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Landscape Types & Character Areas Landscape Types & Character Areas

1.0 6.1 central Mendip p.115 6.5 Batcombe Downs and Valleys p.208 LCA – a1 Black Down Hill LCA – d1 The Downs, Slopes and Valley Heads LCA – a2 The Mendip Plateau LCA – d2 The Alham Valley LCA – a3 The Harptree Chewton Edge LCA – a4 The Mendip South Western Facing Slopes 6.6 Lias Lowlands and Ridges p.215 a4.1 The Draycott - Westbury Slopes LCA – e1 Whitelake Valley a4.2 The Strawberry Belt E1.1 The Whitelake Valley a4.3 and The Upper Axe e1.2 The Pilton - Worminster Ridge a4.4 The Wells Bowl LCA – e2 Brue Valley 6.2 East mendip ( to ) p.137 E2.1 Brue Lowlands LCA – a5 The Maesbury - Cranmore Ridge and Slopes e2.2 The Strawberry Belt LCA – a6 sheppey Valley - , & e2.3 Farmlands & Orchards LCA – a7 The Leigh, Stoke & Northern Flank LCA – e3 polden Ridge LCA – a8 The Northern & Eastern Mendip Farmlands LCA – e4 isle of Avalon LCA – a9 The and Norton Valleys LCA – e5 pennard Ridge LCA – a10 The Mells Valley LCA – a11 Mendip South Eastern Farmlands 6.7 The moors p.234 LCA – F1 stoke, and Knowle Moor Areas 6.3 frome valley p.177 LCA – F2 Moors LCA – B1 The Upper Frome Valley F2.1 Meare Heath B1.1 The South West Upper Valley F2.2 Queens B1.2 The Garre Hill Greensand Ridge F2.2 Westhay Meare Island B1.3 The Selwood, Berkley & Rudge Ridges F2.3 Godney Island LCA – B2 Frome Fringes F2.4 B2.1 Marston Gate - Egford Hill and the Leys F2.5 Westhay - Meare Moors B2.2 The Watcombe Valley and Cuckoo Lane LCA – F3 south Moor and Kennard Moor B2.3 Gipsy Lane to Whitechapple Farm LCA – F4 Moor B2.4 Frome Bypass and Infrastructure Corridor B2.5 Little Keyford and 6.8 islands p.255 LCA – B3 Lower Frome Valley LCA – G1 Lower Sheppey Valley LCA – G2 Bleadney - Wookey Ridge 6.4 Cotswold Edge p.198 LCA – G3 polsham - Lodge Hill Hillocks LCA – c1 Foxcote Slopes LCA – c2 norton St Phillip, Buckland & Orchardleigh Ridge LCA – c3 Wheel Brook/Buckland Valleys

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6.1 Central MendiP

1.0 MENDIP CHARACTER AREAS

A1 Black Down and The Northern Slopes

A2 The Mendip Plateau

A1 A3 The Harptree Chewton Edge

A4 The Mendip South Western Slopes A4.1 The Draycott Westbury Slopes a4.2 The Strawberry Belt a4.3 ebbor Gorge and the Upper Axe a4.4 The Wells Bowl CHEDDAR A3 A2

A4.1 A4.2

A4.3 A4.4

WELLS

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6.1 Central MendiP

1.0 MENDIP CHARACTER AREAS

A1 Black Down and The Northern Slopes A2 The Mendip Plateau A3 The Harptree Chewton Edge A4 The Mendip South Western Slopes A1 A4.1 The Draycott Westbury Slopes a4.2 The Strawberry Belt a4.3 ebbor Gorge and the Upper Axe a4.4 The Wells Bowl

CHEDDAR A3 A2

A4.1 A4.2

A4.3 WEDMORE A4.4

WELLS

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6.1 Central MendiP

1.0 MENDIP CHARACTER AREAS

A1 Black Down and The Northern Slopes NS-E1 A2 The Mendip Plateau A3 The Harptree Chewton Edge A4 The Mendip South Western Slopes A1 BANES-3 BANES-6 A4.1 The Draycott Westbury Slopes a4.2 The Strawberry Belt BANES-4 SED-4 a4.3 ebbor Gorge and the Upper Axe a4.4 The Wells Bowl

CHEDDAR A3 A2 SED-3 SED-5

SED-2 1.0 ADJACENT CHARACTER AREAS

A4.1 Bath & North East A4.2 BANES-3 Upper Chew and Yeo Valley BANES-4 Mendip Slopes A4.3 BANES-6 and Newton St Low Plateaux Lands

WEDMORE A4.4 NS-E1 Limestone Ridges and SED-7 WELLS Sedgemoor SED-1 Levels and Moors: Moors SED-1 SED-2 Levels and Moors: Clay Moors SED-3 Mendips: Strawberry Belt and Footslope Villages SED-4 Mendips: Scarp Slope, West Mendip Summits & SED-5 Mendips: Mendip Plateau SED-7 Lowland Hills: Isle of Wedmore

117 |  | Landscape Types & Character Areas SETTLEMENTS IN CENTRAL MENDIP

Priddy Litton

118 |  | Landscape Types & Character Areas SETTLEMENTS IN CENTRAL MENDIP Strawberry Line Villages KEY PLAN Draycott

Draycott

Rodney Stoke

Westbury-Sub-Mendip

Easton

Wookey

Westbury Sub Mendip Easton Wookey

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6.0 Landscape Types & Character Areas

6.1 CENTRAL MENDIP 6.1.4 With the more acidic Devonian deposits that outcrop here the natural type of the hilltop LCA - A1 - BLACK DOWN HILL is acid heath. With adjoining areas overlaying the limestones there are also calcareous grasslands in 6.1.1 This small area encompasses the highest part of close proximity, the combination of these two distinctly the Mendip ridge and an area of distinct landscape different is an unusual aspect of the Mendip contained on three sides by the district boundary. The biodiversity interest. The area is predominantly an identification of this as a character area in its own open expanse lightly grazed by sheep with extensive right reflects the presence of the open wild heath that heather growth. On the lower north eastern slope covers the hilltop and provides an extensive area of of the hill a series of small walled fields provide the open access land. only area of more obviously farmed landscape.

6.1.2 The landscape contains features that book-end 6.1.5 The Mendip acid heath habitat is noted as important human from to World War II (even for Long Eared Owl, Nightjar, Dartford Warbler, the cold war). A large part of the area is designated Beacon Batch context Brown Hare and Adder. as a scheduled ancient monument while another

section forms part of an SSSI. 6.1.6 Close to the and on top of the hill there are a number of Bronze Age burial mounds. These sit on 6.1.3 The hilltop rises to a trig point at 325 m AOD (the the hilltop amongst a series of smaller mounds that highest point on Mendip and within the MDC area). were created as decoys during WWII. The feature To the north the land slopes away down into the was laid out as streets of lights to draw air attacks woodlands that enclose Burrington . The away from . The complex site layout included higher hill is comprised of Devonian Sandstones facilities to create the impression of large fires in areas which carry surface streams down to the interface in response to bombing and cairns to prevent aircraft with the surrounding [see landings. The site is a scheduled ancient monument section 5.1]. Within the MDC area some small swallet with both the ancient and wartime features protected. caves (Read’s Cavern, Rod’s Pot, ) are

located in the North West Corner of the LCA. Other 6.1.7 The open expanse of wild heath is identified as open small streams flowing off the hill drop into very small access land and includes a section of the Limestone side valleys off the larger gorge and include other Link long distance path. As an area of some 300 ha small caves located just outside of the MDC boundary of wild character landscape, with spectacular views, (these include one of the most it is one of the more extensive areas providing a popular novice caves in the region). remote experience; consequently it is quite popular with walkers and mountain bikers. The area has a generally unspoilt setting and outlook and low levels of background noise.

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6.1.8 As noted the views from the hilltop provide spectacular Key Characteristics of :- LCA – A1 Black Down Hill 360° panorama with long views to the north towards physical/natural characteristics settlement & infrastructure Bristol and Bath and along the plateau. The plateau landform to the south limits views beyond the edge • Open expanse of acid heath • Uninhabited hilltop location views down to of the hills to more distant horizons. • Limestone grasslands scattered farmsteads and distant settlement

• Small scale grazing fields on edge of LCA 6.1.9 Some visual intrusion of nearby telecom masts is • Drystone Walls noted on the eastern outlook along with views to the mast. LAND USE/MANAGEMENT/HUMAN INFLUENCES PERCEIVED CHARACTERISTICS

• Low input sheep grazing • Wild strongly semi natural character. Visual and audible intrusions limited. Relatively busy • Open Access Land with significant visitor numbers recreational area.

Special Features – note not all features designated

• Minor swallet caves • Bronze Age Burial Mounds • WW11 Decoy complex • Proximity of contrasting habitats

Landmarks, Views and Viewpoints

• Spectacular 360° panoramic views

Bibliography / References

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/ the-list/list-entry/1020995

MDC Local Biodiversity Action Plan - Mendip Heathland Habitat Action Plan

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LCA – A2 - The Mendip Plateau 6.1.13 Alongside the special geological setting the area contains a rich archaeological record of very early 6.1.10 The Mendip Plateau forms one of the largest identified human occupation. As high ground the area clearly character areas in the study area. Although extensive attracted interest as a place of spiritual and strategic this is also one of the most sparsely populated sections interest as reflected in the numerous Bronze Age of the district. Extending from Charterhouse in the burial mounds and hut circles. west to Binegar in the east the area includes the dispersed settlement of . The bulk of the area 6.1.14 The land cover is predominantly livestock grazing with is within the AONB boundary; which in this area is some areas of arable production on the more open defined by the A39 main Wells to Bristol road. level mini plateau areas. Large parts of the plateau are occupied by a regular field pattern of mainly 6.1.11 This area is the core of the widest part of the Limestone dry stone walls. In places such as around Priddy, Ridge. Described as a plateau it is more of a gently Charterhouse, the Castle of Comfort, Green Ore rolling landscape with some areas that read as mini and Binegar a much smaller field pattern remains. plateaus which separate the occasional localised Some localised 20 Century field enlargement has steeper hills and dry valleys. High points start with occurred but for the most part the field sizes remain the 311 m (AOD) hill above Charterhouse (occupied as they were mapped pre-war. by the Wireless station and reservoir). North Hill stands to the north east of Priddy at 307 m AOD and 6.1.15 Two substantial areas of post war conifer forest exist in other slightly lower points around 280 - 300 m AOD the form of Stockhill Plantation and Green Plantation. are found within the Stockhill Plantation and close to 6.1.16 Mineral extraction, mainly in the form of lead Woods. Pen Hill overlooks the area and slag processing, has created unique places at 305 m AOD (within adjoining LCA – A4.4). The at Charterhouse and at the . The A37 route crests over a high point close to Chewton Blackmoor/Velvet Bottom Valley at Charterhouse Mendip at around 250 m AOD. contain all the eras of mining activity from pre Roman

6.1.12 With the underlying Krast geomorphology there are shallow mines and rakes to the Victorian settling very few surface water courses and at the same time dams. Alongside these mining remains is a Roman there are areas of enclosed bowl landforms drained Fort or mining town and even an amphitheatre with only by the numerous swallets. Within this area the the historic settlement linked to the outside world by caves and systems are too numerous to identify two Roman Roads. The St Cuthbert’s Lead works was individually for this study but are extensively mapped an extensive Victorian complex now reduced to an and described elsewhere [ref Mendip Underground extensive tract of spoil heaps and ponds, a leat and & the Mendip Cave Registry]. The most significant occasional built remains such as the small brick tunnel systems are located around Priddy which as a result flues from which the lead residues were collected. is designated a geological SSSI (76 ha in extent). Both areas provide a wealth of archaeological and industrial heritage interest.

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6.1.17 In turn the lead extraction has also left some unique and the adjoining Gurney Slade is within a separate the eastern end of the LCA outside of the AONB soil conditions on which rare plant communities have LCA (A10.2). This part of the village was adjacent boundary close to Green Ore (these are positioned become established. Such ‘calaminarian grasslands’ to a quarry and the Bath to Railway line. on a small ridge at Shooters Bottom/East End Lane occur where the toxicity of the soils arising from toxic The houses are set down off the highest part of the and a single turbine at Haydon Drove). These sit metal ions limit the growth to a few tolerant species. plateau on a south facing slope. The parish church within a block of farmland away from the main The Stockhill forestry plantation was also established and school form a local focal point. The village roads and with limited footpath access. The wind over the rough (Gruffy) ground left from the mining had its own railway station prior to the 1960’s. turbines are seen in long views from adjacent lanes operations. Several roads pass the remaining bridge structures and more glimpsed from the main roads. Close highlighting the former route. up the noise and presence of the solar farm impact 6.1.18 Despite higher than average rainfall the free draining on the remoteness and tranquillity of the block of Krast means there are few locations providing ready 6.1.22 Given the lack of settlement the distribution of landscape in which they are sat reliable access to water. The lead mining operations significant infrastructure within this character area depended on ponds such as the Mineries pond and is consequently limited. The Pen Hill Mast being 6.1.25 The nature of the main roads over the plateau at the top of the Blackmoor Valley. In other areas the clear exception to this. Standing on the high includes some unusually very long straight sections of clay lined dew ponds were provided for cattle. point (305 m AOD) and reaching to a height of road (combinations of both the Roman and Georgian 281.6 m the mast stands out as a colossal landmark sense of order). Consequences of this are a number 6.1.19 The sparse settlement pattern arises from the relative over the plateau. Clearly as an element of modern of junctions that have had to be offset and heavily elevation of the plateau and the lack of surface water infrastructure (built in 1967) the mast has intrusive signed to avoid collisions and a level of background features. What had been a sizeable settlement qualities; it is visible from many vantage points on road noise. These both have some impact on the at Charterhouse remains as a small collection of the plateau and is lit at night to warn aircraft. sense of tranquillity. It should be noted the Shooters buildings around a small chapel and former school; Bottom solar farm and turbines are close to two such now an outward bound centre popular with many 6.1.23 At the time of its construction the installation was straight main roads where the degree of tranquillity Somerset schools. no doubt controversial and at that time there were is already impacted. perhaps few other similar scale intrusions. In the 6.1.20 The village of Priddy is the highest settlement in the fifty years since it may have won over some local district. While the village has the clearly defined acceptance as a familiar landmark. The sheer green at its centre; the village itself is a very dispersed scale of the mast is impressive when viewed at close settlement pattern. The village green provides quarters, but it is located away from some of the more a sheltered expanse of grass within the bowl of popular locations and contained on its southern side landform with a few farm and residential buildings by woodland. As the mast is so tall it has become a fronting on. The green has been the setting for the reference point for the Mendips and in many other Priddy Sheep Fair since 1348, (although suspended views across the district. The simplicity of the structure in recent years). When on the event makes use of and its setting on its own small hill with a lack of other the stock pens kept in a thatched stack in the centre clutter may help with the perception that it has an of the green established place on the hills.

6.1.21 The upper part of Binegar sits on the eastern edge 6.1.24 More recent infrastructure additions in the form of the LCA area with the lower part of the village of wind turbines and a solar farm are found at

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6.1.26 As a large part of the AONB the extent to which Key Characteristics of :- LCA – A2 - The Mendip Plateau this area offers a remote unspoilt or good quality PHYSICAL/NATURAL CHARACTERISTICS SETTLEMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE landscape experience is very important. The sense of the area having an upland character and remoteness • Gentle rolling plateau topography, including some • Prehistoric landscapes is particularly relevant to this. The sense of an areas of closed valley features • Roman settlement elevated location varies; although most of the plateau • Krast geomorphology – numerous caves • Industrial heritage settings including major cave systems, swallets and closed is over 200 m AOD there are not many views out • Long straight roads – including sections of Roman from within this LCA to the surrounding lowlands. depressions. Roads (also sections of Roman Road remaining • Medium scale rectilinear field pattern over general away from modern roadways). The long and big scale views along the plateau, areas and smaller scale pattern closer to centres of the presence of dry stone walls and the more wild habitation. landscapes of mineries and forest are important • Dry stone walls elements contributing to the upland sense. The • Mining gruffy ground and mineries / lead micro climate of the hills can also present a harsh processing slag and settlement levels environment and the regular occurrence of low • Conifer forests over rough ground with areas of gives rise to the typical days of the hills shrouded in heath the Mendip fog. • Smaller beech copses/tree groups

LAND USE/MANAGEMENT/HUMAN INFLUENCES PERCEIVED CHARACTERISTICS

• Sparse settlement pattern • Open, remote, upland, generally unspoilt and tranquil landscape • Isolated farmsteads BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENTS FROM ‘97 ASSESSMENT Special Features – note not all features designated Reference changed from A3 to A2 to allow more logical • Numerous Scheduled Ancient Monuments sequence. Area of Tor Bottom omitted and added to LCA A3 – generally Bronze Age – in particular , and Nine Barrows • SSSI & many other swallets - most notable Swildons, St Cuthbert’s and Eastwater • Blackmoor & Velvet Bottom Lead workings • St Cuthberts & Priddy Mineries Lead Workings • Priddy Green (site of historic sheep fair) Bibliography / References • Priddy Church St Cuthbert’s SAM Citation • Nature reserves

Landmarks, Views and Viewpoints https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list- entry/1421084 • The Pen Hill Mast • Priddy Church Mendip Underground & the Mendip Cave Registry • North Hill http://www.mcra.org.uk/registry/registry • Binegar Church • Rains Batch Viewpoint

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LCA – A3 - The Harptree Chewton Edge 6.1.30 The area includes many small mine shafts and 6.1.32 The two small villages of Chewton Mendip and Litton workings from the lead and zinc mining activity. nestle in the shelter of this part of the Mendip side 6.1.27 This area located on the northern edge of the MDC Most notably the restored Smitham Chimney is the slopes. Chewton Mendip sits on the busy A39 (linking district encompasses part of the northern side of the last remaining lead-smelting chimney on Mendip. Wells to Bristol). The main road drops into a deep west Mendip ridge. It is distinct from the wider plateau The tower sits as an isolated feature set within the wooded cutting on the approach down Chewton to the south by virtue of the topography and character forest next to a small pond. Another feature resulting Mendip village adding to the contrast with the open of the smaller scale more enclosed landscape of from the mining activity is Cavern initially plateau landscapes to the south (LCA A2). On the woodlands and hedgerows. The area falls almost discovered by miners in around 1675 and initially eastern side of the village minor back roads border/ entirely within the AONB boundary and adjoins two explored then before being closed in the early 1800’s look out into the adjoining landscape character area character areas identified within the neighbouring before being re-opened in 1880 [http://www.mcra. Bath and North East Somerset district area. org.uk/registry/]. This is noted as an ancient cave system that includes one of the largest chambers 6.1.28 To the north west of the character area the edge discovered on Mendip. The cave is designated as of the Mendip plateau and the district boundary a geological SSSI with some 14 ha of land above are defined by a north facing steep scarp slope designated to ensure the cave’s protection. The cave overlooking the villages of and Compton is mentioned in Balch’s caves of Mendip as the site Martin (outside of the MCD area). At the where the author nearly ended his cave exploration western end of the character area the aspect and at an early age (before the 1900s) and for another steepness of the scarp slope give way to a small Victorian cave rescue a few years later the chaplain re-entrant stream valley (Garrow Bottom) cutting back of Wells Theological College and his ‘plucky’ sister, into the plateau. A settlement is located on who thought it would be a fine experience to explore the point where the contours swing around providing the cave alone. The chaplain became entangled in a local vantage point over the East Harptree Valley. the knotted rope on the 100 foot pitch. He was ‘got The small valley provides an intimate setting and this out, wiser than he went in’ [Balch Caves of Mendip]. enclosed environment which is continued with the

extent of the East Harptree woods on its eastern flank. 6.1.31 The landscape is dominated by a mix of small dairy pasture fields and small woodlands. Some flatter 6.1.29 The small scale sheltered landscape continues to the arable fields are located to the northwest of the Tor east with a complex landform of small valleys and Hole Stream valley. The smaller woodlands are intervening ridges. The landscape includes many deciduous with some pockets of ancient and semi small woodland blocks which further enclose and natural woodland. Part of the Eaker Hill woodlands divide the area down. A longer deeper valley Tor around Tor Hole are identified as local wildlife site Hole Bottom cuts back into the plateau extending (this includes the Bishops Pond). The larger area of to the edge of the character area by the main road East Harptree Wood and the upper end of Tor Hole B3155 at Red Quarr Farm. Tor Hole itself being a Valley include more conifer plantation forest. swallet, that takes the stream underground in the area of some former mine washing ponds (Bishops Pond).

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(A7) providing a more open and quiet outlook. Both 6.1.37 One other element of local infrastructure is found villages include many mainly local limestone cottages within the Harptree valleys and combes in the form with historic character these being predominantly of a spring water collection system that starts in the smaller dwellings. A reasonable proportion of the Chewton parish and supplies drinking water from properties and the churches in both villages and on the springs around the head of the to the lane between are listed. The churches are set Bristol. The project to supply clean spring water to low in the landscape but are viewed from nearby Bristol was commissioned in the 1840’s and extends footpaths. for many miles via aqueduct structures and tunnels (mainly outside of the MDC area). Completed in 6.1.33 One other larger building being Chewton House; 1849 this not only stands as testament to Victorian part of the local Waldegrave Estate. This sits on the engineering but also as an example of the many https://www.somersetheritage.org.uk/downloads/ east of the A39 but is linked to the estate buildings Ecosystem service benefits provided by the Mendip publications/MendipHillsAONB.pdf to west by a private footbridge over the main road. landscape. The estate includes the woodlands on either side of Two forms of this land use surviving as earthworks the road and a listed gate house on the roadside. may be distinguished. The first is represented by the wholesale cultivation of fields on the hill slopes as at 6.1.34 In addition to the villages there is a dispersed pattern Westbury (S24835), at Carscliff Farm (S10348) and of properties dotted around within the sheltered side to the north above (A6777). Here there are valleys to the west of the A39. These are served by cross-slope and down-slope field banks and cultivated a network of winding minor lanes that criss-cross ridges forming an interleaving irregular mosaic. the area. The second seems confined to cross-slope lynchets

6.1.35 Two clusters of more ancient features to the west of often on very steep slopes. These are particularly Chewton Mendip are noted as burial chambers and noticeable on the north slopes at White Hill, Litton designated as scheduled ancient monuments (SAM). and (A6736, A6833, A6871, and Lynchets medieval field features are identified on S23747). The first type seems to represent open field White Hill close to Litton. layouts remarkable only because they are placed on hill slopes. On the south slopes this location would 6.1.36 The area is generally unspoilt countryside with few have had distinct advantages in the lengthening of visual distractions. The main road is heavily trafficked the growing . The second type represents the and impacts on the tranquillity around the route and use of marginal land presumably over a relatively the quality of the main village high street. The side short period of population pressure. While the former road link to Litton is also quite busy as it provides a appear to indicate no more than the proximity of link to West Harptree. the village settlements, it is possible to see the latter as indicating the non-availability of the plateau resources for cultivation even at a time of exceptional need.

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Key Characteristics of :- LCA – A3 - The Harptree Chewton Edge

PHYSICAL/NATURAL CHARACTERISTICS SETTLEMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE

• Irregular topography – re-entrant valleys & • Clustered villages built up along main and side shallow slopes roads • Spring line, wet ground and ponds • Focal point churches • Mixed small scale deciduous woodland and areas • Scattered individual properties on winding lanes of managed conifer forest • Parkland and estate buildings • Small scale irregular hedged field pattern with predominance of pasture, occasional small scale arable. • Occasional drystone walls • Winding hedged lanes • Post medieval to Victorian mining and smelting activity – gruffy ground, rakes and ponds • Krast features – many small swallets

LAND USE/MANAGEMENT/HUMAN INFLUENCES PERCEIVED CHARACTERISTICS

• Generally quiet low background noise other than close to busy A39 main road.

Special Features – note not all features designated Boundary adjustments from ‘97 Assessment • Lamb Leer Geological SSSI – 14 ha designated above significant cave system Reference changed from A2 to A3 to allow more logical • Adjoining and overlapping wildlife site sequence. Area of Tor Bottom included along with slight • Gruffy Ground and Mining Rakes adjustment to boundary brought south to Broad Street (lane) • Tor Hole and Bishops Pond and alignment on eastern side of village to follow topography • Smitham Chimney more closely. • Hill top settlement, burial mounds, listed buildings • Lynchets – (see box on next page)

Landmarks, Views and Viewpoints

• Church of St Mary Magdalene in Chewton Mendip & St Mary’s Church Litton Bibliography / References https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list- entry/1129583

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LCA – A4 - The mendip south western 6.1.41 The hillside areas rise from around 75 m AOD behind This includes the very early deposits of Westbury facing slopes the villages to a highpoint of Westbury Beacon as the Quarry and Bronze Age barrows. These and the areas highest point at 275m AOD. Parts of the slope Westbury Camp Hillfort are located on the edge 6.1.38 On the southern side of the West Mendip Ridge the are exceptionally steep with gradients between 1 in of the ridge where the views out help explain the edge of the plateau (LCA A2) is often defined as a 2 and 1 in 4. While this section of the Mendip side location of the features. sharp line where the topography changes to a steeper slopes is has a more consistent south west facing scarp slope. Along this area the landscape opens up aspect there are some small localised variations in 6.1.46 Later ancient field systems and the Medieval village to panoramic views out across the the aspect giving some subtle ridges and shallow and farmstead SAM areas are identified on the and beyond. Between the district boundary in the re-entrant valley slopes. upper slopes. While the high ground elevation west by Draycott and the Old Frome Road at East perhaps explains the survival of these features the (LCA A5) the landscape can be subdivided 6.1.42 With the underlying karst geomorphology there are more remote and lightly managed landscape and down into three areas of varied upper slopes. Wells no significant surface water features but there are expansive setting provide the historic landscapes with and are contained within the landform. exposed rock features along the ridge especially at an evocative dramatic setting. The string of villages between Draycott and Easton . Areas of woodland cover parts of sit on more open and continuous lower slopes and the slope. The most extensive area being the ancient 6.1.47 The area contains no significant settlement or are identified as forming a separate subdivision of woodland of Rodney Stoke National Nature Reserve built development intrusions. There are scattered the LCA A4 area. and Stoke Woods. farmsteads that sit generally at the base of the escarpment. The area is served by only two minor 6.1.39 The four subdivisions are;- 6.1.43 Farmland is predominately grassland/pasture with lanes that climb steeply up the escarpment (parts of hedgerows on the lower slopes transitioning to these sit in subtle re-entrant valley contours where predominantly post and wire with some stone wall a slightly more gentle route is possible). There are • A4.1 The Draycott-Westbury Slopes to the ridge. The field pattern is quite dense and also a few farm tracks that travel from the base of the • A4.2 The Strawberry Belt irregular at the foot of the escarpment opening to escarpment to fields halfway up the escarpment slope. • A4.3 Ebbor Gorge and the Upper Axe medium scale enclosures at the ridge 6.1.48 Broadmead quarry sits on the ridgeline north of • A4.4 The Wells Bowl 6.1.44 The area contains extensive areas of publicly Westbury-sub-Mendip. The quarry is relatively small accessible nature reserves. Draycott Sleights to the and the surrounding landscape hide the works from west, Rodney stokes National Nature Reserve in the most external views. A4.1 THE DRAYCOTT-WESTBURY SLOPES centre with Cooks field and Lynchcombe to the east. Additional land on the upper slopes at Westbury 6.1.49 With the lack of settlement, the subtle folding nature 6.1.40 This area forms the MDC section of escarpment of the escarpment the area feels peaceful with many edge to the Mendip ridge (the scarp slope continues Beacon and Stoke Camp are managed as butterfly tranquil spots to appreciate. The nature reserves/ beyond the boundary to the west towards and beyond reserves. The combined areas of managed nature farmland landscape is lightly managed but features Cheddar). This area sits above the Strawberry Belt reserves provides an extensive area of more informal such as the stone walls are in a good state of repair. villages (LCA A4.2). This area is one of the most unimproved grassland as an aspect of the landscape Overall the landscape is extensively unspoilt. The open and visible sections of the southern flank of character. woodlands and nature reserves also provide large the Mendip ridge and forms the backdrop to the 6.1.45 As with the other parts of the elevated Mendip areas of more semi natural character landscape. extensive landscape to the south both within and landscape the slopes retain significant historic interest. outside the Mendip authority area.

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6.1.50 The area has a network of footpaths and bridleways in addition to the local lanes. The West runs parallel to New Road north of Draycott and appears well used. In addition, the areas of the various nature reserves are also open access land providing an overall very good level of public access. The PROW and open areas provide many good views and the interest of the reserves and scheduled ancient monuments along with small areas of parking. One location Deers Leap provides parking spaces combined with the spectacular views and picnic tables. While the landscape provides access to areas of very tranquil and unspoilt character, the areas feel more busy with walkers and thus less remote than other locations.

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SPECIAL REFERENCES INFORMATION • Westbury Camp Hillfort scheduled ancient monument : Key Characteristics of :- LCA – A4.1 - the draycott - westbury slopes “The monument includes a slight univallate hillfort with earthworks enclosing an area of high ground on the PHYSICAL/NATURAL CHARACTERISTICS SETTLEMENT &INFRASTRUCTURE edge of a plateau. The area enclosed is about 2.3ha, • Steep folding escarpment with woodland, • Westbury Camp Hillfort and of irregular shape.” grassland and pasture • Mendip Gliding Club • Ancient field systems are apparent on the slopes above Draycott as well as an the SAM of deserted medieval LAND USE/MANAGEMENT/HUMAN INFLUENCES PERCEIVED CHARACTERISTICS East of Draycott. “This monument includes • Good levels of tranquillity with limited a medieval farmstead and part of its associated • Countryside Stewardship (Higher Tier) & (Middle background noise and visible infrastructure field system situated on the relatively steeply sloping Tier) sites • Moderate levels of recreational activity reduce • Broadmead quarry south facing edge of a wide plateau to the east of degree of remoteness the settlement of Draycott. The farmstead survives as a rectangular main dwelling house with several Special Features – note not all features designated associated rectangular outbuildings, a small square enclosure and part of a more extensive field system of • Rodney Stoke National Nature Reserve small rectangular fields all defined by low stony banks • Draycott Sleights Nature Reserve and walls.” • Cooks field Nature Reserve • Lynchcombe Nature Reserve • There is also a Deserted medieval farmstead and field • Westbury Camp Hillfort system north west of Ebbor Wood. “This monument includes two medieval and one post medieval Landmarks, Views and Viewpoints farmsteads, a post medieval cottage, a clearance cairn, mining remains and field system situated on • Pelting Drove car park picnic viewpoint with vast views south a steep south west facing slope of a prominent ridge • Draycott Sleights Nature Reserve views to above the settlement of Westbury-sub-Mendip… … The • Numerous points along ridgeline on prow farmsteads are known locally as ‘Ramspits’.”

Boundary adjustments from ‘97 Bibliography / References Assessment Reference changed from A2 to A3 to allow more logical https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list- sequence. entry/1015500. https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list- entry/1006122

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list- entry/1006138

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a4.2 the strawberry belt conglomerate is seen as a building stone is some of 6.1.58 The other main element of local infrastructure is the the older buildings the stone was quarried around disused Strawberry Line Railway. The line is visible 6.1.51 This area includes the settled lower slopes of the Draycott and Westbury-sub-Mendip and known as as an intermittent track bed and the route is marked South West facing Mendip flank. As the fertile and Draycott Marble. by occasional stone bridges with the line in cutting more habitable lower landscape sandwiched between below the lanes. None of the bridges are listed. But the moors and uplands the area provided sheltered 6.1.55 The area is not heavily wooded. Between settlements the railway cuttings are noted as as geological RIGs. locations for the villages. The attraction no doubt small to medium rectilinear fields fill the landscape. increased with a combination of sunny south facing The majority of the fields hedged with a good 6.1.59 With the A371 traffic and hostile conditions for non aspect and spring line at the base of the hills. The coverage of hedgerow trees. Although predominantly vehicular users the main areas of the LCA do not connecting road out from Wells through the villages pasture there are a few arable fields and some feel tranquil. The severance of the villages by the to Cheddar sat between the wetlands of the moors polytunnel farming. With the southerly aspect and road, the frequency and mix of commercial farm and and higher slopes. This has developed into a busy fertile soils the area became a major strawberry roadside developments impact on the character of main road (now the A371 providing links to the production area (this once extended beyond the the roadscape. A38 and M5). The road route is also tracked by the district boundary towards Cheddar). Farm offers 6.1.60 Away from main road several of the winding lanes former Strawberry Line Railway which linked Wells, ‘pick your own’ fruit with lay-bys off the road and and tracks help provide some distance from the Cheddar and . roadside stall. intrusive road noise creating a more tranquil setting. 6.1.52 AONB boundary cuts through the area east west with 6.1.56 There are field systems above Draycott are categorized The farmland is a more heavily managed and set the majority of the village areas excluded. as ‘ancient form’. As an indication of the historical within a settled landscape compared to the moors nature of the development pattern Draycott, Rodney below and scarp areas above. The soft fruit farms 6.1.53 The lower LCA boundary close to Draycott directly Stoke, Westbury-sub-Mendip are all settlements provide a particular local interest and opportunity adjoins the Moors (Stoke, Westhay and Knowle Moor mentioned in the Doomsday Book of 1086. Of for visitors to connect with farm production; at the Areas LCA F1) at around 10m AOD. Further east the these Westbury has the greater proportion of historic same time they include some visual intrusions with slopes merge with the more undulating landscape development and more of the older village streets the large poly tunnels. of the Wookey Islands (LCA G3). The settled lower lie off the main through road route. The villages do slopes extend within the LCA up to around 75 – 100m include blocks of more dominant modern housing AOD (well below the higher slopes of LCA A4.1). which is visible from the adjoining landscape. Occasional re-entrant valleys extend into the scarp on the lower slopes; providing additional shelter 6.1.57 Although not a wide road the A371 forms a dominant for a few dwellings in Rodney Stoke and parts of feature through the LCA. Outside of the villages the Westbury-sub-Mendip. road is contained by hedges with only few sections with pavement or grass verge. Within the villages 6.1.54 The area includes the junction between mudstones, there are many sections of the road with properties and sandstones and interbedded sandstones and or garden walls fronting directly onto the carriageway conglomerate. With the harder less permeable again often with no footway or verge. With heavy rock at the base of the hillsides there are occasional traffic for the scale of carriageway the route feels very springs and small streams emerging along these uncomfortable especially for pedestrian or cycle users. sections of the slopes. Within the villages the local

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6.1.61 Although the heavy traffic has an adverse impact on the villages; as a busy route the road offers a large Key Characteristics of :- LCA – A4.2 - the strawberry belt number of road-users extensive views. These are physical/natural characteristics settlement & infrastructure experienced as a sequence out over the low lying landscape to the south and glimpsed views up and • Break of slope on lower section of Mendip scarp. • Villages following spring line and linked by busy along the scarp; along with the various villages on Change from steep slopes above the villages to A371 more gentle gradients down to moors route. • Local conglomerate stone buildings • Mix of simple slopes and re-entrant valleys • Settlements expanded with areas of post war 6.1.62 The area has a modest number of public footpaths • Larger more regular fields on simple slopes housing visible on sections of hillsides and bridleways and a few side lanes off the A371. • Small scale field pattern in enfolded valleys • Strawberry Line Disused Railway Although not an extensive network some routes offer • Fields hedged with hedgerow trees an alternative to the main road and links up to the

scarp landscape. The West Mendip Way includes a LAND USE/MANAGEMENT/HUMAN INFLUENCES PERCEIVED CHARACTERISTICS connection down into Draycott. • Predominantly managed grassland • Main road dominates as through route with hostile Bibliography / References • Strawberry fields under poly tunnels conditions for pedestrians • Quieter back lanes • Limited visual or audible tranquillity ‘Ancient Form’ see Somerset and , 1999–2002, • Village expansions also impact on unspoilt Somerset Historic Environment Record condition • Areas of intense agriculture and roadside BGS https://www.bgs.ac.uk/mendips/localities/draycott.html] commercial diminish sense of unspoilt countryside

Special Features – note not all features designated

• There are several Open Areas of Local Significance within the settlements of the A4.2. • These spaces generally are relatively modest pockets of land ranging from church yards to gardens to verges. Although some of the spaces are quite small they do still provide notable open space within specific villages in the area.

Landmarks, Views and Viewpoints

• Extensive views out from this area across the low lying Moors. Area important in views back towards Mendip Ridge.

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a4.3 EBBOR GORGE AND THE UPPER AXE 6.1.66 The areas of Ebbor Gorge and around the Wookey and the valley immediately below the cave includes Hole cave are noted as a mixed Geological and areas of more level ground. A mill was recorded at 6.1.63 At Deer Leap the open hillside slopes above Easton Biological SSSI and National Nature Reserves (63.5 Wookey Hole in the and by 1601 it give way to the deep re-entrant valley of Ebbor Gorge. ha and 39.4 ha respectively). These designations was noted as a paper mill. The larger mill buildings The gorge funnels down to a small stream valley that overlap with the Mendip Woodlands SAC. The remaining in the village now date from 1860 and extends down into the sheltered village of Wookey designations of geological and biological interest remain as a museum. Hole. A second shorter re-entrant valley contains are interrelated as the floristic interest is often the cave from which the village gets its name. This directly connected to the unusual conditions of the 6.1.70 The village is contained by the valley landform and section of the south west slopes are then separated thin soils over limestone and other complex soil adjoining woodland blocks. The character of the from the area to the east and Wells by rising ground and . The deep gorge landform has also small-scale historic village streets are well preserved around Milton Hill. prevented extensive farm or even much woodland although the centre of the village is dominated by the management so the areas of have visitor car parking area. The Victorian Mill buildings 6.1.64 With the deep gorges cutting back into the hills provided a very stable long-term habitat fill the narrow cross section of the upper part of the the topography is very varied with some open valley. The visitor facilities are mostly contained away hillside slopes and even cliff faces. As set out within 6.1.67 The woodland SAC reflects the interest of the mainly out of view from the public street frontage. At peak sections 5.1-5.2 the complex Karst geomorphology calcareous ash woodlands growing undisturbed times the attraction draws in substantial numbers of is particularly notable in this area; including the over the varied and complex geology. The area is visitors and associated traffic. interest of the Wookey Hole cave. While the cave is managed with rotational coppicing and selective well known as a major tourist attraction the extent felling. The shaded damp woodland conditions of the 6.1.71 With the focus of the show cave and mill the village of passage open to the public is only part of the deep gorge are noted as of particular importance for feels busy. Ebbor Gorge is owned by the National overall explored system. The cave is known to be the fungi and ferns along with a wide range of lichens. Trust and includes small public parking areas and downstream extent of the caves around Priddy on the marked trails. The Deerleap Lane also provides plateau above (LCA A2). The flows from 6.1.68 Outside of the gorge the farmed landscape is made access to the viewpoint mentioned in LCA A4.2. the cave as the largest resurgence in the . up of an irregular field pattern. With small scale Consequently, the lane, parking area and gorge The caverns are formed with water under pressure enclosure on the lower slopes and larger more below the water table which gives rise to particular rectangular fields higher on ridge. The majority of type of cave passages; as such Wookey Hole is noted fields are grazing pasture with some hay cropping. as the finest example in Britain of a cave formed by On the lower slopes the fields are defined by deep phreatic activity. In addition the sequence of hedgerows and on the higher slopes by drystone fossil and active caves provides evidence of a long walls. Parts of this area fall within the Wookey and complex geological history. Wookey Hole and Hole SSSI area and are recognised as important several other nearby caves and rock shelters are unimproved calcareous grassland. also noted as the depository of interglacial material, 6.1.69 The areas of Ebbor Gorge and Wookey Hole have animal and human remains. evidence of continuous human settlement from the

6.1.65 The area has complex geology with layers of strata Neolithic era. The area above the cave entrance also thrust up over each other. Mineral deposits and a includes evidence of Roman buildings. The River Axe small outcrop of coal add to the geological and resurgence provides a reliable clean water supply historic mining interest.

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are also relatively popular visitor destinations and Key Characteristics of :- LCA – A3 - ebbor gorge and the upper axe can feel busy. PHYSICAL/NATURAL CHARACTERISTICS SETTLEMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE 6.1.72 The area is well served by a wider network of public footpaths which include several routes up to above • SW escarpment with varied complex slopes • Wookey Hole village with industrial heritage, the gorge and valley. On these it is possible to find • Enfolded landform of complex re-entrant valleys show cave, resort and associated attractions and parking within village centre. good degrees of tranquillity and more remote unspoilt including Ebbor Gorge • Surrounding village small scale streets and historic landscape climbing up on to the Mendip ridge. • Several Karst geomorphologies features • Thin soils below unimproved grasslands and cottages 6.1.73 Key routes include the West Mendip Way and the ancient woodlands Monarchs Way footpaths and the Sustrans route 3 • The Axe emerges from resurgence as river runs along Deerleap to Titlands Lane. Parking at

Deerleap and pelting drove provide easy access to LAND USE/MANAGEMENT/HUMAN INFLUENCES PERCEIVED CHARACTERISTICS the network at the top of the ridge. Rockfaces within the area are used for climbing and bouldering. The • Low input farming and woodland management. • Low tranquility within the village and Ebbor range of recreational attractions also include a small Irregular small scale field pattern Gorge and Woods. More tranquil unspoilt riding centre and a campsite close to the village. • Paper making historic industrial buildings landscape on higher Ridgeline • Small scale historic mining

SPECIAL REFERENCES INFORMATION Ebbor Gorge National Nature Reserve (Mendip Woodlands Special Features – note not all features designated SAC)“Ebbor Gorge NNR is a largely wooded site occupying • Ebbor Gorge National Nature Reserve Ancient woodlands & Karst and Archaeological Interests a prominent position on the southern escarpment of the • Wookey Hole Mendip Hills. Ebbor Gorge sits within the Mendip Hills Area • West Mendip and Monarchs Way of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is part of the Mendip • Sustrans Route 3 Woodlands Special Area of Conservation. • Spaces & Open Areas of Visual Significance

BIBLIOGRAPHY/REFERENCES Landmarks, Views and Viewpoints https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list- entry/1058601 • Long distance views over levels and moors from upper slopes. Area in views looking back towards the Mendip ridge. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/somersets- national-nature-reserves/somersets-national-nature- reserves#ebbor-gorge https://www.wookey.co.uk/hand-made-paper-mill/

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A4.4 The WELLS BOWL 6.1.78 Despite the proximity to Wells the landscape With the routes dividing within the town the traffic is outside the urban area is not heavily settled. Small shared between the two and both maintain a road 6.1.74 East of Milton Hill the landform continues as a series farmsteads are located in the combes. The small rural character. of small valleys cut back into the high Mendip Ridge. villages of West, South and East Horrington lie on the This area forms a backdrop to the City of Wells but gentler slopes; with West Horrington tucked in below 6.1.81 With the dramatic rolling landform and extensive tree is also a varied complex area in its own right. the high ground at around 175 m AOD. West and cover the immediate close quarter views down into East Horrington are predominantly historic villages Wells from the land to the north are limited. Further 6.1.75 Three main deep valleys extend roughly north south with occasional groups of post war houses. South up the hills the views are obviously more extensive from the outskirts of Wells. Historically these provided Horrington is comprised of the redeveloped former with views to the Cathedral and St Cuthbert’s Church routes for roads connecting up to the Mendip Plateau. Mendip Hospital and larger areas of more recent Spire and the extensive areas of countryside to the The Old Bristol Road and Bristol Hill both take residential development. South Horrington is close south. From the north the views are generally more advantage of the contours in the small combes. but just separated from the outskirts of Wells by open fragmented looking out from this LCA. In views from The topography also includes several small rounded landscape at the junction of Bath and Frome Roads. the south of the City the historic settlement is seen hilltops. The area extend up to the edge of the The northern edge of the town is a continuation of with the extensive landscape backdrop provided by Mendip plateau (LCA A2) and includes the high similar housing developments, all contained by the this LCA. point of Pen Hill. rising ground of the landscape to the north. 6.1.82 Views from the higher slopes range out across the 6.1.76 The area includes a good coverage of woodland Levels and along the Mendip escarpment. Although 6.1.79 A good proportion of the edge of the built-up area including some areas of Ancient Woodland also is defined by the designated historic parklands and some path routes include points close to the top of with some extensive plantations in the valleys and on other areas of open fields. This enclosure extends the hills, due to the landform and woodlands the Pen various hilltops. Areas of the tree cover appear as around to the north west side of the town where Hill Mast is often more glimpsed than in full view. estate or parkland origin with the areas of Stowberry Milton Hill stands out as a wooded highpoint as part and Milton Park contributing to this. Elsewhere of the towns backdrop. A group of fields and the occasional conifers within plantations also hint at small Underwood Quarry lie between the edge of more managed and designed planting. Milton the built-up area and the wooded hill these provide Park is a registered historic parkland and gardens. an area of open landscape in the backdrop. The (These historic parklands also relate to the character fields form part of a Special Landscape Feature Area of landscape to the south of Wells with the parkland designation and the woodland areas are identified of the Bishops Palace). as a local wildlife site. A corner of open land is also noted as open access land adjacent to Milton Lane. 6.1.77 The intervening farmland is predominantly grazing with areas of unimproved low input grassland. The 6.1.80 To the west of the town the landscape is comprised field pattern on the lower areas is of smaller irregular of more gently sloping and larger field landscape enclosures with larger more regular fields on the and the large industrial more modern St Cuthbert’s higher slopes. Field boundaries are generally hedges paper mill development. The overall area includes on the lower slopes and drystone walls on the higher relatively tranquil and unspoilt landscape to the ground. north of the built-up area. The area includes the two main roads heading north to Bristol and Bath.

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6.1.83 The majority of the landscape character area falls Key Characteristics of :- LCA – A4.4 - THE WELLS BOWL within the AONB reflecting both the quality and importance of the area for its own sake and its role PHYSICAL/NATURAL CHARACTERISTICS SETTLEMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE as the setting to the historic townscape. • Complex topography of enfolded re-entrant combe • Area extends up to edge of Wells built up area valleys and small rounded hills / ridges 6.1.84 The area is crossed by a well connected network of • Mix of historic settlement edge with irregular rights of way. With some of these extending up into • Springs pattern of properties served by small back roads the combes and to the high sections of the ridge the • Ancient woodlands woodland and small-scale • Areas of post war housing with more stark irregular field pattern abutment of urban edge to countryside often landscape offers good opportunities for tranquillity • Unimproved grassland grazing contained by rising ground and parkland and remoteness. • Hedges and occasional drystone walls on upper slopes • Parkland trees

LAND USE/MANAGEMENT/HUMAN INFLUENCES PERCEIVED CHARACTERISTICS

• Mix of small pastoral agriculture and semi- formal Parkland and plantation woodlands • Generally unspoilt tranquil character area particularly within combes • Small concealed quarry • Sensitivity around urban edge where development adjoins high quality landscape & impacts on sense of tranquil unspoilt character on edge of historic settlement • Sense of unspoilt & more tranquil condition becomes apparent short distance from built up area • Main Bath road background noise source • Semi natural character sits along side more controlled parklands / gardens

Special Features – note not all features designated

• Registered / Historic Parkland Landscape & Gardens Inc Milton Lodge and The Combe & Stowberry Park • Underwood Special Landscape Area open space & access land adjoining quarry • Pen Hill Mast

Landmarks, Views and Viewpoints

• Views out over Wells to extensive panorama over levels. • Cathedral and St Cuthbert’s Church. • Occasional views up to Pen Hill Mast over brow of ridge slope and woodland – landmark to wider district

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6.2 EAST MENDIP (BINEGAR TO FROME)

1.0 MENDIP CHARACTER AREAS

A5 cranmore Ridge A6 sheppey Valley A7 The Leigh, Stoke and Oakhill Northern Plank A8 northern and Eastern Farmlands A8.1 Plateau a8.2 to Vobster a8.3 Babington, Newbury Hill to Hapsford RADSTOCK A9 norton-Radstock and the Valleys MIDSOMER A9.1 chilcompton Village and Valley NORTON a9.2 halcombe / Charlton Valley

A8.1 A9.1 a9.3 Kilmerston Valley A10 east Mendip Valleys A9.3 A10.1 Gurney Slade, Nettlebridge, Edford, Lower coleford to Vobster A9.2 A8.3 a10.2 Mells a10.3 Wadbury Valley and A8.2 a10.4 Whatley Bottom

A10.3 a10.5 The Brook / Egford Valley A10.1 A11 south East Farmlands A10.2 FROME A10.5

A7

A10.4 A5

A6

SHEPTON MALLET A11

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6.2 EAST MENDIP (BINEGAR TO FROME)

MENDIP CHARACTER AREAS

A5 cranmore Ridge A6 sheppey Valley A7 The Leigh, Stoke and Oakhill Northern Plank A8 northern and Eastern Farmlands A8.1 ston Easton Plateau a8.2 chilcompton to Vobster a8.3 Babington, Newbury Hill to Hapsford RADSTOCK A9 norton-Radstock and the Valleys MIDSOMER A9.1 chilcompton Village and Valley NORTON a9.2 halcombe / Charlton Valley

A8.1 A9.1 a9.3 Kilmerston Valley A10 east Mendip Valleys A9.3 A10.1 Gurney Slade, Nettlebridge, Edford, Lower coleford to Vobster A9.2 A8.3 a10.2 Mells a10.3 Wadbury Valley and Vallis Vale A8.2 a10.4 Whatley Bottom

A10.3 a10.5 The Nunney Brook / Egford Valley A10.1 A11 south East Farmlands A10.2 FROME A10.5

A7

A10.4 A5

A6

SHEPTON MALLET A11

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6.2 EAST MENDIP (BINEGAR TO FROME)

MENDIP CHARACTER AREAS

A5 cranmore Ridge A6 sheppey Valley A7 The Leigh, Stoke and Oakhill Northern Plank A8 northern and Eastern Farmlands BANES-7 BANES-12 A8.1 ston Easton Plateau a8.2 chilcompton to Vobster BANES-8 a8.3 Babington, Newbury Hill to Hapsford RADSTOCK A9 norton-Radstock and the Valleys MIDSOMER A9.1 chilcompton Village and Valley NORTON BANES-15 a9.2 halcombe / Charlton Valley A8.1 A9.1 a9.3 Kilmerston Valley A10 east Mendip Valleys A9.3 A10.1 Gurney Slade, Nettlebridge, Edford, Lower coleford to Vobster A9.2 A8.3 a10.2 Mells a10.3 Wadbury Valley and Vallis Vale A8.2 a10.4 Whatley Bottom

A10.3 a10.5 The Nunney Brook / Egford Valley A10.1 A11 south East Farmlands A10.2 FROME A10.5

A7

A10.4 A5

A6 1.0 ADJACENT CHARACTER AREAS

SHEPTON Bath & North East Somerset MALLET A11 BANES-7 Hollow Marsh BANES-8 Farrington Gurney Farmlands BANES-12 Cam & Valleys BANES-15 Southern Farmlands

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Binegar Holcombe

Coleford Mells Nunney

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6.2 EAST MENDIP (BINEGAR TO FROME) • A5 The Maesbury – Cranmore Ridge – relating lca a5 the maEsbury - cranmore ridge to the highest areas of the east Mendip spine and slopes 6.2.1 The division between the Central and Eastern Mendip with , Beacon Hill and areas does not follow a sharp break line between Cranmore Tower. 6.2.5 The landform between Maesbury and Cranmore areas of strongly different character or clear physical is not a continuous ridge but within this character boundaries on the ground. The AONB uses the line • A6 The Sheppey Valley – containing Shepton area the nature of the Mendips as a spine of high of the A39 through Green Ore but this was seeking Mallet, Croscombe and Dinder on the lower ground between the northern and southern slopes to provide a definitive planning boundary for the south side of the A5 ridge. can be clearly appreciated. The route of the Old highest quality landscape. Frome / Old Wells Roads links many of the highest • A7 The Leigh, Stoke and Oakhill northern flank points and frequently provides simultaneous views to 6.2.2 In the area between Binegar and Maesbury some of the ridge. the north and south. The two ends of the spine are subtle changes occur. Here the wide expanse of the marked by the Maesbury Castle Hill Fort to the west • A8 (was A7) The North and East Mendip upland plateau narrows to a more pronounced ridge and Cranmore Tower to the East. In between the few Farmlands – discrete tracts of more gently with the strategic position of Maesbury castle marking roads that cross the Mendip ridge north south find undulating plateau landscapes. This LCA is the western end (as noted previously there are few the low spots in the ridge to take the most sheltered broken down into a series of landscapes by such forts within the Central Mendips as crossings available. frequent deeply incised valleys which present the wide open plateau offers fewer opportunities for their own distinctive character (set out as LCA’s defence). To the north west of the castle the main 6.2.6 The hard rocks of the Old Red Sandstone outcrop A9, - A10). road to Green Ore (the B3135) follows the alignment along most of the ridge as the high ground. This is overlaid by areas of later carboniferous and of the former Roman Road to Charterhouse. Closer • A9 The Radstock and Norton Valleys – small geology on the lower side slopes. The geology on to Maesbury the current road abandons the line of scale valleys leading out to the adjoining BANES the southside of the ridge illustrates the succession the Roman route and takes a gentler more sheltered DC area to the north. route lower down in the landscape. The sudden through into the Jurassic with the golden yellow Oolitic change in the nature of the road is notable along with • A10 The Mells Valley – extending from Gurney limestones found at . Below Beacon Hill are the change to a more sheltered roadside landscape. Slade to near Frome and including the Whatley To the north of the B3135 the landscape drops into and Nunney Brook side valleys. a deep valley again serving to break the extent of the main plateau. • A11 the Mendip South Eastern Farmlands – generally undulating farmland overlaid on the 6.2.3 The distinctions between some of the various East final section of the Mendip ridge that wraps Mendip LCA’s are also less clearly defined than the around to the western side of Frome. areas to the west. Broad differences between seven character areas are drawn out in the following sections. These often start with the variations in topography which in turn has significant influence on many other aspects of character.

6.2.4 The principle areas and associated topography are:

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the volcanic deposits of Silurian Andesitic lava; these 6.2.11 With the elevated location there are few modern 6.2.14 The former Somerset and Dorset Railway also avoided are exposed as the hard rock deposits quarried near settlements. The easily defended high points of the highest part of the ridge by extending around and . Maesbury and Beacon Hill attracted Bronze Age the end of Maesbury Hill. The route cuts across monuments and Iron Age Forts. The high ground the high ground north of Croscombe and Shepton 6.2.7 While the geology varies through the LCA, the also offered the benefit for navigation and dry ground with occasional elements of railway infrastructure elevated topography helps define this as a continuous conditions for the strategic routes east to west along remaining as part of the landscape. In particular character area. On the north side of the ridge the the hills. The Roman road link from Charterhouse road bridges, the former Maesbury Station and the land slopes steeply down towards the villages of to ran close to the early and viaduct at Windsor Hill / Ham Woods. Oakhill and Stoke St Michael both sheltered by the intersected with the at Beacon Hill. The higher ground (located within LCA A9.1). On the line of the Roman Fosse Way up the steepest slope 6.2.15 More modern infrastructure is limited within this area. southside the steep upper section of the ridge slopes to the top of Beacon Hill can be traced within the There are clusters of telecommunication masts next flatten out to form more of a shelf of undulating high woodland; the alignment pays little regard to the to Cranmore Tower and at Warren Farm. The main ground above Shepton Mallet and Croscombe. gradient and cuts across the hill fort. Sections of wind turbine also at Warren Farm is visible from the east west route remained as a coaching route both the Maesbury Hill Fort and distant viewpoints. 6.2.8 With the elevated steep slopes and Krast geology Within the undulating plateau a number of solar there are few significant surface streams. A collection and then later a main road link. Two minor roads, farms have been set up. One of these close to the of sinks and swallets close to Thrupe Farm and at Chilcote Drove and Bolters Lane have the wide verges A37 at Downside is located within an area where the Windsor Hill take some of the local catchment. Thrupe characteristic of former drove roads. degree of tranquillity is impacted by the main road. Lane Swallet being the main cave among these follows 6.2.12 South and East Horrington sit within the lower slopes The others (a group of three separate approvals) are the steeply sloping bedding of the limestone with a clustered around the start of the Old Frome Road clustered around minor backroad lanes at Crapnell series of deep shafts; descending some 120 m over out of Wells. Doulting, Chelynch and Bodden are Farm within an area that is otherwise quite remote a 1.4 km length of cave. located within the shelter of Ingsdons Hill and close and unspoilt. to the head of the Sheppy Valley. This group grew up 6.2.9 The area is generally an open farmed landscape with only limited areas of woodland. A small area of around the particular industry of the Doulting Stone ancient woodland, Ham Woods are contained within quarries. Elsewhere the pattern is of more scattered a deep combe. The majority of the other areas are isolated farmsteads and cottages mainly on the lower larger blocks of plantation woodlands. These were shelf of high ground below the ridge. A few very predominantly planted as mixed woodlands often exposed properties sit close to the ridgeline main beech and conifer (pine and spruce). roads; including the Wagon and Horses Inn a former coaching stop on the Frome Road near Beacon Hill. 6.2.10 The farmed landscape is generally livestock grazing with improved grasslands and occasional arable 6.2.13 The more modern north south roads follow the more fields. The majority of the field boundaries are gentle topography. The area is cut through by the hedged with occasional field boundaries of dry stone busy A37 Shepton to Bristol and A367 Bath road. A walls on the higher ground to the west. Most of the second main road links the A361 to Stoke St Michael fields are laid out as a medium scale regular later as an important connection for the heavy quarry lorry enclosure pattern. traffic. These routes are both heavily trafficked and generate noise and a degree of severance between parts of the landscape.

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6.2.16 The lower slope areas of the southern flank are Key Characteristics of :- LCA – A5 - MAESBURY - cranmore ridge and slopes accessible via a network of minor lanes and public footpaths. The upper sections of the ridge have physical/natural characteristics settlement & infrastructure fewer paths and sections of the Old Frome/Wells • Undulating long ridge of high ground • Settlement & Infrastructure Roads are not very suitable for walking. The hill fort • South facing lower section of ridge side forms • Small sheltered hamlet settlement and isolated is accessible via a footpath and provides spectacular shelf or plateau farms views to , Wells, the Quantocks and to • Disused railway route links across ridge with the north. Beacon Hill wood is a Woodland Trust remaining engineering structures and former woodland and is freely accessible. station building • Wind turbines on higher slopes 6.2.17 The woodlands at Cranmore Tower include a number • A37 main road of public footpaths including the East Mendip Way. • Ridge road with occasional coaching inns After a major restoration project the tower is open as a tea room and for the public to climb to enjoy the view. The owners of the tower currently promote circular LAND USE/MANAGEMENT/HUMAN INFLUENCES PERCEIVED CHARACTERISTICS walks within the wood as part of the experience of • Managed farmland – mainly improved grasslands visiting. The land adjacent to Maesbury Castle is • Areas of semi natural appearance, remote hilltop occupied by the Mendip Golf Course; which provides • Historic earthworks spots, ridge road provides remote character users with a dramatic range of views from both sides • Telecom masts • Presence of main roads source of background of the ridge. noise across many areas • Extensive areas of landscape alongside & in view 6.2.18 The area of Beacon Hill, including the hilltop from strategic routes provide sense of unspoilt woodland and Bronze Age tumuli are identified as landscape for road users a Special Landscape Feature. • Hostile sections of road reduce amenity for non vehicular users

Special Features – note not all features designated

• Beacon Hill & surrounding landscape (SLF) Geological and archaeologically important site with accessible woodland with views • Bronze Age Burial Mounds & Iron Age Forts • Roman Road • Cranmore Tower listed building • Former railway with station, bridges, viaduct and tunnels

Landmarks, Views and Viewpoints

• Long ranging views from ridge to north and south • Tower iconic landmark with woodland setting and distant 360° views

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lca a6 the sheppEy valley - shepton south. The south side (within LCA E1.2) includes some mallet, croscombe and dinder prominent woodlands hanging on the steep slopes. On the northside a high wooded ridge separates 6.2.19 The River Sheppy rises from springs in the narrow the Sheppey Valley from another that contains South valley below Doulting (including the St Aldhem spring Horrington and the eastern side of Wells. a listed stone dressed structure around the historic holy well). The watercourse flows down through 6.2.24 The wooded ridge includes the Hill Fort at Kings Shepton Mallet and the deep narrow valley that Castle and another deep combe at Dinder Wood. contains Croscombe, Dinder and Dulcote. At its western end the ridge drops steeply down to the historic core of the city, where the cathedral sits 6.2.20 The landscape of this area is generally separated close to the woodlands of Tor Hill. Much (but not from the landscape to the north and south by the all) of the ridge feature is identified as a Special steeper slopes of the lower valley sides. To the north Landscape Feature. the landform flattens out into an undulating plateau backed by the Maesbury Beacon Hill Ridge (LCA A5). To the south the area is contained by the Old Wells Road (the higher old route between Shepton and Wells). Within this lower section the landscape is more contained with fewer long views and has a more sheltered wooded character.

6.2.21 The valley takes a winding course and downstream of the town the path of the river is closely followed by the route of the Wells / Shepton Road. The valley drops by around 60 m over approximately 5 km between Bowlish and Dulcote. For the most part the river is contained in a narrow channel close to the main road with no real flood plain. In places the watercourse is channelled within mill leats and ponds; elsewhere it is culverted through parts of the villages. Downstream of Dinder the valley opens out to include some low-lying meadows alongside.

6.2.22 The nature of this as a typical Mendip combe is reinforced by outcrops of rock and hanging woodlands.

6.2.23 Around Dinder the valley widens out, but continues to be contained by steep ridge lines to the north and

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6.2.25 The area includes some small fragments of ancient 6.2.29 The town is more contained from external views on road within the valley. The main aspect of modern woodland. East of Croscombe small thin strips of its northern side due to the higher ground of the intrusion are the busy roads; with very heavy traffic woodland on the north side of the main valley link up valley side. The built up edge is also contained by on the A37 and A361 links to Bristol, Bath and Frome with Ham Woods in a side valley which extend into the impressive Charlton Viaduct this listed 300 m (A37 fkiws exceed 7500 v/day). The Wells Road is the adjacent LC area (A5). Dinder Wood while not long structure marks the end of the visible section quieter but as the route follows the narrow winding listed as ancient is contiguous with Lyatt and Kings of the Shepton to Bath extension of the Somerset valley and runs through the middle of Croscombe it Castle Woods to the west which are. The area of Dorset Railway (Grade II*). The railway continues again has a major impact. Kings Castle Woods is owned and managed by the to climb across the open hillside of Barren Down as a nature reserve. narrowly missing two Neolithic / Bronze Age burial 6.2.32 The existing main road network has an impact on the mounds (SAM). A second viaduct shorter but taller attraction of the local rights of way network through 6.2.26 The woodland areas are set amongst a small- and also listed crosses a narrow side valley providing noise and severance of potential routes. Away from scale field pattern of more irregular steeply sloping a dramatic gateway to the Bath Road entrance to the the larger roads the valley sides and woodland areas pastures. Some of these are identified as local town. Further west the increasingly steep landform do offer some attractive recreational facilities. Part wildlife sites. The combination of woodlands and has provided an obvious natural limit to the town of the Fosse Way and the former railway line include tight network of connecting hedge lines creates a around Bowlish. At this point the Sheppey River path links (the line itself is not fully open to pedestrian more enclosed landscape within the narrow sections reappears from the edge of the residential area and access but there are paths below the Charlton Viaduct of the valley. the strong character of the semi natural small valley and at Windsor Hill. The woodlands include footpath landscape becomes more dominant. links and the accessible nature reserve area at Kings 6.2.27 Around the head of the valley and on areas of Castle Wood. Dinder Woods are also listed as a shallower gradients some larger fields are used for 6.2.30 The village settlements downstream of Shepton recognised climbing location. arable production. These have a larger scale and developed along the route of the Wells Road. generally more rectilinear pattern. Croscombe still has the main road forming the main village street. Dinder is bypassed by the road 6.2.28 The LCA adjoins and extends around the east, north (the historical maps of the 1800’s show the village and western sides of Shepton Mallet. Historically set back from the road); the village developed edges of the town were defined by the line of the Fosse around the big house alongside the river; the grounds Way to the east and the rising ground to the north. separate the house and village from the main road Larger scale post war development has extended creating a quiet backwater setting. Dulcote has been across the line of the Roman road and infilled the gap bypassed with the creation of the Wells Bypass in the to Frog Lane. The lane sits in a small side valley and late 1990’s with only traffic heading into the eastern with trees and smaller scale development provides side of the city now passing through the village. a softer edge to the town on this side. The larger scale industrial and retail buildings are notable in the 6.2.31 Although the LCA includes the built up area of views in towards the built up area from the Doulting Shepton the general area outside of the town is Hill direction. reasonably free of major infrastructure. The town sewage treatment works is visible from the main

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Key Characteristics of :- LCA – A6 - the sheppEy valley, shepton mallet, croscombe & dinder

physical/natural characteristics settlement & infrastructure

• Narrow steeply dropping small river combe valley • Town of Shepton sits within LCA with small side valley • Smaller villages downstream in narrow valley • Rock outcrops • Main road dominates base of valley within villages • Small areas of ancient woodland • Bi-passed villages with less traffic effects • Small scale irregular fields in narrower sections • Villages with strong historic character and limited of valley some larger fields where cross section post war development. opens out. • Sewage treatment plant also notable within base • Predominantly grazing / improved grasslands of valley with hedged boundaries • Hedge and occasional field/parkland trees

LAND USE/MANAGEMENT/HUMAN INFLUENCES PERCEIVED CHARACTERISTICS

• Managed improved grasslands • River contained within channels former mills • Small scale intimate valley • Former railway on viaducts on edge of built up • Busy road, hostile conditions within villages area • Remote tranquil spots on higher slopes away from • Small areas of parkland in lower valley village main road

Special Features – note not all features designated

• Barren Down hillside slope containing north side of the town between viaducts – SLF • Substantial former railway viaducts • King Castle Tor Woods Ridgeline – includes iron age fort, areas of ancient woodland, parkland, WWII defences (comprehensive collection of pill boxes & anti tank blocks) & golf course (area partially covered by SLF)

Landmarks, Views and Viewpoints

• Limited long views due to relatively low topography. • Viaducts form local landmarks

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lca - a7 - THE LEIGH, STOKE AND OAKHILL area has a north facing aspect. The main street of 6.2.40 The area includes only limited woodland cover. NORTHERN FLANK Leigh on Mendip follows the northern edge of the Although the boundary with the neighbouring LCA small stream valley providing the village with a south to the north (the Mells Valley LCA A10) is often 6.2.33 This LCA extends along the lower slopes of the facing slope. The area includes a small area of wooded. This starts with the woodlands of the Mells northern edge of the east Mendip Ridge. In this south facing slope around the hamlet of Downhead. Park Estate; to the north of Leigh on Mendip the edge position the landscape provided more sheltered of the plateau is marked by the long line of Leigh / 6.2.37 The main section of ridge is occupied by the Old conditions for the three small villages found here. Hurdlestone Wood. Between Stoke St Michael and Wells Road (which links to Frome and continues Although off the top of the ridge; Leigh on Mendip Oakhill the area is fringed by Harridge Wood. The to the west within the Maesbury - Cranmore Ridge and Stoke St Michael are positioned in elevated plantation woodland around Cranmore Tower (mainly area (LCA A5). This section still feels comparatively locations at around 200m AOD, Oakhill is slightly within LCA A5) is a mixed pine beech woodland. higher at around 220m AOD. remote but with the lower and less pronounced ridge landform the sense of exposure is less than 6.2.41 Between the villages the landscape is comprised 6.2.34 The outline of the LCA broadly follows the geological the section to the west. The route is slightly more of small scale irregular fields enclosed by hedges. outcrops along the ridgeline. Above Stoke St Michael sheltered with the Cranmore plantations (landscape These are mainly dairy and livestock grazing with a the high ground reflects the outcrop of Andesite lava mounding and planting around the Moons Hill small amount of arable, mainly maize, production. and volcanic ash deposits. These are quarried at the quarry may increase this sense over time). Amongst Moons Hill quarry as hard wearing roadstone. To the the occasional farmsteads fronting on to the main east the ridge is formed of the Old Red sandstone road is Tadhill House Farm a former coaching inn outcrop. The three villages sit on the narrow outcrop on the high road (similar to the Wagon and Horses of Black Rock Limestone; this band of up ended strata Inn in LCA 5). is quarried near Leigh on Mendip and in the major quarry at Whatley. The falls within 6.2.38 The ridge provides occasional long distance views this LCA area as the continuation of this outcrop. but with the more gentle landform these are more At the northern edge of the area the land falls away glimpsed. steeply corresponding to a line of hard coarse red sandstone. 6.2.39 Below the ridge the three villages are linked by a smaller (but quite busy) local lane. With parts 6.2.35 With the underlying limestone there are only a few of the villages extending out along this lane and surface watercourses. A small stream flows from occasional clusters of other properties on route this Leigh on Mendip down into the Mells Park Finger is a more settled landscape than the higher ridge Valley (LCA A10.2). Further west at Stoke St Michael (here and in LCA A5). The villages comprise of there are a few small swallets feeding into the Stoke generally unassuming cottages and modest housing Lane cave system (see section 5). mostly built with the local limestone. Leigh on Mendip Church stands out as a feature on the small 6.2.36 The landform varies from the steep section of ridgeline through the village. Oakhill has a few more valley that contains Stoke St Michael to areas of substantial buildings including the former brewery gently rolling plateau. The high point of Tadhill is a and Oakhill Manor. continuation of the east Mendip ridge. Most of the

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6.2.42 The area includes a network of minor winding lanes which combined with the tall hedges creates a more Key Characteristics of :- LCA – A7 - the leigh stoke and oakhill, northern flank of the ridge intimate landscape. PHYSICAL/NATURAL CHARACTERISTICS SETTLEMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE

6.2.43 The quarries have had a substantial impact on • Elevated generally north facing slopes • Villages set within sheltered lea of higher ground the landscape within this LCA. Over the last 20 • Localised shallow valleys within larger scale with clear relationship to topography – 30 years the perimeters of these quarries have landform • Small solar farm been progressively enclosed with mounding and • Substantial areas of woodland form boarder with planting. On some sections of the quarries this is adjoining LCA’s & buffers to quarries now well established and starting to mature. The • Small scale irregular field pattern with internal workings are generally creating deep sided predominantly grazing & some maize production excavations with stepped cliff faces that extend below • Disused quarries form significant natural wild the water table. The Whatley Quarry is one of the spots Mendip super quarries with its own rail link (LCA

A10.4). and Moons Hill quarries are LAND USE/MANAGEMENT/HUMAN INFLUENCES PERCEIVED CHARACTERISTICS smaller scale footprints operating excavation and crushing plants. Both of these quarries depend • Extensive quarrying part of history & ongoing • Upper ridge area offer some sense of remote on lorry haulage with access heading south out large but generally well hidden extraction sites condition, glimpsed distant views hint at elevation to the A361. Other disused quarries remain as • Top ridge road link on former coaching route long • Generally quiet landscape away from main roads abandoned workings between Leigh on Mendip and straight road away from villages • Some tranquillity on edges close to woodland Soho, Downhead and at Stoke St Michael. With little • Local lane linking villages busy for scale of route borders disturbance some of these are developing as more • A37 through Oakhill cuts through village separating areas & school wild natural habitats.

6.2.44 Aside from the quarries the area has few infrastructure Special Features – note not all features designated intrusions. A small solar farm is located on the edge of the LCA at Soho Farm (within LCA 10.2). The • Ridge road – former coaching route main roads and key lanes are relatively busy; which • Distinctive farm / coaching inn buildings at Tadhill generates a low level of constant background noise. • Mells Park boundary wall / park corner The most heavily route through the area is the short section of the A367 Fosse Way through Oakhill.

6.2.45 The area is accessible via a network of rights of way; mainly short sections of footpath between the lanes. Landmarks, Views and Viewpoints • Views to Cranmore Tower • Glimpsed distant views off ridge

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lca - a8 - the north and east mendip a8.1 STON EASTON PLATEAU (now a hotel) looks out over an area of parkland farmlands - DISCRETE TRACTS OF MORE with trees and up to the village church at Manor GENTLY UNDULATING PLATEAU LANDSCAPES 6.2.47 The LCA borders the Chilcompton Valley and main Farm. The designated area includes an extensive roads at Old Down. Close to the area to the north and south of the main house. 6.2.46 This LCA is broken down into a series of landscapes boundary follows the route of East End Lane along Within the areas more removed from the house the by frequent deeply incised valleys which present the break of slope between the plateau and the parkland landscape has fewer free-standing trees. their own distinctive character (set out as LCA’s rising ground of Nedge Hill. To the north west of The northern part of the park is given over to a golf A9, - A10). The landscape is generally comprised this Chewton Mendip sits just beyond the edge of the course and country club most of which lies outside of of gently undulating topography occupied by small plateau within a distinct valley (in LCA A3). To the the designated area. The rest of the course is more scale mixed farming. The area subdivides into three north of Ston Easton the land drops away sharply at heavily treed than the open plateau and links with a main blocks, these include: the district boundary. Much of the area is at around woodland block on the edge of the district were the • A8.1 An extensive area of open farmland 150 – 200m AOD. The Wellow Brook starts within land starts to fall away into the Cam Valley. around Ston Easton Ston Easton and drops to the district boundary close to (crossing the boundary at around 6.2.51 Close to the main house a small natural valley on • A8.2 A more confined area stretching around 100m AOD). the north of the building was laid out as gardens the southern side of Chilcompton to Vobster and pleasure grounds. Humphry Repton was including the villages of Stratton-on-the- 6.2.48 Within this area the landscape is open and with the commissioned to produce a Red Book design for Fosse, Holcombe and Highbury. gently rolling landform there are many views across the grounds in 1792 but not all his proposals were the expanse of the LCA. One small hill Chew Down implemented. The valley appears to be one area • A8.3 Babington, Newbury Hill and Hapsford stands out as a notable narrow steep ridge providing where some of his ideas were undertaken, with a includes an area of open farmland to the views in all directions. previously stagnant pool converted to a more natural north of Vobster and Mells. stream with cascades. Terraces extend from the 6.2.49 The farmed landscape is mixed livestock grazing with north face of the house below which grassed slopes silage and hay cropping and some limited arable lead down to the stream. An area of more formal production. The fields are laid out to a semi regular pleasure grounds and a kitchen garden sit in the up- enclosure pattern with low drystone walls. Occasional stream section of the valley and parts are noted as field boundary and free-standing parkland trees pre-dating the Repton scheme. The combination of stand out in the views. design using controlled views and natural elements of the landscape are carried through into vistas 6.2.50 By way of contrast the village and Ston Easton Park are more enclosed with buildings and the main estate between clumps of trees and views along the valley. wall enclosing the road. The park is a designated 6.2.52 Aside from Ston Easton the area is sparsely populated. historic landscape (grade II) including parkland and The small hamlet of Clapton sits on a high spot close garden areas. The estate is separated from the to the district boundary. Originally laid out as small village by roadside shelterbelt and cottages fronting collection of buildings around the larger group of on to the high street. A fringe of woodland along Manor Farm; the hamlet is now a mix of historic the edge of a stream valley encloses the setting of and post war housing. A small quarry in the village the main manor house and the gardens. The house having once provided local building stone is now

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used for production of reconstituted walling stone. Historic maps indicated the village was at one time Key Characteristics of :- LCA – A8.1 - ston easton plateau enclosed on most sides by orchards. physical/natural characteristics settlement & infrastructure

6.2.53 The B3114 forms a minor back road link from • Extensive open plateau occasional small • Isolated small village of Ston Easton along with Emborough to Chewton Mendip. A number of farms topographic features Chew Down & Ston Easton scatter of individual farmsteads and individual houses are dotted along this road and Park valley • Main road across plateau cuts through village. off the side road lanes such as at East End Lane. • Large wind and solar farm developments While there is no significant hamlet at Emborough the parish church stands out as a dramatic isolated building visible across parts of the open plateau.

6.2.54 In addition to the main road at Emborough two other relatively busy main roads cut across the plateau. The land use/management/human influences PERCEIVED CHARACTerISTICS from Shepton to Bristol and the A39 Wells to Bristol route join north of Ston Easton. With the open • Improved grassland managed landscape predominantly livestock and grassland • Sparsely populated expansive landscape providing landscape the road noise is audible across much of scope to experience remote spots away from main • Regular medium scale enclosure landscape the area and the passing traffic often in open view. road drystone wall field boundaries with trees & occasional free standing field trees • Limited tranquillity near road & solar / wind 6.2.55 Large wind turbines at Shooters Bottom (in adjacent installations • Parkland landscape trees LCA A2) are frequently visible in views from within this area. A solar farm is also contained within several fields close to Chilcompton. Special Features – note not all features designated

• Ston Easton park Registered Historic Parkland and Gardens – influenced by Repton (Grade II) • Emborough Church of The Blessed Virgin Mary (Grade II*) • Chew Down Topographic Feature • Strap Lane Green-way

Landmarks, Views and Viewpoints

• Pen Hill Mast in view from many locations • Nearby wind turbines glimpsed in views • Open views across open plateau

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a8.2 CHILCOMPTON TO VOBSTER (INCLUDING 6.2.58 The general character of the landscape is irregular 6.2.61 In addition to the mines the area also includes the THE VILLAGES OF STRATTON ON THE FOSSE, small fields subdivided by hedgerows with a good small former quarries at Vobster. These and the HOLCOMBE AND HIGHBURY) coverage of hedgerow trees. To the north of Stratton mines were linked to the North Somerset Railway and Holcombe the landscape becomes progressively by a tramway that extended through the area north 6.2.56 This area starts at the western end as a narrow more open with larger scale fields on the ridges of Vobster around to the Mackintosh and Newbury strip of landscape between Chilcompton and the between the Norton Radstock Valleys. Colliery Sites north of Coleford. Nettlebridge Valley; widening out to the south east

of the village. It includes the area around Stratton 6.2.59 This area forms an important part of the wider North 6.2.62 The area to the north of Highbury remains as a on the Fosse, upper Holcombe and the Highbury Somerset Coal Field. Where the Nettlebridge Valley heavily disturbed landscape with the site of the former end of Coleford Village. The landscape is a mix of (LCA A10) provides interest from the remains of Newbury Colliery having become a waste recycling small-scale farmland and the spread-out settlements, Roman and Medieval mining the higher landscape of centre and concrete stone plant. Elsewhere within which are all former mining villages. this LCA perhaps bore the brunt of the later periods this LCA many of the other mine sites have become of coal extraction. Within the Nettlebridge Valley the small employment / light industrial sites. While many 6.2.57 The topography is hard to follow as a consistent coal measures are exposed at the surface; on the of these are unsightly or seem out of place within pattern through this area. Generally the landform plateau they are overlaid by a cap of hard Dolomitic an otherwise rural landscape there is a connection is gently rolling high ground sandwiched between Conglomerate. The mines on these higher areas to the historical activity that gave rise to the main the deep long east-west tract of the Mells Valley had to sink shafts down to reach the coal and then villages and the reason why miners and their families (located to the south LCA A10) and the three Norton continue to significant depths to extract from workable relocated to this part of the county. Radstock Valleys (LCA A9) that head north. Various seams. Amongst a cluster of pits to the south of parts of this LCA area drain into the adjoining areas Chilcompton / Downside Strap Pit was worked to a 6.2.63 The village areas of Highbury and upper Holcombe north and south. depth of 500 m; becoming the deepest in Somerset. within this LCA are dominated by the more recent mainly 20 century development growth (the lower 6.2.60 Holcombe and Highbury expanded as mining villages parts of both of these contain some of the older with the operation of the surrounding pits, miners buildings and are described in LCA A10.2). Of the relocated to Somerset from other coal producing two Highbury is to a greater extent more obviously areas such as Nottinghamshire and Yorkshire. developed as as mainly post war housing estates. In Although the Somerset Coal Field was not as places the development is seen as extensive skyline productive as other parts of the county many of the development on the edge of the Valley. mines continued active operations during both WWI Holcombe has the Manor House, Hill House and the and WWII. After the nationalisation of the industry in former village brewery as a few elements of more 1947 the production in Somerset began to diminish historic character. with the last pit closing in 1973 [BGS]. Very little really obvious mining influence remains within the 6.2.64 The settlement pattern of Stratton-on-the-Fosse has area; the few coal tips are relevantly small and most two main parts; the Roman Road and Downside of the wheel houses or other buildings have been Abbey. The Roman Road has a continuous frontage removed or absorbed into other uses. The mine and of residential development on at least the eastern coking plant at Vobster is scheduled as an ancient side of the road. A few cul-de-sac blocks of post monument (with LCA A10). war housing extend back from the main road; but

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the overall impression is of the modern development 6.2.67 At the western end of the LCA south of Chilcompton being defined by the ancient road. The Abbey and around Stratton-on-the-Fosse the footpath Church (grade I listed) stands out in distant views as a network is limited. A few connections can be made substantial building seen over the rest of the village. via lanes and paths from these two villages out to The rest of the Abbey site is occupied by the Downside neighbouring landscapes. Footpath or minor lane School grounds and buildings which have a mix of access out into the countryside from the urban edge historic and modern education buildings set within of Midsomer Norton is poor with the limited number an extensive parkland / playing field setting. The of paths and the busy Fosse Way and Wells Roads. school has a backdrop of small blocks of woodland The landscape on the immediate edge of the town is and groups of individual parkland trees throughout also quite open providing limited interest or distraction the campus. from the traffic.

6.2.65 Although the area contains three substantial villages 6.2.68 To the east of Stratton-on-the-Fosse the lanes and and the extensive areas of former minerals working footpaths provide more of a connected network there are few major elements of modern infrastructure providing links between the villages and into the within the landscape. A single modest wind turbine adjoining landscapes. At the far eastern end of the is located close to Downside Farm at the western end area the disused Vobster Quarry has been converted of the LCA. This is glimpsed from Coalpit Lane in into an inland diving and outdoor swimming centre. an area that otherwise feels quite remote. As noted the various small employment/industrial sites located on the former mine workings are often encountered as intrusions in the rural locations. The A367 Fosse Way is the busiest section of road in the area; the traffic having the greatest impact on the internal character of Stratton-on-the-Fosse.

6.2.66 The villages of Holcombe and Highbury/Coleford are more remote from the main road network and for the scale of both settlements they feel a bit disconnected from the nearby towns. Traffic on the smaller roads that connect these villages to the main road network has an impact on landscape character. This is in terms of an impact on general tranquillity in and around the lanes through background noise and more hostile conditions for non-vehicular users.

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Key Characteristics of :- LCA – A8.2 - chilcompton to vobster

PHYSICAL/NATURAL CHARACTERISTICS SETTLEMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE

• Undulating plateau topography • Several isolated mining villages areas of historic • Patterns of small & medium scale farmland cores with post war expansion development • Irregular field patterns • Former mine locations now small rural / light industrial enterprise sites

LAND USE MANAGEMENT/HUMAN INFLUENCES PERCEIVED CHARACTERISTICS

• Small scale farming with occasional areas of larger • Areas of isolated remote back lanes & villages set blocks of regular field patterns with arable/maize away from strategic routes production • Areas with some tranquillity away from main road • Areas previously part of active coal mining industry

Special Features – note not all features designated

• – strongly contrasting landmark building set within parkland setting • Former mine locations – mix of industrial heritage and modern light industrial use • Former quarries including inland diving centre • Former railways & tramways

Landmarks, Views and Viewpoints

• Limited views including glimpsed views to Ammerdown & Cranmore Towers

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a8.3 BABINGTON, NEWBURY HILL AND secluded setting and views over artificial lakes. The 6.2.75 As a direct contrast to the historic parks and gardens HAPSFORD parkland extends to some 52 ha and includes some this character area was also involved in the local coal small areas of woodland shelter belts enclosing the mining activity with the large Mells Colliery close to 6.2.69 This area is a continuation of the varied rolling gardens and areas of parkland with individual trees. Holwell Farm north east of Vobster. The mine was plateau that can be traced stretching around from These extend to include the area of Babington Wood originally open between 1863 and 1881, and then Ston Easton to . The area sits as a transition an ancient woodland within LCA 9.3. The registered re-opened in 1909 until being finally closed in 1943. between the secluded narrow Mells Valley and the area also includes 5ha of gardens, pleasure grounds Some of the buildings and an overgrown spoil heap higher area of the Mells Down / Buckland Ridge (LCA and the ornamental lakes. remain. The site now remains partially developed C2). The area is contained by this rising ground of as a employment site and part as the disused tip. the area to the north. 6.2.74 A second registered garden exists within this character at Hapsford House to the east of Great Elm. The 6.2.76 The Mells coal mine was connected to the North 6.2.70 The topography varies with parts of the plateau site which is grade II listed extends to some 5ha. Somerset railway via a small branch line (that went draining in different directions. At the western end the The gardens were laid out in the early part of the on to connect to the other Coleford/Highbury mines land drains into a shallow valley towards 19 century and include a series of terraced garden (marked as the Newbury Railway on the 1929 OS (LCA A9.3). Nearby the area to the north of Mells spaces that lead down to a mill stream walk next to map). There was also a second small tramway line falls gently towards the village draining into the the Mells River. Mells catchment. Further east the land rises up to the local high point of Newbury Hill (at 145 AOD) and then drops down to the Buckland Stream valley and Hapsford House.

6.2.71 Most of the area is open farmland laid out as medium scale regular hedged fields. The land is farmed as dairy/livestock grazing and some arable production. A small block of mixed woodland exists on Newbury Hill.

6.2.72 The hilltop at Newbury Hill is identified as having both a tumulus and hill fort earthwork (these are not scheduled or accessible). The hill fort may have connections to the other two similar sites on the Wadbury and Tedbury hills in the adjacent Mells Valley.

6.2.73 An area around Babington House is identified as a Registered Historic Landscape. The Park and Gardens were laid out from around 1750 onwards. The main house (listed grade II* - now a hotel) is located to take advantage of the shallow valley providing a

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that connected to the Mells Quarry in the same area. The main line of the disused North Somerset railway is Key Characteristics of :- LCA – A8.3 - babington, newbury hill and hapsford located on the edge of this LCA (bordering LCA C2). PHYSICAL/NATURAL CHARACTERISTICS settlement & infrastructure The former Mells Station was located at the junction of the Newbury Line. Another sizeable employment • Gently undulating plateau landscape • Scattered individual & groups of development site is located in the same area of the junction. • Medium scale regular pattern farmland • Isolated light industrial sites • Limited woodland cover 6.2.77 The area is generally free from major infrastructure, other elements of modern intrusive infrastructure or major roads. The two employment sites located on the former colliery and railway junction are notable land use/management/human influences perceived characteristics exceptions to this. • Parkland landscape • Areas providing degrees of remote isolation 6.2.78 The area provides a good level recreational • Coal mining area access. The local footpath network extends from • Connecting disused railway and sidings now multi Babington with some access through the parkland use path and employment sites across to the area north of Mells. The former North Somerset Railway has been converted into Special Features – note not all features designated a surfaced Sustrans Cycleway. The route extends along the northern edge of this area (within LCA C2 • Babington Estate Registered Landscape but with views out across this landscape) and is very • Hapsford Registered Garden popular. Two quiet lanes link the cycle track to the • Former mine sites offering industrial heritage links – include listed buildings villages of Mells and Great Elm. The Great Elm link • Former railway multi use path is part of the Sustrans route continuation to Frome and beyond (route 24) and also serves as a short

section of the long-distance Macmillan Way footpath. Landmarks, Views and Viewpoints

• Few distant views but interesting landscape providing generally good visual

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LCA – A9 - THE RADSTOCK AND NORTON 6.2.81 The village has extended out from what was a cluster 6.2.84 In the lower valley the fields are larger. The field VALLEYS - SMALL SCALE VALLEYS LEADING of development at and below Bowden Hill. The older boundaries are generally low hedges with few OUT TO THE ADJOINING BANES DC AREA TO THE NORTH parts of the village developed down in the lower part hedgerow trees. The course of the river stands out of the valley, with at least one mill. The now disused as a meandering line more heavily enclosed in trees. Somerset Dorset Joint Railway used the same valley to 6.2.79 Three small combe valleys drain from the MDC area 6.2.85 There are few areas of established woodland in the into the towns of Midsomer Norton and Radstock. climb up onto the Mendip plateau from Radstock; a landscape outside the village. Within the combe These share similar physical features but each has small station in the village marked the top of the steep section of the valley there is a narrow strip of ancient different character arising from human influences, climb. The bulk of the old village being located in woodland on the north side of the valley. On the primarily the presence or absence of settlement. the shelter of the valley below the line. A main road south side of the valley the former railway line is These are described under the following headings: heading east west through the parish sat on the higher ground to the south of the railway providing a link defined by a belt of trees stretching along most of • A9.1 Chilcompton Valley between the distant towns of Wells and the line round to the cutting at Tunnel Hill. (Wells Road/Broadway). Inns along this road hint 6.2.86 Within the same section of the valley within the • A9.2 Holcombe Wood – Charlton Valley at its origin as a coaching route occupying the more village there are a number of small stone quarries easily transited high ground. Another lane Stockhill • A9.3 Kilmersdon Valley and rocky outcrops. The railway cutting on either Road strikes out from the village centre towards the side of the tunnel to the east of the village (on Tunnel quarries and mines within the Nettlebridge Valley. Lane) is identified as a Geological Interest Site in a9.1 CHILCOMPTON Village and valley the local plan. 6.2.82 During the 20th century the village expanded as 6.2.80 Of the three valleys this one contains the most development spread along most of the roads out in development with the village of Chilcompton filling all directions. In particular this included development a large part of what was once a small combe. The along both sides of the Wells / Broadway Road stream valley starts to the west of the village draining infilling the area of shallower slopes between the a shallow undulation in the plateau around Old railway and main road and land to the south. Down (in LCA A8.1). Closer into the village the Development also extended out along the length of valley becomes more pronounced with steeper and Stockhill Road as near continuous frontage to the deeper side slopes. A series of wells and springs are edge of the Nettlebridge Valley. found within the narrow section and a second stream 6.2.83 Most of the surrounding landscape is outside of the joins within the village creating the small . LCA area (mainly the undulating plateaus of A8.1 Downstream of the village the valley cross section and A8.2). Small pockets of farmland are contained widens out to provide a more flat-bottomed cross between parts of the village and in the downstream section but the surrounding valley sides remain as section of the valley extending up to the district hills some 40 – 50 m above the water course. For boundary. These are similar to the wider plateaus most of its course the water is in a natural channel as a mix of grasslands and arable. The field pattern but within the village the stream fed a series of water close to the village is small scale irregular paddocks cress beds and becomes a man-made feature in a and grass fields with hedges and hedgerow trees. constructed channel next to the lane.

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6.2.87 This area is predominantly settlement; with a busy main road running through it. The village contains Key Characteristics of :- LCA – A9.1 - chilcompton a number of commercial developments dotted physical /natural characteristics settlement & infrastructure along the main road in between the residential properties. A large wind turbine to the southwest • Combe valley landform with flatter plateau • Older part of village set down in combe of the village (near Stockhill Road in LCA 8.2) and adjoining above • Former coach road above the historic village sewage treatment works to the northeast of the village • Small scale River Somer • Disused railway climbs valley through village are the main elements of notable infrastructure • Small areas of ancient woodland • Line marked by tree cover located just outside the built-up area. With these • Small scale irregular fields around village • STW intrusion in lower valley elements, traffic noise and presence of the built • Larger regular fields in lower valley up area the general landscape is not particularly • Low hedges with few trees tranquil or unspoilt. • Stream course marked by more tree cover

land use/management/human influences perceived characteristics

• Mixed grassland and arable farming • Busy main road • Historic mining & quarrying industries • Settled suburbanised landscape • Stream contained within man-made channel • More historic character low in the valley • Water cress beds

Special Features – note not all features designated

• Area of Ancient Woodland (note as significant asset within close proximity to village) • River Somer including wells, springs and water cress beds • Disused railway including station site, railway bridges and short tunnel • Geological RIG site

Landmarks, Views and Viewpoints

• Views to Cranmore Tower and Penn Hill Mast from end of Stockhill Lane

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a9.2 holcombe wood - charlton valley 6.2.93 Downstream Charlton is a cluster of houses mainly on the side of the valley. The hamlet is located around 6.2.88 The small back road between Stratton-on-the-Fosse the B3139 which serves as a busy main road linking and Holcombe cuts across the upper end of two the A362 and A36 to the Fosse Way and beyond. small stream valleys. These drain the nearby plateau landscape (LCA A8.2). To the east of the lane the 6.2.94 The landscape within the upper valley is relatively valleys drop into narrow wooded combes providing tranquil although the Fosse Way is not much more an interesting and very secluded area of landscape. than 1km distant the deep valley location helps reduce the level of back ground noise. Closer to Charlton 6.2.89 The streams flow through small man-made lakes the main road crossing the valley introduces a fairly before combining and continuing in a narrow valley constant level of traffic noise. towards the hamlet of Charlton and the district boundary. Two other small stream and side valleys 6.2.95 The upper section of the valley is well served by a within the woodland area create a complex landform network of footpath routes; which include links to and spurs of woodland branching off the main block. Stratton-on-the-Fosse and Holcombe Village. These climb in and out of the bottom of the valley and the 6.2.90 At the upstream end the landscape is dominated woodlands providing very varied routes. Downstream by the woodland areas much of which is ancient the base of the valley can be followed by a single woodland. The intervening field pattern is comprised path that heads down to the edge of Radstock. of small irregular parcels defined by the woodland outlines. The down stream section of the valley is set 6.2.96 The church, church yard and woodlands all fall within in a more open landscape with no woodland and the area designated as a special landscape feature larger fields. The land use is mixed with grazing and area within the MDC local plan. arable production and some areas of shooting cover.

6.2.91 The upper parts of the valley are uninhabited, but the Holcombe Wood Valley provides the setting for the isolated Church of St Andrew. The building is Grade II* and set within a small walled church yard that also contains several other listed monuments. The building is set on its own at the very end of a long single lane track that drops down into the valley through a group of farm buildings. The woodland provides a strong natural backdrop to the building.

6.2.92 There are also occasional glimpsed views to the nearby farmsteads, villages and Downside Abbey in the distance from paths leading out of the woodland areas.

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Key Characteristics of :- LCA – a9.2 holcombe wood - charlton valley

physical/natural characteristics settlement & infrastructure

• Small combe landform • Historic church & group of farm buildings • Areas of ancient woodland • Stream valleys with man-made ponds • Small scale irregular field pattern

land use/management/human influences PERCEIVED CHARACTERISTICS

• Small scale intimate landscape • Areas of shooting cover and estate managed woodlands • Sense of remote & isolated spot • Tranquil within deeper sections of valley adds to sense of isolation

Special Features – note not all features designated

• Grade II* church • Duck ponds within the woodland – private • Ancient woodland and other woodland blocks follow landform • Former mine shaft within area

Landmarks, Views and Viewpoints

• Generally contained landscape within valley attractive but few views out • Glimpsed views to Downside Abbey

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a9.3 kilmersdon valley including grade II* lych gate and wall). The main as such add to the setting of the church and other street is the B3139 link between the Fosse Way nearby heritage features; the position of the village 6.2.97 The Kilmersdon Valley is the largest of the three (A367) and the A362 and A36 main roads. The as a sheltered location along the otherwise quite Norton Radstock Valleys within the MDC area. This main road approaches into the village from both elevated route between Trowbridge and Wells and is again a small stream valley with tributary streams directions are fairly dramatic. From the east a sharp the collection of well-preserved historic buildings and side valleys. The village of Kilmersdon lies at 90° bend and open field provide a view towards the provides a direct connection between them, the the confluence of several larger streams and their historic houses with the church in the background. wider landscape character and the character of the valleys. While the valleys are generally small with a From the east Kilmersdon Hill provides a steep very settlement. deep narrow cross section the village sits in a wider straight descent down to the main street; the point section where the valleys join. where the road arrives is marked by buildings hard 6.2.103 The upstream section of the valley is relatively tranquil against the roadside (including a grade II listed toll as the main roads are more than 1km away and 6.2.98 The landform of these valleys is generally a more house confirming the history of the road). the landform provides shelter from the background gentle cross section than the two small narrow combes traffic noise. Closer to Kilmersdon the road noise to the west (LCA’s A9.2 and 9.3). While not as steep 6.2.102 The main street is fronted by a collection of local picks up but is more related to traffic within the the valleys are still deep with around 40 m level stone terraced cottages (grade II listed) and the valley. The area is generally free of other major difference between the stream and the surrounding Jolliffe Arms (grade II* listed) a former Inn on the modern infrastructure. plateau landscapes. The main stream course is also coaching road. Within the street frontage there is steep with a drop of around 70 m over 4 km. also the village lock up; The Blind House (Grade II 6.2.104 The historic railway line cuts across the valley to the listed) now used as a bus shelter. The assembly of east of the village; on sizable embankment; but is 6.2.99 The landscape contains a few blocks of woodland listed buildings around the main road relate directly well contained within the associated tree cover. The but is not heavily wooded. A small proportion of to the nature of the route as a former toll road and dramatic Ammerdown Bridge (restricted headroom the woodland is ancient woodland. A younger belt of tree cover has become well established along the line of the disused North Somerset Railway (linking Radstock to Frome).

6.2.100 The agricultural landscape is mixed livestock and dairy and arable production. In the upper part of the valley with steeper slopes the field pattern is small scale and irregular. Further downstream the shallower slopes of the more open valley are laid out as larger more regular fields with more arable land-use.

6.2.101 Aside from the village and a few sporadic farm complexes the area is sparsely populated. Kilmersdon is a compact village set out around a substantial church building (St Peter and St Paul – Grade I listed with other listed structures and boundary features

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on a sharp bend) provides one of the few obvious reminders to the presence of the line from the outside. Key Characteristics of :- LCA – A9.3 kilmersdon valley Inside the tree line the former track bed has been PHYSICAL/NATURAL CHARACTERISTICS settlement & infrastructure converted to a Sustrans cycle (route 24 linking Radstock to Frome / Bath to Eastleigh in Hampshire). • Deep stream valley with varied cross section • Village sits within natural landform taking The route is now a very popular recreational facility • Areas of steep sided narrow form, wider at advantage of sheltered location becoming quite busy at peak times. The character confluence • Historic building cluster reinforce relationship of the landscape along this section of the route is • Limited woodland cover – some ancient woodland between settled location & wider area as coaching stop on toll road more influenced by the containing tree cover and • Small scale irregular fields on steeper slopes interest of the grasslands/scrub line-side vegetation • Larger more regular fields on shallower areas than the wider LCA character.

land use/management/human influences perceived characteristics 6.2.105 Elsewhere the valley has a few footpath connections that extend up the base of the two main valleys. • Managed landscape within strong natural setting • Intimate unspoilt setting One providing access through the area of ancient • Former railway absorbed into landscape • Limited audible tranquillity due to roads woodland on the edge of the Babington Estate (LCA A8.3) Special Features – note not all features designated

• Village cluster of listed buildings including Grade I church and former gaol now bus stop (Grade II listed) • Former railway converted to shared use path • Ammerdown railway bridge

Landmarks, Views and Viewpoints

• Landmarks Views and Viewpoints • Limited views out from area but attractive unspoilt views within.

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a10 The mells valley A10.1 GURNEY SLADE, NETTLEBRIDGE, EDFORD, LOWER COLEFORD TO VOBSTER

6.2.106 Extending from Gurney Slade to near Frome and including the Whatley and Nunney Brook side valleys. 6.2.110 Fittingly the area around the head of the Mells stream valley contains ancient woodland, a semi ornamental 6.2.107 The Mells River can be traced back to a small stream reservoir and disused quarries (elements that re- flowing from the pond at Emborough Grove. Over occur in the valley downstream. The uppermost the course of the approximately 10 miles to the parts of the valley start as the shallow small combes point where it joins the Frome, the valley maintains of Emborough Grove and Binegar Bottom. These a relatively deep and narrow cross section. The offer intimate and sheltered environments contrasting main valley and many side valleys contain a good with the more open Mendip plateau landscape to the proportion of the MDC areas’ ancient woodland west. The combes quickly descend into deeper section and a generally small-scale field pattern. The valley valleys so that by the lower part of Slade Bottom the also contains numerous historic sites including many valley is around 40m below the surrounding plateau. former mineral workings and areas of industrial heritage. Some areas of active quarrying remain 6.2.111 The steep sided nature of the valley extends the length within and adjacent to the LCA. of the LCA. The water course drops some 60 – 70m in the section Slade Bottom to Vobster. The channel 6.2.108 The LCA along the length of the valley is divided into has very little flood plain on either side. With the steep three main subsections; namely: descent the river provided opportunities for many mills, these often included short mill leat channels or • A10.1 Gurney Slade, Nettlebridge, Edford, ponds. A few remain as existing dwellings or visible Lower Coleford to Vobster ruins. Others are evident as not much more than • A10.2 Mells small waterfalls or islands between channels. One such ruin forms a small cascade in Harridge Wood • A10.3 Wadbury Valley and Vallis Vale which could be mistaken for a natural waterfall.

6.2.109 Two further valleys with similar characteristics join 6.2.112 The valley contains many areas of woodland much the Mells within LCA A10.3. These are described of this is ancient woodland. Generally the areas are under sub-sections : broadleaved woodland with minimal commercial activity. The woodlands of Harridge Wood includes • A10.4 Whatley Bottom (including Asham some historic conifer plantation but this is understood Woods) and to be being actively managed out.

• A10.5 the Nunney Brook/Egford Valley 6.2.113 The agricultural landscape is predominantly early enclosure small scale irregular fields with extensive hedgerows and many hedgerow trees. This pattern overlaid on the complex topography creates a strongly

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irregular landscape. Most of the farming is small Sections of the coal canal intended to link Coleford 6.2.119 As a contained small scale landscape with few views scale dairy or livestock grazing with silage and hay with the Kennet and Avon remain as a shallow cut out the area feels quite intimate. The combination cutting. Some areas of small-scale arable production through the fields near the village. The construction of complex topography, woodlands, irregular small are included these being mainly maize fodder crop. also included a listed aqueduct crossing a narrow side fields creates a rich landscape to explore. Away from valley in the lower village. These features remain as the main road and quarry the valley landform also 6.2.114 The steep valley sides include occasional rock part of the industrial heritage of the area and appear provides a higher degree of tranquillity and sense outcrops; similar to other combes within the Mendip as reminders of the previous surprisingly extensive of remoteness. area. In addition, various minor former quarry sites industrial activity of the locality. exist through the valley with areas of exposed rock face becoming quite naturalised. The limestone 6.2.117 The LCA area is sparsely settled; within the boundary geology is also the source of interest in respect of of the identified area. The area includes part of a number of small caves and rock shelters and a several villages but in each case the larger or more local tufa stream in Harridge Wood. The quarries modern parts of those settlements lie outside of the around Stoke St Michael exposed and in some cases, deeper section of the valley. Lower Binegar and removed parts of the local cave systems. A major Gurney Slade form a dispersed settlement in the active quarry is within the LCA at Binegar / Gurney lower part of the combe valley next to the major Slade. This includes the industrial scale processing quarry. The Nettlebridge section of the valley includes plant adjacent to the road frontage close to the a number of very small hamlets or simple clusters village centre. of housing within the network of narrow winding lanes. Edford (the lower part of Holcombe), Lower 6.2.115 In addition to the limestone quarries the Mells Valley Coleford and Vobster comprise the original areas also included many coal mines. With evidence of of these former mining villages. Edford (Holcombe) medieval mining at Nettlebridge and nineteenth and Coleford (Highbury) have expanded on the more and twentieth century mines extending from here open landscape up from the base of the valley (more to Vobster. Several of these sites are identified as within the adjoining LCA A8.2). Scheduled Ancient Monuments (as examples of the Roman and medieval works in Nettlebridge and 6.2.118 The area is crossed by the A367 which roughly a mid C19 mine and coking complex at Vobster). follows the line of the Roman Fosse Way. However, With the lack of intensive land usage around these with the steep deep valley at Nettlebridge the modern sites and the presence of some derelict structures road line diverges from the straighter historic route. the SAM areas are also of interest for their nature Elsewhere within the rest of the LCA the roads are conservation value. Elsewhere some of the other later a network of minor lanes. These are generally mine sites have become small scale light industrial contained often within banks and high hedges. employment sites.

6.2.116 With the mines also came railways with lines cutting through the valley at Emborough Quarry and a station serving tramway links between Coleford and Mells.

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6.2.120 The area is well served an extensive network of public Key Characteristics of :- LCA – A10.1 gurney slade, nettlebridge, edford, lower coleforD to footpaths. In addition woodland areas of Harridge Wood and other wildlife trust nature reserves provide vobster extensive areas of open access. Emborough Grove physical/natural characteristics settlement & infrastructure is noted as a club fishery site providing an attractive location for angling; although the introduction of • Deep steep sided valley with complex slopes and • Sparse settlement pattern with small clusters of extensive fencing and signage has an impact on the winding river course dwellings and sheltered villages wider enjoyment of this feature. • Woodland cover including areas of ancient • Settlements linked to local mining and quarrying woodland habit industries • Small scale irregular hedged fields • Extractive industries including historic and active • Small scale steeply sloping river sites • Frequent mill features

land use/management./human influences PERCEIVED CHARACTERISTICS

LANDSCAPE PATTERNS

• Area presents opportunities for access to tranquil • Low key agricultural and forestry management landscape and exhibits good degree of extensive • Substantial areas of nature conservation unspoilt condition management with matrix of woodlands and • Major quarrying activity present but tightly grassland habitats contained within small section of valley

Special Features – note not all features designated

• Blacker’s Hill Iron Age Fort And wooded valley (SLF) • Nettlebridge and Edford collection of nature reserves • Geological exposures of former quarry sites and calcareous tufa stream • Former colliery sites including medieval and C19 SAM, in addition site of Strap Mine deepest shaft within the North Somerset Coal Field • Coleford Coal Canal - Aqueduct and short sections of former railways • Emborough Pond (SLF)

Boundary adjustments from ‘97 Landmarks, Views and Viewpoints Assessment

• Views from Blacker’s Hill Fort include Pen Hill and Cranmore Tower Adjustments to boundaries and LCA areas to include Emborough Grove, Gurney Slade and Binegar Bottom and lower Coleford and Vobster within outline.

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a10.2 MELLS park enclosure the woodland is noted as having been explicitly excluded [EH Entry] 6.2.121 For a short section between Vobster and Mells the character of the valley is changed due to the 6.2.123 The river valley is within the registered area. The presence of Mells Park and village. The form of the river itself was remodelled to create two lakes with a narrow natural valley continues albeit with a more large waterfall and line of stepping stones between modest cross section of around 25 – 30m below the them. The former northern entrance drive to the undulating surrounding landform. The valley also house crosses over a bridge and weir at the eastern includes some woodland cover and very steep slopes. end of the lower lake. The main river valley lies to the From the Vobster Bridge down to the village of Mells north of the main house. A second smaller stream the river is contained within the historic parkland valley extends to the south of the house. The narrow and sections of the water course are included in the wooded valley known as Finger Valley extends around design of the landscape. to Hare Warren and defines the southern edge of the park. The landform in between the two valleys 6.2.122 The LCA covers the parkland and village as an is a more gentle plateau providing the larger part entity. The park is private and inaccessible but is of the open parkland landscape. listed as a registered historic landscape (Grade II). The park is thought to have been originally 6.2.124 Finger Valley extends up to the park boundary where enclosed as a deer park between 1604 and 1642. the plantation woodlands provide an important A house within the park is shown on the 1682 buffer to the adjoining Halecombe Quarry. The road manorial map of Mells and in the 1700’s plans frontage around this side of the estate is enclosed for a mansion were commissioned. In the late by an impressive local stone wall. 1700’s the park was laid out to create the structure 6.2.125 The parkland includes various garden and parkland of woodland plantations. The then owner Thomas features that are listed within the citation for the Horner consulted Humphry Repton but there is no registered parkland status. Some of the interest of record of any formal commission for his involvement. the site also relates to the existence of the scrapbooks More extensive parkland tree planting including a and sketches of Thomas Horner which included collection of conifers was undertaken in the nineteenth ‘ideas for hot-houses, follies, grottos, and temples, century. The mansion was destroyed by fire in 1917 rustic cottages, hermitages and Turkish tents, lakes, and rebuilt on a more modest scale to designs by plantations and eyecatchers’. Some elements of his Edwin Lutyens who also collaborated with Gertrude design and the later interventions of Lutyens and Jekyll on the gardens. The estate is encircled by Jekyll were constructed and remain as important local roads with some farmland separating the road aspects of the historic assets. Of these the collection and designated landscape. The area includes a of ‘magnificent C18 specimen trees, principally oak, large block of ancient woodland, Melcombe Wood, lime and beech’ and its ‘heavily wooded perimeter’ but this is not within the registered area; although are noted as the parks most striking features. Of clearly in existence at the time of the original deer interest as connections to the wider landscape

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character of the Mells Valley LCA the presence of houses and next to the village church (St Andrews natural rock outcrops and the creation of an artificial also Grade I listed). cave are also noted. 6.2.129 The river is contained within a deep secluded section 6.2.126 The park is effectively a secluded landscape with of valley between lanes and properties. The water no public access. The boundary wall on the road course emerges at the lower end of the village in a frontage and the lodge at the main entrance near small greenspace creating a local focal point next Bilboa House only hint at the estate inside. This to the village Post Office. seclusion was apparently used to provide the setting for the sensitive talks between the ANC and South 6.2.130 An unusual small stone triangular bus shelter adds to African government in the late 1980’s. The park the interest of this corner. The feature and the nearby and Elizabeth Horner also provided the setting (as war memorial were both designed by Edwin Lutyens Falls Park) and character for Thomas Hardy’s First The bus stop is built of the local Doulting stone with Countess of in A Group of Noble Dames. a stone bench, and was erected in memorial to a [EH citation & ANC Archive] member of the Horner family. The bus stop is Grade II and the war memorial Grade II*. 6.2.127 Downstream of the park the village maintains the character of a designed and protected setting. Mells 6.2.131 The overall LCA is relatively tranquil and unspoilt as is another village with dispersed settlement pattern, a small village and valley setting. Overall this is an the areas of housing are divided by the river and area of recognised importance as historic landscape areas of woodland and open greens. The valley and village conservation area, the village is noted topography helps contain and create a sheltered as quite picturesque. setting. The steeper slopes are generally wooded. 6.2.132 There are no major elements of infrastructure and Some of the roads drop down steep hills into and only limited areas of post war development. A small through parts of the village. The large area of village solar farm is included within the LCA at Soho and green by the school is open (unfenced) unimproved the area adjoins two major quarries in the adjacent grassland as such has the character of a common. LCA (A10.4).

6.2.128 The majority of the properties are built in local stone 6.2.133 The village area is surrounded by a modest network and include a mix of individual cottages and terraces of public rights of way. These extend out to the north and some other larger dwellings. Within this group and connect via lanes to the Sustrans route (in LCA is another notable house, Mells Manor (Grade I), C2) and to the east into the Wadbury Valley (SLFA). the grounds of which also have registered historic The network is constrained to the west by the private status and design input from Edwin Lutyens. The land of Mells Park and to the south by the extensive site includes a former monastic garden; relating Whatley Quarry. to the ownership of the Leigh, Mells and Nunney

parishes by the Abbots of Glastonbury prior to the 6.2.134 Mells is also noted in the cultural heritage overview dissolution. The Manor is set in amongst the village section [refer to section 5.7.20] as the location of

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the Village daffodil festival. The hedged lanes and many gardens through the village are planted with Key Characteristics of :- LCA – A10.2 mells the bulbs which provide bright spring colour. This PHYSICAL/NATURAL CHARACTERISTICS SETTLEMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE event started in 1979 and developed over the years into a major event for the village. The 2019 event • River valley • Mells picturesque village with dispersed attracted some 10,000 visitors on the day, but the • Rock outcrops development pattern & significant green spaces. attraction lasts for several weeks. • Ancient woodland areas • Notable country houses and groups of local stone cottages.

land use/management./human influences PERCEIVED CHARACTERISTICS

• Extensive parkland estate • Plantation features • Unspoilt historic village • River remodelled as part of designed landscape • Private secluded parkland • Estate enclosure wall and plantations

Special Features – note not all features designated

• Registered historic landscapes of Mells Park (including house and garden Lutyens and Jekyll collaboration) and Manor House and other Listed local stone features – designed by Edwin Lutyens Special references information Leigh-on-Mendip Parish Plan

Landmarks, Views and Viewpoints

Bibliography / References • Few local views out from LCA but sensitive in respect of popular village and good visual amenity. Glimpsed view from upper village includes Ammerdown Tower

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-en- try/1001150].

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a10.3 wadbury valley and vallis vale is noted as the important De La Beche Unconformity Hapsford. The A362 also cuts across the end of [see section 5.1]. the area crossing the river on a listed bridge, the 6.2.135 Downstream of Mells the valley quickly reverts to road is well screened but brings traffic noise into an the deep narrow wooded cross section and the 6.2.139 The river channel was once the source of significant otherwise quiet location. strong semi natural character reasserts itself. The power with numerous mills. Weirs, channels and topography closes in with two hills forming steep small islands remain as varied remnants of these 6.2.143 The valley is accessible via footpaths at various points. rocky valley sides. As naturally defensive sites the structures. Within the Iron Works the channel includes The iron works some of the woodlands and former hilltops were occupied by the Iron Age settlements a large waterfall and water wheel pit. Further quarries appear to be openly accessible and are of Wadbury Camp and Tedbury Camp on opposite downstream the industrial heritage includes listed heavily used by the public. The quarry site of the De sides of the river. The narrow valley form extends Lime Kilns (grade II) and the Murtry Aqueduct (grade La Beche Unconformity appears to have been turned down to the point where the A362 crosses close to II). The aqueduct was constructed for the coal into an informal BMX track. The East Mendip Way the confluence with the River Frome. canal for which construction was started in 1795 long distance footpath connects the edge of Frome but abandoned before the canal was completed in to the riverside near Great Elm. The walk out from 6.2.136 This section of the river is again narrow and drops 1803 [EH Citation]. the town through Vallis Vale appears a regular dog steeply (around 30 m in around 4.5 km). The walk and longer popular link out to a strongly semi valley includes a wide range of natural and historic 6.2.140 The valley is predominantly wooded with occasional natural landscape. The experience of the walk out features of interest. Perhaps the most well known areas of small steep paddocks and a few gardens from the urban edge is enhanced by the point the of these being the Fussels Iron Works. The majority backing on from the adjoining village. One of route crosses another LCAs (A10.5 and B2.1) with of the valley woodlands are not identified as ancient the larger areas of woodland is the regenerating different character (particularly with the contrasting woodland, but a large proportion of the valley is tree cover over the Tetbury Camp and adjacent open views). identified as a wildlife site within the local plan. abandoned quarry.

6.2.137 The valley is noted as a location for its geological 6.2.141 The LCA is reasonably devoid of existing settlement; a interest. This is as an overall general location by the few properties on the edge of Great Elm are located British Geological Survey and as a smaller area as within the wooded setting. Most of the village is a designated geological SSSI by Natural hidden from view but there are areas where large [Vallis Vale 23ha]. There are several small caves gardens blend with the natural setting. Where a small and rock shelters within the upper end of the valley lane from the village crosses the river the channel near Mells. One of these, Lime Kiln Hill Quarry widens out into a mill pond with an ornamental Cave when excavated revealed a rich collection of boathouse. fauna and a middle Palaeolithic chert 6.2.142 Within what is otherwise a very secluded and hand axe. Near the Iron Works is a natural swallet/ unspoilt landscape there are elements of modern resurgence cave (the Mells River Sink). Near to this is infrastructure. Most notably the Whatley Quarry another waterfall resurgence feature that is actually mineral railway cuts through the valley in part on a pumped outfall from the nearby Whatley Quarry. a large concrete viaduct used by occasional long

6.2.138 At Vallis Vale a small historic quarry face exposed the mineral trains. A small lorry park and light industrial different age strata of the local bedrock. This feature area is located within a section of the valley at

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6.2.144 Another link to Frome exists in the form of the Sustrans cycle route 24 which cuts across the valley via the Key Characteristics of :- LCA – A10.3 wadbury valley and vallis vale small back road lane linking to the Mells - Radstock physical/natural characteristics settlement & infrastructure former railway line. • Deep narrow valley landform • Glimpsed properties / gardens 6.2.145 As the area is very popular; the level of public access • Steeply dropping river within rocky channel • Mineral line railway (including tunnel & viaduct) is notably higher than other adjoining paths. This • Ancient & regenerating woodlands • Light industrial site within lower valley has an influence on character in terms of the locality • Caves • Main A362 road feeling well used and openly accessible but also less remote than other parts of the LCA A10 areas. land use/management/human influences perceived characteristics 6.2.146 The bulk of this LCA area is identified as a Special Landscape Feature (SLF) • Wild semi natural dramatic landscape • Extensive minerals and industrial heritage • Remote isolated landscape (although often popular walking spot) • River weirs, mill channels & islands Bibliography / References • Tranquil in respect of limited road/background https://www.bgs.ac.uk/mendips/localities/greatelm.html noise aided by presence of deep valley and river noise https://www.bgs.ac.uk/mendips/localities/mells.html] https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-en- Special Features – note not all features designated try/1174214 • Historic Iron Works https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/SiteDetail. • De La Beche Unconformity aspx?SiteCode=S1001131 • Rock shelters and small caves such as Mells River Sink & Spleenwort Shelter • Iron age forts • Disused quarries

Landmarks, Views and Viewpoints

• No views out, extensive walking area with good short visibility & good visual amenity

w

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A10.4 whatley bottom (including asham exposed in the form of overburden debris mounds 6.2.151 The predominant land cover is woodland with a woods) and as scattered boulders around the various quarry significant proportion of ancient woodland. The sites. On some parts of the quarry perimeters large most extensive area being Asham Woods which are 6.2.147 The Whatley Bottom valley contains a small tributary mounds of material has been pushed up to form designated as SAC and an SSSI. Despite the SSSI stream that joins the Mells River at Great Elm. The landscape screens to the extraction sites; in places designation the woodlands were subject to quarrying area shares many similar characteristics with the Mells this has left steep ‘walls’ of rock slopes often slowly up until the 1980s (with Permissions lapsed in 1998). River valley; specifically it is relatively deep narrow becoming naturalised as woodland. Elsewhere large Other parts of the woodland are actively managed as topography and a wooded landscape. boulders are often used in gateways or other spots as a nature reserve with areas of traditional coppice and simple vehicle deterrents or remain as a bi-product standards with coppice regimes. Further downstream 6.2.148 Two streams originate in Downhead at the head of of the former quarrying. the woodland cover is more restricted covering just the valley. The larger in the small combe of Leighton Hanging. The flow is presumed to be fed in part by pumped de-watering of the adjacent Merehead Quarry (LCA A11). The other is a resurgence from a small swallet close to a small disused quarry in the hamlet. The streams drop steeply with the main stream falling by 75 m over 7 km. A long section of the stream thorough Asham Quarry is contained within a constructed channel.

6.2.149 A third small stream rises to the north of Chantry joining the main watercourse at Railford Bottom. The extensive area of Whatley Quarry is located to the north of the stream. In this area the topography of the northern flank has been altered by the quarry works with sections of the valley side built up and others removed.

6.2.150 The limestone geology is exposed through the valley as the natural rock outcrop of Heale Ladder and as the quarry faces remaining from the former Asham Quarry. The outcrop contains the small rock shelter Tom Tivey’s Hole; excavated in the 1960’s to reveal Neolithic and Bronze Age remains. The past quarrying within Asham Woods have left substantial ‘cliff’ faces which are slowly naturalising with some vegetation becoming established on the ledges between the excavation lifts. Other rock is

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the areas of the valley sides. Parts of the woodland 6.2.156 The valley provides strongly variable degrees of the tracks and quarry areas for off road motorcycle cover is maturing landscape screen planting for the tranquillity. Close to the railway and in locations scrambling and some graffiti both of which also quarries dating from the 1980’s or 1990’s. Close where the quarry activity can be seen or heard the reduce the sense of a remote tranquil location. to the confluence with the Mells River the area of area is not tranquil. Away from these in the shelter woodland on the Tetbury Camp Hill Fort is an older of the valley the landform provides locations where 6.2.157 Much but not all the valley is accessible via the area of regenerating cover on a former quarry site. the general background noise of the local main roads rights of way network. For example part of the can be lost. This is often enhanced where the streams lower section between Murder Combe and Whatley 6.2.152 Small areas of farmland exist within the valley; provide a natural background noise. The tranquillity Bottom occupied by the mineral line is inaccessible. particularly around Chantry. This consists of small is also impacted in a few points where the disused Likewise the section around Chantry including the irregular grazing fields. Generally these areas are quarries have been closed off with intrusive forms of Park and Garden. The footpaths do include two less intensively managed grasslands and informal security fencing and extensive signage. Despite these sections of the long distance paths; the East Mendip hedges. measures there appears to be some level of use of Way and the Macmillian Way which run together for

6.2.153 In the midst of the strongly semi natural valley a small section is recognised as an historic landscape. Chantry Court was the home of James Fussell the founder of the local iron works industry. The site includes C19 picturesque ornamental gardens and parkland surrounding a villa. The landscape setting includes a reservoir created to provide power for one of the works. The gardens are noted for their rustic stonework features, niches, caves and grottoes built into an artificial cliff. One grotto being a two story feature.

6.2.154 The adjoining settlement of Chantry is set up out of the steeper section of the valley. The small hamlet is dispersed along the Old Wells Road (at one time the main road from Frome to Wells).

6.2.155 A short section of modern roadway cuts across the valley near Bulls Green providing a link for heavy quarry lorries. At the lower end of the valley the Whatley Quarry Rail link follows the base of the valley; the route is generally well contained within the valley and treescape but occasional noise from the passing trains and the crossing points provide an indication of its presence.

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a section. The area of Asham Woods is not identified as a public nature reserve but part of the woodland Key Characteristics of :- LCA – A10.4 whatley bottom (including asham woods) is leased and managed by the Somerset Trust for physical/natural characteristics settlement & infrastructure Nature Conservation. As part of this various activities such as conservation management tasks and guided • Steep sided deep valley section • Iron Age Fort at Tetbury walks occur. • Heavily wooded including ancient woodland • Small hamlet at Chantry with church and manor • Areas of important nature conservation status house set in historic park and garden at Chantry 6.2.158 Away from the more evident influences of the quarries and the more popular walking access points the valley feels more remote and isolated than the nearby parts and use/management/human influences perceived characteristics of the Mells valley. LANDSCAPE PATTERNS

• Extensive mineral operations, active and • Varied levels of tranquillity and semi natural abandoned within and adjoining LCA character. Areas of disturbance from mineral line • Mineral line railway and quarries balanced by areas of deep tranquillity • Small areas of small scale grazing low level in sheltered valleys near streams. Areas of rich intensity management ancient woodland landscape.

Special Features – note not all features designated

• Asham Woods extensive area of ancient woodland (most extensive in MDC area - 193ha Special Landscape Feature (SLF) • The Chantry Historic Park and Garden (Grade II*)

Landmarks, Views and Viewpoints

Bibliography / References https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/PDFsFor- Web/Citation/1003657.pd

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a10.5 the nunney brook/egford valley [ref section 5.3 - Scheduled Ancient Monument]. The ruin stands in its own landscape setting of the moat 6.2.159 The Nunney and Egford Brook Valley is a further small and open greenspace in the heart of the village. tributary valley to the Mells River; joining the main watercourse in Vallis Vale. The Nunney Brook starts 6.2.163 The village has been bypassed by the A361, which to the south of the A361 near Cloford in a shallow passes through the valley on a raised embankment more open landform. At Holwell the stream drops next to Holwell. The main road at this point is wide down into a narrow deeper section valley forming and includes climbing and turning lanes and is Nunney Combe. This extends on either side of the heavily trafficked. Holwell is a smaller collection of village of Nunney down to the hamlet of Whatley. properties and other buildings set in between sections After this the brook becomes the Egford Brook set of the former main road and various quarry workings. in a more open landscape for a while before the landform closes in again on the approach to the 6.2.164 The limestone quarries at the head of the valley are confluence with the Mells River. generally well contained by landscape; there are glimpsed views from the lanes to the operations and 6.2.160 The valley is smaller scale than other sections of the the site fencing signage also confirms the presence Mells Valley and Whatley Bottom. The streams fall of the extraction. The area also has a history of local around 50m over 7 km and the base of the valley small-scale mining for both iron and coal. There are is often only 15 to 25m below the surrounding links between these operations and the Iron Works farmland. down in the main Mells valley.

6.2.161 The combe sections are enclosed by woodland; 6.2.165 The combe sections of the valley including the village but due to the shallower cross section these areas present a generally unspoilt landscape condition. are thinner blocks of tree cover. The woodlands Due to the shallow valley landform, main road, downstream of the village include areas of more settlement and quarrying the sense of tranquillity is managed plantation within areas of narrow flood limited. The presence of the village sewage works in terrace. Outside the combes the streams are in more the lower section of the combe is also an intrusion. open farmland. The landscape in these sections 6.2.166 The combe sections of the valley are accessible via is a managed regular medium scale field pattern. the network of rights of way that extend out from the The field areas are generally grazing or hay/silage village. These include a section of the Macmillian meadows. Way that passes through the village. The more open 6.2.162 The valley includes the village of Nunney and sections of the valley are not accessible. The long the adjoining hamlet of Holwell. Other traces distance path diverts out of the valley to connect with of occupation include the site of a Roman villa the Mells River through Whatley Bottom. The Castle at (a scheduled ancient monument) and various Nunney is freely accessible in daylight hours (owned farmsteads. The village includes the impressive and managed by English Heritage). ruins of besieged during the civil war

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Key Characteristics of :- LCA – A10.5 the nunney brook, egford valley

physical/natural characteristics settlement & infrastructure

• Small scale valley including sections of shallow • Compact village around historic monument combes • Narrow high street with Castle green and stream • Small scale stream water course spaces/features • Combes enclosed by fringe of woodland including areas of ancient woodland • Open sections of shallow valley managed as open farmland • Medium sized regular hedge field pattern

land use/ management/human resources perceived characteristics

• Unspoilt qualities within village and sections of • Managed grasslands semi-intensive dairy farming the combes, diminished in presence of quarry and with some larger farm complexes sewage works. • Quarrying activity and former workings • Tranquillity limited by proximity to settlement, roads, quarry and larger farm complexes.

Special Features – note not all features designated

• Setting of Roman Villa - site of SAM not accessible but nature of landscape location may be relevant to historic siting • Nunney Castle - SAM

Bibliography / References

Landmarks, Views and Viewpoints https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/PDFsFor- Web/Citation/1003657.pd

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a11 the mendip south eastern 6.2.171 The area is sparsely populated with the small village A10.5) and associated with this is a quarry excavation farmlands areas of East and West Cranmore, Nunney Catch close to Collie Corner. A further disused site is located and the Hamlets of Whatley, Cloford, Leighton and between Holwell and Leighton. These areas are 6.2.167 This area represents the most easterly extent of the Dean. In addition, there are occasional isolated also well contained by mounding and boundary elevated and open Mendip farmland landscape. farm complexes. The development at Nunney vegetation and not readily apparent from the wider Extending from the Village of Cranmore the area Catch includes services development around a main landscape. includes the areas of higher ground between the road roundabout and an area of post war housing Watley and Nunney Valleys (LCA’s A10.4 and A10.5) expansion of the main village of Nunney (the main 6.2.175 The railway and mineral line are well established and the Marston Gate Ridge approach to Frome. The village area contained in LCA 10.5). The hamlet features; which for the most part blend with the area is a mix of predominantly farmland alongside of Cloford provides the setting for a small church woodland and field pattern. The presence of the areas affected by major quarrying activity. (grade II* listed). line being identified more by the occasional mineral train and the glimpsed view to the railhead facility. 6.2.168 The area is comprised of gently sloping topography 6.2.172 East Cranmore was previously defined by an extensive The railhead is lit at times with high mast lighting ranging from around 90m to 180 m AOD. As parkland around Cranmore Hall (listed Grade II*) which is visible from the main road. the high ground at the head of several stream while West Cranmore was focused around the railway valleys (flowing into the adjacent LCA’s) the surface station. The Hall was a substantial mansion and is 6.2.176 The A361 has a greater impact as a relatively watercourses in this area are generally very small. now a school set within the vestiges of the former fast busy road; climbing / overtaking and turning These include the streams flowing from East and West parkland. The quarry balancing lake has been lanes around the Tor Works create a larger scale Cranmore and Dean that head down into the Tor created within the area of the original park and has carriageway. These and another overtaking lane on rail head area these are presumed to be culverted been landscaped to reflect the previous setting. West the approach to the illuminated junction at Nunney through the edge of the workings to become the Cranmore is the larger part of the village clustered Catch accommodate the higher traffic flows and for Asham Woods stream. In this same area is a large around the grade I listed church. The village station slow moving HGV’s on the hills. The A359 spurs off man-made lake understood to provide storage for and engine shed have been restored alongside the from the Nunney Catch roundabout as a smaller less groundwater pumped from the Tor Quarry Works track as a steam railway. busy route to . Both roads introduce a level [BGS Map for Eastern Mendip]. of background noise to the area. 6.2.173 The quarrying activity is mainly focused around 6.2.169 Further east a small stream at Cloford becomes the Tor Works Quarry (noted as Mearhead on OS 6.2.177 A large lorry depot established alongside the A361 the Nunney Brook and close to the edge of Frome maps). This is one of the two super quarries in the at Leighton stands out as a substantial development another drains around to the base of Critch Hill / area covering some 140ha (working areas) and with prominent signage in the open countryside Egford Hill. The shallow undulating landscape has extending down to below the natural water table. alongside the main road. A second smaller depot an open and often south facing aspect. The excavation is effectively screened by the natural (currently derelict) is located nearby but is more landform and extensive earthworks, as a consequence effectively contained away from the main road with 6.2.170 The farmed landscape includes areas of medium it is not easy to gain an impression of the overall vast a woodland backdrop. In this same area a large- scale fields with some field enlargement having scale of the workings. The quarried stone is exported scale wind turbine is visible as one of two similar occurred (comparison between pre 1950 mapping). from the site via the mineral line that connects to the scale installations within the local area (see LCA The field boundaries are generally close-cut hedges mainline railway at . A12). A solar farm is also visible from the A359 with some hedgerow trees. The land use is mixed close to Nunney Catch. arable and livestock with a greater proportion of 6.2.174 Smaller quarries are also located closer to Nunney. arable than in the other Mendip LCA’s. Active quarrying is underway at Holwell (within LCA

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6.2.178 As an open landscape with busy roads and a limited Key Characteristics of :- LCA – A11 the mendip south eastern farmlands rights of way network this area offers less by way of informal recreational access or interest. The long physical/natural characteristics settlement & infrastructure distance Macmillian Way footpath crosses the A361 close to Nunney Catch. The East Somerset Steam • Elevated plateau landscape • Sparse settlement pattern of very small hamlet / clusters of farmsteads Railway attracts visitors to Cranmore; the line heads • Small shallow headwater streams • Cloford includes remote listed church west from the station towards Shepton Mallet (into • Open landscape to east top edge of ridge overlooking Nunney Valley with distant views LCA A5). • To west more contained by higher ground of Tor Quarry hill and earthworks 6.2.179 With the busy road the area is not particularly tranquil; with the limited recreational access the majority of people viewing the area will be the road users. The land use/management/human influences perceived characteristics position and setting of the quarries and railhead means their impact is relatively contained from • Medium to larger scale fields • Big open landscape with busy main road the road and wider views. The other infrastructure • Arable / intensive improved grassland farm • Elements of intrusion but overall extensive landscape intrusions are relatively localised; as such the management • Area not tranquil due to road & quarries impression from the main road is of a continuous • Remnants of parkland at Cranmore • Although scale of these major features relatively rural landscape in reasonable condition. • Artificial lake as new feature within parkland well contained – given actual size / potential • Area crossed by mineral line and power line impacts • Rail head and lorry depots, truck stops and busy • Off main road landscape feels more remote less main road intrude populated while managed still offers some sense • Large wind turbines of isolation

Special Features – note not all features designated

• Cranmore parkland with few remaining trees and balancing lake, original house remains (as school) • Cloford Church (Grade II*)

Landmarks, Views and Viewpoints

• Main road provides glimpsed views from ridgeline approaching / leaving Frome out towards the Mendips and towards the forest ridge at Gare Hill. Cranmore tower in view, Alfred’s and Ammerdown Towers glimpsed. • Mineral line and power line – both large scale elements but relatively well contained from most public view.

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6.3 Frome Valley

1.0 MENDIP CHARACTER AREAS

TROWBRIDGE B1 The Upper Frome Valley B1.1 Greensand Ridge B1.2 Valley Slopes B1.3 north East Ridges B2 The Frome Fringes RADSTOCK MIDSOMER B2.1 Marston Gate - Egford Hill and the Leys NORTON B2.2 The Watcombe Valley and Cuckoo Lane B3 B2.3 Gypsy Lane to Whitechapel Farm B2.4 Frome Bypass and Infrastructure Corridor B2.5 Little Keyford and Blatchbridge WESTBURY B3 Lower Frome Valley Spring Gardens, to B2.3 B1.3 B2.2

FROME B2.4 B2.1 B2

B2.5

WARMINSTER

SHEPTON MALLET B1.2

B1.1

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6.3 Frome Valley

1.0 MENDIP CHARACTER AREAS

TROWBRIDGE B1 The Upper Frome Valley B1.1 Greensand Ridge B1.2 Valley Slopes B1.3 north East Ridges B2 The Frome Fringes RADSTOCK MIDSOMER B2.1 Marston Gate - Egford Hill and the Leys NORTON B2.2 The Watcombe Valley and Cuckoo Lane B3 B2.3 Gipsy Lane to Whitechapple Farm B2.4 Frome Bypass and Infrastructure Corridor B2.5 Little Keyford and Blatchbridge WESTBURY B3 Lower Frome Valley Spring Gardens, Beckington to Farleigh Hungerford B2.3 B1.3 B2.2

FROME B2.4 B2.1 B2

B2.5

WARMINSTER

SHEPTON MALLET B1.2

B1.1

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6.3 Frome Valley

1.0 MENDIP CHARACTER AREAS

TROWBRIDGE B1 The Upper Frome Valley B1.1 Greensand Ridge WW - B1.2 Valley Slopes E2 WW - E1 B1.3 north East Ridges B2 The Frome Fringes RADSTOCK MIDSOMER B2.1 Marston Gate - Egford Hill and the Leys NORTON B2.2 The Watcombe Valley andCuckoo Lane B2.3 Gipsy Lane to Whitechapple Farm B3 WW - E3 B2.4 Frome Bypass and Infrastructure Corridor B2.5 Little Keyford and Blatchbridge WESTBURY B3 Lower Frome Valley Spring Gardens, Beckington to Farleigh Hungerford B2.3 B1.3 B2.2 WW - 1.0 ADJACENT CHARACTER AREAS F3 FROME B2.4 West B2 B2.1 WW - WW-E1 Wingfield Rolling Clay Lowland F4 B2.5 WW-E2 Belle Coeur Rolling Clay Lowland WW-E3 north Bradley Rolling Clay Lowland WARMINSTER WW-F3 Greensand Hills: Chapmanslade Greensand Hills WW-F4 Greensand Hills: Corsley Greensand Hillls WW - SHEPTON WW-F5 Greensand Hills: Longleat Greensand Hillls MALLET B1.2 CC - F5 7B Cranbourne Chase B1.1 CC-7B penselwood - Longleat Hills SW - 7A South Wiltshire SW-7A Longleat - Stourhead Greensand Hills SW-6B Kilmington Terrace SW - 6B SS - 6 SS-6 escarpments Ridges and Vales East of

179 |  | Landscape Types & Character Areas SETTLEMENTS IN FROME VALLEY

Rode Beckington

Rudge Whitham Friary

180 |  | Landscape Types & Character Areas

6.3 LCA – B1 - THE UPPER FROME VALLEY B1.1 The South West Upper Valley 6.3.9 The Frome catchment is further contained to the north by the rolling hills and valley landform around

6.3.1 The River Frome rises on the high ridge close to 6.3.7 The high ground ridge around forms (LCA-A11 which drains north into the the village of Upton Noble. The course of the river the watershed between the Frome and Brue River Nunney Brook Catchment joining the Frome further through the eastern part of the MDC area divides catchments. The main road from Nunney Catch downstream). To the east a more distinct ridge between three distinct sections. to Bruton climbs up on to the narrow ridge top that encloses the area near Marston Park / . separates the Frome from the Batcombe valley. A The main Frome to Shepton Mallet Road follows this 6.3.2 The Upper Frome, the main headwater catchment tributary stream starts close to a spring near a high high ground rising to around 130 m AOD. for the river upstream of Frome. This is comprised point at around 180 m AOD. of a small wide valley or vale that wraps around the 6.3.10 On the south side the land rises up to a more South West, Southern and Eastern sides of the town. 6.3.8 With the softer lias geology underlying this area the dominant ridge that defines the district boarder These comprise LCA 1 (LCA B1.1, B1.2 and B1.3). landform of the ridge and main part of the valley is with a heavily wooded escarpment slope. With the rounded and gently rolling. As a wide shallow valley ground level at the top edge of this area at 240 m 6.3.3 The section of the river within the town (town excluded with extensive views across its width, the landform is AOD and with extensive mature plantations this area from this study but fringe to built up area is included best described as a small vale. This cuts west to east acts as a backdrop to many views from both within – LCA area B2). with smaller scale side valleys and streams connecting and beyond the LCA (the forest ridge is identified as from the north and south. LCA B1.2 below). 6.3.4 The section downstream of the town starting where it joins with the Mells River and flows past Beckington and Rode before marking the county boundary up to Farleigh Hungerford. (LCA B3).

6.3.5 These form the basic divisions between the Frome Valley Character Areas (LCA’s B1 – B3). With the consideration of the town extending out from the built up area to include the landscape that fringes the edge of the town – LCA B2.

6.3.6 The first of these, the Upper Frome Valley is subdivided into;-

B1.1 The South West Upper Valley B1.2 The Gare Hill Greensand Ridge B1.3 The Selwood, Berkley & Rudge Ridges

Note B1.1 and B1.2 reverse order from 1997 study.

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6.3.11 Within this section of the river corridor the Frome who held it from before 1195 but who incurred the but the area has a distinctly remote character. At is more of a small scale stream than notable river. displeasure of Edward II for fortifying it without a the same time the area is crossed by the mainline With the heavy clay soils the field boundaries include licence. Such displeasure seemed to be a local trait railway linking Frome and Bruton and the mineral many small drainage ditches and areas of grassland as the citation for the nearby Marston Park notes that line to Tor Works Quarry. These lines generate some appear wet underfoot with patches of sedge growth. the Manor of was held by the Crown unexpected occasional noise intrusion, At the same There are also a few ponds around Witham Friary after the execution of Charles, Lord Stourton in 1557. time this section of railway provides the longest section and Marston. of mainline track within the district – approximately 6.3.16 The area is sparsely populated with the settlement 5 miles of continuous attractive countryside and no 6.3.12 Tree cover includes many roadside and field hedgerow being focused in the two small villages of Upton urban development in view. trees with a few free standing field trees. Alongside Noble, and Trudoxhill and the hamlets of Witham the backdrop of the forest on the southern ridge (LCA Friary and Tytherington. These are all located off 6.3.17 In respect of other infrastructure the area is crossed B1.2) the area includes many areas of deciduous the main roads and connected by only small often by a power transmission line and includes three woodland. These include some larger blocks of single-track winding lanes. The settlements are small solar farms. These are encountered as local Ancient Woodland. relatively far apart and not well connected; there are intrusions into what is otherwise a strongly distinctive other sporodic farmsteads and individual properties and attractive countryside. 6.3.13 Within the lower parts of the area the gently rolling landform is predominantly pasture farmland with small scale irregular pattern of hedged fields. Some localised areas of arable production occurs on the occasional flatter fields. With the small scale rolling topography areas of older enclosure patterns are evident within parts of the area. This links with the ancient woodland and other aspects of historic interest.

6.3.14 At the eastern end of the area, close to Frome the area of Marston Park is one of the largest registered historic parklands within the district (Grade II). This includes areas of Ancient woodland and a good collection of parkland trees. The Marston Park also includes a small lake. The parkland and grand house is visible from viewpoints outside of the estate boundary.

6.3.15 Alongside the parkland a smaller area of Scheduled Ancient Monument protects the site of a moated house. This being Marston Moat which ‘is believed to be the site of the manor house of the Bigot family

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6.3.18 A very small part of this LCA overlaps with the AONB area. A section of the Key Characteristics of :- LCA – B1.1 the south west upper valley Macmillan Way extends through the area north physical characteristics settlement & infrastructure south crossing the River Frome near Witham Friary. A number of other paths form long sections between • Wide shallow vale head of the Frome valley • Small remote villages and hamlets lanes and villages providing a remote access • Area contained by steep forested ridge to the south • Area served by winding single track lanes experience. The main area of ancient woodland & rising undulating ground to the north • Main line railway and mineral line within the LCA, Postlebury Wood has footpath access • Wet clay soils, small ditches, streams & occasional • Power transmission line cutting through the centre of the woodland block. ponds • Solar farms partially hidden from roads although • Blocks of ancient woodland gateway views reveal presence • Small scale irregular field patterns

land use/management/human influences perceived characteristics

• Area feels generally remote and isolated • Extensive area of parkland estate at Marston • Unspoilt villages and countryside • Including parkland & veteran trees • Areas of good degrees of tranquillity occasional • Mansion house visible from public roads disturbance from rail lines and views of pylons

Special Features – note not all features designated

• Marston Park – Extensive parkland landscape with specimen parkland and veteran trees • Marston Moat SAM • Historic sites Roman villa & Priory SAM • Long distance footpath route across whole area

Bibliography / References Landmarks, Views and Viewpoints EH list entry citations for moat and park • Views within & across LCA to wooded ridge limited views beyond limits of LCA https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list- • Attractive countryside entry/1016302 https://historicengland.org.uk/ • With recreational routes listing/the-list/list-entry/1001149].

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B1.2 The gare hill Greensand Ridge

Key Characteristics of :- LCA – B1.2 -the gare hill greensand ridge 6.3.19 Although part of the upper Frome Valley and the backdrop to the low vale described in LCA B1.1 the physical/natural characteristics settlement & infrastructure southern edge of the landform is noted as a separate • Steeply sloping greensand ridge • Small hamlet at top of ridge character area. This covers an area of more steeply • Area stands high above valley floor & opposite • Isolated Farmsteads on lower slope sloping high ground on the district boundary. This is side (LCA B1.1) a narrow band of landscape on the district boundary • Forested ridge with occasional pockets of farmland which continues east across the county boundary into • Mixed forestry with conifer & ancient woodland Wiltshire and to the south west into South Somerset. areas

6.3.20 The area is heavily wooded with a mix of woodland types. A significant proportion of the deciduous area land use/management/human influences perceived characteristics is identified as ancient woodland. Alongside this • Remote location quiet back roads generally quite • Managed forest there are areas of some extensive conifer plantation. tranquil • Sheltered forest environment 6.3.21 Some pockets of farmland are included within the LCA. There are areas of smaller scale fields on steeply sloping land and generally bounded by Special Features – note not all features designated adjoining forest.

6.3.22 The area includes a few farmsteads and the tiny • Forest area forms important backdrop to many distant views from MDC district area to the north hamlet of Gare Hill. Minor roads drop off the top of the ridgeline (from a road on the county boundary Landmarks, Views and Viewpoints above). These provide occasional dramatic views out over the vale below. • Scenic forest with glimpsed views out to wider landscape

6.3.23 This area broadly overlaps with the Cranborne Chase AONB area. A section of the Macmillan Way extends through the woodlands and then down a pronounced section of the steep open farmland hillside below.

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B1.3 The selwood, berkley and rudge 6.3.27 The area lies within the former Royal hunting ground Berkley and Chapmanslade and at Warminster; as ridges of Selwood Forest and the small-scale rolling landform convenient connections to the trunk road these can and heavy soils may have helped preserve some also be relatively busy. The rest of the area is served 6.3.24 The Gare Hill ridge described in LCA B1.2 ends historic character. The woodland of Berkley Wood by much smaller winding lanes serving only smaller just north of the Iron Age fort of Roddenbury Hill and several smaller areas of outlying woodland near collections of farms and properties. These routes are (at Timbers Hill). In this location a small stream Berkley and Standerwick (White Row) are ancient mostly contained within hedges and provide few views valley cuts across the district boundary with the woodland. These link with the small-scale farmland back to the town or other villages. Away from the stream (Redford Water) flowing from the outfall of the landscape of irregular hedged fields often of Medieval main roads the area can feel quite quiet and remote Longleat lakes. This tracks north to join with another origin. The area would have been overlooked from despite its close proximity to Frome. small stream the Rodden Brook that then joins the the Iron Age fort of Roddenbury Hill (now lost in beech Frome on the outskirts of the town (within the LCA forest). Traces of a later Anglo Saxon fortification 6.3.32 The railway cuts through the landscape near B2.3 area). The Rodden Brook also rises outside are designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument Berkley bringing occasional noise intrusion. Power of the MDC area on the north side of the landmark within the fields just below the Iron Age site. transmission lines cross the area in part following Cley Hill. These and other small stream valleys form the railway corridor. The Frome bypass is set low in a low rolling landform between East Woodlands and 6.3.28 The Royal Forest connection is recognised in the cutting and contained by mature planting for most Lower Rudge. A watershed close to Berkley Cross identification of a group of veteran oaks near the of its route within the LCA. divides the area into the Frome catchment and a East Woodlands church of St Katherine (Grade II*). stream flowing out of the district into Wiltshire to join The church and its setting on the edge of the forest 6.3.33 The presence of settlement within the area is limited. the River Biss; a tributary of the Avon. and in a small cluster of properties has a remote and Berkley, Standerwick and Rudge are noticeable as unspoilt historic character. This is again reflected in clusters of residential development with a focus of 6.3.25 The low-lying landscape overlies the Oxford / Lias the presence and settings of two other churches; the some community features such as the church, school clays found on the south eastern edge of the district. isolated Rodden Manor and Berkley Church and a or pub. The cattle market complex at Standerwick The nature of the farmland as an area based on number of other small listed manor and farmhouses registers as a small area of larger scale buildings heavy clays is reflected in the number of place and within the LCA. but is well contained in the landscape. The larger farms with ‘Marsh’ in the name. 6.3.29 A larger area of historic character landscape also 6.3.26 The topography rises again on the edge of the district exists at the northern end of the area in the form of with the climb up Lodge Hill. An extensive area of the Standerwick Court with the large main house woodland that straddles the county boundary as overlooking parkland. The area is relatively well Berkley Wood / Black Dog Woods. These form a contained within its own setting and the landscape continuation of the elevated back drop of Forest planting of the modern A36 route. that encloses the southern outlook from Frome and areas to the north. The gap between the sections 6.3.30 The area is predominantly farmed as pasture grazing of Forest here and in LCA B1.2 is filled with blocks with occasional areas of arable forage production. of woodland set further back into Wiltshire and the distinctive profile of Clay Hill. 6.3.31 The area is crossed by the busy A36 trunk road in the northern edge of the district and bounded by the Frome bypass and railway on the west side (LCA B2.4). Smaller back roads link Frome to the A36 via

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scale commercial business development on the Frome bypass is visible from points within the LCA and gives Key Characteristics of :- LCA – B1.3 - The selwood, berkley and rudge ridges strong indication of the proximity of Frome; there physical/natural characteristics settlement & infrastructure are only a few other glimpsed views to the post war housing edge of the town. The area is generally quite • Rolling lowland small valleys contained by higher • Dispersed limited settlement of small hamlet and contained with few views out beyond the district or ridgelines and woodland backdrop frequent farmsteads the character area. Cley Hill is often glimpsed as • Small streams and other small scale ditches • Ancient monument forts, historic farmsteads, manor houses and churches the main local landmark, the Westbury White Horse • Heavy clay soils • Occasional glimpsed intrusions of post war is also in view from points in the northern part of • Areas of ancient woodland and significant veteran trees residential and commercial development the LCA. More open long views are gained on the • Locally busy main roads and trunk road rising ground on the very edge of the district; these can include the Pen Hill Mast visible from Lodge Hill land use/management/human influences perceived characteristics and Whiterow 25 Km (15 miles to the west). • Pastoral farmland with occasional areas of arable. • Areas of surprisingly remote landscape in close proximity to town. Elements of busy road, railway 6.3.34 The lanes and footpath network links out from Frome • Small scale irregular hedged fields and powerlines present but often subsumed within providing connections from the crossing points of the • Moderate intensity input managed grasslands and the landscape and only seen in glimpsed passing bypass to the small lanes and longer routes to the hedge lines views. woodland ridge area. Sustrans Route 24 links from • Agricultural activity / Commercial Forestry/ • A36 traffic and close to bypass road noise more the edge of the Frome bypass to East Woodlands Minerals intrusive. and on to Longleat. At the northern end of the LCA • Extensive fly tipping in lanes close to urban area – area some of the minor lanes suffer from significant strongly detrimental to quality of environment. fly tipping issues which detracts from their potential

attraction as recreational routes. Special Features – note not all features designated

• Areas of accessible Ancient Woodland • Two ancient fortified SAM features from different eras in close proximity. Isolated rural churches with distinctive landscape settings and nearby historic buildings. • Listed farm houses and other historic buildings; including Standerwick House and associated parkland. • Berkley Lake Boundary adjustments from ‘97 Assessment Line adjusted on edge of Rudge Ridge (LCA B3) and to Landmarks, Views and Viewpoints edge of Frome bypass (LCA B2.4) • Cley Hill and Westbury White Horse local landmarks (outside of MDC). Pen Hill visible as distant reference point. Glimpsed long / panoramic views from edge of forest on higher ground of district boundary.

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B2 Frome fringe landscApe parts of the town are defined by the topography of B2.1 Marston gate - egford hill and the river valley and subdivided by some of the main The leys 6.3.35 This area is a mix of the various landscapes that abut strategic road routes into and around the centre. the built-up area of Frome. They are defined by the Much of the town including most of the historic 6.3.42 The western edge of the town is defined by the presence of the settlement edge which has some development is visually contained within this landform natural topography. Much of the existing post war impact on the character and often the quality of the such that there are few locations outside where the development has extended up to the top edge of a landscape. In most instances there is an overlap overall scale of the settlement can be appreciated. steep scarp. From Marston Gate around to Critch with the landscape character areas extending out Hill the development extends up to form the skyline from the ‘Fringe’ landscape zone. The degree to 6.3.39 As the town expanded with significant areas of post in views from the open countryside to the west (out which there is a clear boundary between these areas war housing, for the most part this has also been towards Nunney). From Critch Hill around to Egford and the outlying countryside differs markedly; some contained by obvious natural limits. In some places Hill the buildings are set back with school playing simply merge with no obvious demarcation, others the old vegetation patterns of hedge lines or tree fields located on the flat hilltop and hedgelines visible are clearly defined by physical features. cover encloses the urban edge. In others the very as the skyline to the valley below. outer edges of the development sit on sections of 6.3.36 The Fringe Landscape is subdivided down into five the skyline above slopes that have prevented further 6.3.43 More modern development is located above Vallis smaller areas with some subtle distinctions as set expansion. In these locations a small number of Vale where The Leys development sits right on the out below. houses are visible from distant external viewpoints edge of the ridge top. While the buildings are set giving a disproportionate degree of visual impact. down a bit from the open field the two-story light • B2.1 Marston Gate – Egford Hill and the Leys grey elevations are visible from points to the north 6.3.40 The Frome Bypass constructed in the 1980’s takes an west (the development faces out towards Buckland • B2.2 The Whatcombe Valley and Cuckoo Lane alignment starting to the north east near Beckington Dinham). The west facing slopes end at the A362 • B2.3 Gypsy Lane to Whitechapel Farm around the southern side of the town to Marston main road out of the town. Gate on the west. The central sections of the route • B2.4 Frome Bypass and Infrastructure Corridor site relatively close to the built-up area while the 6.3.44 The hillside slopes below this edge are uniformly steep junctions at either ends are set further away. The and a fairly constant profile. The areas are open • B2.5 Little Keyford and Blatchbridge central section of the route is close to the mainline farmland comprised of small irregular hedged fields railway and power transmission lines. with occasional hedgerow trees. The landscape is 6.3.37 The common characteristics to all the above derive managed farmland with few recreational footpaths from the presence of the urban edge which helps 6.3.41 After nearly 40 years the landscape mitigation along providing access from the residential areas. define the overall B3 LCA. the route is well established. For much of its route the line of the road and associated railway now define 6.3.45 At the northern end of this LCA the hillside slope 6.3.38 While the town centre established around a monastery the line between the fringe landscape and the wider flattens out around the corner of the Leys. A public in the seventh century; the outer edges are much countryside outside the bypass. footpath out from the town at this point marks the start more modern. The core of the town contains of the East Mendip Way. The route connects the edge several conservation areas which relate to the of the town with paths into Vallis Vale and the Mells interesting historic centre and a number of smaller River Valley (designated Special Landscape Feature neighbourhoods. Some of these were connected with Area (LCA A10.3). This area provides a strong semi former industrial areas (the town developed around a natural experience within close proximity to the town. number of different industrial activities). The various

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6.3.46 The area appears well used for informal recreation as a dog walking circuit around the shallower sloping Key Characteristics of :- LCA – b2.1.- marston gate - egford hill and the leys fields. There are also expansive panoramic views physical/natural characteristics settlement & infrastructure out to the west that include looking out along the Mendip ridge to the Pen Hill Mast. The three towers • Steep west facing scarp slope • Sharp change in topography defines settlement of Cranmore, Ammerdown and Alfred’s are all • Open farmland with limited woodland/tree cover edge visible along with several of the larger wind turbines • Irregular small-scale fields on steepest slopes • Skyline developments in places at Wanstrow and Chewton Mendip. There is also a • Large arable fields on other areas glimpsed view from the East Mendip Way back to the east to the Westbury White Horse (see section 5.10). land use/management/human influences perceived characteristics

6.3.47 As most of this sub area faces west with paths and • Arable areas of intensive management • Perceived Characteristics properties enjoying the long views out over the wider • Thin hedge line pattern • Open expansive outlook from town edge dramatic landscape, there are many opportunities for good change from built up area sunset views. Likewise, the early morning illumination • Influence of urban area limited to presence of of the landscape can be spectacular. properties – minimal infrastructure • Background noise of town relatively low (compared to being in the town) • Some access to areas of strong semi natural character & spectacular views – creates attractive conditions short distance from urban edge (although much is private land).

Special Features – note not all features designated

• The Leys Hill panoramic view along the Mendip Ridge • Start of the East Mendip Way & link to Vallis Vale • Sunset and sunrise views

Landmarks, Views and Viewpoints

• Views out west to Pen Hill, Cranmore Tower, Alfred’s Tower and Ammerdown includes several of the larger turbines & quarry faces.

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B2.2 The Whatcombe Valley and 6.3.52 Cuckoo Lane is a narrow road linking the lower cUckoo Lane road to the top of Oldford Hill road. This sits in the landform enclosed by a small rise in the ground to 6.3.48 To the east of the A362 the landform changes from the north. The fields on either side of this are small the west facing hillside slope to the east slope of the steeply sloping paddocks some of which appear to River Frome Valley. The area overlooks a small more be abandoned. The laybys and gateways on the intimate section of valley that includes Whatcombe lane have suffered from fly-tipping and include some Farm and Selwood Manor. signage to discourage this.

6.3.49 The eastern side of the valley is a small group of fields 6.3.53 The central part of this LCA includes a number and some small woodland areas around the Farm of footpath links that follow the river and provide and Manor house. The area is crossed by a number connections from the residential areas at the top of of public rights of way which provide views across the hill down towards Coalash Lane (these continue to housing developments on Innox Hill. The hillside to cross the river at Spring Gardens and on up into also provides views out towards the Orchardleigh Orchardleigh Park). An area on the Whatcombe Ridge (LCA C2). The base of the valley contains Farm hillside is identified as land acquired by the some development, a sewage treatment works and community as an open space. The land appears the mineral line railway (link to Whatley Quarry to be still grazed as part of a farm and the public LCA - 10.3). access via the established public footpaths.

6.3.50 The area extends around the end of the Packsaddle ridge to overlook the area where the Frome joins the Mells River. While this is part of a wider section of valley, the intimate scale landscape of small fields continues around to Cuckoo Lane. The views across to the Orchardleigh ridge and glimpsed views of housing estates on the skyline continue. The landform and hedges prevent the whole area being seen as one area from most views.

6.3.51 A main road (Coalash Lane /Iron Mill Lane) acts as a busy backroad route around the town. This route includes a few views of any of the main post war housing estates on the top edge of the hill; but the overall impression is of a rural setting to the road. The hamlet of Spring Gardens appears as a separate cluster of development on either side of the main built up area.

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Key Characteristics of :- LCA – B2.2 - the whatcombe valley and cuckoo lane

physical/natural characteristics settlement & infrastructure

• Enfolded landform • Glimpsed views to urban development • Irregular small scale field patterns • STW & busy back roads • Hedged & treed landscape • Smaller presence of Spring Gardens

land use/management/human influences perceived characteristics

• Low key grazing • More intimate landscape • Small areas appear abandoned • Fly tipping issues

Special Features – note not all features designated

• Watcombe Fields Local Community Owned Green Space • Occasional pill box WWII defences part of the Green Line

Landmarks, Views and Viewpoints Special references information • Views out to Orchard Leigh Ridge https://www.frometowncouncil.gov.uk/wild-whatcombe/

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B2.3 Gipsy lane/berkley lane to Whitechapple farm

6.3.54 To the north of Frome the edge of town is defined by the top of Oldford Hill. Travelling out from the town there is a sharp cut-off between the built-up area and the rural landscape on the main road. Some development exists around the bottom of Oldford Hill but with the topography and tree cover of the town edge this reads as a separate pocket of settlement.

6.3.55 Gypsy Lane then defines the existing edge of residential development on the high ground to the east of Oldfield Hill. The lane is bounded by tall well established hedge lines (including some elm regeneration). Beyond this the land slopes gently to the north, and glimpsed views across to Whiterow Hill are available from a few gateways and gaps. A flatter plateau of land to the east is partially occupied by a small coach depot and the Frome Rugby Club pitches, pavilion and car park.

6.3.56 The lane continues around (as Berkley Lane) to cross the Frome Bypass and on to Berkley (LCA B2.4). The lane forms the boundary to the built-up area and contains a substantial commercial warehouse and mixed commercial development to the east. This development is unusual as a prominent development large scale set of buildings that present an open frontage on to the bypass. As such the development announces the presence of the town out onto the bypass more directly than any other part of the settlement edge.

6.3.57 The route of Gypsy Lane provides access to some small areas of residential development and includes a short section of ‘urban’ cycleway with street lights. A small area of static caravan development also

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fronts on to Gypsy Lane on the open countryside section to the north. Key Characteristics of :- LCA – B2.3 - gipsy lane/berkley lane to whitechapple farm

6.3.58 The quiet back road nature of the lane appears to physical/natural characteristics settlement & infrastructure attract a significant fly tipping problem, with most • Hill & plateau landscapes • Edge of town residential areas defined by Oldford gateways and gaps extensively tipped in. This also Hill & tree lined lane extends out into the lanes beyond this character area • Mixed landscape of small fields, sports facilities & larger open fields following landform • Large commercial area contained by bypass in some of the back lanes around Berkley. overbridge

6.3.59 The landscape is made up of the playing fields and varied sized agricultural fields. The field boundaries land use/management/human influences perceived characteristics are hedged with tall hedges and occasional hedge line trees. The fields are mainly arable on the plateau • Mix of developments within character area • Lane starts as low key pleasant residential setting and grazing on the steeper area next to Oldford Hill. • Bypass and large commercial site • Intrusive elements of development & fly tipping • Extensive fly tipping combined with back road location on edge of 6.3.60 Some medium distance views are gained out from the • Nearby pylon line and bypass urban area create threatening character lane and from the playing fields. These are across the low angled sloping land to the higher ground around Whiterow Farm. Glimpsed views of the Oldford Special Features – note not all features designated Creamery are available and the Orchardleigh Ridge close down the views to the North West.

6.3.61 There are few public footpath routes out into the landscape in this area and the lanes are made less attractive to users due to the fly tipping. The Berkley Lane route provides a potential recreational connection to the landscape beyond the bypass. Landmarks, Views and Viewpoints

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B2.4 FROME BYPASS AND INFRASTRUCTURE CORRIDOR Key Characteristics of :- LCA – B2.4 - frome bypass and infrastructure corridor

physical/natural characteristics settlement & infrastructure 6.3.62 The Frome Bypass is noted as its own character area as part of the Fringe Landscapes. The route is a • Modern roadway set within mature landscape (40 • Substantial commercial development fronts on to single carriageway road but built to more modern years+) otherwise rural section of road design standards than many other equivalent roads • Rock outcrops in cutting add interest • Glimpsed views of residential developments within the district. The section of road approaching Frome from the end of the Beckington Bypass (a short land use/management/human influences perceived characteristics section of busy ) is predominantly three lanes (single westbound with a dual/climbing • Generally reads as green corridor contained within • Power transmission lines & mainline railway also lane eastbound). This section is set in the base of landform & roadside plantations occupy corridor a minor valley and contained by mature highway • Fast busy corridor planting (further detail in LCA - B3). • Crossing points at grade feel hostile to walking / cycling 6.3.63 The main sections of the bypass road are relatively • Over bridges provide brief view down to route straight links between roundabouts enclosed by substantial planting. Glimpsed views of urban development and the railway are available from Special Features – note not all features designated the carriageway. The most western section of the route is a dramatic straight climb/descent of the • Route contributes to sense of rural district with limited views to commercial / urban development & strong landscape containment. Marston Hill. As a busy relatively fast road the route generates significant noise to the landscape areas Landmarks, Views and Viewpoints immediately adjoining.

6.3.64 The adjoining mainline railway is on short sections of embankment and in cutting. Blocks of trees between the road and railway (including the highway landscape) provide a screen and separation between the two.

6.3.65 Viewed from the outside the bypass and railway are visually well contained with only the glimpsed visual intrusion of passing traffic. The corridor also includes a power transmission line on the rural side of the bypass.

6.3.66 The bypass includes a few minor lane crossings and over bridges but generally acts as a barrier to recreational out to the countryside to the southeast.

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b2.5 LITTLE KEYFORD AND BLATCHBRIDGE secluded. Away from the new housing developments 6.3.73 The area includes a series of short footpath links the area has the sense of being an area of intact between the lanes and a longer route along the base 6.3.67 The bypass and rail corridor contains a significant countryside. However, the various routes (lanes and of the valley (due to the presence of the railway only area of open land on the southern edge of the town. footpaths) eventually lead to development or the sections of this sit alongside the river). These routes This is crossed by a small main road link from Frome bypass reinforcing the sense the area is sandwiched may in time link with areas of open space provided out to the Blatchbridge Roundabout (the B3092). The between the two. as part of the new housing developments under lower portion of this area includes the meandering construction. A Sustrans cycle route also provides course of the River Frome and its associated small 6.3.72 Some fly tipping was evident at the time of the site a connection through the area on the back lanes flood plain. field work. This clearly impacts on the condition between the town and out to the Longleat estate of the landscape, but must also impact on farm (route 24 connects Bath to Eastleigh in Hampshire). 6.3.68 The land rises to the edges of the town. The landform management. is gently rolling with varied slopes and aspect. The area is broken down into a mix of field sizes with some flatter larger arable fields and areas of steeper grazing.

6.3.69 A number of smaller lanes connect across the area and back into the town (in places there is a sharp contrast between the character of the rural lanes and the urban development areas). A few individual clusters of properties are located along these side lanes. Some areas of new housebuilding are evident on the northern parts of the LCA and further land is identified in the local plan as allocated / future housing land. Small areas of fly tipping occurs in the gateways along the lanes.

6.3.70 Views exist from the higher parts of this area out towards the wooded ridges of East Woodland and towards . While a tract of landscape is in view there are few identifiable viewpoints in the wider countryside viewing back at the town edge.

6.3.71 The area is evidently under positive agricultural management and includes interest of small fields, clusters of tree cover and historic character buildings. As an area contained by the bypass and accessed by small scale back lanes the area feels relatively

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Key Characteristics of :- B2.5 LITTLE KEYFORD AND BLATCHBRIDGE

physical/natural characteristics settlement & infrastructure

• Contained area enclosed to north by town edge • LCA defined by presence of built up area; in many and to south and east by bypass and railway areas development bounded by natural features – • Varied landform with Keyford side valley, open steep slopes, hedge lines hillside and main river valley • Views out to greensand ridge over upper Frome • River Frome water course present but set low in valley area the landscape – channels, weirs and former mill • Southern perimeter includes bypass, rail structures in places and powerline all within combined corridor; infrastructure contained by & set low landscape but forms dominant barrier between areas.

land use/management/human influences perceived characteristics

• Most of the area maintained as active farmland, • Areas not tranquil due to proximity of town edge mixed livestock and arable. Occasional pockets of and traffic/rail noise unmanaged small scale fields • Some parts relatively ‘unspoilt’ despite presence • Fly tipping issues in places of built up edge, network of minor lanes contrast strongly with built up edge • Long views out and positive managed foreground landscape help to diminish impact of adjoining development. Most recent edges appear as more harsh less cared for interface

Special Features – note not all features designated

• Sustrans route out from town towards East Woodlands and Longleat Forest • Walled boundary to Keyford House Boundary adjustments from ‘97 Assessment Minor adjustments around boundary of Frome Bypass (LCA Landmarks, Views and Viewpoints B1.3) • Views out to Greensand Ridge LCA B1.2

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B3 LOWER FROME VALLEY - spring 6.3.77 Much of the rest of the landscape between Frome and Gardens TO FARLEIGH HUNGERFORD the village of Rode is more modern and larger scale enclosure pattern, particularly extending across the 6.3.74 Immediately downstream of Frome the river is joined gentle landform of the plateau landform. Despite the by the Mells river creating a more substantial water move to more efficient farming landscape a trace of course. At this point the valley also opens out to a the more prehistoric human presence is marked by slightly wider cross section and includes minor flood the remains of a Bronze Age burial between Rode plains. From the upper upstream sections within and Rudge. The Devils Bed and Bolster are seen Frome to the edge of the district the river has been as small standing stones but mark what was at one managed as the source of power for numerous mills. time a long barrow. Located on a small ridgetop The water level and character of the river maintained this feature could be seen as a link in the pattern of by regular weirs, often with mill leats or islands prehistory within the Mendip area and the prehistoric remaining as part of the historic river management. landscapes of Wiltshire to the east.

6.3.75 The valley cross section occupies most of the character 6.3.78 The agricultural land use is a mix of livestock grazing area and is quite consistent from Frome to past Rode. and arable production. In this area the greater The base of the valley closes into a smaller scale proportion is in arable production. With grazing steeper sided section around and Farleigh concentrated on the steeper sections of the valley Hungerford. To the east of the valley the landform sides. opens out into a gently rolling plateau landscape extending to the east of Beckington to the MDC and 6.3.79 With the more exposed landscape of the plateau County boundary. This is mirrored to the north of the distribution of farms and individual dwellings Woolverton and Rode on the west side of the river is sparse. The larger villages of Beckington and to Farleigh Castle. Rode and the hamlets of Woolverton, Tellisford and Farleigh Hungerford are set down into more sheltered 6.3.76 This whole area again lies within the outline of the locations. Beckington, Rode and Woolverton all Norman Royal Forest of Selwood. Farleigh Wood prospered from the wool trade, with the river proving stands out as the only sizeable area of ancient the power for processing and the locality having woodland within the character area. This sits close good access to the markets of Bristol and Bath. The to areas of early enclosure landscape and the historic villages have more clearly defined centres and a few site of the two Farleigh Castles. An impressive more significant buildings than other comparable veteran Oak stands as a local landmark tree on the settlements elsewhere in the district. Farleigh road. The remains of the earlier castle sits in an imposing position over the river and while the castle walls are the most obvious element of historic interest the landscape to the north of the main walls is part of an extensive SAM.

196 |  | Landscape Types & Character Areas

6.3.80 The A36 Bristol to Southampton trunk road passes through the area with a short section of dual Key Characteristics of :- B3 LOWER FROME VALLEY - spring gardens TO FARLEIGH HUNGERFORD carriageway providing a bypass to Beckington. physical/natural characteristics settlement & infrastructure Strategic connecting roads linking this to Frome and Trowbridge create some of the most heavily trafficked • Main river valley • River character created with engineering for routes within the MDC area. Aside from these the • Modest scale river and flood plain landscape numerous mills (inc. weirs and mill leats and area contains limited infrastructure development. • Areas of gently rolling plateau islands) The historic use of the river for powering mills has • Limited woodland cover • Larger scale wool trade villages been revived with the creation of a number of small • Modern roadscape and heavily trafficked route of A36 and other strategic links. scale hydroelectric schemes; typically occupying former mill sites. land use/management/human influences perceived characteristics

• Presence of major roads and built up area limits • More intensely managed mixed production opportunities to find tranquil environments – farmland Tellisford section of valley more enclosed and • Moderate scale field pattern with mix of enclosure remote. eras • General quality of landscape diminished around roadways, although outlook from roads generally very good.

Special Features – note not all features designated

• Farleigh Castles - Scheduled Ancient Monument with civil war history and newer castle house and parkland setting. Wider area identified as Special Landscape Feature. • Tellisford and Hydroelectric Mill

Landmarks, Views and Viewpoints

197 |  | Landscape Types & Character Areas

6.4 COTSWOLD EDGE

1.0 MENDIP CHARACTER AREAS

C1 Foxcote Slopes C2 Buckland / / Orchardleigh Ridges TROWBRIDGE C3 Wheel Brook / Buckland Brook Valleys

C1

RADSTOCK

C3 C2

FROME

198 |  | Landscape Types & Character Areas

6.4 COTSWOLD EDGE

1.0 MENDIP CHARACTER AREAS

C1 Foxcote Slopes C2 Buckland / Norton St Philip / Orchardleigh Park Ridges TROWBRIDGE C3 Wheel Brook / Buckland Brook Valleys

C1

RADSTOCK

C3 C2

FROME

199 |  | Landscape Types & Character Areas

6.4 COTSWOLD EDGE

1.0 MENDIP CHARACTER AREAS

C1 Foxcote Slopes C2 Buckland / Norton St Philip / Orchardleigh Park Ridges TROWBRIDGE C3 Wheel Brook / Buckland Brook Valleys

WW - D1 1.0 ADJACENT CHARACTER AREAS

Bath & North East Somerset BANES - 12 BANES - 17 BANES-12 cam & Wellow Brook Valleys BANES-15 norton Radstock Southern Farmlands BANES-17 hinton Charterhouse and Baggridge Plateaux BANES - 17 BANES - 12 C1 West Wiltshire WW-D1 Limpley Stock & Westwood Limestone River Valley

RADSTOCK

BANES - 15

C3 C2

FROME

200 |  | Landscape Types & Character Areas SETTLEMENTS IN COTSWOLD EDGE

Norton St Philip Lullington

201 |  | Landscape Types & Character Areas

6.4 COTSWOLD EDGE LCA - C1 - Foxcote Slopes

6.4.1 As noted within the introductory sections the north 6.4.3 This area of steep north facing slope sits above the east corner of the sits close to the Wellow Brook Valley forming almost the top edge of southern edge of the designated Cotswold AONB. the catchment and skyline to views from the lower The outline of the designation adjoins the district areas. The landform is subdivided into two areas of boundary at Farleigh Hungerford and lies around 2 small ‘re-entrant’ valleys. To the west small streams, km to the north of the MDC / BANES boundary north including the ‘Bladdock Gutter’ have cut back into of Faulkland. However, the characteristic Cotswold the slope below and between Turners Terrace and geology and topography also extend south into this Faukland. To the east the Norton Brook drains down study area; and many of the characteristics noted a larger valley towards Wellow. within these character areas are shared between the district areas. 6.4.4 These areas are characterised by the steeper slopes of the top edge of the overall Wellow Brook valley. The 6.4.2 Area sub divides down into three primarily on area above (within the Norton St Phillip / Buckland basis of topography, these are described under the Ridge - LCA C2) area is notably shallower gradient. subheadings of;- Below the district boundary the landform generally drops dramatically down to the stream (around 30 Foxcote Slopes C1 m or more below). Norton St Phillip, Buckland & Orchardleigh Ridge c2 6.4.5 As steep complex north facing slopes with thin soils the Wheel Brook / Buckland Brook Valleys c3 area is predominantly grazing pasture. Occasional flatter fields support some arable cultivation, generally maize. The field pattern is of small scale irregular shapes and includes areas of early enclosure. The area also includes a few small blocks of ancient woodland.

6.4.6 A few small lanes and tracks cross the LCA providing links between the main road (the A366 located outside of the LCA) and the main valley area below (outside of the MCD area). These are generally hedged, but as they drop down the hillsides there are views down the routes across the valleys.

6.4.7 The area includes a few sporadic individual farmsteads and small groups of cottages. Foxcote forms a small hamlet with a small church and former

202 |  | Landscape Types & Character Areas

tithe barn tucked into the shelter of the lower hillside. Key Characteristics of :- lca c1 the foxcote slopes There are distant views to the edge of Peasedown St John. The villages and hamlets in the valley below physical/natural characteristics settlement & infrastructure include Shoscombe Vale and Wellow these are quite • Steep complex slopes • Limited settlement and minor road connections well hidden from the upper slope areas. • Small scale re-entrant valley streams

6.4.8 The areas present dramatic views down into and • Hedged landscape with hedgerow and occasional across the wide Wellow Brook Valley. The irregular free standing field trees pattern of fields, woodland blocks and occasional • Small blocks of woodland including some ancient woodland cover hedgerow trees creates an interesting constantly changing view as the area is explored. The area includes few visual intrusions and the general land use/management/human influences perceived characteristics outlook is of the unspoilt landscape beyond the district boundary. For the most part the main road • Mix of field shapes and sizes with mainly irregular • Wide and long distant views on the top of the ridge (within LCA C2) is out of formed pattern sight; although audible as a background intrusion. • Predominantly hillside grazing with limited arable on flatter areas 6.4.9 The area is sheltered and although north facing is often looking out over the south and south west facing slopes opposite; these can be dramatically lit Special Features – note not all features designated in late afternoon / evening sun. • Views across the Wellow Valley (includes occasional views to edge of Peasedown St John

Landmarks, Views and Viewpoints

Boundary adjustments from ‘97 Assessment Minor adjustment to include steeper slopes and hamlet of Foxcote and Bladdock Gutter and Pond Farm areas

203 |  | Landscape Types & Character Areas

LCA - c2 - Norton St Phillip, to the east from the A362 Frome/Radstock road and as noted in section 5.10 is visible as a landmark Buckland & Orchardleigh taking in views of Cley Hill, Westbury White Horse (one of three inter-visible towers) from other points Ridge and Plain in the far distance. Views north within the MDC district. from the A366 Ammerdown / Norton St Phillip route 6.4.10 A continuous ridge of high ground extends in an arc look out over the Wellow Brook Valley. 6.4.18 Another smaller local landmark is a chimney standing from Norton St Phillip around to . on its own in a field close to Buckland Dinham. This This encircles a deep valley landscape (LCA C3) and 6.4.14 The former Radstock to Frome railway line also is the only remaining visible feature of the former forms the upper edge of the Foxcote Slopes (LCA C1). adapted to the topography with a gentle climb across Oxleys Colliery. Although incongruous set within an At Buckland Dinham the ridge is cut through with a the landform to reach a highpoint near Buckland area of open farmland the structure highlights the small valley where the Buckland Brook emerges from Dinham. extent of the North Somerset Coal Fields. the valley to the north. To the east of this, the ridge landscape extends around to the . 6.4.15 The landscape is again predominantly open farmland 6.4.19 As noted the villages also exploit the topography and with fairly regular formal enclosure pattern. Small position alongside the strategic routes. Both Buckland 6.4.11 Viewed from the south west these ridges form the areas of early smaller scale fields remain closer to Dinham and Norton St Phillip are seen in views from Great Oolite Scarp described previously in the the two larger villages. The fields are predominantly outside the settlements with collections of buildings geological overview (section 5.1.24 Area 4). The larger sized hedged with occasional drystone walls climbing up areas of hillside and with key buildings as high ground appears as almost continuous from (oolitic limestone). There are few hedgerow trees in focal points. With the long open sections of ridge this Orchardleigh around to the main road crossroads the open farmland on the higher points of the ridge. area does not include many earlier more defensive at Ammerdown near the district boundary close to settlement traces; a single Iron Age site Kingsdown Radstock. Buckland Dinham sits within a dip where 6.4.16 The area includes some areas of ancient woodland. Camp remains next to Ammerdown Estate. A small the brook valley cuts the ridge. A steep hill forming These include Buckland Wood and parts of the group of standing stones is protected on the edge the main high street. Outside the village the land Ammerdown estate woodlands. The woodlands form of Orchardleigh. Both sites are Scheduled Ancient rises gently along the spine of higher ground up to significant features in the views from the adjoining Monuments. Ammerdown. roads and shelter sections of the ridgeline roads. These woodlands also form part of the two major 6.4.12 The northern section of ridge links from Ammerdown historic parkland landscapes of Orchardleigh and to Norton St Phillip as a continuous belt of elevated Ammerdown Park. The woodlands at Orchardleigh landscape albeit gently undulating and falling back form part of the backdrop to the wider parkland. The down to the east. The villages of Faulkland and estate originally enclosed as a medieval deer-park Norton St Phillip sit within sheltered low points in includes extensive areas with numerous parkland the landform. trees, which include many veteran specimens.

6.4.13 Two main road routes take advantage of the 6.4.17 Ammerdown is more enclosed by shelter belts and topography following the continuous gentle climb up blocks of woodland around the perimeter of the to the crossroads at the high point at Ammerdown. In park. Both sites make use of the combination of the places the routes sit on the northern side of the ridge woodlands and topography to create their respective sheltered from the prevailing south west weather. This settings. The Park includes the Jolliffe Column (or position also often provides long panoramic views Ammerdown Tower); the feature is Grade II* listed

204 |  | Landscape Types & Character Areas

6.4.20 Most of the landscape is accessible via public rights of way. The Orchardleigh Estate includes rights of way, Key Characteristics of :- lca c2 norton st philip, buckland & Orchardleigh ridge a lake, island church and golf course which provide physical/natural characteristics settlement & infrastructure public access to the designated parkland landscape. The Buckland woodland and northern portion of the • Elevated ridge landform • Settlements nestled into sheltered spots on ridge park are also on the route of the Macmillan Way • Areas of ancient woodland & related parkland • Local stone buildings long distance footpath. These areas are relatively Landscapes close to Frome and can be accessed from the town • Medium sized regular fields by other footpaths. • Cotswold stone drystone walls & hedges

6.4.21 The disused railway line on the southern side of the LCA has been converted into a shared pedestrian and LANDSCAPE PATTERNS cycle route as part of the Sustrans National Cycleway • Open unspoilt landscapes Network. The path is very well used and links most of • Ridge roads located in the lea of the ridge • Occasional expansive views the route between the towns of Radstock and Frome • Managed • Busy main roads (continues within LCA A8.3 & A9.3)

Special Features – note not all features designated

• Orchardleigh Park • Ammerdown Parkland and Jolliffe Column Grade II* • Oxleys Colliery Chimney – Grade II listed.

Landmarks, Views and Viewpoints

Boundary adjustments from ‘97 • Jolliffe Column Grade II* Assessment • Oxleys Colliery Chimney - Grade II Listed Adjustment to boundary with LCA C3 around • Views from A362 and A366 Hemington

205 |  | Landscape Types & Character Areas

LCA - c3 - Wheel Brook / Buckland 6.4.25 The area includes a number of small farm or estate Brook Valleys woodlands several of these being ancient woodland. Part of the Orchardleigh Parkland containing a few 6.4.22 The Wheel Brook and Buckland Brook Valleys of the parkland trees falls within this LCA. In other comprise the area encircled by the high ridges of LCA areas there are hedgerow and free standing trees. C2. The valleys are deep, often steep sided relatively narrow cross sections. Both valleys contain numerous 6.4.26 With the secluded character of the sunken valley with small streams that arise from springs around the no major roads or other infrastructure the area has middle valley sides. The two valleys are unusual in a relatively tranquil character (some road noise from that the two watercourses are interconnected with the ridgelines is noted within areas). With the ever the head of one being connected to the other by a changing nature and often dramatic views moving ditch close to the watershed between the catchments. through the valley areas this is a visually interesting The two streams and both valleys link in the same landscape. area with a low spot between Hardington Wood and Hardington Plantation. The stream within the 6.4.27 The area includes a number of rights of way; including southern valley is identified as the Hardington Book a short section of the Macmillan Way long distance (this becomes the Buckland Brook downstream within path. LCA C2).

6.4.23 With the nearby main roads located up on the ridgelines above the only access is via winding small lanes that drop steeply into the base of the valleys; creating the sense of a secluded landscape. These lanes serve the small villages and hamlets of Hemingtong and Hardington and Lullington and Laverton. Each settlement appears to have a church and manor house or main farm complex. Lullington includes the main castellated gatehouse lodge for Orchardleigh Park and other glimpsed views into the parkland landscape of the Estate.

6.4.24 The farmland within the valley is managed as predominantly a mix of grazing and fodder crops of maize and silage. Within the narrower and stepper sections of the upper valleys the field sizes are quite small and irregular shaped. Closer to Laverton some larger field sizes have been created for arable production. Most of the field boundaries are hedge rows with some occasional fencing.

206 |  | Landscape Types & Character Areas

Key Characteristics of :- lca c3 wheel brook/buckland brook valleys

physical/natural characteristics settlement & infrastructure

• Deep steep sided narrow valleys • Four similar small scale villages/hamlets • Rolling landform with rounded hilltops and side slopes. • Numerous small spring fed streams • Small areas of ancient woodland • Areas of small scale parkland (generally in decline) and free standing trees.

land use/management/human influences perceived characteristics

• Quiet sheltered landscape remote from main road • Managed farmland with predominantly higher network. Secluded from long distance views out levels of intensive grassland management to other areas or larger settlements

Special Features – note not all features designated

• Ancient woodland areas • Small village churches for each settlement

Landmarks, Views and Viewpoints

• Occasional glimpsed views of Ammerdown Tower – mainly from lanes entering LCA on upper slopes. • Village church towers (including Buckland Dinham church on sky line from valley below Boundary adjustments from ‘97 Assessment

Area extended to encompass Hemington and steep slopes around hamlet

207 |  | Landscape Types & Character Areas

6.5 BATCOMBE DOWNS AND VALLEYS

1.0 MENDIP CHARACTER AREAS SHEPTON MALLET D1 The Downs, Slopes and Valley Heads D2 The Alham Valley

D1

EVERCREECH D2

BRUTON

208 |  | Landscape Types & Character Areas

6.5 BATCOMBE DOWNS AND VALLEYS

1.0 MENDIP CHARACTER AREAS SHEPTON MALLET D1 The Downs, Slopes and Valley Heads D2 The Alham Valley

D1

EVERCREECH D2

BRUTON

209 |  | Landscape Types & Character Areas

6.5 BATCOMBE DOWNS AND VALLEYS

1.0 MENDIP CHARACTER AREAS SHEPTON MALLET D1 The Downs, Slopes and Valley Heads D2 The Alham Valley

D1 1.0 ADJACENT CHARACTER AREAS

South Somerset SS-6 escarpments Ridges & Vales East of Yeovil SS-7 central Plain, Moors & River Basins EVERCREECH D2

BRUTON

SS-6

SS-7

210 |  | Landscape Types & Character Areas

6.5 BATCOMBE DOWNS AND VALLEYS DI THE DOWNS, SLOPES AND VALLEY of properties including Chesterblade and Higher HEADS Aldham. These are all nestled into small hollows or 6.5.1 Located at roughly the mid-point on the southern edge valley sides rather than being on the highest points. of the MDC District area this small area provides an 6.5.5 Close to Shepton Mallet the land rises up steeply The area is served only by long winding mostly single interesting transition between the enclosed vale that into the start of the a series of Downland hilltops at tracked roads. As a consequence the hamlets feel contains the upper Frome Valley (LCA B1) and the Whitstone Hill (at 203 m AOD). Further east the high isolated; and with mostly historic local stone cottages lower more open valleys of the Brue and Whitelake ground continues to the south of Cranmore; to the and farmhouses quite timeless (LCA E1 and E2). The area is an elevated arc of south east of the village, Withywood Lane marks the high downland hills with the deep headwater valley watershed between the Alham and Whatley Bottom 6.5.9 At the head of a Alham tributary Southhill House sits of the Alham River. streams (LCA A 10.4 & A11). Further east again in a small area of parkland landscape. The small the A359 follows the ridge that separates this area country house glimpsed from the public lane is Grade 6.5.2 The eastern boundary of the area is essentially the from the upper valleys of the River Frome. The I listed and includes work of John Wood the Younger watershed between the Frome and Alham. To the high ground extends around to Milton in from Bath. Parts of the parkland are enclosed by north the landscape merges into the Mendip ridge; the south. metal estate railing. Historic mapping indicates the with subtle divisions of the watersheds of the Nunney parkland was once heavily treed; some freestanding Brook and Sheppey Valley. 6.5.6 While the hill tops within this area are all generally parkland trees remain. around the same level of approximately 200 m 6.5.3 To the south the district boundary cuts across the AOD, suggesting a former plateau the whole area 6.5.10 Earlier traces of settlement exist in the area in the area with similar landscape extending into South has been cut down into with a series of deep combe form of two Iron Age hilltop forts (Small Down Knoll Somerset. The small towns of Bruton and Castle valleys (LCA D2). The ridges between the branches and Fox Covert) and a Roman temple site near the Cary are located across the border within this same of the Alham valley remain as remnant fingers of district boundary. All three are scheduled ancient landscape; the location of these towns and main this plateau characterised by gently rolling open monuments and Fox Covert sits within a Special line railway outside of the Mendip district area away landscape. By contrast the valley sides often drop Landscape Feature Area. While the hill forts would from the character areas described below has helped away steeply into the deep narrow combes. naturally have long ranging views they are not openly ensure they have more tranquil timeless qualities. accessible; nearby lanes provide a sense of the 6.5.7 The area is not heavily wooded or treed; there are a spectacular outlook that would have been gained. 6.5.4 The overall area is subdivided into two distinct few small farm woodland areas. The landscape is Another historic mark on the hills is the Hundred character areas as follows; predominantly grassland grazing or hay and silage Stone on Whitstone Hill linked to the Anglo-Saxon cropped fields. On the flatter land of the ridgeline • D1 The Downs, Slopes and Valley court at Cannards Grave. plateaus some localised arable production is included. heads which relate to the higher ground of The fields are a mix of smaller scale irregular patterns 6.5.11 The area is not easily accessed due to the topography the arc around the second area; on the slopes and larger regular enclosures on the and the lack of strategic routes connecting through the • D2 The Alham Valley ridge tops. Most areas are enclosed with close cut area. Consequently the character area is generally hedges with occasional hedgerow trees, in places free of significant infrastructure. A power transmission these have been replaced with wire fencing. line crosses the area south of Whitstone Hill and Withy Wood Lane. The line climbs up from the west 6.5.8 The landscape is not heavily settled there are a few on to the downs within a shallow side valley; which dispersed farmsteads and a few very small clusters helps reduce the scale of the pylons in the landscape.

211 |  | Landscape Types & Character Areas

Once on the top of the downs the route crosses the upper parts of the small combe valleys (including Key Characteristics of :- lca D1 THE DOWNS, SLOPES AND VALLEY HEADS parts of LCA D2). With the rolling landform and physical/natural characteristics settlement & infrastructure otherwise dramatic views the scale and intrusion of the line is diminished. • Dramatic landform of small downs & deep combe • Farmsteads & occasional dwellings in sheltered valleys spots 6.5.12 Although the area includes various minor lanes well • Mixed pattern of predominantly small scale • Main road skirts area on high ridge between LCA suited for recreational access the higher hill areas irregular fields with some larger arable areas. are not extensively accessible via public footpaths. • Limited woodland cover • Power transmission line crosses Those that do exist and lanes provide varied routes which also connect with more of a PROW network land use/management/human influences perceived characteristics in the lower valleys (LCA D2). The lanes provide many and views out across the down-land hills • Remote & isolated to the wider landscape. Several of these routes • Majority of area managed farmland with improved grasslands • Tranquil away from main road are ridgeline routes which accentuate the available • Occasional steeper areas lighter management • Occasional dramatic expansive / exposed panoramic views. condition

Special Features – note not all features designated

• Iron Age Forts & Roman SAM • Creech Hill SLF

Landmarks, Views and Viewpoints

• Extensive views to the west

212 |  | Landscape Types & Character Areas

D2 THE ALHAM VALLEY 6.5.17 In contrast to the Downland landscape above the 6.5.19 A few small orchards remain around the villages and lower parts of the valley are settled. The villages of farms. Reference to the historic mapping indicates 6.5.13 The rises as several small streams within Batcombe and Westcombe being the main areas. how these are only a small proportion of the historic small combe valleys that come together in and around Other smaller clusters of houses and farms also orchard settings to the villages. the village of Batcombe. These are deeply incised follow the valley. Within the village areas most of down into the Downland Landscape of LCA D1. the properties are dispersed along small scale lanes. 6.5.20 As the valleys and villages are accessed via a series Downstream of the village the main valley widens out Within Batcombe and to a lesser extent Westcombe of small winding lanes with steep hills and/or some into a more open landscape. Near there are sections of more terraced street frontage. distance off the main roads the area has a remote the valley is contained on its southern side by the steep Both these and the smaller settlements also include isolated character. With the majority of the local slopes of the Down but to the north the landform is a few larger houses. These include the Batcombe buildings being traditional historic character and with a much more gentle open vale extending towards and West Combe Houses, and the moated manor the strong landscape setting the area has a tranquil Stoney Stratton and Evercreech (LCA E1.1). at Spargrove (listed buildings group and scheduled and very unspoilt condition. The area contains ancient monument). Westcombe House is noted as minimal modern infrastructure. 6.5.14 As suggested by the various ‘Combe’ place names the having been contained within an enclosed parkland. landscape is defined by small scale narrow valleys. 6.5.21 The area is served by a modest network of PROW’s and the minor lanes providing some recreational These contrast strongly with the down-land plateaus 6.5.18 An area around the Spargrove Manor SAM is also of the hilltops above (LCA D1). In places the hillside identified as a Special Landscape Area protecting a access. In addition a small woodland area at Coney slopes exhibit the narrow terraces of ‘sheep-walks’ complex of medieval farms and mills. Wood is a woodland trust nature reserve open to (mini terraces in the ground profile potentially caused public access. The valley also contains a campsite by soil movement on steep slopes). and a local brewery that hosts a beer and cheese festival within Westcombe village. 6.5.15 With the steep valleys the streams are fast flowing, but include frequent weirs, sluices and various ponds and channels. A few mill buildings/references are noted on the maps at Spargrove (listed) Mill Farmhouse (listed) and the Mill Lane in Batcombe. At the lower end of the character area the stream slows down into a flatter meandering course.

6.5.16 In the upstream sections the valley slopes include small areas of woodland cover. The field pattern in the valleys is small scale irregular shaped with hedged boundaries. The field areas are used mainly for grazing. Some of the steeper slopes appear as unimproved grasslands and include various local plan wildlife sites.

213 |  | Landscape Types & Character Areas

Key Characteristics of :- lca D2 the alham valley

physical/natural characteristics settlement & infrastructure

• Deep small scale valleys • Villages contained within dramatic valley settings • Small irregular field pattern • Areas of unimproved grasslands • Small orchards

land use/management/human influences perceived characteristics

• Remote & isolated villages • River includes various weir & mill structures • Tranquil landscapes

Special Features – note not all features designated

• Historic villages • Spargrove Manor SAM & SLF • Small parklands • Orchards

Landmarks, Views and Viewpoints

• Secluded landscape but with attractive visual amenity

214 |  | Landscape Types & Character Areas

6.6 LIAS LOWLANDS & RIDGES

1.0 MENDIP CHARACTER AREAS

WELLS E1 Whitelake Valley E1.1 The Whitelake Valley e1.2 The Pilton - Worminster Ridge E2 Brue Valley SHEPTON MALLET E2.1 Brue Lowlands e2.2 Baltonsborough Farmlands and Orchards E1.2 E3 polden Ridge

2.0 E4 isle of Avalon

3.0 E5 pennard Ridge E4 E1.1 GLASTONBURY EVERCREECH

E5

STREET

E3 E2.2 E2.1

215 |  | Landscape Types & Character Areas

6.6 LIAS LOWLANDS & RIDGES

1.0 MENDIP CHARACTER AREAS

WELLS E1 Whitelake Valley E1.1 The Whitelake Valley e1.2 The Pilton - Worminster Ridge E2 Brue Valley SHEPTON MALLET E2.1 Brue Lowlands e2.2 Baltonsborough Farmlands and Orchards E1.2 E3 polden Ridge

2.0 E4 isle of Avalon

3.0 E5 pennard Ridge E4 E1.1 1.0 ADJACENT CHARACTER AREAS

GLASTONBURY EVERCREECH South Somerset E5 SS-1 Five Head & High Ham Escarpments Valleys and Moors SED-6 SS-6 escarpments Ridges & Vales East of Yeovil SS-7 central Plain, Moors & River Basins STREET

Sedgemoor E3 E2.2 SED-6 Lowland Hills: E2.1

SS-6

SS-7 SS-1

216 |  | Landscape Types & Character Areas

6.6 LIAS LOWLANDS & RIDGES

1.0 MENDIP CHARACTER AREAS

WELLS E1 Whitelake Valley E1.1 The Whitelake Valley e1.2 The Pilton - Worminster Ridge E2 Brue Valley SHEPTON MALLET E2.1 Brue Lowlands e2.2 Baltonsborough Farmlands and Orchards E1.2 E3 polden Ridge

2.0 E4 isle of Avalon

3.0 E5 pennard Ridge E4 E1.1 GLASTONBURY EVERCREECH

E5

STREET

E3 E2.2 E2.1

217 |  | Landscape Types & Character Areas SETTLEMENTS IN Lias Lowland & Ridges

Pilton

Pilton

218 |  | Landscape Types & Character Areas

6.6 LIAS LOWLANDS AND RIDGES E1.1 THE WHITELAKE VALLEY - INCLUDING only occasional hedgerow trees. Some hedgerow eVERCREECH SETTING removal has occurred to create larger arable field 6.6.1 Located between the upper headwater areas of the areas. Batcombe Downs and the very low-lying moors 6.6.4 The Whitelake Stream is contained within a wide these character areas form the middle section of valley for most of the length of this character area. 6.6.7 The area includes several main roads and other the Whitelake and catchments. The The valley sides are formed by ridges of high ground elements of infrastructure. The A37 is part of the northern side of this tract of landscape is defined rising by around 75 – 100 m above the level of the Roman Fosse Way and is now a straight, fast, busy by the high ground that separates these areas from stream. To the north the Pilton - Worminster Ridge road (links Shepton and areas to the north to the the more enclosed Sheppey Valley (LCA A6). Much (LCA E.1.2) forms a continuous flank merging with the A303). The A371 spurs off the A37 providing a link of the remaining landscape is gently rolling lowland higher hills within the Downs and Combes landscape to / and the A303. The B3081 with the two main valleys separated by the Pennard to the east (LCA D1). Most of the southern side of links through Evercreech to Bruton. The A361 links Ridge (LCA E5). The southern edges of these areas the valley is defined by the Pennard Ridge (LCA E5). Shepton to Glastonbury. The valley also includes an are defined for this study by the MDC boundary but This ridge extends east (up the valley) from West east west power transmission line with pylons and there are frequent overlaps between areas extending Pennard to Easton Hill where it drops down towards solar farm developments close to the showground. beyond the district. Evercreech. Where the ridge drops at the upper end of the valley this valley starts to merge with the next 6.6.8 The village of Evercreech once stood at the junction 6.6.2 It is noted that the A37 Fosse Way and the and A361 valley to the south (the upper section of the Brue Valley of two railways and the settlement developed with cut right across this collection of landscapes providing LCAE 2.1). Topographically Evercreech is at the top the links these provided. The village has expanded transects of each LCA (generally heading north south). the Whitelake Valley but the village sits at a water since the closure of the railway and includes areas of At the same time more winding routes of minor lanes shed with some streams draining away to the east to commercial development around the former railway and paths cross east west and provide a different form the Whitelake Stream and others heading south yards (two sites; one in the village and a further slower appreciation of how the areas link together. to join the Alham. The valleys illustrate an example commercial development is located at Evercreech of stream or river capture (where the headwaters of Junction in LCA E2.1). The settlement pattern includes 6.6.3 The area subdivides into seven distinct character one water course become diverted into another). the smaller village hamlet areas of Stoney Stratton areas: and Prestleigh. 6.6.5 Around the watershed and in the lower valley cross The Whitelake Valley (E1) section the landform is comprised of mainly shallow • E1.1 - The Whitelake Valley - including slopes; but some areas of steeper hillside do occur. evercreech Setting The main Whitelake stream is a small water course • E1.2 - The Pilton - Worminster Ridge fed by the side slopes and smaller side ditches. The Brue Valley (E2) 6.6.6 This is a relatively open landscape of larger sized • E2.1 The Brue Lowlands fields with a mix of dairy and arable production. • E2.2 The Baltonsborough Farm Small areas of woodland exist low in the valley The Polden Ridge (E3) and along the line of the former railway (link Isle of Avalon (E4) between Glastonbury and Evercreech). The field pennard Ridge (E5) boundaries include many close cut low hedges with

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6.6.9 In addition the area includes the extensive permanent Bath and West show ground that lies between the Key Characteristics of :- lca E1.1- the whitelake valley including evercreech setting A37 and A371. The site has accesses off both physical/natural characteristics settlement & infrastructure main roads but is generally well concealed from the external views. The lower part of the valley close to • Wide open valley landform • Extensive village Pilton also includes the site. • Larger scale field patterns • Busy main roads This section of the valley includes some smaller • Small farm woodlands • Employment sites field areas and more tree cover. The festival site • Showground & festival sites includes some permanent infrastructure such as tracks and a section of the disused railway (Evercreech to land use/management/human influences perceived characteristics Glastonbury Line). • Intensive improved grassland & arable 6.6.10 In this area the presence of the main roads, • More heavily managed landscape management showground and larger commercial developments • Busy road generating background • Former railway near the village reduce the sense of tranquillity. Coupled with this in some areas the greater proportion of arable and heavily managed improved grasslands

feel more intensely farmed and less interesting than Special Features – note not all features designated other less heavily managed landscapes. Further west the lower parts of the valley include more varied • Former railway landform and pockets of woodlands and smaller • Showground & festival sites scale field pattern; providing greater interest. Subject to the festival activity these lower areas can be more Landmarks, Views and Viewpoints tranquil and varied.

6.6.11 The network of PROW’s varies across the LCA. • Views from festival site towards Around village of Evercreech there is a pattern of connecting paths albeit these are in the less tranquil portion of the area. Further west in the lower valley there are a few minor interconnecting lanes but thinner pattern of footpaths. The Monarchs Way crosses the area to the west of Steanbow.

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E1.2 - THE PILTON - WORMINSTER RIDGE slopes or where the ridgelines level out into small 6.6.19 North Wootton is very similar in character but much plateaus some areas of arable production occur. smaller than Pilton and is set well away from the main 6.6.12 As the northern flank of the Whitelake Valley this roads. A series of other smaller again hamlets and LCA is formed of the high ground that separates 6.6.15 The plateau of Worminster Down is encircled by a clusters of properties and farmsteads are located on this valley from the Sheppey Valley to the north (LCA fringe of woodland on the steep slopes below the the southern side of the ridge. A6). The land rises steeply from the gentle lower hilltop. Another area of woodland occupies the steep slopes up into a more complex rolling landform. slopes of Dulcote Hill providing a backdrop to the 6.6.20 The A361 and a short section of the A37 cut across This starts as an open undulating plateau close to Dinder/Dulcote section of the Sheppey Valley (LCA A6) the area; these are busy strategic routes. A spur off Shepton Mallet and extends towards Dulcote. To the A361 at the top of the Pilton Hill forms a busy 6.6.16 Within the valleys the field areas are hedged and the west the landform is subdivided by small valleys back road route into Shepton. On the high section include a good coverage of hedgerow trees. On the that also head west cutting down into the landform of the ridge the A361 is a relatively straight and fast larger scale arable farmland areas the field pattern as short deep narrow valleys. Two of these contain road. Within Pilton Village the steep gradient and is regular and larger, with fewer trees. tributaries of the Redlake stream which drop from lack of pavements on long sections create a hostile environment for non-vehicular road users. East Compton joining together at the end of a small 6.6.17 The small stream valleys include some areas of ridge and then flow down through North Wootton. A very steep slopes which preclude intensive grass third stream again starts close to East Compton but management. These often appear as rougher less on the south side of the main and flows intently managed unimproved grassland. Some down through the village of Pilton. areas are identified as wildlife sites within the local plan. A few small orchards also exist within the valley 6.6.13 The high landform extends north to form a more areas. Reference to historic mapping from around the continuous ridge from the outskirts of Shepton to late 1800’s indicates the extent of orchards around above Croscombe. Two roads the Ridge Road and villages was previously much more extensive. Old Wells Road take advantage of the high ground

along the northern edge of the LCA. The area of 6.6.18 With the sheltered valleys and running streams the Worminster Down and Laucherley Hill form one large area includes a few settlements. The village of Pilton hilltop at the western end of the ridgeline; the Down is the largest. A number of dwellings, a pub, what area is designated as a Special Landscape Feature was the village store and the war memorial are Area. Beyond this to the west the land drops down clustered around a sharp bend in the A361 main into the bowl of landscape that contains the City of road that extends through the village. These and Wells (LCA A4.4 and G1). other properties which front on to the road suffer from the heavy traffic flows. Away from the main road 6.6.14 With the rolling topography this is a varied landscape the village radiates out along a series of small side of hills and valleys which have in turn limited the roads. Many of these are steep and winding and scope for extensive agricultural improvement or reveal many cottages tucked away between different intensive management. The landscape includes small areas of green space. The green spaces comprise areas of woodland cover and small irregular pasture of a mix of gardens, orchards, small paddocks and fields. On the higher parts of the area on shallower fields. Many sections of the lanes are hedged and the village is well treed.

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6.6.21 Aside the roads the area is relatively free from other elements of modern infrastructure. The disused Wells Key Characteristics of :- lca E1.2 the pilton - worminster ridge to Shepton Railway follows the north side of the ridge physical/natural characteristics settlement & infrastructure and the falls within this area. • Varied landform and land cover ranging from • Village of Pilton varies between heavily trafficked 6.6.22 Away from the main roads and in particular within open ridgetops to small deep valleys. main road frontage & dispersed historic the side valley areas there are good opportunities • Mix of arable and dairy farming with varied development in more secluded valley to explore unspoilt and tranquil landscape. The intensity of management. • Main roads area is well served by a network of minor lanes and • Areas of small orchards (reflecting much greater PROW’s. With the elevated routes of both roads and historic extent paths there are occasional long distance views across to the Pennard Ridge (LCA E5), down towards the land use/management/human influences perceived characteristics Glastonbury Tor and Mendip scarp and Pen Hill mast.

• Varied levels of management • Varies between areas close to main roads with limited tranquilty & intensely managed farmland into areas of more unspoilt tranquil & isolated character

Special Features – note not all features designated

• Worminster Down & Launcherley Hill (SLF) • Dulcote Hill Woodland (SLF) • Orchards

Landmarks, Views and Viewpoints

• Extensive views from elevated ridge areas

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E2 THE BRUE VALLEY is Grade II Listed). Nearby river drops via the weir 6.6.29 With open virtually flat topography, the local main into a much deeper channel (the weir is understood roads and managed agriculture there are few areas to be a medieval structure). where a deep level of tranquillity can be found. The e2.1 THE BRUE LOWLANDS area is strongly rural but also an extensively managed 6.6.25 The area contains occasional small blocks of landscape. With this and some areas of long views, 6.6.23 The Brue Valley is a shallow wide vale of landscape woodland and areas of commercial orchards. The interest of the river and tree cover the landscape extending south from the Pennard Ridge (LCA E5). orchards include a mix of small scale blocks of older condition is variable. The River Brue forms the district boundary from close trees and some much larger areas of more recently to Bruton (in South Somerset DC area) down to East planted young stock trees. 6.6.30 The local network of PROW’s provides some access Lydford. The River Alham flows through Batcombe across the landscape but with the main roads this (in LCA D2) and is fed by other small streams from 6.6.26 The farmed landscape is a mix of pasture, hay and is to a degree compartmentalised into individual Stoney Stratton and near Evercreech (in LCA E1.1). silage and some arable production. The fields are blocks of landscape. The area includes a section of The Alham and Brue join at Alford but at West Lydford laid out as modest to large scale regular pattern the Monarch’s Way Long Distance footpath and the the water course is divided again by a large weir with low close cut hedges. There is a limited cover Sustrans Route (No. 26). and mill stream. The water courses re-join together of hedgerow trees often concentrated along the again at Tootle Bridge. Downstream of Tootle Bridge watercourses. There are also areas with good groups the river becomes contained by flood banks and the of free standing field trees (such as at Hornblotton - landscape is lower lying (as described in LCA E2.2). reference back to historic mapping does not suggest these as parkland estates). 6.6.24 The gentle shallow slope of the lower valley within this LCA is contained by the contrasting steeper slopes 6.6.27 The area includes a few small settlements such as of the Pennard Ridge. To the east the landform rises , Alhampton, Lydford-on-Fosse and East and more sharply into the ridge and downland landscape West Lydford, Lottisham and Parbrook. The majority around and Milton Clevedon. The water of these are historic small villages or hamlets with courses fall with a modest gradient from around small scale cottages most focused around a parish 50 m AOD down to around 15 m AOD at Tootle church. Elsewhere there are occasional farmsteads Bridge (over around 12.5 km). (Although a shallow or clusters of individual properties. Hornblotton gradient this is much steeper than the downstream is another very small group of farms and houses; section within the Moors landscape where the River clustered around a village hall; the village church is Brue falls from 15 m to sea level at the coast some located separately well away from the main grouping 30 km away.) The rivers have a gently meandering (the building is grade I listed). course across the low-lying farmland. Within this 6.6.28 The area includes the A37 Fosse Way and the area the Brue has a noticeable flood plain. At West A371 link to Castle Cary. A large scale commercial Lydford the evidence of the how the river is prone to development area sits within the LCA at Evercreech flooding is provided by the High Street road bridge Junction (the former junction and sidings of the two which incorporates a line of small flood arches in rail lines between Shepton and Glastonbury). the upper section of the bridge to allow water to flow over the road in high water conditions (the bridge

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Key Characteristics of :- lca E2.1 the brue lowlands

physical/natural characteristics settlement & infrastructure

• Wide vale landform • Small farming settlements • Shallow gradient river with weirs & flood plain • Orchards • Mixed farmland & mixed field patterns • Occasional parkland trees

land use/management/human influences perceived characteristics

• Busy main road - Fosse Way • Open shallow landform allows road noise to extend across area limiting tranquility. • Intense management creates areas of bland landscapes

Special Features – note not all features designated

• Alford Park Special Landscape Feature

Landmarks, Views and Viewpoints

• Occasional long views – including distant views to the Tor

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e2.2 THE BALTONSBOROUGH FARMLANDS 6.6.35 The area includes elements of a settled landscape as the outer edge of Glastonbury. These elements are AND ORCHARDS the high ground above the moors. Baltonsborough seen in the context of the approach to the town and is a very dispersed low-density village covering a with extensive scenic views to the Tor and out across 6.6.31 The River Brue flows out into the low-lying moors area sizeable area. Areas of orchards and fields exist the open landscapes to the north and south. close to Baltonsborough. The village is positioned within the overall outline of the village. Other small on a low rise of land on the edge of the Kennard / clusters of houses and farmsteads exist through the 6.6.37 The area includes minimal large scale modern Butt Moor area (LCA F3). The area of very slightly area. These are linked by small winding lanes and infrastructure. The A361 is a busy main road route higher ground extends around to the north of the minor main roads. and a large electricity substation sits next to the village and up to East Street and the edge of the carriageway. Queens Sedge Moor to the north of the A361. This 6.6.36 Some development stretches along the A361 between then includes the higher ground followed by the and the edge of Glastonbury with a 6.6.38 The area includes a scheduled ancient monument main road between West Pennard and the outskirts mix of houses, farm buildings and small commercial earthwork feature the Pointers Ball. The feature is of Glastonbury. premises. The large campus of Millfield School marks a large rampart standing some 4m higher than

6.6.32 The area is gently undulating and contrasts with the flatter landscape of the moors and the steeper slopes of the Pennard Ridge (LCA E5) and Glastonbury Tor (LCA E4). The land level generally varies between 10m and 40m AOD although Windmill Hill on the north east side of the village rises to 58m.

6.6.33 The River Brue is split with a weir at Baltonsborough Flights into the natural river and a mill stream. The mill stream flowing close to the village.

6.6.34 The area has very minimal woodland cover; limited to a few small copse features. The tree cover is predominantly orchards concentrated around the village of Baltonsborough and the Hamlets of and Coxbridge. The wider landscape is mainly dairy with some maize production. The field areas are improved managed grasslands with few areas of low input or unimproved grazing. The field pattern is regular modest scale with a occasional hedgerow and free standing trees. Hedges are maintained as generally low cut stock proof boundaries.

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the surrounding landscape split by the A361. It is suggested the main road cuts through what may have Key Characteristics of :- lca E2.2 the baltonSborough farmlands and orchards at one time been a gateway in the feature. physical/natural characteristics settlement & infrastructure

6.6.39 The area includes a good selection of PROW routes. • Gently undulating • Villages on higher ground dispersed development In particular these provide access along the river Brue • Sections of poldered river with occasional weirs & pattern and between parts of Baltonsborough. The paths mill streams thin out in places and those close to the A361 and • Open farmland are affected by traffic noise. • Orchards

6.6.40 As a relatively flat landscape there are not always open long views over the landscape itself, but with land use/management/human influences perceived characteristics the nearby Tor there are views to the landmark and the backdrop of adjoining higher ground. • Quiet landscape • Mixed intensely managed farmland • Some large open expanses

Special Features – note not all features designated

• River Brue Polders, weirs and channels • Orchards

Landmarks, Views and Viewpoints

• Occasional views to the Tor

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e3 the polden ridge The areas include mixed plantations and a good the lower slopes the fields are generally more regular proportion of ancient woodland. An ornamental square shaped medium sized contained by hedges. 6.6.41 The Polden Ridge or Hills is a narrow band of low hill Cedar avenue extends out from the woodland as The land use is predominantly dairy production with tops that extend across the south western corner of part of the parkland landscape of Butleigh Court large areas of silage / hay-cropping and occasional the MDC district area. The feature extends beyond (the trees appear to be storm damaged and remain areas of arable including maize. the administrative boundary in several places (at as veteran specimens with some replacement trees both ends and in places the ridge is spilt along it’s planted alongside). 6.6.46 On the high ground of the ridge a few traces of highpoint between districts). historic settlement are identified as scheduled ancient 6.6.45 In between the woodland areas on the ridgetop there monuments. These include a Roman villa site near 6.6.42 The ridge forms the southern side of the Brue Valley are various areas of open grassland. These include Marshalls Elm and medieval farmstead on the edge of and forms a backdrop to the town of Street. From the Ivy Thorne and Walton Hill areas which are Butleigh Wood. An earthwork is also protected within a low point close to the river near Baltonsborough land. At Ivy Thorne the ridge road runs the woodland. A windmill tower on Walton dating at around 20m AOD the valley side rises initially as alongside an area of open grazing common enclosed from 1793 also stands out as an historic landmark shallow slopes up through the village of Butleigh. To with trees. At Walton Hill an area of unimproved feature on the hill (Grade II Listed). Another column the south of this village the gradient becomes a little grassland surrounds a hilltop viewpoint (the field is feature the Admiral Hood Monument (Grade II* steeper up to the top ridge road at around 100m full of large anthill mounds which are a particularly Listed), is located just outside the district boundary AOD. For a short distance the ridge road tracks the striking indication of low input management). On at the top of Collard Hill. district boundary. The southern side of the ridge facing into South Somerset District is steeper. This asymmetric profile continues along to Walton Hill where the MDC boundary extends south to include the full cross section of the ridge (and an area of Butleigh Moor – LCA F4).

6.6.43 The northern slope drops down to the village of Walton and another small area of Moor (appropriately named Small Moor). Before the land rises again into a low hill to the east of . Along the length of the north facing side of the ridge there are a few streams with small re-entrant valleys cut back into the ridge flank. This creates a gently undulating series of hillside slopes.

6.6.44 The area includes areas of woodland cover on the upper sections of the ridge. In places this is a narrow band on the steeper sections of slope. At Butleigh the woodland area expands out into a large continuous block that straddles the district boundary.

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6.6.47 Marshalls Elm is noted as the location of a civil 6.6.52 The town of Street is set in the middle of this character 6.6.55 The area is served by a good network of rights of war skirmish between a small Royalist patrol and area. The settlement appears as predominantly way and some small areas of open access National 500 – 600 Parliamentary recruits. The steep rising low rise development with the rising high ground of Trust land on the ridge. The trust land includes ground of the route up from the Moors was used for the ridge to the south. On the eastern side rolling small visitor car parks and interpretive signage. a successful Royalist ambush. landform, tree cover and several school campus The Walton Hill car park provides spectacular views areas provide an irregular edge to the built up area. from the ridge over the moors to the south and over 6.6.48 Another notable listed building is Butleigh Court To the north the land falls away into the low-lying Street to the Mendips to the north. These areas also described as a country house in a landscaped moor restricting views to the town. On the north include the windmill tower and the Hood Monument park [EH Citation]. The landscaped parkland is western side of the town the very substantial shoe as landmarks and focal points for visits. not a registered historic landscape but is partially factory building is well contained from passing traffic covered by a MDC Special Landscape Feature Area running through the town and from views in from 6.6.56 Unusually the Butleigh village war memorial is located designation and in part a local wildlife designation. the nearest landscape to the north. In more distant outside of the village. As a poignant tribute to those The SLF area includes the Cedar Walk avenue. views from Walton Hill the scale of the building is from the village lost in the two world wars, the memorial is positioned in a spot where there are far 6.6.49 Much of the adjoining village area is also protected by more evident. On the western and southern sides of reaching views over the Somerset landscape towards Conservation Area status. The village is comprised of the town varied ages and densities of development the Pennard Ridge and beyond. The memorial is a series of minor lanes with a small quiet high street. provide a degree of integration between the town Grade II Listed and has an extensive landscape A number of small green spaces including orchards and rural edge. setting. and paddocks exist between groups of housing. The 6.6.53 Outside of the built up area of Street the character older cottages are built of the local lias limestone. area contains minimal infrastructure development.

6.6.50 A second small village of Walton is laid out as a more Two solar farms are located here; one near Butleigh is linear settlement along the route of the A39. The well contained by landform, woodland and roadside main village street is dominated by the busy road hedges; a second near Ashcott is visible from the A39 that forms a link between Glastonbury and Street and near Walton. The A39 while an important strategic the M5. Side streets on both sides of the main road route still retains the character of a rural main road lead into quieter lanes with some areas of housing for most of its length; there is a short section of dual in behind the main road frontage. The village also carriageway with a signalised illuminated junction contains a few small orchard areas. The village just on the edge of the town in the Walton gap. The sits on a shelf of level ground slightly above Small local roads along and across the ridge provide local Moor with areas of playing fields on the plateau of back road route to bypass street and connection to flat ground to the north. Somerton (in SSDC to the south).

6.6.54 6.6.51 The village is separated from the nearby town of The noise from the A39 is very evident within the Street by a short distance of the A39 and open fields landscape around Walton and background noise (protected local plan settlement gap policy). The is noticeable in rural access the locations such as character of the townscape and village development the trust land on the ridgetop. As such the area is visible from the road are distinctly different although not particularly tranquil although there are areas of the physical separation is limited. attractive unspoilt countryside with significant views.

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Key Characteristics of :- lca E3 the polden ridge

physical/natural characteristics settlement & infrastructure

• Narrow undulating ridge rising sharply out of • Rural villages well related to topography surrounding lowland • Historic buildings including Butleigh House with • Varied slopes generally steeper on south side Parkland • Extensive woodland blocks & other areas of smaller coverage • Mixed farming with varied field patterns

land use/management/human influences perceived characteristics

• Areas of intensive improved grassland & arable • Unspoilt quiet corner production • Areas of tranquillity away from roads • Parkland elements – in decline • Areas of expansive spaces

Special Features – note not all features designated

• Parkland including cedar avenue (SLF) • Ivythorne Hill extensive area of mixed woodland & unimproved grassland open access land managed by National Trust (SLF) • Landmarks (Walton Windmill & Admiral Hood Monument, & Butleigh War Memorial

Landmarks, Views and Viewpoints

• View points at Walton Hill & landmarks above • Views back towards Mendip scarp with the Tor, Pen Hill & distant views to Cranmore and Alfred’s Tower

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E4 ISLE OF AVALON 6.6.61 On the upper slopes the field areas are irregular extensive maturing tree planting. Some elements of small-scale pastures with additional grazing within infrastructure and a mix of developments spans across 6.6.57 Glastonbury Tor hill is similar geologically and the orchards. On the lower areas the fields are the bypass onto the moors landscape below the town. topography to the nearby Wookey Island hills (LCA G generally larger with hay and silage cropping and More large scale commercial developments lie outside 1-3) and the Pennard Ridge (LCA E5). The landform grazing. The field boundaries are hedged with a the line of the bypass to the north of Wearyall Hill reads as a distinct ‘island’ of high ground rising out good coverage of hedgerow trees. with some historic mill and factory buildings from of the low-lying levels, the feature rises to just under the former Moorlands Tannery. 160m AOD (from levels in the moors on the edge of 6.6.62 As noted above some areas of post war housing the town at around 7m AOD). With the remains of development exist on the lower hilltop to the north 6.6.65 The hill and Tor provide a dramatic landscape the St Michael’s Church perched on the very top the of the Tor but generally the edge of the built-up area feature as a backdrop to the town. The combination Tor stands out as an iconic landmark for the district adjoining the hill is well contained. In most instances of special landscape and the other aspects of (the Church remains as the tower only it set within a the town edge presents as a gentle transition between Glastonbury’s historic, ecclesiastical and spiritual SAM and is Grade I listed). open countryside and lanes fronted by more historic interests make the town a major visitor destination. character buildings. The A361 passes through the This is still maintained with the elements of modern 6.6.58 The town is concentrated on the lower side slopes of edge of the town with significant impact on the development expanding out from the centre to the the hill and wraps around nearly three sides of the hill. relatively narrow streetscape. On the approach north and west. The setting of the Tor is enhanced The built-up area extends around a lower section of from the east the build-up into the town is subtle by the open expanse of countryside on the gentle Wearyall Hill and out to a modern section of bypass with the road climbing and winding between hedges lower slopes and then the expanse of the surrounding that links around the north west side of the town. and a few buildings. More continuous frontage of moors landscapes (LCA F 2/3). The views out from development starts close to the Chalice Well; where the hill top overlook the town and range right across 6.6.59 The Tor landform is more than the single conical hill. the road narrows between cottages and terraces of the district landscapes to the Mendip, Pennard and The slopes start on the north side of the town near the historic buildings and a high pavement. Polden Ridges and points beyond. The lack of A39 bypass and Brindham Lane and the areas rise significant visual intrusions into these views across up to form a series of small plateaus or high spots 6.6.63 The development on the lower slopes below the A361 such an expanse is notable. The experience of the at around 80 – 90m AOD. A residential estate lies and extending around to the Wearyall Hill is more Tor also importantly includes views from the lower over one of these and other spots lie outside to the predominantly post-war estates. With steep slopes slopes up the hill to see the Tower on the skyline east of the built-up area. Chalice Hill forms a small in places the housing layouts have been built along from within the character area. The Tor is clearly rise close to the historic town centre. The actual Tor the contours. The hillside location provides many of a landmark for the wider district the significance of Hill then stands as a single pointed peak; this part the properties with good views out over the low-lying this is set out within section 5.10. of the topography rises very steeply out of the lower moors to the south of the town. In reverse this area sections of hill. of development is prominent in views back from the 6.6.66 Wearyall Hill is also a popular viewpoint and landscape below (LCA F3). designated Special Landscape Feature. Views are 6.6.60 A few small stream/ditches sit in small valleys on the gained over the commercial developments next to northern lower slopes these create a series of minor 6.6.64 More areas of modern housing extend out from the the bypass across the moors to the Mendip Scarp to ridges and gullies. Within these hollows there are historic core to the north and north west sides of the the north; and the Polden Hill Ridge to the south. small pockets of woodland and orchards providing town. These are generally contained by the line of the most of the tree cover on the lower slopes. On the A39 Glastonbury bypass. The modern road follows 6.6.67 The Tor attracts a constant stream of visitors on a southside areas of tree cover occur as orchards, the line of a former railway and is itself contained by daily basis. There is no general visitor parking close hedge line and garden trees.

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to the hilltop a shuttle bus operates out from the town through the lanes at peak times. The paths, Key Characteristics of :- lca E4 isle of avalon lanes and hilltop can become quite busy at times. physical/natural characteristics settlement & infrastructure While the Tor provides an exceptional experience and expansive views it is not a particularly tranquil • Dramatic ‘Island’ topography of Tor hill rising up • Historic town core tucked into lower slopes of or remote setting. out of flat levels Tor Hill • Hill formed of series of high points with Tor • Areas of expanded post war housing filling out 6.6.68 On the lower slopes some lanes and footpaths link to standing as single much taller feature to bypass provide circular walks out from the town but beyond • Wearyall Hill forming second dramatic ridge • Some other areas of post war developed as the base of the hill the network thins out. Sustrans • Small irregular paddocks & grazing fields prominent hillside estates – intrusive in views Route 3 linking Wells to Glastonbury follows the • Orchards back to built up area from Moors to the south. lanes around the north eastern side of the hill before entering the town. Much of the land around the Tor land use/management/human influences perceived characteristics is owned by the National Trust, areas of the open fields although grazed are identified as open access • Land owned & managed as informal grasslands • Expansive exposed hilltop locations offering land. The area also includes a traditional orchard in • Busy strategic roads pass through edges of built exhilarating experience even with popularity as which the Trust promote Wassailing community events. up area busy destination main Tor hill draws • Major focus of historic religious sites & buildings continuous activity – not tranquil or remote 6.6.69 Much of the open landscape around the Tor extending down the hillside slopes is designated as a Special Landscape Feature Area within the MDC Local Plan. Special Features – note not all features designated

• Iconic Tor (SAM & SLF) • Wearyall Hill (SLF) • Abbey ruins (SAM) • Community orchard

Landmarks, Views and Viewpoints

• Views north to Mendip scarp inc Pen Hill • 360 ° views from both Tor & Wearyall Hill

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e5 pennard ridge 6.6.74 Several sections of the small single track lanes on 6.6.79 The ridge is not extensively settled. The Village of the sides of the ridge drop into narrow gulley like West Pennard sits at the base of the slopes with 6.6.70 The Pennard Ridge separates the Whitelake and Brue cuttings (not clear if these are formed from centuries some of the houses fronting onto the A361 main valley areas. The feature is not a continuous ridge of use or were following natural cuts). These are road. A main side road leads off the A361 to a as at the upper eastern end the valley areas merge steep and deeply enclosed with large banks of trees larger cluster of houses and the school and church with the Alham River/Brue valley taking some of the and ground flora. with a more quiet village street. The church (Grade up stream catchment (refer to LCA E1.1). The ridge I Listed) and school are located on a higher section is aligned with the Glastonbury Tor hill as no doubt 6.6.75 The field pattern is a moderate scale with some of slope up from the village. The rest of the village these were once joined as continuous plateau. The larger (enlarged) fields on the plateau top and is more dispersed along lanes to the north and south distinctive ridge rises at West Pennard and extends lower northern slopes. The fields are laid includes of the main road. to Ditcheat Hill (above Ditcheat near Evercreech). areas regular pattern but with the winding lanes and landform there are areas of more informal pattern. 6.6.80 , Little Pennard and are all smaller 6.6.71 The land form rises from the base of the Whitelake Many of the field hedges include hedgerow trees hamlets. Although both small settlements and not far valley at around 10m AOD up to the highpoints at there are also occasional free standing trees within apart both East Pennard and Pylle have significant around 110m – 120m AOD. The northern face of the fields. church buildings (Grade I and II* respectively) set in the ridge is characterised by steep wooded slopes amongst the local stone buildings. extending as a reasonably continuous flank along 6.6.76 The area is predominantly under dairy production most of the length. This is broken up with many small with extensive areas of silage or hay cropping. Even 6.6.81 The area is generally free from significant re-entrant valley slopes with streams occasionally areas of steeper slopes are managed as improved infrastructure. As mentioned above the A361 passes contained in narrow gullies. grassland with a consistent even monoculture grass through West Pennard and has significant impact sward. Many field areas appear to be reseeded on the character of the village. To the east the A37 6.6.72 The southern ridge slopes are more gentle gradients pasture with rolled even ground surfaces. This Fosse Way crosses over the ridge at Pye Hill. The which extend out as a more sinuous series of hillside includes a large part of the Glastonbury Festival site ridge breaks the dead straight line of the Roman slopes. Larger stream valleys cut back in on this side with several enlarged fields areas that have been Road and modern day traffic has to climb sharply to form Withial Combe (north east of West Bradley) reseeded after the intensive activity. At the eastern on the ascents and slow for the descents. The route and other small gullies exist on this side. The combe end of the ridge where landform provides a wider generates background noise to the surrounding area. includes a small waterfall on the course of the stream. area of plateau there are larger areas of arable fields. The top of the ridge is a gently undulating plateau 6.6.82 The area is generally well served by an extensive along most of its length. 6.6.77 Around East Pennard the area includes an area of network of PROW’s that connect the village and parkland landscape as the setting to Pennard House. hamlet areas and extend along and across the 6.6.73 The woodland cover is generally restricted to the The parkland areas lie on both sides of the lane ridge. This thins out at the eastern end around the upper northern slopes and the larger side valleys through the hamlet with estate railing boundary to A37 where only a few paths and lanes cross the to the south. The pattern of tree cover follows the the road. main road. The Monarch’s Way long distance path topography with most areas that can be cultivated crosses over the ridge north to south. The Withial being clear. Some of the northern woodland cover 6.6.78 The character area also includes areas of orchards. Combe woodlands and deep valley are a wildlife is identified as ancient woodland and/or as local Close to the East Pennard parkland these are laid trust nature reserve open to the public. plan wildlife sites. The two Withial Combe valleys out as an area extensive recent planting. At Pylle are also Local Wildlife sites. and West Pennard there are smaller more informal orchard areas.

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6.6.83 As noted part of the northern slopes fall within the Key Characteristics of :- lca E5 pennard ridge festival site these areas provide some of the more dramatic unspoilt views out from the edges of the physical/natural characteristics settlement & infrastructure main events areas. • Distinct ridge with asymmetric slopes • Small village of West Pennard; dispersed 6.6.84 Aside from the festival periods the landscape is • Steep northern slopes, shallower southern slopes settlement pattern disjointed due to heavy generally tranquil and offers a remote experience. • Areas of narrow plateau trafficked main road Areas of the farmland are under higher degrees of • Areas of small combe re-entrant valleys • Smaller hamlet settlements productive management creating a more muted • Fringe of woodlands on north face including • Notable churches monoculture backdrop to the landscape. The area ancient provides varying and changing views as its explored. • Smaller areas of woodland on southern side At the eastern end the road noise and more intensive • Orchard areas arable land management reduce the interest for • Deeply sunken steep hillside lanes recreational use but the area provides the roadscape setting and views for the busy A37. The climb and land use/management/human influences perceived characteristics drop on the road is a notable break in the otherwise very straight fast route. • Intense areas of managed grassland & arable • Outside of festival periods remote and tranquil farming areas • Nature reserve areas within southern re-entrant • Elevated ridge feels isolated valleys • Intimate sunken lanes • Festival site – with regular reseeded grasslands & some permanent infrastructure • Areas of more intense managed landscape feel bland & uninviting • Parkland

Special Features – note not all features designated

• Washing stones / waterfalls • Nature reserve area • Orchards • Listed churches

Landmarks, Views and Viewpoints

• Dramatic views open up occasionally from lanes views across

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6.7 THE MOORS

1.0 MENDIP CHARACTER AREAS

F1 stoke Westbury / Knowle Moor F2 Godney / Meare Island F2.1 Meare Heath F2.2 Queen’s Sedge Moor F1 F2.3 Westhay - Meare Island WEDMORE F2.4 Godney Island F2.5 Meare Pool F2.6 Westhay and Meare Moor

WELLS F3 south Moor and Kennard Moor F4 Butleigh Moor

F2.6

F2.4 F2.3 F2.5 F2.2

F2.1 GLASTONBURY

F3 STREET

F4

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6.7 THE MOORS

1.0 MENDIP CHARACTER AREAS

F1 stoke Westbury / Knowle Moor F2 Godney / Meare Island F2.1 Meare Heath F2.2 Queen’s Sedge Moor F1 F2.3 Westhay - Meare Island WEDMORE F2.4 Godney Island F2.5 Meare Pool F2.6 Westhay and Meare Moor

WELLS F3 south Moor and Kennard Moor F4 Butleigh Moor

F2.6

F2.4 F2.3 F2.5 F2.2

F2.1 GLASTONBURY

F3 STREET

F4

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6.7 THE MOORS

1.0 MENDIP CHARACTER AREAS

SED-2 F1 stoke Westbury / Knowle Moor F2 Godney / Meare Island F2.1 Meare Heath F2.2 Queen’s Sedge Moor F1 F2.3 Westhay - Meare Island WEDMORE F2.4 Godney Island SED-7 F2.5 Meare Pool F2.6 Westhay and Meare Moor

WELLS F3 south Moor and Kennard Moor F4 Butleigh Moor

F2.6

F2.4 SED-1 F2.3 F2.5 F2.2

F2.1 GLASTONBURY

1.0 ADJACENT CHARACTER AREAS

SED-6 F3 South Somerset STREET SS-1 Five Head & High Ham Escarpments Valleys and Moors

Sedgemoor SED-1 SED-1 Levels and Moors: Peat Moors F4 SED-2 Levels and Moors: Clay Moors SS-1 SED-6 Lowland Hills: Polden Hills SED-7 Lowland Hills: Isle of Wedmore

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6.7 THE MOORS 6.7.5 Overall the moor is around 4Km across, with the Axe grazing with permanent grassland and hay meadows. River in the middle of this for much of the length of Although dominated by such small scale fields and 6.7.1 The MDC area includes four areas of low lying moors: the district boundary within the LCA. On either side extensive drainage requirements the landscape is the land rises steeply to contain the landscape with evidently managed. • Stoke / Westbury / Knowle Moor (F1) overlooking high ground. To the south the Wedmore 6.7.7 The area is served by a number of minor lanes or • The Godney / Meare Moors (F2) Ridge (in SDC) rises to around 70 m AOD. To the north the landscape is enclosed by the Mendip scarp Droves. A few of these connect across the landscape • South Moor and Kennard Moor (F3) rising above the Strawberry Line Villages up to approx. or link to footpaths. But several are dead end single 270 m AOD. Occasional low hills form prominent track roads with grass in the middle, serving only • Butleigh Moor (F4) and distinct features on the edge of the Moor; such fields with no other public access; as such these as Nyland Hill (outside of MDC area) and the Lodge Droves are essentially agricultural accesses and 6.7.2 For the purposes of this study the areas of low lying Hill, Windmill Hill and Chalcroft HIll within LCA G3. their alignment ties in with the pattern of drains moors are set out under a series of headings F1 – These hillocks form part of a separate character and pastures. A footpath route exists along the F4 (with subheadings F2.1 – F2.5), all relating to area but are also part of the setting and character meandering course of the Axe River. small areas of subtly varied character. The areas of this landscape. are subdivided by topography and in places the 6.7.8 Overall the landscape has an isolated and remote boundaries of administrative districts. As described character with limited human presence. Views of the 6.7.6 The Moor landscape is virtually flat and generally in previous sections the MDC areas are contiguous around only 6 – 8m AOD. The landscape is villages to the north and south are more glimpsed with the more extensive areas of the Somerset Levels extensively subdivided by drainage ditches () than dominant. Traffic on the A371 is constantly and Moors landscape. creating numerous small pastures. There are few audible as a low level intrusion throughout the areas of tree cover and limited hedges. Some loose character area. A solar farm is another intrusive 6.7.3 The two terms Levels and Moors are sometimes seen scrub vegetation exists along some of the roadside element encountered on the River Axe path; the site as interchangeable; for example the whole area is ditches. The fields being defined by the ditches and is located just outside of the district boundary and covered by the Living Landscapes Somerset Levels some limited fencing. The area is predominantly viewed from the north/north east with the main panels area. Elsewhere the Levels are described as the areas facing away from the district. While this is set low in underlain by marine clays closer to the coast and the Moors are the areas with greater deposits of peat found further inland such as within the MDC area.

LCA FI STOKE, WESTBURY KNOWLE MOOR AREAS

6.7.4 This relatively modest LCA forms half the area of Moor between Rodney Stoke and Wedmore. The area is divided by the River Axe which forms the district boundary between Sedgemoor and MDC. Within the adjoining authority area the low lying landscape continues as the ‘Clay Moors’ SDC LCA.

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the landscape and faces away from the MDC area; given the otherwise remote location the installation Key Characteristics of :- lca F1 stoke, westhay and knowle moor areas has an impact on the degree of tranquil character physical/natural characteristics settlement & infrastructure experienced. (Refer to section 5.6 for wider view of the landscape impact of energy developments • Extensive flat topography with regular pattern • Uninhabited landscape with low levels of human within the district) of straight drainage ditches connecting to the presence meandering Axe • Solar farm installation – influence on tranquillity 6.7.9 Despite the physical containment provided by the • Open landscape with few trees, hedges and and sense of remote setting surrounding topography with the limited tree or hedge patches of roadside scrub vegetation this is a very open exposed landscape • Very small pastures / meadows served by dead which could be bleak in winter. At other times with end drove roads isolation and a good degree of tranquillity make • Minimal buildings / scatter of farmsteads this an attractive semi wilderness landscape. The presence of bird life within the wet meadows brings Land use/management/human influences PERCEIVED CHARACTERISTICS tangible wildlife interest in what feels like a very natural setting. • Remote quiet isolated area with long single track, • Livestock grazing and hay/silage production 6.7.10 The area contains three Scheduled Ancient dead end lanes Monuments including two ancient settlements. The • Areas with strong semi-natural wild character larger settlement area is a Romano British settlement extending to some 18 ha. This settlement partially excavated in 1925 and surveyed again in 1985, Special Features – note not all features designated provided evidence of the area having been close to • Ancient Monument Settlement Sites a more coastal salt marsh environment. The second • Hillocks in adjoining LCA settlement site is believed to be an early Christian • Extensive wetland habitat and monastic site located on a very small natural • Medieval duck decoy site high point at Marchey Farm with connections to the Abbey at Glastonbury. The third SAM is a duck decoy similar to other medieval traps found in the Moors. Landmarks, Views and Viewpoints

Bibliography / References • Views to Mendip scarp and distinctive hillocks Historic England Map Search

Boundary adjustments from ‘97 Assessment

Slight realignment to include Knowle Moor Drove and exclude Chalcroft Hill

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LCA F2 Godney Mear Moors 6.7.16 The areas of farmland that remain unaffected by landscape this is often a different experience being the peat workings are generally small scale pastures more of a formal visitor attraction than some of the 6.7.11 Overall extensive area of moors wrapping around subdivided by the extensive drainage network. The other wilder sections of the Moors. the western and northern sides of Glastonbury. pattern of fields and ditches appears more irregular Areas subdivided into distinct character zones by and less efficient than in other areas of the Moors. 6.7.20 The disused Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway line subtle topography and history of land-use. Area Sections of the landscape are divided into long very extended through the LCA from Glastonbury to a F2.1 Meare Heath to Queens Sedge Moor formerly thin strips of land that may extend to around 1h minor halt at Ashcott Corner. The line sits alongside described (1997 study) as single LCA subdivided in but are barely more than 35m across. The areas a main drainage and is now converted to well- this study due to distinctions between areas to the are predominantly grazing with areas cut for hay used shared footway cycleway. The Sustrans cycle north and south of the Meare Road. or silage. route links the visitor attractions of the reserves and continues on to follow the district boundary through 6.7.12 Adjoining area in SDC Landscape Character 6.7.17 The area is more heavily vegetated than the Moors to . With another former station site Assessment covered by the Peat Moors & Isle of to the north with stands of trees and scrub between at Shapwick. The evidence of the disused railway is Wedmore. parcels of land and some areas of former workings reasonably subtle a few bridges have railway design now supporting regenerating wet woodland. Many details and signage and there are buildings with F2.1A MEARE HEATH areas of the workings are also filled with extensive railway signage that hint at the former track. and dense reed growth which fill blocks of the former pits as a sea of tall vegetation. 6.7.21 Of greater archaeological significance in the location 6.7.13 This moor area lies to the south of the Village of of the Shapwick halt the line of the ancient Sweet Meare and the Meare - Glastonbury Road. The 6.7.18 The area is served by only a small number of minor Track is identified as a series of Scheduled Ancient area is formed as a shallow vale of low lying land roads that cross the low lying landscape. As with Monuments that cross the line of the district boundary sandwiched between areas of higher ground to the other sections of the Moors the roads are elevated and old railway. This is one of several trackway finds north and south and extends beyond the district with adjacent ditches. Many of these are typically discovered within the peat in this LCA. boundary towards Shapwick. suffering subsidence with potholes and severely undulating surfaces. The Meare Glastonbury Road 6.7.14 The landscape lies at around 3 – 5m AOD. As an area of more extensive peat deposits this is one of as a larger road leading into the town is quite busy the more extensive areas of peat workings within and generates some back ground noise across the the district. Extraction has taken place from parcels area. At the eastern end of the LCA the proximity to of land to the east and south of Meare. The areas the town and the A39 adds to this intrusion. Beyond remain as flooded ponds with narrow strips of land Westhay to the West the area is noticeably quieter. between pits. A large proportion of these have now 6.7.19 The reserve areas are extensive and provide many been taken over as managed nature reserves with different opportunities to overlook the exhausted reed beds and open water habitats. pit areas. The provision of parking, visitor centre, surfaced paths, signage and formal hides creates a 6.7.15 Some small scale peat extraction continues and some areas of defunct workings also remain with the clutter more managed environment around the main visitor of fences and redundant or re-purposed buildings. attraction areas. While the areas provide for many people to engage with the wildlife interest of the

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6.7.22 Overall this is an interesting landscape with aspects of disruption to the semi natural or traditional Key Characteristics of :- lca f2.1a meare heath agricultural patterns. In some areas it is possible to PHYSICAL/NATURAL CHARACTERISTICS SETTLEMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE find more remote and isolated conditions which reflect more of the natural landscape condition but aspects • Extensive peat workings – mainly at post • Absence of settlements – sporadic housing / of the peat operation and abandonment or reuse of extraction stage and naturally regenerating as farmsteads workings frequently introduce some intrusion. At the lakes and wetlands • Former railway line – subtle hints of previous same time the restoration of the former workings into • Public access nature reserves with paths, signage infrastructure present in the landscape and visitor activity reserves is evident as a restorative process (albeit • Line now a shared recreation route – with • Extensive tree and scrub cover on lines of banks associated visitor activity and interest at an early stage relative to the previous condition between pits of the land). The reserves act as visitor attractions • Active pits, reuse of processing sites and other allowing extensive public access and engagement with abandoned compounds the natural interest but at the same time this activity • Small scale residual pastoral farmland makes for a less tranquil character setting. Alongside • Minor undulating roads the reserves in the few remaining areas of extraction the process or even around the abandoned spaces there is a lower level of tranquility and landscape LAND USE/MANAGEMENT/HUMAN INFLUENCES PERCEIVED CHARACTERISTICS quality; but again this may be a transitory condition. • Strong semi natural character emerging within reserve areas. • Concentration of visitor facilities influence on tranquillity

Special Features – note not all features designated

• National Nature Reserve – and several other reserve site areas with various designations. Boundary adjustments from ‘97 • Scheduled Ancient Monuments – and other sections of ancient trackways Assessment • Medieval duck decoy Sub division of previous area L2.1 - Meare Heath to Queens • Somerset and Dorset Railway line including former railway station sites. Sedge Moor into two separate LCA’s.

Slight adjustments to extent of F2.2 to include more of Westhay Landmarks, Views and Viewpoints Level in this area and minor adjustment to position of line to south of Walton Heath to include former pit / lake area. • Glimpsed views to Glastonbury Tor and Pen Hill

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f2.2 queens sedge moor the A39 on a shallow promontory of higher ground 6.7.29 Earlier human activity is noted with the site of the close to Southway Farm. Views out include the located at the junction of 6.7.23 This area extends north from Meare Road around the higher parts of Glastonbury and the Tor is a constant Godney Road and the Great Withy Drove. Subtle northern side of Glastonbury. It is further subdivided landmark to the south. The Pen Hill mast also occurs earthworks in the triangular field hint at the location by the A39 Wells Road. The low lying area sits in views north. and interest of this site. between the high ground of Glastonbury town and the more subtle landform of Polsham and Coxley (up 6.7.28 To the north east of the A39 a power transmission to 25m AOD). The LCA area itself sits at around 5m line cuts across the landscape introducing the visual AOD with occasional higher spots at 8 – 10m AOD. and audible intrusion over the Long Drove lane. In the south east corner of the LCA a short section of 6.7.24 Most of the landscape is subdivided by a grid pattern the former railway Somerset and Dorset Railway can of drainage ditches (rhynes) and a small number be traced across the fields. of minor lanes. Most of these are again the typical very straight small drove roads; the A39 is obviously bigger but also takes a very straight route. The Great Withy Drove is a very narrow Lane with a distinctly winding course and a deep ditch alongside this route is quite different character from the other drove roads. With the route enclosed on the south-side by trees (screening views towards the town) and grass growing in the middle of the road this feels remote.

6.7.25 By contrast Chasey’s Drove and Long Drove on either side of the A39 reflect the wider character of long straight routes that follow the drainage pattern. Both these connect the backroads to the fast busy main road and cross more open landscape.

6.7.26 The ditch lines through this character area include random groups of trees and scrub that break up the views across the landscape. The A39 embankments are more heavily vegetated with scrub and trees. In a few areas the trees are the distinctive willow pollards.

6.7.27 As with the other Moors areas the presence of human habitation within the area is strictly limited. There are a small number of farmsteads scattered across the area. A small cluster of buildings sit alongside

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Key Characteristics of :- lca f2.2 queens sedge moor

PHYSICAL/NATURAL CHARACTERISTICS SETTLEMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE

• Open landscape comprised of small scale • Isolated farmsteads pastures • Extensive drainage rhynes and small rivers • Long straight drove roads, causeway profiles with roadside ditches • Willow pollards, rhyne side tree and scrub cover

LAND USE/MANAGEMENT/HUMAN INFLUENCES PERCEIVED CHARACTERISTICS

• Areas of semi remote, distinctive and visually • A39 busy main road tranquil landscape • Power transmission line – visual and audible • Background noise close to main road intrusion

Special Features – note not all features designated

• Great Withy Drove • Glastonbury Lake Village Site - Earthworks

Landmarks, Views and Viewpoints

• Views to Glastonbury Tor and Pen Hill

Boundary adjustments from ‘97 Assessment Slight adjustment to northern boundary to exclude low hills from this LCA

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LCA F2.3 Westhay-Meare island 6.7.35 As a route on higher ground the road through the 6.7.37 The Fish House originally owned by the Glastonbury villages is a more strategic route than many of the Monastery is owned by English Heritage and is openly 6.7.30 This area relates to a shallow ridge of locally higher lanes that extend north and south down on the accessible to the public. As a Scheduled Ancient ground separating two areas of open Moor. Ridge Moors. The road is quite busy and impacts on the Monument the building is an obvious historic asset area settled with the small villages of Westhay, internal character of both village streetscapes. A for the village the surrounding meadow provides Oxenpill and Meare strung out along the main quieter smaller parallel side road the ‘Meareway’ an attractive setting and views out to the adjoining road linking Glastonbury to the village of Wedmore. links Westhay to Oxenpill with cottages fronting moors. The building provides a tangible link with the tightly onto the road frontage. The strong presence historic location of Meare Pool, a substantial lake that 6.7.31 The villages occupy a small area of drier ground of settlement and human activity stands out against previously occupied the open landscape to the north at about 8 – 10m AOD. The land falls away to the the much more remote and semi natural landscapes of the village (LCA 2.4). These areas overlap with north and south of the settlements down to around of the low Moors. the designated Special Landscape Feature of 348m 3 – 4m AOD. The land on either side is extensively (predominantly extending over part of LCA 2.4). drained by a pattern of ditches running north/south 6.7.36 Although only a small area the LCA includes three down the slopes to join larger east west draining areas of Scheduled Ancient Monuments. Two relate 6.7.38 Smaller scale lanes recreational footpaths lead out rhynes (the River Brue to the north). to ancient remains of a lake village between Westhay from the villages down to the lower adjoining LCA’s. and Meare. The third is the imposing Abbots Fish 6.7.32 The landscape is comprised of small scale paddocks House building at the eastern end of Meare. This is and grazing fields. Where the field boundaries set within a sloping field (also part of the SAM) and include hedges and trees the pattern of vegetation forms a distinctive local landmark with an attractive cover reflects the layout of the drainage channels meadow surround. with lines of trees radiating out on the north south pattern. Numerous small orchards infill some of the paddock areas close to the villages.

6.7.33 The areas are predominantly used for livestock grazing with some of the larger drier areas being managed as more improved grassland.

6.7.34 The village areas contrast with the surrounding Moors; as clearly more habitable land the development has been created as a dense village street-scape with many areas of ‘side road infill’ as well. Development fronts hard on to the roadside in places and the two villages are almost continuous. The settlement pattern gives the sense that the ridge was one of only a few locations that could accommodate and so historically all opportunities to site habitation would have been taken.

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Key Characteristics of :- lca f2.3 westhay-meare island

PHYSICAL/NATURAL CHARACTERISTICS SETTLEMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE

• Settled low ridge between moors • Long linear settlement pattern dictated by the • Small scale paddocks with hedges and drainage extent of high ground ditches radiating north and south from villages • Pattern follows strategic route along low ridge • Occasional orchard areas • Buildings in local Lias limestone and brick

LAND USE/MANAGEMENT/HUMAN INFLUENCES PERCEIVED CHARACTERISTICS

• Areas of semi remote, distinctive and visually • A39 busy main road tranquil landscape • Power transmission line – visual and audible • Background noise close to main road intrusion

Special Features – note not all features designated

• Abbots Fish House and associated meadow (building and meadow designated SAM) • Lake Village Site • Pill Box Location

Landmarks, Views and Viewpoints

• Pen Hill

Boundary adjustments from ‘97 Assessment Adjustment consequent on amendment to 2.4 and extent of area reduced to west of Westhay.

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LCA F2.4 GODNEY ISLAND 6.7.43 A pill box near upper Godney sits close to a rhyne and the river highlighting the presence of defences 6.7.39 Godney is a dispersed hamlet located in a very low that were set out through the levels and moors. The lying area (approx. 5-6m AOD) alongside the river feature appears to be strategically positioned adjacent Sheppey. The properties are located alongside a to the drainage channels. minor road linking Upper and Lower Godney; there is barely more than a 1m level difference between the 6.7.44 The position of these features individually and two ends of the hamlet. For many the water course collectively illustrate a consideration of the ways in is set either between the road and the dwellings or which the natural landscape may have provided a key as the rear garden boundary. The river and lane advantage in the planning of the strategic defences. runs east west the areas to the north and south drain 6.7.45 The majority of the development within the hamlet with numerous ditches down towards the properties. is small scale residential and farmsteads. A set

6.7.40 The hamlet is approached via minor but typically of larger rearing units in Lower Godney stand out straight drove roads from the adjoining character as a different scale and more industrial purpose. areas (LCA 2.1.2, 2.4 & 2.5). The lane between A power transmission line lies to the north of the upper and lower Godney is a more winding single character area. track road. Where properties back onto the river 6.7.46 For the most part although settled the landscape feels most have a frontage directly onto the lane. The quite remote and unspoilt. The settlement is quite properties and winding character create interest and directly influenced by its natural landscape setting; a changing scene along the route. with some sense of being perilously close to the water.

6.7.41 The river and drainage rhynes form distinctive features being set so close to the residential properties. Several dwellings have bridges linking to the lane and the roadside verges provide elevated banks to the water course. The settlement pattern appears closely linked to the river course with many properties wedged into a narrow spaces or hard up against the water and strung out along the line of the lane.

6.7.42 A small church and farm buildings at Godney Farm occupy a noticeably higher spot to the south of the village. As a distinctive building seen on the skyline from the main hamlet this is noted as a local land mark. The lanes and footpaths also provide many views to Glastonbury Tor and the Pen Hill Mast.

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Key Characteristics of :- lca f2.4 GODNEY ISLAND

PHYSICAL/NATURAL CHARACTERISTICS SETTLEMENT/INFRASTRUCTURE

• Settled area of low lying moor • Properties closely related to drainage features • Straight drainage rhynes feeding into small scale • Many served with individual access bridges from channel of lane over River Sheppey • Straight droves provide access to hamlet • Settlement and lane follow more irregular line of river channel

LAND USE/MANAGEMENT/HUMAN INFLUENCES PERCEIVED CHARACTERISTICS

• Lias limestone and brick buildings and garden • Open surrounding landscape walls

Special Features – note not all features designated

• Local Church modest building on local high point • Pill Box adjacent to natural defence feature of rhynes

Landmarks, Views and Viewpoints

• Church on sky line from parts of Hamlet • Glastonbury Tor & Pen Hill Visible from points

Boundary adjustments from ‘97 Assessment Adjustment - original outline appears plotted slightly north also to include Godney Farm & Church

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LCA f2.5 meare pool 6.7.50 The open even exposed conditions and long views up towards the Mendip scarp do create a dramatic 6.7.47 The name Meare Pool appears on the ordnance landscape. The semi-natural setting of the many survey recording the past location of what was an drainage ditches and low key agricultural land use extensive lake. The extent of the feature varied; 16th mean the area is interesting and distinctive. The century records suggest it was up to one and a half history of the landscape as a lake and part of the miles wide with a circumference of up to 5 miles. setting to the lakeside villages and Abbots Fish House The extent may have fluctuated during the year and provides another aspect of interest. changed over time. The lake was an important fishery and was part of the Glastonbury monastic estates. 6.7.51 The landscape is accessible via rights of way including The nearby Abbots Fish House at Meare was used a section of riverside path. for drying catches and provided accommodation for visiting representatives of the Abbey. The building remains as a Scheduled Ancient Monument (located within LCA 2.2). The lake however was drained between 1620 and 1740.

6.7.48 The landscape that remains is a shallow low lying moor around 3 – 5 m AOD. The southern edge of the moor is defined by the River Brue which is one of the larger drainage features. Many other smaller channels cross the landscape dividing the area down in to irregular pastures. The area is more open than some of the other moors with only occasional ditch side trees and scrub vegetation.

6.7.49 The area is in generally managed for grazing or hay/ silage with mainly permanent grasslands. The area includes a small extent of arable (maize production). With the extensive ditches and active grazing the landscape has a managed character. The settlements, Meare and Godney are in view from much of the area giving a background human presence. This coupled with road noise from the Meare – Westhay Road and power transmission line in the northern edge of the LCA mean the area is not particularly tranquil.

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Key Characteristics of :- lca f2.5 meare pool

physical/natural characteristics settlement & infrastructure

• Very low lying landform with numerous • Lack of settlements / farmsteads within landscape drainage features area • Lack of tree cover and hedge lines provides open • Back drop of village/hamlet development landscape • Long views to the Mendip Scarp • Woodland areas seen in distance around (LCA 2.5). • Occasional scrub / incidental tree cover

land use/management/human influences perceived characteristics

• Quiet away from village edge but with back- • Lightly managed farmland predominantly ground noise unimproved grassland hay meadows • With views to settlement in several directions & • Orchards on edge of adjoining LCA settlement managed landscape not overly remote or isolated •

Special Features – note not all features designated

• Ancient monument – lake villages • River Brue with sections of riverside path on banks Special references information • Pill box line History of Meare pool

Landmarks, Views and Viewpoints Boundary adjustments from ‘97 Assessment • Church on skyline from parts of Hamlet Slight adjustment to boundary along River Brue and resulting • Glastonbury Tor & Pen Hill Visible from points from adjustment to LCA 2.3

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LCA F2.6 WESTHAY-MEARE MOORS 6.7.57 The area is generally devoid of settlement or much effect of these developments. With the quiet smaller habitation. A few properties and a farmstead sit lanes and ridge of high ground to the north this 6.7.52 This section of Moor is enclosed on its northern side alongside the River Sheppey on Ashmoor Drove. area is more tranquil in terms of traffic noise. The by the ridge of higher ground between Hembury The farm having a bridged access off the lane as landscape is visually interesting with the combination Hill and Panborough (LCA G2) and to the south by seen in other areas of the moors. Remnants of the of distinct low moor and backdrop of the Yartley the Godney hamlet. On the western side the area peat extraction industry remain with small areas of Ridge. The presence of the wildlife interest of the includes an area of former peat workings, the eastern disturbed pits still evident as extraction sites and small reserve area provides wildlife and biodiversity interest. area is more continuous farmland. works / packing plants. 6.7.59 The landscape is well used with the extensive network 6.7.53 Most of the area is subdivided down into a very 6.7.58 As an extensive area the occasional remaining semi of quiet flat lanes being popular with cyclists and the regular pattern of small fields defined by ditches and industrial element of the peat works are now only good network of drove tracks and other rights of way. a series of minor drove roads and tracks. A pattern localised intrusions. The establishment of extensive In addition to the nature reserve includes various of these are laid out on a repeating north south axis tree cover around the reserve also help diminish the hides and trails which appear well used. between Westhay and Godney Moors. The landscape pattern becomes a little more irregular to the east where Ashmoor Drove follows the winding course of the River Sheppey.

6.7.54 The landscape is broken down by tree and scrub cover along the drainage features and lanes and drove tracks. At Westhay Moor the former peat workings are becoming heavily vegetated with wet woodland tree cover and extensive reed growth. Areas of open water are located between the north south tracks. These combined have become recognised as important for bird life and wetland habitat with the area being designated as the Westhay Moor National Nature Reserve.

6.7.55 The straight roads are generally quite quiet. In places near the peat works the roads are often undulating or subsiding at the sides. A visitor car park for the reserve attracts some traffic into the western side of the area with a small area of parking being well used.

6.7.56 The agricultural management is generally low key grazing and hay silage cutting. Some areas of maize occurs in dense blocks.

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Key Characteristics of :- lca f2.6 WESTHAY-MEARE MOORS

physical/natural characteristics settlement & infrastructure

• Low lying flat landscape contained by rising • Limited settlement – occasional remote properties ground to the north and farmsteads. • Regular grid pattern of drainage rhynes with • Minor roads contrasting winding course of River Sheppey • Distinct pattern of repeated drove lanes and tracks • Extensive area of lakes and ponds in former peat extraction pits • Mix of open moderately vegetated landscape to the east and more heavily treed area to the west

land use/management/human influences perceived characteristics

• Low key pastoral management and limited arable • Relatively quiet and unspoilt landscape providing production maize blocks extensive area of interest and access

Special Features – note not all features designated

• National Nature Reserve – major habitat feature • Fenny Castle Hill Fort Hill – located on boundary with adjoining LCA G3

Landmarks, Views and Viewpoints Boundary adjustments from ‘97 Assessment • Barrow Hill stands out on northern edge (SFL) Slight adjustment to positions of boundary drafting relating • Yartley Hill Ridge forms attractive backdrop to this and LCA areas F2.3, F2.4 & G2

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LCA F3 SOUTH MOOR AND KENNARD MOOR 6.7.65 The area is not occupied by any residential buildings distance. As a long single track road the route is not and only occasional farm sheds or barns; it is entirely heavily used but at the time of this study is occupied 6.7.60 This small area of moor lies alongside the River Brue located within the flood plain of the Brue. The area by many caravans. These have some impact on the and is separated from the wider Moors by the high is overlooked by the hillside development areas of landscape by reducing the sense of isolation and ground of Wearyall Hill. The river flows into the area Wearyall Hill on the outskirts of Glastonbury. unspoilt condition. around the edge of Baltonsborough and out through the gap between Glastonbury and Street. 6.7.66 The area is free from significant infrastructure apart 6.7.68 The area includes a few footpath links across the moor from the short section of the main A361 causeway and along the river. As a quite open landscape the 6.7.61 The river barely drops along the length of this area; between the two towns. views change only moderately on exploring these. ordnance survey spot levels indicated near the river The Kennard Moor Drove forms part of Sustrans at 9 m AOD at both ends of its route from Butt Moor 6.7.67 Several minor lanes cross the area but where these Route 26. Bridge to the weir next to Clyce Hole. After this the provide back road links between the towns and level drops to 7 m AOD for the short section left to villages they are quite busy. A smaller winding lane where the river passes below the A361. (Kennard Moor Drove) extends out from the edge of Glastonbury and follows the river for a short 6.7.62 The river channel is contained within raised banks through this landscape. Nearby sections of road are indicated at levels of 6m and 7m AOD. Giving the unusual circumstance of the river being at a higher level than the surrounding farmland. Ditches and Rhynes drain the field areas down to the point where the river is lower below and downstream of the main road.

6.7.63 The landscape is virtually flat across most of the moor rising only at the edges of the character area.

6.7.64 The field boundaries are formed by ditches and occasional fence lines. The area includes no woodlands as such, tree cover is restricted to individual trees dotted along the lanes and field ditches. These include occasional groups of willow pollards and larger specimen roadside trees. Two sections of avenue planting occur on roads near Street. On Street Drove the small lane is dominated by mature poplar planting. On Cow Bridge Road young oaks are established set back into the fields on either site. The Junction of the two roads is marked by a single mature oak. The area is predominantly grazing and silage/hay-cropping land.

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Key Characteristics of :- lca f3 south moor and kennard moor

physical/natural characteristics settlement & infrastructure

• Low lying flat landscape contained by Wearyall • No settlement within area but views often include Hill residential development on the edges. • Poldered river • Varied field sizes • Ditch field boundaries with occasional pollarded willows • Roadside trees including poplar & young oak avenues & pollards

land use/management/human influences perceived characteristics

• Potential for area to be seen as remote quiet • Managed farmland predominantly meadow backwater but caravans intrude. grasslands • Far end of Kennard Moor Drove – sense of • Numerous old caravans along minor lane isolation in big scale landscape

Special Features – note not all features designated

• Medieval road (SAM) next to modern causeway of A361

Landmarks, Views and Viewpoints

• Long views out from area towards Glastonbury Tor & Pen Hill

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LCA F4 BUTLEIGH MOOR Walton Hill ridge acts as a distinct backdrop. The Walton Hill windmill stands out on the hill above as 6.7.69 This small area of the MDC district is part of the a significant landmark. extensive Kings Sedge Moor area that extends across the district boundary. The area sits below the Walton 6.7.73 With the ridge blocking views and noise to the north Hill section of the Polden Ridge (LCA E3). The MDC and the expanse of unoccupied landscape to the area is defined by a large drainage rhyne aptly south this area offers a good degree of tranquillity. named the Eighteen Feet Rhyne. This forms the The unusual and semi natural character of the watery district boundary to the south. landscape also feels unspoilt and remote.

6.7.70 The area lies at around 5 m AOD and is dominated by the backdrop of the Walton Hill Ridge (which rises to around 77m AOD). The land starts to rise up slightly at the western end of the LCA where a dwelling and farm buildings sit. On the low lying area the landscape is comprised of flat grazing / hay meadows defined by drainage ditches rather than any hedges. To the north east the land starts to rise up to form the Polden Ridge; a few farms and cottages lie above the moor at this point. Some field areas appear to be only lightly stocked or managed. There is also a contrast between the very rectilinear nature of the layout of the drainage rhynes and how some are very naturalised features.

6.7.71 The field pattern is medium scale and very rectilinear (more so than the other areas of MDC moors). A small amount of arable production is included on the edge of the area. The area includes a few small rectangular woodlands / blocks of trees. Three of these comprise a collection of historic duck decoys (all protected as Scheduled Ancient Monuments).

6.7.72 The landscape is crossed by single track drove lanes. As back roads and dead end links to fields the roads are not heavily used. The lanes and paths feel quite remote; and the landscape has a quite strong semi natural character. Distant views are limited and the

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Key Characteristics of :- lca f4 butleigh moor

physical/natural characteristics settlement & infrastructure

• Very low lying flat landscape contained by steep • Single farm & dwellings on higher ground main rising ground area unoccupied • Rectilinear drainage ditch field boundary pattern • Glimpsed views to individual properties on • Occasional small blocks of woodland ridgeline above • Grassland hay meadows & pasture

land use/management/human influences perceived characteristics

• Area feels very remote & tranquil • Lightly managed grasslands & ditches • Bird life & rampant marginal vegetation in • Solar farm wetland ditches give strong semi natural character

Special Features – note not all features designated

• Dead-end drove roads • Medieval duck decoy ponds (SAM)

Landmarks, Views and Viewpoints

• Limited views up from levels include Walton Hill Windmill on skyline

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6.8 WOOKEY ISLANDS

1.0 MENDIP CHARACTER AREAS

G1 Lower Sheppey Valley G2 Bleadney – Wookey Ridge G3 polsham – Lodge Hill Hillocks

WEDMORE

G3

WELLS G2

G1

GLASTONBURY

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6.8 WOOKEY ISLANDS

1.0 MENDIP CHARACTER AREAS

G1 Lower Sheppey Valley G2 Bleadney – Wookey Ridge G3 polsham – Lodge Hill Hillocks

WEDMORE

G3

WELLS G2

G1

GLASTONBURY

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6.8 WOOKEY ISLANDS

1.0 MENDIP CHARACTER AREAS

G1 Lower Sheppey Valley G2 Bleadney – Wookey Ridge G3 polsham – Lodge Hill Hillocks

SED-2

WEDMORE

G3 SED-7

WELLS G2

SED-1 G1

SED-6

1.0 ADJACENT CHARACTER AREAS

Sedgemoor SED-1 SED-1 Levels and Moors: Peat Moors SED-2 Levels and Moors: Clay Moors GLASTONBURY SED-7 Lowland Hills: Isle of Wedmore

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6.8 WOOKEY ISLANDS LCA G1 - THE LOWER SHEPPEY VALLEY 6.8.4 The River Sheppey flows across this low landscape with a shallow fall of around 20 m drop over around 6.8.1 As set out within the geological overview section (5.1) 6.8.3 The River Sheppey flows in a small scale valley near 3.5 km. The low ridge and hills generally sit at the area to the south of the Mendip ridge was at one Dulcote within LCA A6; to the west of the village the around 30 – 40m AOD, with Hay Hill rising to 85 time at the toe of the high mountain range formed by valley cross section opens up to a much wider shallow m AOD. the uplifted geology. The subsequent erosion of the landform that extends out from the edge of Wells. high ridge during the Triassic period and then later To the south east the high ground of Launcherley / 6.8.5 The landscape is predominantly farmland with only impact of glacial melt waters rushing down from the Worminster Down (LCA E1.2) contains the view. This small areas of woodland; (mainly what was once areas to the north deposited substantial materials to high ground drops down into a lower more subtle Park wood now separated into two blocks by the the south of the Mendips. These materials dropped ridge that extends to Upper Coxley. To the south of A371 main road). The larger part of Park Wood is into a shallow sea with a coastal edge along the this ridge is the start of the low lying moors; two small also identified as an SLF and provides enclosure to margin of the hills. The sea levels and deposition island hillocks rise out of the flat landscape as Harters the area of the Bishops Palace Parkland to the north fluctuated with the distance out from the land and Hill and Harters Farm (Special Landscape Feature (also part of the same SLF). The fields are noticeably glacial periods. The resultant complex geological and (SLF). To the west of Coxley Hay Hill completes the larger scale regular shape and sized with mainly topographic condition has created a distinctive and bowl of landscape to the south of Wells. arable production. The fields are divided by a mix of interesting landscape of low rolling often sculptural low hedges and fences. The line of the river stands hills sat below the Mendip scarp. out as having more hedgerow trees along its course.

6.8.2 The pattern of landform varies allowing the subdivision into three distinct areas.

• LCA G1 - The Lower Sheppey Valley includes the landscape stretching out from Wells to harters Hill.

• LCA G2 – The Bleadney – Wookey Ridge includes a dense cluster of low ‘island’ hills along the B3139

• LCA G3 – The Polsham – Lodge Hill Low-lying rolling Farmland; includes more dispersed ‘island’ hills

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6.8.6 The area is crossed by the A371 Shepton to Wells The village is spread out into clusters of housing pillboxes around Coxley and in the edges of road and the A39 Glastonbury Road. The A371 is between Coxley, Upper Coxley and Coxley Wick; woodland at Park Wood. These link up with a a section of modern road built to run parallel with with some areas set back on smaller side roads. The greater concentration of defences on the Kings Castle the disused railway (link from Wells to Evercreech). disused section of Wells to Glastonbury Railway line Hill (LCA A6). As a single carriageway landscaped route the road also lies in behind the main road frontage with the does not stand out as a major modern highway. line marked by a small cutting and tree lines (to the 6.8.10 Closer in to Wells the landscape of the Bishops Palace The adjoining disused railway is laid out as a shared north and west of Coxley). extends out across the lower slopes of Tor Hill. The pedestrian / cycleway and forms part of Sustrans area is designated as historic parkland reflecting Route 3. 6.8.8 The boundary to the edge of Wells is more open on the area of former deer park. The parkland area the southern and western sides (this contrasts with includes a scatter of remaining parkland trees mainly 6.8.7 The Wells end of this road and the Glastonbury the interface of the AONB in LAC A4.4). The urban at the northern end. The larger part of the parkland Road run into the suburban edge of Wells. Modern edge to the west of the city is an unrelieved sharp is open fields. The designated area includes a hard housing, edge of town supermarket and hotel facilities division between modern residential development surfaced path extending out from the city towards stand out as a more urban edge to the settlement. and large open fields. The major sewage treatment Dulcote. As a firm route that leads out from a corner The Glastonbury Road out of Wells to Coxley also works also adds to the urbanised edge character. of the Bishops Palace moat the path is well used by includes a few commercial developments that front on visitors to the City and provides views out across the to the main road. Within the village long sections of 6.8.9 The WWII Green Line defences (refer to section 5.2) landscape to the south (including the wider part of the main road has housing fronting on to the route. can be traced across this LCA area with occasional this LCA and the Worminster Down SLFA).

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6.8.11 There are important views back to Wells where the City, Cathedral and the impressive spire of St Key Characteristics of :- lca g1 - the lower sheppey valley Cuthbert’s church are seen with the backdrop of the physical/natural characteristics settlement & infrastructure Mendip scarp behind. The views also include the wooded Tor Hill (National Trust land) on the edge • Wide open vale contained by high ground of • City of Wells sits as backdrop to open expanse of of the built-up area that helps frame some views adjacent LCA. Also shallow ridge and minor landscape and is also part of the setting of the Palace. The hillocks. • Historic core links directly to area of historic City is generally well contained by landscape and • River Sheppey meandering course parkland the exposed edge of the historic centre leads directly • Open large scale farmland out into the open landscape. On the south western • Occasional field trees and small woodland blocks edge of the town the mix of larger scale and more • Declining collection of parkland tree recent development is visible in views as more of a suburban edge. land use/management/human influences perceived characteristics

6.8.12 In addition to the route across the Bishops Palace Park, • Intensive farmland management resulting in thin • Open expansive landscape the wider area includes various PROW path routes hedge & tree coverage • Areas of diminished interest due to intensive farm leading out from Wells and concentrating around • Presence of main road links management Coxley. The Monarch’s Way links the Palace to Park • Disused rail line – partially used as cycle track • Busy recreational routes out from town well used Wood and crosses Sustrans Route 3. The Sustrans • Powerline visible providing access to open landscape & long views route includes a short section of off-road shared path • STW visible in landscape but not tranquil or remote on the other former railway line link towards Shepton. Special Features – note not all features designated

6.8.13 The LCA area is not particularly tranquil on its northern • Registered historic landscape (in decline as only few parkland trees remain) side the built up edge, A371 and A39 provide • Palace Fields & Park Wood form a continuation of the historic landscape (SLF) background noise and visual distractions. Further • Former railway – partially reused as cycleway south views of the east west power transmission lines • Harters Hill – hillock landforms (SLF) cross adjacent moor area. The long distance path • WWII Defensive line and Sustrans recreation routes are well used but do sit close to the City and A371 Landmarks, Views and Viewpoints

• Wells forms important back drop to open landscape with Cathedral and St Cuthberts Church as major landmarks. • Pen Hill Mast also on Mendip ridge above the city • Views out to Worminster Down • Wide ranging views from popular walking route

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LCA G2 - THE BLEADNEY - WOOKEY RIDGE 6.8.17 As an area of relatively dry high ground the area is more settled than the Moors to the north and south. 6.8.14 The B3139 links Wedmore to Wells along a ridge of This is concentrated as small hamlets along the line high ground between areas of the low lying Moor. of the B road and in the larger village of Wookey. On either side of this road the landscape includes a Wookey includes a small medieval Bishops Palace series of small rounded hills that rise steeply out of (SAM). In addition to this, off the line of the main the surrounding flat landscapes. A series of small road, the smaller lanes lead to small groups of houses settlements are strung out along the line of the main and individual cottages. Although settled, with the road with Wookey at the eastern end of the ridge. majority of the side roads being only winding single tracked lanes, the landscape can also feel remote. 6.8.15 This area includes the main concentration of Wookey

Island Hills. Several of these are standalone hills 6.8.18 The area is generally well served by a network of rising from around 20 m AOD up to 50 – 60m as footpaths and minor lanes. These include small distinct conical hillocks. At the far western end of greenway / tracks at Yarley Hill and Buttice Lane that the LCA Barrow Hill (SLF) marks the district boundary provide a different more enclosed experience. Several as a small steep tump. Alongside these individual but not all of the hill tops can be accessed via the hills the Hembury, Callow and Yarley Hills are all footpaths. The Yarley Nature Reserve is open to public connected as one larger ridge. The area includes access and includes interpretive signage. Overall the some low-lying land between the various hillside network provides for a range of walks through very slopes mainly on the north side of the ridge. While varied landscape all within short distances (although this is a continuation of the Westbury Moor area the with some steep climbs). containment of the high ground means these are more intimate and enclosed than the wider Moor landscape.

6.8.16 With the steep and complex slopes and varied aspects the landscape is comprised of small irregular fields. These are generally enclosed with tall hedges with a good coverage of hedgerow trees. Steep slopes of Hembury Hill and Ben include some small areas of woodland. The Yarley Hill area includes some south facing unimproved grasslands part of which are managed as the Yarley Fields Nature Reserve. On the flatter land near Wookey the fields are larger with more mixed grazing and arable use.

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6.8.19 The area includes opportunities for high degree of Key Characteristics of :- lca g2 - the bleadney - wookey ridge tranquillity and unspoilt landscape along with the biodiversity interest of the wildflower grasslands. physical/natural characteristics settlement & infrastructure There are also opportunities for panoramic views • Varied landforms of Wookey Islands – conical across the landscapes of the Moors to the south and • String of small villages along main road link hills & hillocks & the Yartley Ridge up to the Mendip Scarp to the North. These include • Includes some areas of flat moors landscape views to the Pen Hill Mast and the Glastonbury Tor between hills. and to the Strawberry Line villages. • Small areas of woodland on some hills – prominent as on steep slopes above flat landscapes • Areas of small-scale irregular field patterns • Predominantly grazing with a few areas of larger arable fields • Areas of rich unimproved grassland /wildflower meadows • Winding tall hedged lanes

land use/management/human influences perceived characteristics

• Intimate small-scale landscape off beaten track • Single tracked lanes • Occasional contrasts with expansive hilltop views • Main road link Wedmore to Wookey • Opportunities for remote isolated tranquil experiences

Special Features – note not all features designated

• Ben Knowle Hill – Geological RIG site – identified for deposits of Celestite (Strontium Sulfate) (SLF) • Barrow Hill - (SLF) • Yartley Nature Reserve – Unimproved Grasslands Special references information • Wookey Bishops Palace Landmarks, Views and Viewpoints https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-en- • Views out from hilltops over flat moors landscape & up to Mendip scarp try/1013588 • Glastonbury Tor & Pen Hill Mast

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LCA G3 - THE POLSHAM - LODGE HILL LOW-LYING ROLLING FARMLAND

6.8.20 This area extends from Polsham around the western side of Wells and along the northern side of the LCA G2 area. This connects up a collection of the smaller individual Triassic island hillocks that stand out in this area. The landforms in the northern part of this LCA merge into the lower slopes of the Mendip scarp and the edge of the Westbury Moor. The area is interlinked with the more open moor landscapes to the north west and south west.

6.8.21 The landforms are distinctive rounded hillocks separated by areas of flat low-lying farmland. The hills include areas of small irregular hedged fields. The low-lying land is subdivided by numerous ditches many of which are also irregular shaped and treelined. The area includes minimal woodland.

6.8.22 The area has only occasional farmsteads or individual properties. This Strawberry line villages are located on the northern edge of this LCA; and the former railway line skirts the edge of the character area. Aside from the disused railway the area includes very little other infrastructure; sections of the line have provided space for small areas of development. The A371 main road introduces some background noise to the area. The other parts of the landscape are relatively tranquil away from the road and in areas with limited views to the villages.

6.8.23 The area includes a few minor drove roads or lanes and occasional paths but is not extensively crossed by rights of way. Those paths that do connect up provide a varied landscape experience with occasional access onto parts of the island hills and views to the Mendip Scarp. With the very small scale and lightly trafficked roads and few properties the area can feel remote.

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Key Characteristics of :- lca g3 - the polsham - lodge hill

physical/natural characteristics settlement & infrastructure

• Collection of smaller ‘Wookey Island Hills’ • Generally only occasional farm buildings within • Small areas of flat low-lying moors between main area of LCA • Merging with Strawberry Line base of Mendip • Expanded village of Easton on edge of area scarp • Hills include small fields • Minimal woodland cover • Good coverage of hedgerow trees

land use/management/human influences perceived characteristics

• Managed farmland predominantly improved • Opportunities for remote and tranquil experience grassland. • Areas vary from intimate greenway to open expansive views

Special Features – note not all features designated

• Fenny Castle Hill – Motte & Bailey Castle location SAM & SLF • Disused railway line – Strawberry Line (Note a short section at Westbury sub Mendip was used as an air strip, the landing was apparently challenging with a curved runway, telegraph poles and broken asphalt now closed – with a footnote due to “incapable pilots”. • https://www.ukairfieldguide.net/airfields/Westbury-sub-Mendip

Landmarks, Views and Viewpoints

• Views out from hilltops over flat moors landscape & up to Mendip scarp • Pen Hill Mast

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Godney Flood Levels - Photographs © Lotte Scott 2019 All rights reserved.

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