8J: MARTIN AND DOWNS

View towards Martin Down from the north showing the Open Downs landscape type.

Near and the Gallops –More wooded landscape on the dip Looking up the Mosaic several straight byways stretch up toslope – of the Downland Mosaic Large Scale landscape type from this area of the downs. Large Scale south of Rockbourne. Whitsbury.

Relic watermeadows – at Long barrow – south of Green at Rockbourne (foot of the the foot of the dip slope © Clive Down typical of this ancient ritual dip slope) – numerous thatch roof Perrin – Geograph. landscape. cottage examples.

. County 1 Status: FINAL May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment Martin and Rockbourne Open Downs

. Hampshire County 2 Status: FINAL May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment Martin and Rockbourne Open Downs

1.0 Location and Boundaries 1,1 This character area is located in the far eastern corner of Hampshire and borders Wilshire and . Its northern and south-western edges are therefore defined by administrative boundaries although the character of the landscape extends seamlessly beyond, linking with the Chase Wooded Downland in Wilshire and Chalk Uplands in Dorset. To the southeast the boundary of the character area is marked by the geological change from chalk to the lower lying sands and gravels of the Reading Beds. Collectively this character area defines classic chalk downland on a dip slope, the south-eastern edges of which have been eroded by stream valleys.

1.2 Component County Landscape Types: Open Downs, Downland Mosaic Small Scale.

1.3 Composition of Borough/District LCAs: District AONB Martin and Whitsbury Open Farmland 2B Southern Downland Belt (in part) Martin and Tidpit Downs 4A Martin-Whitsbury Downland Damerham and Rockbourne Valley Hills (in part) Wooded Farmland 5C Stour and Avon Tributary Chalk Valleys (in part)

The boundaries of this character area show a strong correlation with those defined in the level assessment.

1.4 Associations with NCAs and Natural Areas: NCA 134: and Cranborne Chase and JCA 135: NA 80: South Downs and NA 81: Dorset Heaths

2.0 Key Characteristics • Designated AONB, the rolling hills of chalk dipslope with broad sweeping skylines incised by river valleys towards the southeast are of high scenic quality. • Rich biodiversity, with chalk downland designated at a national level . • Open chalk grassland, textured with scrub with few hedgerows or boundary fences. • Geometric regular field boundary pattern. • Limited woodland in the northwest with increasing woodland cover in river valleys to the southeast. • Species rich water meadows. • Intact historic nucleated villages nestled in valley locations on spring lines.

. Hampshire County 3 Status: FINAL May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment Martin and Rockbourne Open Downs

• Communication routes follow river valleys in a NW-SE direction. • Wealth of archaeological remains which are visually conspicuous. • Panoramic views over the surrounding chalk farmland. Sweeping views to the horizon with ridgelines silhouetted against the sky.

3.0 Physical Characteristics and Land Use 3.1 Geologically this landscape comprises upper chalk geology and forms a south- easterly sloping dip slope to the chalk escarpment that lies within Wilshire. The chalk geology gives rise to brown rendzina soils which often contain flints and are typical of downland landscape. There is also an area of higher land to the southwest around Penridge Hill in Dorset which extends into the edges of this character area at Blagdon Hill and Stone Hill. Here the land rises to approximately 150m AOD. The northern upper slopes of this character area are gently rolling whereas the middle and lower slopes have become eroded to form a pattern of valleys and ‘whale backed’ ridges, often with steep slopes and occasional chalk protrusions forming distinctive knolls e.g. Damerham Knoll. On some of the highest hilltops there is a capping of clay with flints and small areas of Reading Beds. The parallel chalk valleys run southeast towards the River Avon. Agricultural land quality is predominately medium with small patches of lower quality Martin Down and Knoll Down.

3.2 This character area is dominated by arable rotation with limited pasture in the river valleys to the southeast, some of which is semi-improved or marshy. As a result it comprises a mixture of arable crops and varied patterns with seasonal changes. The enclosure pattern dates to the 18th century, with P a typical pattern of large regular fields divided by low, fragmented treeless hedgerows or post and wire fencing, but with some enclosed strip and furlong fields. Small fragments of and scrub cling to the steeper hill slopes with a more extensive area of chalk grassland in the west. The scrub areas add texture and shelter to otherwise open and exposed areas. There is a strong contrast between the open downland on upper slopes in the north and more undulating wooded slopes in the southeast and southwest, and although this woodland cover is generally low there are blocks of semi-natural woodland with areas of plantation (particularly on hills which are capped by clay with flints) e.g. Martin Wood and Boulsbury Copse. Elsewhere there are shelterbelts e.g. Rockbourne Down which provide windbreaks. In the southeast there is a higher incidence of small semi-natural woods and deciduous copses which provide shelter to farm buildings. Field patterns become smaller surrounding the settlements.

3.3 The area falls within the Environment Agency Ashford Allen catchment area except for the far eastern portion which falls within the Middle Avon Hants Catchment. Although this area predominately comprises free-draining chalk geology, it has eroded to form the two distinctive river valleys of the Allen River and the upper reaches of Sweatfords Water. These watercourses flow in a south-easterly direction into to the Avon. Along the length of the Allen River are small ponds e.g. Allenford Pond. Occasional springs occur within the chalk such as on Rockbourne Down and north of Rockbourne village.

. Hampshire County 4 Status: FINAL May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment Martin and Rockbourne Open Downs

4.0 Experiential/Perceptual Characteristics 4.1 This is a large scale, expansive landscape offering long distance views from hilltops and valley sides and from the A354. In these more elevated locations the landscape can appear exposed and wild. Within the river valleys and closer to settlement (where vegetation cover increases) the landscape is more intimate and views more restricted.

4.2 There are no long distance footpaths through this landscape, although there is an extensive area of common land with open access and accessible woodland along the north-western edge comprising Martin Down and Vernditch Chase respectively. Martin Down is part managed as a nature reserve.

4.3 The areas of highest tranquillity are on the ridges above the river valleys and on Martin Down, where absence of roads and limited accessibility contributes to the feeling of remoteness. Tranquillity is undermined within the valleys which form communication corridors and have been the traditional location for settlement. The northern slopes of the area are affected by the A354.

5.0 Biodiversity Character 5.1 This is an agricultural landscape comprising mostly arable land with some patches of improved grassland. In the west there is a large area of unimproved calcareous grassland associated with Martin Downs; there are smaller strips and patches of semi-improved calcareous grassland throughout the area. There are also some small areas of unimproved and semi-improved neutral grassland. There is a large area of broadleaved plantation and broadleaved woodland in the south which is largely ancient and semi-natural. Small copses and strips of woodland also occur within this landscape, including mixed, broadleaved and coniferous plantations and broadleaved woodlands.

5.2 Martin and Tidpit Downs SSSI is located in the west of the character area on the Hampshire- border. It comprises an extensive tract of chalk downland, chalk heath and scrub over a gently undulating plain. It rises to a high east-west ridge with Bokerley Ditch linear prehistoric earthwork on the crest. The chalk flora is exceptionally rich and includes species with both distinctly south-west and eastern distributions. There are large populations of bastard toadflax, field fleawort, early gentian, saw-wort and lesser centaury, and at least eight local orchid species, including burnt-tip orchid. Two other SSSIs exist at Toyd Down and Quarry and Boulsbury Wood.

5.3 Two BOAs intersect with this landscape character area. Martin Down – Boulsbury – Toyd Down BOA is an extensive tract of chalk downland, chalk heath and chalk scrub. Downland comprises grassland of varying ages from ancient herb rich swards to recent turf ploughed in 1940s and now reverting. The Avon Valley BOA comprises the River Avon, a classic chalk stream of European importance with a broad flood plain. It shows the greatest range of habitats and most diverse flora and fauna of any chalk river valley in .

. Hampshire County 5 Status: FINAL May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment Martin and Rockbourne Open Downs

5.4 Martin Downs National Nature Reserve contains notable plants including bastard toadflax, field fleawort, early gentian, lesser centaury and twelve orchid species. It is also noted for its bat species, butterflies and moths.

5.5 There are over 25 SINCs, varying in size from over 60 hectares to under 1 hectare. Most are designated for their ancient and semi-natural woodland.

6.0 Historic Character 6.1 Archaeology 6.1.1 The area is open downland to the north with small scale mosaic downland to the south. The division between these two areas seems to be particularly relevant in terms of archaeological data.

6.1.2 There are few records of Mesolithic data and the few finds recorded cluster on the interface between the small scale mosaic downland and the adjacent lowland mosaic landscape which separates this area from the Avon valley. There is a very close and strong correlation between sites, and long barrows, with the open downland. It is clear that this is part of a wider band, and antiquity information on the OS map shows that the Neolithic evidence continues across the wider area. The settled and farmed landscape in this area has been evolving since the Neolithic, and the density of evidence may suggest that this is part of an important area in the Neolithic.

6.1.3 This pattern continues into the Bronze Age, with evidence of settlement and burial mounds in the same zone. Also within this area are quite a number of Bronze Age linear boundaries which evoke a highly organised landscape by this time. This pattern of Bronze Age linear ditches tends to concentrate across towards Salisbury and does marginally intrude into Hampshire.

6.1.4 By the Iron Age however, three hill forts were created on the boundary between the small scale mosaic downland and the open downland. There are a small number of settlement sites within the small scale mosaic downland and in the Avon Valley beyond, suggesting some evolution of the farmed landscape out of the open downland. However, the Hillforts may represent an increased occupation of this landscape, or control of a landscape that was more extensively used.

6.1.5 In the Roman period there appears to have been a closer correlation with the small scale mosaic downland landscape, and the only Roman villa, at Rockbourne, is in this area. This may suggest an expansion of the settlement area into previously less settled areas in this period. There is also an increase in the evidence of Roman occupation in the Avon valley, suggesting a changed focus of settlement patterns.

6.2 Historic Landscape 6.2.1 This landscape can be divided into two historic areas. The first is the wider downland where the greatest concentration of prehistoric archaeology occurs and where the field patterns predominately date to Parliamentary enclosure of the 18th and 19th centuries. The second area relates to the river valleys, where the medieval pattern of settlement and smaller scale field enclosures (associated with former open furlongs) remain.

. Hampshire County 6 Status: FINAL May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment Martin and Rockbourne Open Downs

6.2.2 During most of the medieval and post-medieval periods the downs were used largely as unenclosed grazing land, an essential component of the predominant sheep and corn agricultural economy. The present pattern of medium to large straight-sided and predominantly arable fields is characteristic of late 18th and early 19th century Parliamentary enclosure, followed by 20th century agricultural intensification where fields have been amalgamated. Nevertheless there are remnant areas of grassland remaining on the steeper slopes, with the most extensive area occurring on Martin Down in the southwest. Here commoner’s rights survived until the late 20th century. The significance of this landscape in prehistory (demonstrated by the archaeological remains and the present day pattern of enclosures dating to the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries) reflects a marked discontinuity, with the intervening medieval pattern of open common grazing having been all but removed.

6.2.3 Nevertheless the medieval pattern of the landscape is still reflected within the river valleys of this landscape. During this period settlement gravitated to the sheltered valleys within the chalk downland and here small rural nucleated settlements developed.

6.3 Built Environment 6.3.1 The main route which crosses the northern edge of this character area is the A354. Other than this the road network consists of rural lanes runing within the river valleys connecting settlements, and radiating out from settlements onto the open downland. This pattern is particularly clear around Martin.

6.3.2 The settlement pattern comprises nucleated villages historically located on spring lines and nestled in the shallow chalk valleys. These settlements remain historically intact and are conservation areas e.g. Martin, Damerham, Rockbourne and Whitsbury. Villages are generally linear in form along a single street with the chalk stream running down one side; small bridges provide access across the bourne to properties. The villages contain a range of traditional buildings styles and materials including timber frames, chalk cob, red brick and flint with thatch, clay or slate roofing materials. The alternate banding of brick and flint in buildings is locally distinctive, as are the cob walls.

6.3.3 The historic park and garden of West Park is partly located within this character area and extends southwards. The former deer parks of Blagdon, Damerham and Rockbourne also fall partially within this character area.

6.3.4 In addition to the villages/hamlets there is a dispersed pattern of farmsteads. Manor Farm at Rockbourne is one of the county’s most important historic farmstead sites. Traditionally they have located along valley floors and at the heads of the valleys as well as just off the main ridge slopes where greater shelter can be found, although there are a few on upper ridges or open downland. Common building materials are timber framing, weatherboarding and slate roofs.

6.3.5 The wealth of archaeological remains in this landscape is notable including Grim’s Ditch, hillforts, barrows and tumuli which are often visually prominent and convey the historical importance of this area in prehistory. Also the intact historic villages nestled in the chalk valleys and hill top copses are a memorable characteristic of the area as a whole. . Hampshire County 7 Status: FINAL May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment Martin and Rockbourne Open Downs

EVALUATION

7.0 Forces for Change 1. Changes in agricultural practice, forestry and land management. 2. Potential construction of tall structures in elevated positions. 3. Loss of character of rural roads and settlement. 4. Climate change, particularly related to ground water changes, and tree loss as a result of increased storms, drought and disease.

KEY QUALITIES AND EFFECTS OF FORCES 7.1 Remnant areas of calcareous grassland and scrub, woodland, watermeadows and field margins which form important ecological habitats, and are nationally designated for their biodiversity value, as well as providing a recreational or access function. FORCES FOR CONSEQUENCES CHANGE: 1.4 Threats: Potential further loss or damage to areas of chalk grassland by scrub encroachment or recreational pressure. Past use of non native conifer plantations as shelterbelts, which have a lower biodiversity value than native species. Potential loss of woodland and trees due to poor management, which may be exacerbated by increased levels of drought, disease and storms due to climate change in the future. Potential drying-out of watermeadows, due to over-abstraction of water.

Opportunities: Continued conservation of remnant areas of unenclosed chalk downland on steeper slopes and hill tops, which contribute to the visual texture, cultural history and biodiversity of the landscape. Re-connect and enhance the area of chalk downland through restoration or reversion of former sites. Manage downland to retain its biodiversity and open character, in accordance with BOA and AONB Management Plan policies. Maintain visitor facilities to encourage recreational use of the landscape while reducing erosion and pressure on the more sensitive areas, in accordance with CAP actions. Target agri-environment and other grant schemes to manage and re-plant woodland, copses, shelterbelts and hedgerows with characteristic local species, including ash, beech, holly and yew, replacing non-native coniferous species where possible. This will maximise the area’s biodiversity, and ensure that the landscape retains a robust structure and historic field patterns. Plant new trees to replace mature and dying trees within the valleys to ensure that the wooded character of the valleys is retained. Strict controls on water abstraction to conserve valuable marshy grassland in the valley bottoms.

. Hampshire County 8 Status: FINAL May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment Martin and Rockbourne Open Downs

7.2 Extensive archaeological features which are visually conspicuous in the landscape and convey the importance of the area in prehistory. FORCES FOR CONSEQUENCES CHANGE: 1.2 Threats: Potential loss of setting of archaeological sites through insensitive siting of new structures, particularly on skylines. Changing trends in crop choice potentially reducing the visible imprint and conspicuousness of archaeological sites within the landscape. Possible further loss or damage to archaeological sites (especially unrecorded sites) by ploughing, afforestation, erosion or other means.

Opportunities: Conserving the settings of archaeological features to ensure that they remain visible elements in this important historic landscape. Protecting archaeological features from erosion and scrub encroachment. Raising awareness of crop marks associated with ancient field systems in the open Downs landscape, and providing glimpsed views of these features from roads and footpaths, to promote them as distinctive landmarks. Promoting grazing around archaeological monuments to enhance their setting and visibility, but avoid arable cultivation of these sites. Conserving rare remnant enclosed strip and furlong fields.

7.3 Much of the landscape is dominated by arable-rotation agriculture, with large geometrical fields and a dispersed pattern of scattered farmsteads, often containing buildings of historical significance. FORCES FOR CONSEQUENCES CHANGE: 1 Threats: Trend towards intensive farming practices resulting in the decline of hedgerows and use of post and wire fencing. Continued decline in farmland birds as a result of changing crop production and loss of hedgerows. A continuing trend of larger farms and field amalgamation, with larger agricultural sheds subsuming the presence of the historic farmstead layout. Potential growth in biomass crops changing colours, patterns and sense of openness. Increased intensity of farming may result in reduced levels of biodiversity and visual quality. Potential for visually-intrusive large agricultural buildings and loss of character of historic farmsteads.

Opportunities: Re-planting and management of low clipped hedgerows to conserve field boundary patterns and the scale of field systems. Minimising loss of hedgerows, woodland, grass verges and field margins, in order to maximise the biological diversity and visual quality of the landscape. Refer to historic building guidance documents (HCC, EH and local) when building in traditional materials. Use planning policies and conditions to, ensure that the integrity of existing structures and groups of buildings are retained, and that new agricultural buildings are appropriately designed, sited and integrated into the landscape.

. Hampshire County 9 Status: FINAL May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment Martin and Rockbourne Open Downs

7.4 Designated AONB, there is a high scenic quality of open skylines, knolls and ridgelines, with hill top copses that form a backdrop to many views. Wide skies mean that changes in weather and cloud patterns affect the mood of the landscape. FORCES FOR CONSEQUENCES CHANGE: 1.2 Threats: Potential demand for tall vertical structures – e.g. wind energy and telephone masts affecting open skylines. Potential visual intrusion from car parking sites. Harsh edges to conifer woodland blocks and future issues with felling potentially reduce the scenic quality of the landscape.

Opportunities: Use planning policies to retain the distinctive qualities and skylines of the area, and the sense of openness. Ensure that any car parks are carefully sited, surfaced and screened to minimise their visual impact. Encourage planting of deciduous species around the edges of coniferous woodland to soften their outlines and increase the scenic quality of the landscape.

7.5 Intact linear form and character of valley villages with consistent use of local and traditional building materials and styles (including bridge access to properties), often surrounded by parkland or historic field patterns. FORCES FOR CONSEQUENCES CHANGE: 3 Threats: Use of non native conifer plantations as shelterbelts and leylandii as visual screens around properties introduce incongruous elements into the historic environment. Potential incremental loss of historic character and linear form of settlements, particularly at village edges, due to insensitive modern development. Potential loss of character of rural lanes due to urbanising features such as kerbs, signage and traffic calming measures which extend urban influences into rural areas.

Opportunities: Retaining distinctive bridge access to properties. Retaining trees and woodland which form the setting to built development. Although the linear village is the dominant settlement form, ribbon development along the valleys would be inappropriate. Use Village Design Statements and parish plans to identify traditional and/or distinctive building styles and features which should be retained and encouraged. Potential use of Rural Roads Initiative to retain the character of rural lanes, whilst meeting highways standards.

. Hampshire County 10 Status: FINAL May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment Martin and Rockbourne Open Downs