughout but is rarely a Triassic sandstone. Differential ensures that pasture predominates. However where prominent visual feature. It tends erosion along the slopes, to occur on the steeper, upper particularly those facing west, has the slopes are moderately steep or gentle the agriculture is more slopes where land is less created a series of visually cultivable. prominent, rounded undulations mixed with some arable cropping. and hillocks. Water retention is poor and areas under arable production need Ecological corridors are variable depending to some extent upon Soils and Land Use regular irrigation during the summer months. Topsoil can dry the enclosure patterns and land- The sandstone bedrock gives rise use. In areas of smaller, irregular to a reddish, coarse, sandy loam out very quickly and in cropping areas can be prone to wind fields the hedgerows are of variable depth, depending commonly mixed species with upon the steepness of slope. erosion. Where steep slopes have been cultivated then these holly, hazel and blackthorn. In These soils are well drained and areas of mixed farming and larger well-managed soils readily absorb are especially susceptible to erosion. fields the hedgerow network is more Needwood and South Derbyshire Claylands Character Area 68 79 fragmented and beginning to lose medium size and regular in steep, uncultivable slopes. Some its ecological function. In areas of outline, being more visually slopes are sparsely settled with late enclosure hedgerows are prominent in areas of mixed occasional farmsteads and generally single species farming. On steeper slopes where cottages. Traditional building hawthorn. woodland is traditionally more materials are almost exclusively prevalent, then fields may be red brick with Staffordshire blue Large mature hedgerow trees and smaller in size and more irregular clay tile roofs. Sandstone having the occasional parkland tree add and semi-regular in shape. been reserved mainly for to the ecological diversity. churches and larger estate Hedgerows are predominantly houses. In areas of remnant Tree Cover hawthorn, though in areas of parkland larger estate farms and Tree cover is apparent throughout semi-regular fields or along cottages are evident. In areas of this landscape type but is rarely historic boundaries the former common there are small visually prominent There are hedgerows are more diverse, groups of wayside cottages. scattered boundary trees along including species like hazel and hedgerows, often a mix of oak holly. The main environmental impacts and ash sparsely scattered in on this landscape are large scale areas of mixed farming. Transport sand and gravel quarrying, a Lanes through this landscape are concrete products factory and There are small woodlands infrequent and often restricted to modern farm buildings, including usually associated with the a single route running through the large chicken sheds. steeper less cultivable areas. The valley bottoms or gentler overall character is one of a well- gradients. When the occasional There are remains of medieval treed landscape, but the lane runs up a slope it is deer parks, notably Mansell Park undulating nature of the landform invariably winding with irregular and Ravensdale Park, associated ensures that whilst there are open width verges and often sunken. In with a once extensive hunting views across adjacent country areas of former common, like that forest; Duffield Frith, established views through the landscape and at Hulland Ward, the lanes are shortly after the Norman along the slopes are often straight and direct with wide, Conquest. Today there remain blocked or filtered by trees. uniform road verges. many fragmentary features including park pale, old Enclosure Built Environment routeways, and former fishponds. The enclosure pattern is generally Settlement has been sparse in on a small to medium scale. this landscape primarily due to Fields are predominantly small to

Summary The underlying geology of Permo-Triassic sandstone strongly influences both the physical and cultural characteristics of this landscape. The harder more resistant sandstone weathers away more slowly to form this undulating landform of steep valley sides and slopes. Differential erosion of the slopes themselves has created visually prominent rounded undulations and hillocks, most obvious on the west facing slopes.

Trees are well represented throughout, mainly as scattered hedgerow trees and the occasional small woodland. Views through the landscape are often restricted by both vegetation and landform, although there are views out across lower lying landscapes, particularly where this landscape occurs as a discrete slope.

The land-use is variable, depending upon the steepness of the slopes. It predominates as pasture with some mixed farming and arable on the gentler slopes. Where the pasture remains less intensive there are extensive areas of acid grassland. These support localised patches of gorse where the pasture is further neglected. This heathy association, as a result of the free draining soils, is further evidenced by the amount of bracken that can be seen in road verges, hedgerows and woodland margins.

As a result of the low agricultural potential of this landscape, primarily due to landform, there is very little settlement throughout this landscape type. Some of the more remote slopes are unsettled whilst others have sparsely scattered farmsteads and estate cottages, built in the local red brick with Staffordshire blue tile roofs. In areas of former common there are small collections of wayside cottages. Remains of elements of a medieval deer park at Ravensdale constitute an impressive relict landscape.

Needwood and South Derbyshire Claylands Character Area 68 80 LANDSCAPE TYPE: SANDSTONE SLOPES AND HEATHS

Planting and Management Guidelines

Moderate to steeply undulating pastoral landscape with thinly scattered plantations and hedgerow trees.

Primary woodland character: Thinly scattered small broadleaved plantations.

Primary tree character: Thinly scattered hedgerow trees.

Woodland vision: Thinly scattered small broadleaved plantations.

Tree vision: Thinly scattered hedgerow trees.

Typical woodland size range: 0.5 - 10 ha small

Woodland pattern: Regular plantations

● Ensure the use of indigenous tree and shrub species, including a proportion of large, long-lived species. ● Ensure a balance is maintained between new woodland planting and areas of nature conservation value.

Needwood and South Derbyshire Claylands Character Area 68 81 LANDSCAPE TYPE: SANDSTONE SLOPES AND HEATHS

Woodland Species Mix Neutral/slightly acidic soils Primary Tree Species 50% Acer campestre Field Maple Fraxinus excelsior Ash Quercus robur Pedunculate Oak

Secondary Tree Species 20% Major Betula pendula Silver Birch Malus sylvestris Crab Apple Minor Populus tremula Aspen Prunus avium Gean Prunus padus Bird Cherry Salix cinerea Grey Willow Sorbus aucuparia Rowan Taxus baccata Yew

Shrubs 10-30% Major Corylus avellana Hazel Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Minor Cornus sanguinea Dogwood Lonicera periclymenum Honeysuckle Prunus spinosa Blackthorn Rhamnus cathartica Purging Buckthorn Rosa canina Dog Rose Viburnum opulus Guelder Rose

Open Space 0-20%

Hedgerow Species Mix Suitable hedgerow plants Suitable hedgerow trees

Primary 70-75% Primary 70-75% Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Fraxinus excelsior Ash

Secondary 25-30% Secondary 25-30% Acer campestre Field Maple Acer campestre Field Maple Corylus avellana Hazel Ilex aquifolium Holly Occasional 0-5%* Prunus spinosa Blackthorn Malus sylvestris Crab Apple Prunus avium Gean Occasional 0-5% Prunus padus Bird Cherry Cornus sanguinea Dogwood Sorbus aucuparia Rowan Lonicera periclymenum Honeysuckle Rhamnus cathartica Purging Buckthorn * only to be used if occurring locally within Rosa canina Dog Rose the landscape character type Viburnum opulus Guelder Rose

Needwood and South Derbyshire Claylands Character Area 68 82 LANDSCAPE TYPE: ESTATE FARMLANDS

This is a broad, gently rolling lowland mixed farming landscape with estates. Woodland is well represented throughout with small estate woodlands, dense watercourse trees, scattered hedgerow trees and localised parkland trees. There are occasional red brick villages and scattered estate farmsteads and country houses.

and as a result the land-use Key Characteristics within this landscape type is Gently rolling lowland dissected by minor river valleys mixed farming, with intensive Seasonally waterlogged fine loamy soils over Permo-Triassic arable cropping and improved mudstones, siltstones and sandstones permanent pasture. Pasture is Mixed farming with intensive arable cropping and improved most prevalent on the slightly permanent pasture heavier soils over mudstone and Prominent estate woodlands with broadleaf and coniferous species on the locally steeper slopes. Scattered oak and ash trees along hedgerows Dense lines of trees along streams Ecology Small to medium size semi-regular and regular fields enclosed by Ecologically this landscape type is hedgerows poor as a result of intensive Small villages constructed of red brick with clay tiled roofs farming practices. The arable Scattered red brick estate farmsteads and the occasional country crops and improved permanent house pastures and leys are of little ecological value. Remnant unimproved grassland is now Geology and Landform Soils and Land Use confined to the road margins and The undulating geology The underlying geology supports the occasional field margin in comprises of alternating bands of a deep, fine loamy soil with some pastoral areas. Permo-Triassic mudstones, slight local variation based on the siltstones and sandstones. The precise nature of the bedrock. Terrestrial corridors are strong differential weathering and The subsoils are slowly with many good hedgerows and erosion of the bedrock has given permeable so these soils are lines of trees along watercourses. rise to a gently rolling topography prone to some seasonal The value of some hedgerows where the harder sandstone waterlogging. However, any has been much reduced by poor forms the shallow ridges and hills. waterlogging is usually only for management, with many Where sandstone is more short periods. hedgerows over-flailed and prevalent in the bedrock the becoming gappy. landform becomes more The landform and soils undulating with steeper slopes. collectively form land of above Numerous small woodland blocks average quality for agriculture interlink, forming a more complex network of habitats

Needwood and South Derbyshire Claylands Character Area 68 83 supplementing the terrestrial blocks may assist in framing longer gradients. These lanes with corridors. The value of these views to landscapes beyond. irregular width verges connect woodland blocks is diminished by the small villages and scattered virtue of their more ornamental Enclosure estate farmsteads. nature and composition of This is a landscape of small to coniferous and non-native medium size fields, which are There are many footpaths and species. predominantly sub-regular in green lanes which also connect shape but display much local the settlements. Many of these Wet pasture and patches of variation in pattern as a result of are historic routeways and are marsh with Juncus are a feature the area’s diverse history of often bound by hedgerows with a of some of the minor stream enclosure. The intensification in diverse species composition. valleys. Mercaston Marsh is an arable farming in recent years important wetland meadow site has led to the loss of many field Built Environment and is a designated SSSI. It boundaries with numerous small This is a sparsely populated exhibits a range of habitats which fields amalgamated into larger landscape. At Kedleston this is would once have been much units. the result of the removal of the more widespread in other stream village, as part of the creation of valleys that dissect this Around villages the fields tend to the landscaped park. Villages, like landscape. be smaller and semi-regular in Weston Underwood and shape, reflecting the enclosure of Mercaston, tend to be small and Bracken is occasionally present in land from former open fields. nucleated, often being located road verges being indicative of a Where these boundaries remain away from modern through heathier habitat. This is most in good condition the reverse ‘S’ routes. Most of these settlements notable where the soils are freer of former selion strips can still be have grown relatively little, draining, over sandstone or on seen. In these areas of earlier although modern infill steeper slopes. enclosure many of the hedgerows development is beginning to contain a good variety of species modify their original loose knit Tree Cover including holly, hazel, blackthorn character. Trees and especially woodlands and hawthorn. are well represented in this Between the villages there are landscape type and play an Where land was enclosed from sparsely scattered large estate important role in emphasising its former parkland the field pattern farmsteads, built in the local red estate character. Scattered, has a larger scale and regular brick with Staffordshire blue clay mature boundary trees, usually a outline and as a result have less tile roofs. mix of oak and ash, are found diverse hedgerows with hawthorn along most hedgerows. The as the main species. A key feature of this landscape wooded character is reinforced by and quintessential to its character dense lines of trees along Today the estate influence is still is the Kedleston Estate. watercourses, typically alder and evident. Many of the hedgerows Kedleston Hall is a Grade 1 listed willow but also the occasional oak are formally managed and building and a superb example of or ash. In and around the small regularly flail cut into a box or a Georgian country house. The villages amenity trees are trapezoid outline. house, its pleasure gardens and prominent, as are the parkland garden buildings stand within an trees where they occur. Transport outstanding landscaped park, all There is a dense network of designed by Robert Adam. The Woodlands tend to occur as small winding lanes that reflect the pleasure gardens and park are estate plantations, tree belts and irregular outline of the semi- also registered Grade 1. small coverts, formerly managed regular fields or follow the easier by estates for game rearing. As a result much of the estate woodlands are predominantly broadleaf species and have regular shaped outlines. Locally around Kedleston Park the landscape appears to be more wooded due in part to the existence of some much larger adjacent woodlands.

Together the trees combine to restrict or filter views through the landscape. Where hedgerow trees are less obvious woodland Needwood and South Derbyshire Claylands Character Area 68 84 LANDSCAPE TYPE: ESTATE FARMLANDS

Summary Like much of the midlands lowlands the landform and topography is shaped by the underlying sequence of Permo-Triassic mudstones, siltstones and sandstones. The differential weathering of this geology gives rise to a gently rolling landscape, locally undulating where the sandstone is most prevalent. Although there is some local variation in soils, relating to the variations in both geology and landform, they tend to be free draining fine loams that are prone to short-lived seasonal waterlogging.

However, it is not the physical factors that are most influencing the character of this landscape but its cultural associations with large estates and parks. These include both existing parks like that at Kedleston and former parks such as Meynell Langley.

Woodland is a dominant feature, affecting the character of the landscape and influencing the views through it and from it to adjacent landscapes. The estate influences are clearly evident, with many of the woodlands being mixed species plantations, managed as game coverts or for commercial timber. The woodlands are generally small in size and have regular outlines. The wooded character of this landscape is further emphasised by dense lines of watercourse trees and scattered hedgerow trees.

The landscape is perceived as medium scale due to the small to medium size fields between the trees and woodlands. The fields display a variety of patterns, reflecting the diverse nature of enclosure and more recent effects of agricultural intensification. Many of the hedgerows are well managed, and indeed over-managed, by flail cutting.

At the heart of this landscape lies Kedleston Hall, one of the finest country houses in England, standing in an idealised ‘classical’ parkland landscape.

Needwood and South Derbyshire Claylands Character Area 68 85 LANDSCAPE TYPE: ESTATE FARMLANDS

Planting and Management Guidelines

A gently rolling mixed farming landscape with densely scattered small estate plantations, hedgerow trees and watercourse trees.

Primary woodland character: Densely scattered small mainly broadleaved plantations.

Primary tree character: Densely scattered hedgerow and dense watercourse trees.

Woodland vision: Densely scattered small mainly broadleaved plantations.

Tree vision: Densely scattered hedgerow and dense watercourse trees.

Typical woodland size range: 0.5 - 10ha small

Woodland pattern: Regular plantations

● Small-medium scale woodland planting ● Promote linked extensions to ancient woodland by natural regeneration and planting. ● Re-establish and enhance physical links between existing isolated woodland and hedgerows. ● Enhance the visual and ecological continuity of river corridors by management, natural regeneration and planting of riparian trees.

Needwood and South Derbyshire Claylands Character Area 68 86 LANDSCAPE TYPE: ESTATE FARMLANDS

Woodland Species Mix Neutral/slightly acidic soils Waterlogged conditions on all soil types Primary Tree Species 50% Primary Tree Species 50% Acer campestre Field Maple + Alnus glutinosa Alder Fraxinus excelsior Ash + Salix fragilis Crack Willow Quercus robur Pedunculate Oak

Secondary Tree Species 20% Secondary Tree Species 20% Major Major Betula pendula Silver Birch Betula pubescens Downy Birch Malus sylvestris Crab Apple Salix caprea Goat Willow Minor Minor Populus tremula Aspen Populus tremula Aspen Prunus avium Gean Prunus padus Bird Cherry Salix cinerea Grey Willow Sorbus aucuparia Rowan Taxus baccata Yew

Shrubs 10-30% Shrubs 10-30% Major Major Corylus avellana Hazel Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Minor Minor Prunus spinosa Blackthorn Cornus sanguinea Dogwood Rhamnus cathartica Purging Buckthorn Ilex aquifolium Holly Salix purpurera Purple Willow Lonicera periclymenum Honeysuckle Salix triandra Almond Willow Prunus spinosa Blackthorn Salix viminalis Osier Rhamnus cathartica Purging Buckthorn Rosa canina Dog Rose Viburnum opulus Guelder Rose

Open Space 0-20% Open space 0-20%

+ Watercourse Trees - tree species most appropriate for planting as watercourse trees.

Hedgerow Species Mix Suitable hedgerow plants Suitable hedgerow trees

Primary 70-75% Primary 70-75% Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Fraxinus excelsior Ash Quercus robur Pedunculate Oak Secondary 25-30% Acer campestre Field Maple Secondary 25-30% Corylus avellana Hazel Acer campestre Field Maple Ilex aquifolium Holly Prunus spinosa Blackthorn Occasional 0-5%* Malus sylvestris Crab Apple Occasional 0-5% Prunus avium Gean Cornus sanguinea Dogwood Prunus padus Bird Cherry Lonicera periclymenum Honeysuckle Sorbus aucuparia Rowan Rhamnus cathartica Purging Buckthorn Rosa canina Dog Rose * only to be used if occurring locally within the landscape character type

Needwood and South Derbyshire Claylands Character Area 68 87 Needwood and South Derbyshire Claylands Character Area 68 88 LANDSCAPE TYPE: RIVERSIDE MEADOWS

Flat flood plains, containing meandering rivers and streams with dense trees along riverbanks. A pastoral landscape of generally large hedged fields with trees scattered along boundaries.

improvements and flood Key Characteristics protection measures. Flat floodplains containing meandering rivers and streams Seasonally waterlogged soils over alluvium Ecology Permanent pasture The Sutton Brook and its Localised patches of rushes in damp hollows tributaries are narrow with Scattered locally dense trees along watercourses; widespread alder unpolluted water making it very and localised willow valuable as a freshwater habitat. Scattered trees along boundaries The river Dove is fairly wide and Regular shaped fields bounded by hawthorn hedges deep with relatively clean water. Lanes alongside or crossing the floodplain All these watercourses are Active and disused railway lines with secondary woodland along important wildlife habitats, as are embankments their banks and margins. Some old oxbow lakes such as Old Geology and Landform Soils and Land Use Marston SSSI are diverse The underlying sediment of these The soils are seasonally habitats of value as part of the flat floodplains consists of alluvial waterlogged clayey loams. Some river corridor. mud lying over gravels, deposited areas are more permanently by the rivers in times of flood. The waterlogged and some hollows The remaining unimproved gravel acts as an aquifer carrying retain floodwater long after the pasture occurs in concentrations water from the adjoining land into majority of floods have subsided. along the Dove, north of the rivers and so is permanently The predominant land use is Doveridge. Pasture with a high waterlogged. In places there are pastoral. water table and where the soil is natural raised banks to the rivers permanently wet is important known as levees. These are The flood plain makes good ecologically for its species-rich formed as a result of the quality fattening pastures. The flora, ground beetles and birds deposition of sediment by waning wet, fine textured soils and risk of such as curlew and snipe. floodwaters. The upper floodplain flooding make the land difficult to However such habitats are brooks are narrow, such as work for arable cropping, becoming increasingly rare, as Sutton and Markeaton Brook. The although some arable fields can former pastures have often been floodplain broadens out down the be found in the lower Dove Valley converted to arable following lower part of the Dove. as a result of recent drainage drainage improvements.

Needwood and South Derbyshire Claylands Character Area 68 89 trees have been removed from floodplain, raised on the riverbanks as part of flood embankments that minimise the protection works and there is die risk of flooding. Occasionally back in other places. roads cross the valleys on bridges over the rivers. There are also mature trees scattered along field boundaries, The railways follow the floor of the chiefly oak, ash and willow. floodplain along the Dove, often on raised embankments. Both watercourse and boundary Pastoral grazing on the floodplain trees are noticeably denser in the Built Environment Further habitat diversity is more intimate landscape of the Historically there would have provided by bands of scrub and Sutton Brook valley, giving a more been little built development on secondary woodland that fringe wooded aspect. the floodplain, excepting the transport corridors. occasional water mill for grinding Enclosure corn. There are occasional Improved drainage, conversion to Fields are medium to large sized farmsteads on the higher, better arable and localised culverting is and of sub-regular shape; the drained parts of the floodplain. leading to a significant loss of larger fields being found in the Because of their unsuitability for meadowland. lower river valleys. Many of the built development some floodplain boundaries are comprised of tall areas have been made over to Tree Cover and gappy thorn hedgerows. recreational use. Sections of the There are dense lines of trees river and meadowland are lost along riverbanks, mainly alder but Transport entirely in places where they have with occasional willows. Some The lanes and major roads tend been culverted or drained. to run along the edge of the

Summary This flat river meadow landscape is characterised by a narrow alluvium floodplain in the upper river and brook valleys, which broaden out in the lower Dove. The upper river and brook areas are more treed and as they are also narrower have filtered views and are more intimate. Views become more open as the tree cover becomes more scattered along the lower stretches of the rivers and where there are less hedgerow trees and the floodplain widens.

Medium to large sized pastoral fields of sub-regular shape are enclosed by hedgerows, many of which are gappy and neglected.

Although largely unsettled, transport routes (road and railway) dominate the landscape in the lower Dove.

Historical ridge and furrow add local distinctiveness to the river meadows.

Changes to river meadows by the introduction of drainage schemes to produce improved pasture and arable farmland are threatening the river meadow pastoral landscape.

Needwood and South Derbyshire Claylands Character Area 68 90 LANDSCAPE TYPE: RIVERSIDE MEADOWS

Planting and Management Guidelines

An open floodplain with dense watercourse trees.

Primary woodland character: Unwooded

Primary tree character: Dense watercourse trees

Woodland vision: Occasional small wet woodlands

Tree vision: Dense watercourse trees

Typical woodland size range: 0.5 - 5 ha

Woodland pattern: Organic / linear

● Ensure the use of indigenous tree and shrub species, including a proportion of large, long lived species. ● Ensure a balance is maintained between new woodland planting and areas of nature conservation value. ● Enhance the visual and ecological continuity of river corridors by management, natural regeneration and planting of riparian trees. ● Encourage the continuing practice of pollarding to maintain the traditional riparian character of the landscape.

Needwood and South Derbyshire Claylands Character Area 68 91 LANDSCAPE TYPE: RIVERSIDE MEADOWS

Woodland Species Mix Waterlogged conditions on all soil types Primary Tree Species 50% + Alnus glutinosa Alder + Salix fragilis Crack Willow

Secondary Tree Species 20% Major Betula pubescens Downy Birch Salix caprea Goat Willow Minor Ilex aquifolium Holly Populus tremula Aspen

Shrubs 10-30% Major Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Minor Prunus spinosa Blackthorn Rhamnus cathartica Purging Buckthorn Salix purpurera Purple Willow Salix triandra Almond Willow Salix viminalis Osier

Open space 0-20%

+ Watercourse Trees - tree species most appropriate for planting as watercourse trees.

Hedgerow Species Mix Suitable hedgerow plants Suitable hedgerow trees

Primary 85-100% Primary 70-75% Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Fraxinus excelsior Ash Quercus robur Pedunculate Oak Occasional 0-15% Salix fragilis Crack Willow Acer campestre Field Maple Prunus spinosa Blackthorn Secondary 25-30% Acer campestre Field Maple

Occasional 0-5%* Malus sylvestris Crab Apple Prunus avium Gean Prunus padus Bird Cherry Sorbus aucuparia Rowan

* only to be used if occurring locally within the landscape character type

Needwood and South Derbyshire Claylands Character Area 68 92 TRENT VALLEY WASHLANDS CHARACTER AREA 69 An agricultural landscape set within broad, open river valleys with many urban features

Landscape Character Types

¥ Lowland Village Farmlands ¥ Riverside Meadows

“We therefore continue our course along the arched causeway glancing on either side at the fertile meadows which receive old Trent’s annual bounty, in the shape of fattening floods, and which amply return the favour by supporting herds of splendid cattle upon his water-worn banks.....” page 248 ‘Guide to Derbyshire’, Bemrose’

Location of Trent Meadows permanent pasture is Physical Influences Valley Washlands occasionally defined by small, The area is defined by an hedged fields with scattered Introduction underlying geology of Mercia The Trent Valley Washlands hedgerow trees, but more Mudstones overlain with a variety constitute a distinct, broad, linear frequently by medium to large of fluvio-glacial, periglacial and band which follows the middle hedged fields with sparsely river deposits of mostly sand and reaches of the slow flowing River scattered trees. On the raised gravel, to form terraces flanking Trent, forming a crescent from river terraces of the Lowland the rivers. Burton on Trent in the west to Village Farmlands pasture gives Long Eaton in the east. It also way to mixed farming with larger The gravel terraces of the includes the lower reaches of the more regular sized fields. Within Lowland Village Farmlands form river Dove and Derwent. these arable areas hedgerows coarse, sandy loam whilst the are low and tightly trimmed and Riverside Meadows are To the north the valley rises up to hedgerow trees are few. predominantly a heavy clay loam. the South Derbyshire Claylands Woodlands are few throughout Locally distinct to the Midlands and the Derbyshire Coalfield, the area although occasionally and occurring only in a few areas whilst the south is bounded by the the full growth of riparian trees south of Derby, at Stenson Fields Melbourne Parklands and Mease/ and shrubs give the impression of and Sinfin Moor, the Wet Pasture Sence Lowlands. woodland cover. Meadows are characterised by grey, calcareous clays affected by This is a somewhat fragmented Large power stations dominate ground water and occasional landscape of pastoral and arable the scene with their massive flooding. land, intermixed with urban cooling towers. Some are being development, transport routes “decommissioned” and will soon These variations in soils and and localised mineral extraction. be demolished. levels have determined the nature The rivers regularly flood over the of agricultural practices and adjacent land creating a Sand and gravel extraction and settlement patterns. Mixed temporary but very different subsequent restoration has farming and the villages of the scene. created localised areas of open Lowland Village Farmlands are water. Major roads like the A50, located on the slightly higher The broad, meandering rivers are south of Derby, and the A52 from levels which are freer draining unobtrusive and often only Derby to Nottingham further and less prone to flooding, whilst revealed by lines of willows and dissect the area. the unsettled pastoral areas form poplars. In the Riverside the Riverside Meadows of the

Trent Valley Washlands Character Area 69 93 flood plain. The open floodplains The evidence for these are constructed from imported play a vital role in coping with settlements and field systems is sandstones. increased volumes of water in the now generally only visible on Trent system during times of aerial photographs although With the developing use of water flood. some upstanding monuments do power, mills were constructed on survive, such as the prehistoric the more accessible tributaries in Natural Influences barrows at Swarkestone Lowes the floodplain. However, the risk Agriculture remains the and Round Hill in Twyford and of flooding restricted settlement predominant land-use with Stenson Parish. on the Riverside Meadows. When improved pasture and arable on water power was replaced by the slightly higher river terraces of As is often the case, the pattern coal, the proximity of the the Lowland Village Farmlands. of settlement and enclosure Derbyshire Coalfield and an Pasture is the main land-use visible today was established in improving transport network in the adjacent to the river on the the Anglo-Saxon Period, as place 18th and 19th centuries, led to the Riverside Meadows. names such as Aston and growth of the textile and Weston-on-Trent or Swarkestone engineering industries . Areas of traditional semi-natural indicate. Enclosure of the habitats such as wet grasslands medieval open fields and In the 20th century plentiful and marsh, small fields with commons by parliamentary supplies of nearby coal, as well species rich grasslands, ponds enclosure and private agreement as easy access by rail, led to the and ditches, and wet woodlands had begun by the eighteenth construction of large coal-fired have all been marginalised or century. The enclosures are power stations. The Trent valley isolated by modern farming generally quite large and regular continues to accommodate practice and the deepening and and many have been enlarged in important transport routes with canalisation of the river Trent, recent decades. Some areas of road, rail and canals threading which has drained adjacent land. ridge and furrow survive but much through its length. Modern roads In some areas there has been has been lost due to intensive like the A50 and A52 have a considerable loss of hedgerows arable farming on the gravel major impact on the landscape as through removal to enlarge fields terraces in particular. they cross the area from east to for arable crops or through west, often dissecting historic neglect. The villages of the Lowland lanes across the floodplain. Village Farmlands are compact The rivers themselves and their and nucleated although tributaries are recognised as settlements like Hilton, Breaston valuable wildlife corridors both for and Draycott have expanded terrestrial animals and migratory rapidly in the 20th century to Other Considerations birds. Mineral extraction has sprawl across the valley. The created additional open water traditional building materials of ¥ Lowland Derbyshire BAP areas, marshes and wet the historic settlements are red ¥ On Trent Initiative woodland, some of which have brick with Staffordshire blue clay ¥ Trent Valley Supplementary become important wildlife tile roofs. High status buildings Planning Guidance (draft) habitats.

Human Influences The Trent Valley has been a focus of human activity since early prehistory. The gravel terraces with their light soils attracted settlement from the Neolithic period onwards and from as early as the Iron Age there is evidence for the establishment of boundaries within the landscape. Swarkestone bridge

Trent Valley Washlands Character Area 69 94 LANDSCAPE TYPE: LOWLAND VILLAGE FARMLANDS

This is a large scale, open, gently rolling lowland landscape associated with the lower slopes and terraces of broad floodplains. A mixed farming landscape defined by medium to large regular fields with thorn hedges, punctuated by villages.

Ecology With a long tradition of mixed Key Characteristics farming with intensive cropping, Gently rolling, almost flat lowland with river terraces this landscape is ecologically Low slopes and summits give a sense of elevation over a broad poor. Terrestrial corridors, in the floodplain form of hedgerows, streams and Mixed farming with arable cropping and improved pasture ditches persist but these are Thinly scattered hedgerow trees including some willow pollards becoming poorer owing to Scattered, locally dense, watercourse trees neglect, drainage schemes and Medium to large regular fields with thorn hedgerows further agricultural intensification. Discrete red brick villages with farms and cottages Large red brick outlying farms

Geology and Landform waterlogged, reddish fine loamy The underlying geology clayey and clayey soils derived comprises alternating bands of from Permo -Triassic mudstone Permo-Triassic red mudstones and alluvium. These support and siltstones. Within the Trent winter cereals, short-term Valley the bedrock has been grassland, dairy and stock overlain with a variety of rearing. Fields respond well to Newly created habitat at Willington fluvioglacial drifts, river terrace underdrainage but the less Canals and standing open water deposits and alluvium. permeable soils can suffer from provide additional habitat cattle poaching and a limited opportunities for wetland flora Soils and Land Use autumn season for sowing crops. and fauna, such as those found The soils are variable, relating to at the Hilton Gravel Pits SSSI. the underlying geology and drift The traditional land-use is mixed Further gravel extraction is material. Soils developed from farming with arable crops and providing opportunities for the fluvial drift and river terrace improved pasture, reflecting the increasing wetland habitats but deposits are deep and variation in the underlying soils. there are constraints due to permeable. They are variably Grassland is now restricted to the issues such as the proximity to affected by ground water which areas of heaviest soils and East Midlands Airport, flood flows supports short-term grassland smaller field parcels associated and availability of suitable fill. and cereals. Other soil types are with the villages. The presence of slowly permeable, seasonally fluvioglacial and river gravels has led to localised quarrying. Trent Valley Washlands Character Area 69 95 Tree cover flailed and becoming gappy. early prehistoric times particularly Tree cover is variable throughout Some hedgerows have been lost from the neolithic onwards. this landscape character type, to agricultural intensification. although it is rarely visually Villages are compact, with prominent. Sparsely scattered Transport cottages and farms built in the hedgerow trees are locally Country lanes are few and most local vernacular style of red brick prominent where the fields are are organic in character with with Staffordshire blue clay tile smaller, particularly in association irregular width verges. These roofs. with villages. Hedgerow trees are lanes connect the villages and generally a mix of oak and ash scattered farmsteads and connect with some willow. Many of the with crossing points in the Trent willows have been pollarded and Valley. There are also lanes form visually distinctive features. running parallel to the floodplain There are scattered, locally dense taking advantage of the slight trees along watercourses; elevation to avoid the risk of predominantly alder with some flooding. willow. There are localised parkland trees and avenues The importance of this landscape Aston-on-Trent around Elvaston Park, and small as a transport corridor is still evident, with the expansion and Between the villages there are amenity tree groups are found sparsely scattered farmsteads, adjacent to scattered farmsteads. construction of new roads like the A50 and A52, both forming again built in red brick. Adjacent In areas of former common, tree to former commons there are cover is very sparse. important east-west connections. These are busy routes and form a small collections of wayside cottages. Woodland is largely absent from prominent visual intrusion in the this landscape, or occurs as landscape. Modern roads have also impacted on the character of The combination of proximity to small, sparsely scattered blocks. Derby and Nottingham, and There are some small estate the traditional lanes, many of which have been widened to pass location on good transport woodlands in the proximity of corridors have lead to the rapid Elvaston. over new roads or been truncated by them. expansion of many villages, particularly noticeable at Hatton, Enclosure The Trent and Mersey Canal was Hilton, Borrowash and Breaston. The enclosure pattern is an Today the urban fringes are important characteristic in once a major industrial transport route. It now caters mainly for characterised by large modern defining the scale of this housing estates. landscape type. Hedgerows, recreational water traffic crossing the area from south-east of predominantly hawthorn, enclose Other major impacts in this medium to large semi-regular and Egginton eastwards to Swarkestone. landscape relate to the regular fields. In areas of former construction of large power common, as at Etwall Common Built Environment stations like that at Willington with and around Hilton, the regular their extensive plant, pylons and field pattern is particularly Settlements are generally nucleated and some are much overhead power lines. There have prominent. In areas of earliest also been major changes to enclosure, immediately extended. Early settlement in the floodplain was constrained by landscape character as a result of surrounding settlements, large scale mineral extraction. hedgerows tend to be more mixed both flooding of the valley in composition and fields tend to bottoms and by heavy clays. As a result settlements are located on A significant feature within this be smaller and more sub-regular. landscape is Elvaston Castle with Some of these smaller fields have the gentle slopes and gravel river terraces, immediately off the its formal grounds and estate patches of ridge and furrow plantations. indicative of earlier medieval field floodplain, where drainage is systems. Many hedgerows are better. In fact the gravel terraces now poorly managed being over- were settled and utilised from

Trent Valley Washlands Character Area 69 96 LANDSCAPE TYPE: LOWLAND VILLAGE FARMLANDS

Summary The soft rocks of Permo-Triassic mudstones and siltstones with drift deposits have weathered away to form a very subdued, gently rolling lowland landscape that has strongly influenced the cultural patterns of the landscape. Soils reflect the geological variation, with heavy seasonally waterlogged soils over mudstone and lower lying areas, and with more permeable soils over localised drift and river terrace deposits. The resultant land-use is typically mixed, with cropping on the flatter, more cultivable, soils and improved pasture in damper areas.

A key feature of this landscape is its nucleated settlement pattern. Villages like Hatton and Weston-on-Trent are located on relatively high spots or better drained land immediately off the floodplain, in order to reduce the risk of flooding. The enclosure pattern reflects a diverse history. Immediately adjacent to the villages, fields are medium size, semi-regular, with areas of ridge and furrow reflecting the enclosure of medieval open fields. The hedges that enclose these fields are species rich. Beyond the villages there is a more regular pattern of fields suggesting a period of later enclosure and typically the hedgerows are single species hawthorn. The more regular fields are most obvious in areas of former common like Etwall Common and Egginton Common.

Villages are traditionally compact with cottages and farmsteads built in the local material of red brick with Staffordshire blue clay tile roofs. Some of these settlements like Hilton, Breaston and Borrowash have undergone rapid expansion during the 20th Century with the construction of new housing estates to serve the city of Derby.

Much of the original character of this landscape has been seriously impacted upon by modern large scale development. Large power stations dominate views across the landscape as do the many pylons carrying the resultant electricity. The gentle topography above the floodplain has always been attractive for road construction and modern roads like the A50 and A52 pass through this landscape. The underlying mineral deposits have resulted in localised gravel extraction and the restoration of these sites has created areas of immature agricultural land, also more recently, large water bodies.

Trent Valley Washlands Character Area 69 97 LANDSCAPE TYPE: LOWLAND VILLAGE FARMLANDS

Planting and Management Guidelines

Open, mixed farming landscape with thinly scattered plantations and hedgerow trees.

Primary woodland character: Thinly scattered small plantations

Primary tree character: Thinly scattered hedgerow

Woodland vision: Thinly scattered small plantations

Tree vision: Thinly scattered hedgerow

Typical woodland size range: 0.5 - 10ha small

Woodland pattern: Regular plantations

● Ensure the use of indigenous tree and shrub species, including a proportion of large, long lived species. ● Conserve and enhance the tree groups that occur within and around rural settlements and isolated farmsteads. ● Encourage the continuing practice of pollarding to maintain the traditional riparian character of the landscape. ● Ensure new woodland does not conflict with features (e.g. ridge and furrow) that help to define landscape character.

Trent Valley Washlands Character Area 69 98 LANDSCAPE TYPE: LOWLAND VILLAGE FARMLANDS

Woodland Species Mix Neutral/Base Rich Soils Waterlogged Conditions on all soil types Primary Tree Species 50% Primary Tree Species 50% Fraxinus excelsior Ash + Alnus glutinosa Alder Quercus robur Pedunculate Oak + Salix fragilis Crack Willow

Secondary Tree Species 20% Secondary Tree Species 20% Major Major Acer campestre Field Maple Betula pubescens Downy Birch Ilex aquifolium Holly Fraxinus excelsior Ash Minor Minor Malus sylvestris Crab Apple * Populus nigra ssp. Populus tremula Aspen betulifolia Black Poplar Sorbus aucuparia Rowan Quercus robur Pedunculate Oak Tilia cordata Small Leaved Lime Salix caprea Goat Willow

Shrubs 10-30% Shrubs 10-30% Major Major Corylus avellana Hazel Salix cinerea Grey Willow Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Sambucus nigra Elder Minor Minor Prunus spinosa Blackthorn Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Rhamnus cathartica Purging Buckthorn Frangula alnus Alder Buckthorn Salix cinerea Grey Willow Rhamnus cathartica Purging Buckthorn Salix viminalis Osier Viburnum opulus Guelder Rose

Open space 0-20% Open space 0-20%

+ Watercourse Trees - tree species most appropriate for planting as watercourse trees.

* Plant only native Black Poplar (sub species betulifolia). Contact Derbyshire Wildlife Trust for more information.

Hedgerow Species Mix Suitable hedgerow plants Suitable hedgerow trees

Primary 70-75% Primary 95-100% Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Fraxinus excelsior Ash Quercus robur Pedunculate Oak Secondary 25-30% Acer campestre Field Maple Secondary 25-30% Corylus avellana Hazel Acer campestre Field Maple Ilex aquifolium Holly Tilia cordata Small Leaved Lime Prunus spinosa Blackthorn Occasional 0-5%* Occasional 0-5% Malus sylvestris Crab Apple Rhamnus cathartica Purging Buckthorn Populus tremula Aspen Sorbus aucuparia Rowan

* only to be used if occurring locally within the landscape character type

Trent Valley Washlands Character Area 69 99 Trent Valley Washlands Character Area 69 100 LANDSCAPE TYPE: RIVERSIDE MEADOWS

Broad flat floodplains, containing meandering rivers and streams with scattered trees along riverbanks. A pastoral landscape of generally large hedged fields with trees scattered along boundaries.

Ecology Key Characteristics The lower Dove, Derwent and Flat floodplains containing meandering rivers and streams River Trent are important fresh Seasonally waterlogged soils over alluvium water habitats. The open water Intensive permanent pasture provides important wildlife Localised patches of rushes in damp hollows habitats, as do their banks and Dense watercourse trees, mainly alder with some localised willow margins. Important ecological Scattered trees along hedgerows and ditches sites include the Old River Dove Regular shaped fields bounded by hawthorn hedges SSSI at Marston-on-Dove and Lanes alongside or crossing floodplain Lockington Marshes SSSI. Generally uninhabited with sparsely scattered, isolated farmsteads Localised patches of unimproved Geology and Landform Soils and Land Use pasture occur along the Dove, The underlying geology of these The soils are seasonally Derwent and Trent. Pastures with flat floodplains consists of alluvial waterlogged clayey loams. Some a high water table, where the soil mud lying over gravels deposited areas are more permanently is permanently wet, are important by the rivers in times of flood. The waterlogged and some hollows ecologically for their species-rich gravel acts as an aquifer carrying retain floodwater long after the flora, ground beetles and birds, water from the adjoining land into majority of floods have subsided. such as curlew and snipe. the rivers and so is permanently The predominant land use is However these habitats are waterlogged. In places there are pasture. becoming increasingly rare, as natural raised banks to the rivers former pastures have often been known as levees. These are The flood plain makes good converted to arable following formed by the deposition of pasture and good quality fattening drainage improvements. sediment by waning floodwaters. pastures. The wet, fine textured soils and risk of flooding make the Gravel extraction is providing The floodplain broadens out in land difficult to work for arable opportunities for increasing these lower reaches of the rivers, cropping, although some arable wetland habitats but there are to form the broad flat floodplain of fields can be found in the valley as constraints due to the proximity to the lower Dove, Derwent and a result of recent drainage East Midlands Airport, flood flows River Trent. improvements and flood protection and availability of suitable fill. measures. Gravel extraction, combined with

Trent Valley Washlands Character Area 69 101 improved drainage and The Trent and Mersey Canal excepting the occasional water conversion to arable, is leading crosses the Dove on a viaduct mill for grinding corn. There are to a significant loss of meadow- north of Burton-on-Trent, leaving occasional red brick farmsteads lands. the Riverside Meadows for the on the higher, better drained parts Lowland Village Farmlands. It of the floodplain. Tree Cover follows the edge of the floodplain There are scattered lines of trees along the northern side of the The underlying mineral deposits along the riverbanks, mainly alder Trent, from Swarkestone to Trent have resulted in extensive gravel but with occasional willows. Many Lock in the east. Once an extraction in the lower Dove and trees have been removed from important transport route for early Trent floodplains. The restoration the riverbanks as part of flood industry, its use dramatically of gravel pits is changing from protection works and there is die- declined with the advent of the agricultural afteruses, to open back in other places. There are railways. It now carries water, resulting from the lack of also mature trees, chiefly oak, predominantly leisure craft. suitable fill material.In some ash and willow, scattered along sections of the Trent active gravel field boundaries. Pollarded extraction and open water willows form distinct localised strongly influences the landscape features in the landscape. character. Scattered trees in association with the flat topography filter Large power stations, located views through the landscape. within the Lowland Village Farmlands landscape character Enclosure type, dominate views and the The enclosure pattern is a key Built Environment A52, A50, A38 and M1 also feature defining the scale of this Historically there was little built visually intrude into this land- landscape type. Fields are development on the floodplain, scape. medium to large in size, being sub-regular or regular in shape. Fields are enclosed by hedgerows, predominantly hawthorn, which tend to be tall, limiting or filtering views through the landscape. Many of these hedges are becoming gappy due to poor management.

Transport By virtue of its generally Localised areas of ridge and furrow uninhabited nature there are few lanes crossing this landscape. Where lanes occur they are narrow with irregular verges, often direct, tending to cross the flood plain or run along its edge where the risk of flooding is lessened.

The A514 crosses the broad valley of the Trent on the medieval sandstone Swarkestone Causeway, a scheduled ancient monument and one of the largest such structures in the country.

Trent Valley Washlands Character Area 69 102 LANDSCAPE TYPE: RIVERSIDE MEADOWS

Summary This is a distinct landscape associated with the lower reaches of the rivers Dove, Derwent and Trent. Broad flat floodplains, with underlying alluvial deposits, have strongly influenced the cultural patterns that are evident today. The floodplain is often clearly defined by rising land on either side, whilst in the Trent Valley the landscape appears much broader because of gently rising valley sides.

The alluvium gives rise to clayey, seasonally waterlogged, soils. This is a landscape traditionally associated with pasture. Historically much of it would have remained unenclosed, as extensive fattening pastures for summer grazing. Pockets of free draining soil over areas of gravel or on slightly higher land would historically have been cultivated for crops and this is evidenced by the presence of localised ridge and furrow.

Pasture is still the prevailing land-use although with improvements to drainage there is an increasing move towards arable farming. Fields are medium to large in size and assist in defining the scale of the landscape. In areas of earlier piecemeal enclosure fields are sub-regular in shape. However, the majority of fields display a regular outline, typical of fields enclosed as part of the Parliamentary Enclosure Acts. The majority of these fields have single species hawthorn hedgerows.

Tree cover is not a prominent feature, although there are areas where trees are locally frequent and views through the landscape become filtered. Scattered trees, predominantly alder, fringe many of the rivers together with some willow, and there are sparsely scattered hedgerow trees. Hedgerow trees tend to be oak and ash with some willow. Where willows are still pollarded, they are a distinctive local feature. Long distance views tend to be restricted by the surrounding landform.

Historically this is an uninhabited landscape, due to the risk of flooding, and there are very few traditional buildings other than a few water mills. Roads and lanes are generally few in number and where they occur they tend to be straight and direct, either crossing the floodplains or running along the edge. The historic sandstone causeway at Swarkestone is a prominent local feature.

Recent impacts mostly relate to the extraction of sand and gravel, which often leaves large holes filled with water. There are impacts beyond this landscape type, mostly associated with modern roads, power stations and urban expansion.

Trent Valley Washlands Character Area 69 103 LANDSCAPE TYPE: RIVERSIDE MEADOWS

Planting and Management Guidelines

A broad, open floodplain with scattered hedgerow and watercourse trees.

Primary woodland character: Unwooded

Primary tree character: Thinly scattered hedgerow trees and dense watercourse trees.

Woodland vision: Occasional wet woodlands.

Tree vision: Thinly scattered hedgerow trees and dense watercourse trees.

Typical woodland size range: 0.5 - 5 ha small

Woodland pattern: Organic / linear

● Ensure the use of indigenous tree and shrub species, including a proportion of large, long lived species. ● Ensure a balance is maintained between new woodland planting and areas of nature conservation value. ● Enhance the visual and ecological continuity of river corridors by management, natural regeneration and planting of riparian trees. ● Encourage the continuing practice of pollarding to maintain the traditional riparian character of the landscape.

Trent Valley Washlands Character Area 69 104 LANDSCAPE TYPE: RIVERSIDE MEADOWS

Woodland Species Mix Waterlogged Conditions on all soil types Primary Tree Species 50% + Alnus glutinosa Alder + Salix fragilis Crack Willow

Secondary Tree Species 20% Major Betula pubescens Downy Birch Fraxinus excelsior Ash Minor * Populus nigra ssp. betulifolia Black Poplar Quercus robur Pedunculate Oak Salix caprea Goat Willow

Shrubs 10-30% Major Salix cinerea Grey Willow Sambucus nigra Elder Minor Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Frangula alnus Alder Buckthorn Rhamnus cathartica Purging Buckthorn Salix viminalis Osier Viburnum opulus Guelder Rose

Open space 0-20%

+ Watercourse trees - tree species most appropriate for planting as watercourse trees.

* Plant only native Black Poplar (sub species betulifolia). Contact Derbyshire Wildlife Trust for more information.

Hedgerow Species Mix Suitable hedgerow plants Suitable hedgerow trees

Primary 85-90% Primary 95-100% Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Fraxinus excelsior Ash Quercus robur Pedunculate Oak Secondary 10-15% Salix fragilis Crack Willow Acer campestre Field Maple Corylus avellana Hazel Secondary 25-30% Prunus spinosa Blackthorn Acer campestre Field Maple Tilia cordata Small Leaved Lime Occasional 0-5% Rhamnus cathartica Purging Buckthorn Occasional 0-5%* Malus sylvestris Crab Apple Populus tremula Aspen Sorbus aucuparia Rowan

* only to be used if occurring locally within the landscape character type

Trent Valley Washlands Character Area 69 105 Trent Valley Washlands Character Area 69 106 The Landscape Character of Derbyshire Dales