CLOPHILL ROAD, MAULDEN for Caddick Developments Ltd

LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Revised to new Site Layout – December 2017

Chartered Landscape Architects

1 Isis Court, Rosetta Way YORK YO26 5NA

Telephone +44 (0)1904 794276 Facsimile +44 (0)1904 786962

Email: [email protected] Web: www. rosettalandscape.co.uk

2779 Clophill Road, Maulden: Landscape & Visual Impact Assessment  Rosetta Landscape Design 2017

CONTENTS

1.0 Appointment and Scope of Work

2.0 Policy Framework

3.0 Assessment Methodology 3.1 The Study Area 3.2 Site context 3.3 Surveys 3.4 The Landscape Setting 3.5 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 3.6 Consultation 3.7 Significance Criteria

4.0 Baseline Conditions 4.1 The Landscape Setting 4.2 General Description of Site 4.3 Landscape Character Assessment

5.0 Predicted Significant Effects 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Construction Phase - Sources of Impact - Visual Impact Assessment - Impacts on Landscape Character 5.3 Operational Phase - Sources of Impact - Visual Impact Assessment - Impacts on Landscape Character

6.0 Mitigation Measures 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Management of Existing Resources 6.3 New landscape Works 6.4 Other works

7.0 Residual Effect Assessment 7.1 Impacts on Visual Receptors 7.2 Impacts on Landscape Character

8.0 Monitoring

9.0 Summary

10.0 References

APPENDICES: A SCHEDULE OF VEGETATION B VISUAL RECEPTORS C PHOTOGRAPHS D ENGLISH NATURE NCA 90: BEDFORDSHIRE GREENSAND RIDGE E CENTRAL BEDFORDSHIRE LCA 6B

DRAWINGS: 2779/1 EXISTING SITUATION 2779/2A VISUAL IMPACT ANALYSIS 2779/3D MITIGATION MEASURES

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1.0 Background to the Assessment

1.1 Rosetta Landscape Design (RLD) was instructed in May 2017 by Caddick Developments Ltd to undertake a landscape and visual impact assessment (LVIA) in relation to a proposal to construct 49 dwellings on a 4.4 hectare site on land north of Clophill Road, Maulden.

1.2 An earlier Landscape & Visual Impact Assessment was prepared in November 2016 (by ADAS UK Ltd 11D Park House, Milton Park, Abingdon OX14 4RS) which was used in support of the planning application for the development was submitted to the local planning authority (Central Bedfordshire Council) in early 2017; this was refused on 27 April 2017.

1.3 One of the reasons for refusal was that:

The proposed development would, by virtue of its open countryside location and scale, result in a development that would harm the character and appearance of the existing settlement in its relationship with the wider landscape, in particular the relationship of the proposed development of field A with longer views towards the greensand ridge to the north, and would not result in net gains for green infrastructure or biodiversity.

1.4 As part of their response to the above the client has instructed a new indicative site layout to be prepared that addresses the council’s concerns.

1.5 This document has been compiled to assess the visual impact of this revised layout on the basis of observations made during the site visit undertaken during summer 2017. Whilst it does not refer directly to the earlier ADAS assessment, some of the work undertaken previously by ADAS on the wider landscape context (e.g. the desk top study on all land within a 2km radius of the site) has not been duplicated since the council’s reason for refusal does not refer to this aspect.

2.0 Policy Framework

Planning policy matters are dealt with fully in the ADAS Planning Policy Appraisal document. Those policies within Central Bedfordshire Council’s ‘Core Strategy and Development Management Policies’ (adopted by the council in 2009) that are considered relevant to landscape quality include the following:

Policy CS14: High Quality Development

Policy CS15: Heritage

Policy CS16: Landscape and Woodland

Policy CS17: Green Infrastructure

Policy DM3: High Quality Development

Policy DM13: Heritage in Development

Policy DM14: Landscape and Woodland

Policy DM15: Biodiversity

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Policy DM17: Accessible Greenspaces

2.3 All the above have been taken into consideration in developing a landscape strategy for the proposed development on this site. Compliance with the above policies where relevant will be described below (para 6.0 Mitigation Measures).

3.0 Assessment Methodology

3.1 Study Area

3.1.1 The landscape setting (baseline conditions) represents the existing situation both at the site and within its locality. The description is confined to those elements that could affect, or be affected by, the visibility and landscape character of the proposal.

3.1.2 Drawing 2779/1 illustrates the principal features within the landscape setting and for which a detailed description has been provided below. The combination and interaction of some or all of these features contributes to the character and appearance of the landscape.

3.1.3 Relevant landscape components are described in this section but features within the site have been described separately to those within the wider landscape to assist a clearer understanding of the landscape setting.

3.2 Site Context (see Drawing 2779/1)

3.2.1 The site proposed for development is located towards the eastern edge of the village of Maulden which itself lies around 11km south of the town of Bedford.

3.2.2 The study site comprises parts of three open fields currently in agricultural use.

3.2.3 It is bounded to the south by Clophill Road beyond which lie residential properties - mostly two storey detached and semi-detached houses with an occasional bungalow. Further dwellings lie to the east, beyond Green End, and to the north east. A cluster of farm buildings lies immediately to the north mid-way along the northern boundary. To the west are a number of single-storey buildings in industrial use together with a recently-completed two-storey detached dwelling.

3.3 Surveys

3.3.1 Guidance for the undertaking of this LVIA has been sourced primarily from:

• The Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (third edition), published 2013 by the Landscape Institute and Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment; and • Landscape Character Assessment, Guidance for England and Scotland, published April 2002 by the Countryside Agency and Scottish Natural Heritage.

3.3.2 This document describes and considers all of the potential effects and generally assumes that an impact could lead to a positive or adverse effect. The definition of impact terminology has been developed to ensure that, wherever possible, an objective assessment is made and that the terminology used is appropriate to the development and the landscape setting.

3.3.3 Current guidelines advise that the assessment of an impact on the visual amenity resulting from a particular development should take full account of the landscape (character) impacts as well as the 4 2779 Clophill Road, Maulden: Landscape & Visual Impact Assessment  Rosetta Landscape Design 2017

potential visual impacts. Although they are separate, it is difficult to isolate each category and so both landscape and visual effects are considered as part of the assessment process.

3.3.4 The assessment of the potential effect upon the landscape is carried out as an effect on an environmental resource, i.e. the landscape . Landscape effects derive from differences in the physical landscape, which may give rise to variation in its character and how this is experienced. This may in turn affect the perceived value ascribed to the landscape.

3.3.5 The description and analysis of effects on the landscape relies on the adoption of certain basic principles about the positive or negative effects of change in the landscape. Due to the inherently dynamic nature of the landscape, it can be accepted that change arising from the development may not necessarily be significant.

3.3.6 Visual effects are assessed as one of the inter-related effects on population. They relate to the changes that arise in the composition of available views due to changes in the features in a landscape, to peoples’ responses to the changes, and to the overall effects with respect to visual amenity.

3.3.7 This LVIA includes the residual effects of the development after mitigation measures have been taken into account.

3.4 The Landscape Setting (Baseline Studies)

Overview

3.4.1 The initial step in any LVIA is to review the existing landscape and visual resource, i.e. the baseline landscape and visual conditions. The baseline studies are a record and analysis of the existing landscape and visual resources.

3.4.2 The baseline studies are undertaken to determine the situation against which the new development proposals are to be compared. The baseline situation is an integral element to the assessment process and has been established against the existing land use.

3.4.3 By examination of the landscaping setting, existing features within the locality that may affect the visibility and character of the subject site and surrounding area can be identified, providing information against which the magnitude, sensitivity and thus the significance of the predicted landscape of visual impact can be reviewed.

3.4.4 The level of detail used is appropriate to the type and nature of the development and landscape within which it is situated. The process involves desk and field study research, classification of landscape units or groups, and analysis of the relative importance of these constituent parts.

3.4.5 The baseline study includes the document review of available sources, field study, map data, plans and reference to photographic records.

Landscape Classification

3.4.6 Landscape character mapping is a process by which the particular resources of a given area can be mapped and quantified. Through the process of classification and understanding of the component parts of a landscape, it is possible to identify a general indication as to where and how new development can be sensitively accommodated in the landscape.

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Site Visibility

3.4.7 This study explores the visibility of the site and includes definition of the Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV - otherwise known as the Visual Envelope) and the use of photographic records to determine the visual baseline. The ZTV at this site is principally influenced by the interaction of the land form, topography and woodland cover in the area.

3.4.8 This process of analysis leads to the identification of specified visual receptors. These have been categorised to assist in the determination of the magnitude of visual (and landscape effects), thus helping to design mitigation measures.

3.4.9 Visual receptors of the site include local residents, users of recreational footpaths & bridleways, and users of public roads.

3.5 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment

3.5.1 The assessment of landscape and visual effects is based on information concerning the attributes of the receiving environment and the location, scale and nature of the development, as identified in the baseline studies.

3.5.2 The assessment of effects aims to:

• Identify systematically the likely effects of the development; • Estimate the magnitude of effects; • Provide an assessment of the nature and significance of these effects; and • Indicate measures of mitigation.

3.5.3 Cumulative effects result from additional changes to the landscape of visual amenity caused by the proposed development in conjunction with other developments and can be positive or negative.

Visual Effects

3.5.4 The assessment of visual effects describes the changes of the available views resulting from the development, and the changes in the visual amenity of the visual receptors.

3.5.5 Assessment needs to allow for an average as well as worst-case scenario. Although residents may be particularly sensitive to changes in visual amenity, most land use planning regimes consider that public views are of greater value than those from private property.

3.5.6 The magnitude or scale of visual change is described by reference to elements such as:

• The extent/proportion of change within the view; • The degree of contrast; • The duration of the effect (temporary or permanent); • The nature of the effect; • The angle of view; • The distance of receptor (viewpoint) from the development; and • The area where changes would be visible.

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Predicting Landscape Effects

3.5.7 The first step is to identify the components of the landscape that are likely to be affected by the scheme, often referred to as landscape receptors, such as overall character, key characteristics, individual elements or features, and specific aesthetic or perceptual aspects. The second step is to identify interactions between these landscape receptors and the different components of the development at all its different stages - construction, operation and, where relevant, decommissioning and restoration.

3.5.8 The determination of the sensitivity of the landscape resource is based upon an evaluation of each key element or characteristic of the landscape likely to be affected. The evaluation reflects such factors as its quality, value, contribution to the wider landscape character, and the degree to which the particular element can be replaced.

3.5.9 Change can vary between small and large scale, or be so small that there is, in effect, no change. The effects of change may be negative or positive and may exist for short (temporary) or long (permanent) periods. More weight is placed on larger scale and permanent changes. In absolute terms, the operational aspects of the development are considered temporary, whereas the total period of the presence of structures on site is acknowledged as being lengthy, in human terms.

Sensitivity

3.5.10 The following terminology is used to describe sensitivity with regard to the visual receptors:

Low - Where views are incidental to other activities. This includes: people at their place of work; users of schools and colleges; and those engaged in outdoor sport or recreation which does not involve or depend upon appreciation of views of the landscape.

Medium - Where views are noticeable, but not prominent. Includes those travelling through or past the site by train or road where views of the landscape have some, but not significant, value to their enjoyment.

High – Where the view forms a strong component of the activity at the viewpoint location. Includes: residents at home (subject to agreement with the local planning authority at scoping stage that these will be included within the LVIA itself rather than a separate 'residential amenity assessment'); people engaged in outdoor recreation (including users of public rights of way); visitors to heritage assets; and communities where views contribute to the landscape setting enjoyed by residents in the area (taking care not to 'double-count' these with residents at home).

3.5.11 Sensitivity of the landscape resource is determined by looking at each landscape receptor in terms of: (i) its susceptibility of to the type of change arising from the specific proposal; and (ii) its value (for which the following descriptions have been used):

Low – Where little, or no, landscape structure dominates, and landform and land cover are masked by land use. Where lack of management and intervention has resulted in a degraded appearance or there are frequent detracting features.

Medium – Where there is a recognisable landscape structure and where there are characteristic patterns and combinations of landform and land cover. Some may be masked by developed land cover. Where there are some features worthy of conservation but also some detracting features.

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High – Where there is a strong landscape structure, characteristic pattern and balanced combination of landform and land cover. It includes features worthy of conservation and a strong sense of place.

By combining the above two components the level of sensitivity for the landscape receptor can be determined.

3.5.12 Where landscapes are designated, e.g. Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), Special Landscape Area (SLA) etc. a range of additional factors come into play including: (i) landscape quality - a measure of its physical state; (ii) scenic quality - where landscapes appeal to the senses; (ii) rarity; (iv) whether the landscape is considered a particularly important example of its type; (v) conservation interests - wildlife, archaeological, historical or cultural; and (vi) recreation value. Added weight may be applied by using professional judgement to help determine the overall sensitivity rating in relation to any of the above characteristics that are specific to that part of the designated landscape which would be subject to impact from the proposals.

Magnitude

3.5.13 Magnitude is determined by assessing the following components of the effect resulting from the proposals under consideration: (i) size and scale; (ii) duration; and (iii) potential reversibility. The following terminology has been adopted for the definition of magnitude:

Nil – Where there is, in effect, no change at all within the viewed landscape.

Very Small - Where the change is so small that there is a barely discernible change in the viewed landscape that could be missed by the casual observer.

Small – Where proposals constitute a relatively minor component of the wider view that does not affect the overall quality of the scene.

Medium – Where proposals would form a visible and recognisable new development but where it is not intrusive within the overall view.

Large - Where the proposals would form a significant and immediately apparent element of the scene, and would affect the overall impression of the view.

It should be noted that this definition applies to both landscape and visual effects

Impact Significance

3.5.14 The significance of the landscape and visual effect (impact) is a function of the sensitivity of the affected landscape or visual receptors, and the magnitude of change that they would experience. Even though landscape and visual impacts can have a beneficial rather than adverse effect, the application of the assessment process remains the same. The degree of significance of landscape and visual effects are unique to a particular proposal.

3.5.15 In general, the following principles have been applied:

• Loss of mature landscape features are considered to be of greater significance compared to new landscapes that can be readily recreated or improved; • Distinctive or representative character areas are generally of greater significance than those that have a homogenous appearance and/or degraded character which presents opportunities for enhancement; 8 2779 Clophill Road, Maulden: Landscape & Visual Impact Assessment  Rosetta Landscape Design 2017

• Significance is not necessarily related to planning policy but this may be a consideration where it identifies commonly held objectives and values; • The significance of an effect on visual amenity would, in a similar way to that for landscape significance, be assessed by consideration of the importance of the receptor and the nature and scale of the change; • Large scale changes that introduce new, discordant or intrusive elements are more likely to be significant than small scale changes or changes to existing features within the view; and • Changes affecting large numbers of users are generally more significant than those affecting a small group. In sparsely populated areas, the relative scale of numbers is adjusted accordingly.

3.5.16 Table 1 below was applied to the study in order to determine the significance of the effects (which can be either adverse or beneficial):

Table 1: Significance for Visual and Landscape Impact Methodology

Sensitivity


Low Medium High

Magnitude

Nil None None None

Very small Negligible Negligible Minor

Small Negligible Minor Minor / Moderate

Medium Minor Minor / Moderate Moderate

Large Minor / Moderate Moderate Substantial

3.5.17 This systematic process of categorising the sensitivity of the receptor and significance of the impact enables a consistent prediction of likely impacts. The results of the assessment have been presented by providing a brief description of the overall visibility of the site, followed by a tabular format analysis that references the representative views.

3.6 Consultation

3.6.1 Extensive consultation with officers of the local planning authority (Central Bedfordshire Council) was undertaken as part of the planning application process for development on site that was submitted to the local planning authority in early 2017 and refused on 27 April 2017.

3.7 Significance Criteria

The standard significance criteria used widely within Environmental Statements apply to landscape character and visual impact as indicated in tables 2 & 3 below:

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Table 2: Significance Criteria - Landscape Effects

Significance Description of Criteria Criteria Substantial The proposed development would: have the potential to significantly enhance beneficial the local landscape character Moderate The proposed development would: have the potential to fit very well with the beneficial landscape character, scale, landform and pattern of the landscape; and/or improve the quality of the landscape through removal of damage caused by existing land uses Minor The proposed development would: have the potential to make some beneficial improvement to landscape quality and character; fit in with the scale, landform and pattern of the landscape; and/or enable the restoration of valued characteristics partially lost through other land uses Negligible The proposed development would: complement the scale, landform and pattern of the local landscape; and maintain the existing landscape quality Minor adverse The proposed development would: not quite fit into the landform and scale of the local landscape; and/or affect an area of recognised landscape character Moderate The proposed development would: be out of scale with the local landscape or adverse at odds with the local pattern and landform; and/or would leave an adverse impact on a landscape of recognised quality. Substantial The proposed development would: result in effects that cannot be fully adverse mitigated and may cumulatively amount to a severe adverse effect; are at a considerable variance to the landscape thereby degrading its integrity; and/or would be substantially damaging to a high quality landscape

Table 3: Significance Criteria - Visual Impact

Significance Description of Criteria Criteria Substantial The proposed development would cause a significant improvement in the beneficial existing view from the designated visual receptor Moderate The proposed development would cause a noticeable improvement in the beneficial existing view from the designated visual receptor Minor The proposed development would cause a barely perceptible improvement in beneficial the existing view from the designated visual receptor Negligible No discernible improvement or deterioration in the existing view Minor adverse The proposed development would cause a barely perceptible deterioration in the existing view from the designated visual receptor Moderate The proposed development would cause a noticeable deterioration in the adverse existing view from the designated visual receptor Substantial The proposed development would cause a significant deterioration in the adverse existing view from the designated visual receptor

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4.0 Baseline Condition

4.1 The Landscape Setting

4.1.1 The site falls within National Landscape Character Area 90 Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge (Appendix D). This is described in the profile as

A …narrow ridge running north ‐east, south ‐west. It rises out of and is entirely surrounded by the Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Claylands NCA.

In character terms it is described as

…a distinctive ridge with a north-west-facing scarp slope, formed by the underlying sandstone geology which has shaped the landscape and industry of the Ridge. Its historic landscapes, including the farmland, parklands and historic architecture, combined with small settlements, greenbelt and woodlands ancient and modern, give parts of the NCA a more timeless feel than the Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Claylands which surround it.

The profile notes that

…the ridge offers fine panoramic views out over the surrounding landscape, including reciprocal views of and from the Chilterns to the south. The undulating dip slope is relatively gentle with shallow dry valleys generally sloping southwards. It is the marked contrast between this island of Greensand and the encircling Clayland vales and low hills over which it rises that makes the area both attractive and distinctive within the wider setting.

With regard to the future, the profile comments that

There will inevitably be pressure for this area to accommodate further development growth with consequential impact on its predominantly quiet rural character.

4.1.2 Key characteristics relevant to the study site include:

• Narrow escarpment resulting from the erosion-resistant sediments of the Lower Greensand Group, with a distinct scarp slope to the northwest and dip slope to the south-east. • Substantial blocks of ancient woodland and coniferous plantation are found on the Ridge and steeper slopes. Wood pasture and numerous hedgerow trees, copses and shelterbelts are associated with the estate farmland and parkland trees. • Mixed field and roadside boundaries range from mature shelterbelts to gappy, short flailed boundaries to intact evergreen hedgerows… • A patchwork of semi ‐natural habitats including mire habitats, lowland heathland and lowland mixed deciduous woodland species, including coppiced hazel which is important for dormice at Maulden Wood. Adders are particularly associated with heathland areas of the Ridge. The mire habitats are notable for their invertebrate interest, especially in terms of beetles. • The Ridge is dissected by the rivers Ouzel and Ivel, which have carved distinct valleys with riparian habitats, and it is partially bounded to the south by the River Flit. Springs arising from the Ridge support important wetland habitats, including acid mire and wet woodland. • Visible heritage of iron-age banks and ditches at Kings Wood and Glebe Meadows, Houghton Conquest Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and iron-age hill fort remains at Sandy. Remnant ridge and furrow at Hockliffe and Potsgrove. Historic parklands and estates associated with grand country houses such as Woburn.

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• Dispersed settlement pattern along the Greensand Ridge, with the majority of towns and villages lying along the river valleys and southern dip slopes.

4.1.3 Three of the Statements of Environmental Opportunity are considered relevant to this site, namely:

SEO 1: Protect, manage and enhance the historic landscape and its wealth of sites of heritage interest, including the remnant ridge and furrow, ironage hill forts, designed parklands and associated country houses, estate villages, farmsteads and houses using traditional building material, for their contribution to landscape character and as a recreational and educational resource.

SEO 2: Manage the agricultural and woodland resource and priority habitats for the benefit of biodiversity, landscape character and the economy.

For example by: - Creating new woodlands, especially within the Forest of Marston Vale, and managing existing ones using traditional methods including coppicing, and extending and linking these with ancient woodland sites and smaller woodland blocks in valleys, while maintaining the landscape character without creating excessive visual enclosure. - Reinstating and restoring hedgerow features, where possible reflecting historic pre-enclosure boundaries, expanding outwards from areas of more intact condition.

SEO 4: Promote and protect the distinct character and geodiversity of the Greensand Ridge landscape, with its prominent sandstone ridgeline rising from the surrounding low ‐lying vales; protect the long open views and high levels of tranquillity to ensure continued enjoyment of the landscape and plan for the sustainable extraction and restoration of sites associated with the distinctive geology.”

4.1.4 The local landscape in the vicinity of the study site has also been assessed as part of the Landscape Character Assessment prepared by Land Use Consultants on behalf of Central Bedfordshire Council and published in January 2015 (abstract and associated plan in Appendix E). Within this document, 10 landscape types were identified, which were subdivided into component landscape character areas. The study site on Clophill Road, Maulden falls within area 6B Mid Greensand Ridge.

4.1.5 This area is described as

• A large scale ridge with a gently undulating ridge top; forming part of the prominent band of Greensand that extends SW- NE across Central Bedfordshire. • Strong wooded context with extensive areas of deciduous woodland (a large proportion of which is ancient), mixed woodland and coniferous plantations e.g. Exeter Wood, Maulden Wood and Rowney Warren Wood. • The contrast of arable land and densely wooded areas creates contrasting perspectives from open and exposed to enclosed and sheltered. • Variable fields and roadside boundaries - ranging from mature shelterbelts to gappy, short flailed boundaries to intact holly hedges (surrounding Southill Park). • Settlements comprise medium to small villages and hamlets (predominantly linear). Some have a varied character (due to modern expansion) e.g. Maulden and Silsoe with others (including estate villages) being consistent in terms of material and style • The John Bunyan Trail and Greensand Ridge Walk cross significant tracts - connecting the ridge with the adjacent area.

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• Bordered by the Georgian town of Ampthill that brings some urban edge characteristics to the landscape.

4.1.6 With regard to ‘Landscape strategy’ the following ‘Guidelines for New Development’ are considered relevant to the study site:

• Monitor linear development, infill of villages in order to prevent further settlement coalescence and loss of individual village identity – this is particular the case for the dispersed, loose settlements and ‘Ends’. • Conserve panoramic views from the ridge across the adjacent Clay Vales • Conserve views to and from the northwest facing slope and resist development at the foot of the slope that would threaten to dilute the dramatic contrast in character between the vales and the ridge. • Conserve the distinction between the ridge and the adjacent Flit Greensand Valley (7a) and ensure development does not spill over the ridge diluting the contrast between the two landscapes. • Promote Green Infrastructure and explore options for improving recreational opportunities and public access… • Monitor equestrian development, pony paddocks, stables and stores.

4.1.7 Lastly the following ‘Landscape Management Guidelines’ are considered relevant to the study site:

• Conserve the recreational value of the landscape by continuing to maintain open access opportunities and rights of way including the Greensand Ridge Walk, John Bunyan Trail and woodland/forestry access. • Enhance the condition and structure of hedgerow boundaries - reinstating sections so as to strengthen landscape pattern and ecological value.

4.2 General Description of the Site

4.2.1 The study site comprises the southern parts of three open fields, currently in use as arable land (photo 20), together with grazing for horses (photo 18); these are bounded to the south and east by dense hedgerows (photos 2-4 & 19) and to the north by fences. The eastern part of the site comprises part of Field A which is bounded tall hedgerows along Clophill Road to the south (photos 2 & 20) and Green End to the east (photo 5), a farm access track to the west but no defined boundary to the north. The middle part of the site (Field B) is a small linear field lying between Clophill Road to the south and farm buildings to the north. It is bounded by a low hedgerow to the south (photo 20), a fence and farm track to the east and a hedgerow to the west. The western part of the site comprises part of a large field (Field C), bounded by a hedgerow to the south and south ‐east, a fence to the west (photo 18) and no defined boundary to the north.

Infrastructure and Development

4.2.2 There are a number of built elements in close proximity to the site most notably a cluster of farm buildings (photos 11 & 20), some of which have been subdivided into individual dwellings, that lies immediately to the north mid-way along the northern boundary.

4.2.3 Immediately to the south of the site – beyond Clophill Road – lie residential properties (photos 3 & 4). These are mostly two storey detached and semi-detached houses with an occasional bungalow towards the eastern end. Further dwellings lie to the east, beyond Green End, and to the north east (Two Chimneys and Old Woodside Farm),

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4.2.4 To the west (beyond a narrow strip of derelict land) are a number of single-storey buildings in industrial use (photo 18) together with a recently-completed two-storey detached dwelling (no.33 Clophill Road – photo 17).

Vegetation

4.2.5 Vegetation in proximity to the site comprises several forms: a formal line of trees along both sides of the farm track (photos 1 & 20); substantial field hedgerows along the north side of Clophill Road to the south of Fields A & C (photos 2-4 & 19); a recently-planted hedge to the south of Field B (photo 19); hedges containing several mature trees along both sides of Green End (photos 5 & 6)which runs along the eastern site boundary; an intermittent line of trees running northwards within an open field just beyond the western site boundary (photos 8 & 9); and extensive tree planting lies within the gardens of dwellings within the farm complex to the north (photos 8 & 12).

4.2.6 Vegetation within the gardens of adjacent dwellings to the south and north east comprises mainly ornamental species (photo 4) whereas that elsewhere comprises native species.

4.2.7 Further afield, tree cover increases significantly to the north of dwellings on Green End to merge with the very extensive woodland planting that covers much of the Greensand Ridge (photos 11- 13).

Land form

4.2.8 In terms of topography land within the study site rises slightly from around 85 metres Above Ordnance Datum on Clophill Road to a low ridge (around 90m AOD) just beyond its northern boundary. Beyond this ridge land falls away to a shallow valley at around 80m AOD before rising again to the north to around 95 m AOD along the greensand Way footpath which runs along the southern edge of dense woodland. This is the highest point from which the site is visible (though the high point of the Greensand Ridge itself is around 120m).

4.2.9 To the south of the site the land remains broadly level within the area of residential development before falling away to the River Flit at around 60m AOD (1km distant)

Public Rights of Way

4.2.10 Footpath MAL3C runs a short distance to the north of the site (around 100m beyond proposed built development within Field A and around 200m within Field C). The footpath runs westwards from Green End (photos 10-11) then to the north of the buildings in the farm complex and on towards Church Road, Maulden (photo 9).

4.2.11 Footpaths MAL9A and MAL10A lie to the south of the site. Footpath MAL9A runs south ‐west from the junction of Clophill Road and Redhills Close towards Silsoe Road. Footpath MAL10A runs from a point on Clophill Road just to the east of this junction in a south ‐easterly direction towards Water End Road.

4.2.12 Footpath MAL18A comprises part of The Greensand Ridge Walk - a long distance walk of approximately 64km that runs through Bedfordshire from Leighton Buzzard to Gamlingay. The section of the footpath relevant to this assessment runs along the southern edge of Maulden Wood around 600m north of the study site (photos 13-15).

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Local Planning Context

4.2.13 Two planning allocations in the immediate vicinity of the site are considered relevant to this assessment. Firstly, the area of land to the west of the site (i.e. adjacent to Field C and extending around 150m northwards from the study site) has been designated for industrial use (Ref EA7) by the local planning authority. Part of the land to the west already contains industrial buildings but the new allocation would extend this use northwards to include land currently in agricultural use. Secondly it is understood that permission has been granted for six dwellings on land immediately to the east of Green End opposite the eastern boundary of Field A.

4.2.14 Lastly, two dwellings were under construction at the time of the survey. A two-storey detached house was mid-way through construction on the south side of Clophill Road immediately opposite the farm track on the remaining piece of open land along this stretch of the road. A large detached house (no.33 Clophill Road – photo 17) was nearing completion on the north side of the road just beyond the western boundary of Field C.

4.3 Landscape Character Assessment

4.3.1 Land form, built form and vegetation combine to produce a well-defined, somewhat enclosed landscape character zone around the study site. To the south, the enclosing elements take the form of substantial, well-established hedgerows along Clophill Road which, apart from a relatively small gap in the centre, largely separate the three fields in visual terms from the adjacent residential development. The level of planting increases still further to the east since the mature hedges along both sides of Green End include several mature trees and the front gardens of nearby dwellings contain ornamental trees and shrubs. To the north the very extensive woodland planting that covers the south-facing slope of the Greensand Ridge at this point extends as far south as the group of dwellings on Green End and laps around their gardens. Only to the west is there a sense of openness in and out of the site through this situation will change once site EA7 is developed for industrial use.

4.3.2 The only visual link into the site from Clophill Road is close to its junction with Redhills Close. East of the farm track there is a gap in the main hedge; in addition the hedge immediately to the west is only a modest feature at present. A clear view to the north east across the relatively flat open site can therefore be obtained from this location (photo 19) though the sense of openness only extends across two fields as far as the woodland edge around 350m distant. To the north and west from this point the view is somewhat restricted by the avenue of trees along the farm track and the group of farm buildings beyond – visual screening from these trees will increase over time as they mature.

4.3.3 The rolling nature of the landform increases significantly to the north of the site as does the prominence of vegetation. Woodland covers most of the south face of the Greensand Ridge and serves to increase the overall sense of an enclosed landscape in the vicinity of the site when viewed from the south.

4.3.4 There is a short section of the Greensand Ridge Walk from where the study site can be viewed; from this viewpoint the landscape character is somewhat the reverse of the above. Since the bulk of woodland is behind or to one side of the viewer it is possible to obtain a wide open view over the study site and Maulden village towards the extensive flatter landscape of the Bedfordshire Claylands and the higher ground of the Chilterns beyond (photo 13). Existing residential development along Clophill Road can be seen though this is partially screened by mature hedging; the most prominent built feature is the cluster of farm buildings around Old Farm.

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5.0 Predicted Significant Effects

5.1 Introduction

5.1.1 Drawing 2779/4A illustrates the Visual Envelope and the location of photographs (contained in Appendix C) used in this report.

5.1.2 The Visual Envelope was determined initially from a desk top study taking into consideration the local landform and major elements of vegetation. This was supplemented by a detailed walk over of the site and its environs, using direct observation to confirm or otherwise the existence and extent of views into the site from off site locations.

5.1.3 From the above two exercises each potential visual receptor was identified. These are listed in Appendix B, together with an assessment of the sensitivity of each to changes of view and the magnitude of the anticipated changes following development and completion of any mitigating measures.

5.2 Construction Phase

5.2.1 A total of 48 individual receptors have been identified as being potentially subject to some form of visual impact from development on the Study Site (see table 4, Appendix B for breakdown of types and impact levels). All impacts listed are assessed as ‘adverse’.

Sources of Impact

5.2.2 The principal impact resulting from the construction phase of the new development would be due to the works required to erect the new dwellings and install the hard surfaces for roads & footpaths. Part of the impact will be from vehicles entering and leaving the site, heavy equipment needed to bring material on to the site and machinery to erect the buildings. The offsite movements will be greatest during the construction period and will reduce to normal levels of traffic commensurate with a development of this size and type thereafter.

5.2.3 As the construction phase nears completion the impact from construction activity will decrease and that from permanent use of the use (i.e. as per the operational phase) will increase.

Visual Impact Assessment

5.2.4 From the desktop study and site inspection a number of locations have been identified as having potential visual impacts of the proposed development following completion.

5.2.5 It is assessed that all these receptors (48 in total) will be affected during the construction phase. In addition to any long term impacts, the following factors are assessed to also contribute to the impact on both landscape character and visual receptors:

• the presence of construction plant and other increased traffic; • noise associated with the construction site; • increased personnel in the area; • physical disturbance created by the works, including earth movement and dust in the surrounding area.

5.2.6 Whilst the level of sensitivity to changes in view varies according to the type of receptor, the magnitude of change relates primarily to the proximity of the viewpoint to the site. The magnitude of change for properties directly opposite the site and traffic passing alongside the site boundary is 16 2779 Clophill Road, Maulden: Landscape & Visual Impact Assessment  Rosetta Landscape Design 2017

therefore assessed as large since these viewpoints lie immediately adjacent to the site works. Conversely the magnitude of change on other properties is assessed as medium where these either lie at some distance from the site or are partially screened by intervening vegetation.

Impacts on Landscape Character

5.2.7 The principal impact arising from the Construction Phase on landscape character will be to introduce complexity to the local landscape. This arises from the construction paraphernalia (vehicles, equipment, material stacks, temporary buildings, perimeter fencing) that inevitably accompany any construction project.

5.2.8 Initially this will appear as a discordant feature in the landscape with no obvious pattern but throughout the phase this will progressively give way to a more ordered landscape – though significantly different from the existing one. The changes in character over this period of time will therefore be: (i) an initial reduction in landscape quality compared to the existing situation and (ii) a gradual return to a more ordered form but one somewaht different from that pre-existing development on site.

5.2.9 Appendix D, Table 4 lists the receptors that are assessed to be subject to some form of visual impact during construction of the development. In summary the range of impacts is as follows: 11 to a ‘Moderate’ level of impact (one public footpath, one industrial property and nine residential properties); 16 to a ‘Minor-moderate’ level of impact (12 of which are residential properties, three public footpaths and one road); and 20 receptors (18 residential properties and two roads) to a ‘Minor’ level of visual impact.

5.3 Operational Phase

5.3.1 The same number of individual receptors (i.e. 48) are assessed as being potentially subject to some level of visual impact from the Operational Phase of the Assessment Site as would be affected by the Construction Phase but at slightly different levels (see table 5, Appendix B). The impacts listed are all assessed as ‘adverse’.

Sources of Impact

Visual

5.3.2 The principal elements that would act as sources of impact in changes of view for receptors within the visual envelope surrounding the site are: the newly constructed dwellings; the access roads; vehicular and pedestrian movements to, from and within the site; lighting and street furniture; new landscape elements (specimen trees, blocks of shrub planting, new hedges). Some of these are elements that already occur on the assessment site at the present time though at somewhat different locations. The reduction in traffic movements would introduce a general reduction in impact from this source for the receptors listed.

Landscape

5.3.3 The principal elements that would act as sources of impact in changes to the local landscape character on completion of the scheme are: the new built form; an enhanced colour range of materials used within the development; and significantly enhanced landscape features in comparison to the present minimal planting along the perimeter of the site.

17 2779 Clophill Road, Maulden: Landscape & Visual Impact Assessment  Rosetta Landscape Design 2017

Visual Impact Assessment

Roads

5.3.4 For road traffic, any views of adjacent land are incidental to the main activity, i.e. travelling along the road. Sensitivity of road users is therefore assessed as medium .

5.3.5 Traffic on Clophill Road (item 10 on table 5 and photo 19) would have a view of several new dwellings within the eastern part of the site through a gap in the roadside hedge. This would be partially screened by the existing, retained hedge and (to a lesser extent) by newly planted vegetation on site. As a result the magnitude of change in the views compared with the baseline situation is assessed as small. The above two combine to give the overall level of impact as ‘Minor’.

5.3.6 Traffic on Green End (item 11, table 5 and photo 5)) would have a glimpsed view of new dwellings within the eastern part of the site through a narrow gap in the roadside hedge. This would be partially screened by newly planted vegetation on site the magnitude of change in the views compared with the baseline situation is also assessed as small giving a resultant level of impact of ‘Minor’.

Footpaths and Bridleways

5.3.7 For pedestrian traffic on the public footpath, their sensitivity to changes of views will be high since one of the principal purposes of their activity is the enjoyment of the countryside through which they are walking or riding.

5.3.8 Those travelling northwards along footpaths MAL9A or MAL10A (items 12-13, Table 5) would have views of the new dwellings on completion partially screened by the existing roadside hedge and, to a lesser extent, the newly-planted vegetation on site. The magnitude of change in the views compared with the baseline situation is therefore assessed as small. These two factors combine to give the overall level of impact as ‘Minor-moderate’.

5.3.9 Those travelling eastwards along the Greensand Ridge walk (footpath MAL18A - items 15, Table 5) would have an oblique open view of the new dwellings in the middle distance (photo 13), though these would mostly lie beyond the cluster of buildings around Old Barn Farm and would therefore be partially screened. The magnitude of change in the views compared with the baseline situation is assessed as small giving an overall level of impact as ‘Minor-moderate’.

5.3.10 Those travelling in either direction along footpath MAL3C (item 14, Table 5) would have an oblique open view of the new dwellings at a relatively short distance (photos 10 & 20), and these would be only screened by newly-planted trees on site to a modest extent. The magnitude of change in the views compared with the baseline situation is assessed as medium giving the overall level of impact as ‘Moderate’

Residential Properties

5.3.11 With regard to the dwellings that lie within the Visual Envelope the level of sensitivity to any change in view is assessed to be high since any change to the character of the area surrounding a dwelling is critical to those residents’ enjoyment of their home.

5.3.12 On completion of the construction phase the five dwellings on Clophill Road that lie immediately opposite the site entrance (item 3, table 5 and photo 19) will have views of the new development partially screened by the roadside hedge and new planting on site to a modest extent so the 18 2779 Clophill Road, Maulden: Landscape & Visual Impact Assessment  Rosetta Landscape Design 2017

magnitude of change in view that would occur is assessed as medium. The visual impact as a result is therefore assessed as ‘Moderate’ from these receptors.

5.3.13 The five dwellings on Clophill Road that lie to the east of the above group (item 5, table 5) will also have views partially screened by the roadside hedge and newly-planted perimeter vegetation so the magnitude of change in view that would occur is assessed as medium. The visual impact as a result is therefore also assessed as ‘Moderate’ from these receptors. This level of impact also applies to the newly-completed dwelling (no.33 Clophill Road) that lies a short distance to the west of the study site.

5.3.14 A further 12 dwellings adjacent to the above two groups would have oblique or partially screened views (items 2 & 4, table 5, photos 3 and 16) of the newly-completed dwellings and are assessed to be subject to a magnitude of change of small. The visual impact as a result of the new development is therefore assessed as ‘Minor-moderate’ from these receptors.

5.3.15 Lastly, 17 dwellings on Clophill Road and Old Farm Barn (items 1, 6 & 7, table 5) would have oblique, well-screened views of the newly-completed dwellings and are assessed to be subject to a magnitude of change of very small. The visual impact as a result of the new development is therefore assessed as ‘Minor’ from these receptors.

5.3.16 Appendix D, Table 5 lists the receptors that are assessed to be subject to some form of visual impact on completion of the development. In summary the range of impacts is as follows: 11 to a ‘Moderate’ level of impact (one public footpath, one industrial property and nine residential properties); 16 to a ‘Minor-moderate’ level of impact (12 of which are residential properties, three public footpaths and one road); and 20 receptors (18 residential properties and two roads) to a ‘Minor’ level of visual impact.

Industrial properties

5.3.17 A small group of single-storey buildings currently occupied by a building contractor lies a short distance to the west of the site (item 9, table 5 and photo 18)). Their level of sensitivity to any change in view is assessed to be low since any change to the character of the area surrounding a dwelling is incidental to their use. On completion of the new development this group will have direct views of dwellings towards the western edge only screened by newly-planted perimeter vegetation to a modest extent so the magnitude of change in view that would occur is assessed as medium. The visual impact as a result is therefore assessed as ‘Moderate’ from these receptors.

5.3.18 Other potential receptors

The following possible receptors were considered but assessed as being subject to no visual impact from the proposed development due to intervening vegetation and/or landform:

• Dwellings on Green End (Two Chimneys, Old Woodside Farm, Kirkton) • Dwellings within Old Farm complex (Old Farm, The Well House, Badgers Rest) • All dwellings within Maulden village west of no. 33 Clophill Road

Impacts on Landscape Character

5.3.19 The impact arising from the Operational Phase on landscape character would be to introduce a new layout of buildings, access roads and circulation areas to the local landscape.

5.3.20 In the immediate vicinity of the study site – to the south east and west - the local landscape contains the following elements at the present time: 19 2779 Clophill Road, Maulden: Landscape & Visual Impact Assessment  Rosetta Landscape Design 2017

• Well established residential development of suburban character dating from the early to mid- twentieth century. This lies to the south of Clophill Road opposite the full length of the southern boundary of the study site; similar development extends westwards towards Maulden village centre and eastwards towards the nearby village of Clophill. • Isolated detached dwellings - largely concealed from view behind dense vegetation - along Green End to the east and north east of the site. • A cluster of dwellings around Old Farm lying a short distance to the north of the site. The group includes; the original farmhouse; Well House (a large detached dwelling); and two separate dwellings that have recently been converted from single storey outbuildings belonging to the original farm. • Several barns and outbuildings – still in agricultural use – associated with Old Farm and lying immediately to the north of the site. • A small group of single-storey buildings currently occupied by a building contractor lies a short distance to the west of the site. • A large recently-completed detached dwelling lying a short distance to the west of the site just south of the builder’s yard. • A smaller detached dwelling (under construction at the time of survey) opposite the current farm track and occupying the remaining plot of open land to the south of Clophill Road.

5.3.21 To the north of the site – beyond Old Farm - the landscape is rural in character. Much of the land is in active agricultural use with an arable crop being harvested at the time of the survey. In contrast the rising ground towards the Greensand Ridge - beyond a low ridge and shallow valley – is almost entirely covered in plantation woodland.

5.3.22 The outcome of the above is that the study lies close to the interface between areas of urban and rural character though the boundary between the two is somewhat undefined due to the intrusion of two groups of dwellings (at Old Farm and along Green End) into what is otherwise open farmland. This boundary will be made more complex if and when land to the west - allocated for industrial use in the local plan as area EA7 - is developed for this purpose. This would have the effect of extending built development within Maulden village up to the northern edge of Old Farm (around 200m north of the study site).

5.3.23 Whilst much of the visual link between built development (to the south) and open land (to the north) is broken by substantial roadside hedges a narrow view northwards towards open countryside can at present be obtained from a point on Clophill Road close to the farm track. This view extends across two open fields (though the second is not discernible since it lies beyond a low ridge) up to the southern edge of woodland just beyond Green End Farm around 350m distant. Wider views of the Greensand Ridge itself are not possible from this location due to intervening vegetation (the avenue of trees along the farm track) and buildings (the Old Farm complex).

5.3.24 The introduction of 49 dwellings into this landscape as currently proposed (see drawing 2779/3A) would have the following impacts on landscape character if no mitigation measures were introduced:

• Firstly, around half the proposed dwellings are shown located towards the western edge of the study site within Field C. These would lie to the north of a very substantial roadside hedge (V4) and to the west of another well-established hedge (V18). Their impact on the local landscape character would therefore be very limited – there would be an awareness of development though limited views of roof lines beyond the mature hedge when viewed from the public road.

• Secondly, the remaining dwellings are shown located towards the eastern edge of the study site within Field A. These would lie to the north of a more modest roadside hedge (V3) and to the west 20 2779 Clophill Road, Maulden: Landscape & Visual Impact Assessment  Rosetta Landscape Design 2017

of the well-established vegetation along Green End. At the outset therefore these would be offset to the east of the gap in the hedge near the farm track where the proposed access road would have a junction with Clophill Road. Although partially visible in offsite views from the south (and therefore introducing another urbanising element to the local landscape at this point) the dwellings would be partially screened by the existing perimeter hedge.

• Thirdly, the area of land between the two groups of dwellings (essentially Field B) is proposed for retention as public open space; upon completion therefore open views from this area will be obtained northwards towards open countryside. This proposal would also introduce an opportunity for public access into land that is not currently available. In addition it is proposed to provide a public access link from Clophill Road through the eastern part of the scheme to join the existing Public Right of Way MAL3C running along the low ridge.

• It has been noted above that views south from this Public Right of Way would be subject to impact from new built form on completion of the development. It is assessed that this would have an impact on local landscape character by increasing the sense of urbanisation when viewed from this location (dwellings would be around 70m from the section of footpath at its eastern end and around 140m from its western end).

• Looking at the impact of development on the wider landscape the new dwellings would, as noted above, be seen in the middle distance from a short section of the Greensand Ridge Way. However there are already significant built elements in this view, i.e. residential properties along Clophill Road, the cluster of buildings around Old Farm and the industrial development to the west. It is therefore assessed that any new buildings would be seen as ‘more of the same’ which would result in a relatively small change in overall character.

5.3.25 The landscape in the immediate vicinity is assessed to have a medium sensitivity to change since, although it possesses some attractive individual elements, these do not necessarily complement each other fully. In particular the Clophill Road boundary comprises typical suburban development to one side of the road and open, arable fields to the other with a sharp visual discontinuity between the two. The wider landscape along the Greensand Ridge is, in contrast, assessed to have a high sensitivity overall although only a small part of this would be subject to any impact from the proposed development.

5.3.26 Taking the above factors into account the magnitude of impact on landscape character on completion of the development in the immediate vicinity is assessed as medium since it would be partially screened by existing vegetation. In the wider landscape the magnitude of impact on landscape character is assessed as very small since it would only have impact on a small area and would largely be seen (in the middle distance) as part of existing built development.

6.0 Mitigation Measures

6.1 Introduction

6.1.1 Mitigation measures can be incorporated at three stages during the design and construction of the development: • During the design stage to avoid impacts where possible; • During construction to minimise impacts; and, • After completion of the development (ensure mitigation measures are of an appropriate level and are maintained over the years of operation).

6.1.2 Any or all of the following can be considered as mitigation: 21 2779 Clophill Road, Maulden: Landscape & Visual Impact Assessment  Rosetta Landscape Design 2017

• Avoid adverse impacts as far as possible by use of preventative measures; • Minimise or reduce adverse impacts to ‘as low as practicable’ levels; and, • Remedy or compensate for adverse residual effects, which are unavoidable and can be reduced further.

6.1.3 This LVIA considers the potential residual effects of the development after mitigation measures have been taken into account. Mitigation measures as listed below are proposed to reduce the visual impact of the development and are shown on drawing 2779/3C.

6.2 Management of the existing resources

6.2.1 It is assessed that, apart from a few trees towards the southern end of the avenue and a short section of hedge V14, all items of vegetation on site at the present time could be retained following development. These will be protected during construction in line with British Standard 5837:2012.

6.3 New landscape works

6.3.1 The following items of structural landscape are shown on drawing 2779/3D (Mitigation Measures):

• New specimen tree planting along the Clophill Road frontage to augment the existing roadside hedges (which in the case of V3 would be allowed to grow out to its natural height); • An extension of the hedge alongside the site access road to provide visual strong definition to the dwellings within Field A; • Removal of the hedge along the south side of Field B to provide an increased sense of openness to Clophill Road and enable views out to open countryside at this point; • A new mixed native hedge, together with groups of specimen trees set within a wildflower meadow, along the northern edges of the development to provide a strong planted interface between the new dwellings and open land beyond (this will benefit views from the nearby Public Right of Way in particular); • A band of mixed trees and shrubs along the western site boundary to provide a visual separation with adjacent land in industrial use.

6.3.2 In addition to the above, planting within the centre of site will be included to provide a planted context for the dwellings and an attractive living environment for residents.

6.3.3 Other than hard surfaced access roads and parking areas, the balance of the site will be seeded with a low-maintenance grass mix containing wildflowers where appropriate to maximise its wildlife habitat value. The current plan shows two areas – to the north and east of built development - where wildflower meadow should thrive. The new perimeter planting will comprise native species throughout (e.g. Hawthorn, Hazel, Holly, Blackthorn, Cherry Laurel as shrubs; Oak, Birch, Wild Cherry, Whitebeam, Rowan as trees) in order to maximise its value as wildlife habitat.

7.0 Residual Effect Assessment

7.1 Impact on Visual Receptors (see table 6, Appendix B)

7.1.1 Following completion of the above mitigation measures the impact of the completed proposals is considered as the appearance of the site 15 years after the end of the construction phase by which time the vegetation will have had chance to become established.

7.1.2 In general terms the Residual Effect Assessment can be summarised as follows:

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• A significant reduction for the principal visual receptors from , ‘Moderate / Minor-Moderate’ to ‘Minor-moderate / Minor’ levels of visual impact as a result of the new planting on site maturing. • A modest change in the level of visual impact from the secondary visual receptors; this is assessed as ‘Minor’ or ‘Negligible’ after 15 years.

7.1.3 Appendix D, Table 6 lists in detail the receptors that it is assessed would be subject to some form of visual impact around 15 years following completion of the development. The range of impacts is as follows: 11 would be subject to a ‘Minor-moderate’ level of impact (10 residential properties and one public footpath); 34 to a ‘Minor’ level of impact (three footpaths and the remainder residential properties); and three to a ‘Negligible’ level of impact.

7.2 Impact on Landscape Character

7.2.1 With regard to the character of the landscape the study area sits within the ‘6B Mid Greensand Ridge landscape character area as defined in Central Bedfordshire Council’s Landscape Character Assessment. This landscape type is described in the profile document as (i) A large scale ridge with a gently undulating ridge top…(ii) strong wooded context with extensive areas of deciduous woodland … mixed woodland and coniferous plantations …(iii) contrast of arable land and densely wooded areas creates contrasting perspectives from open and exposed to enclosed and sheltered… (iv) Settlements comprise medium to small villages and hamlets (predominantly linear). Some have a varied character (due to modern expansion) e.g. Maulden and Silsoe with others (including estate villages) being consistent in terms of material and style…

7.2.2 As indicated above, upon completion of the construction phase (i.e. at the commencement of the Operational Phase) the new planting and areas of open space will not have yet had time to mature and so will not contribute significantly to the appearance of the scheme. It is therefore assessed that upon completion the magnitude of change on the local landscape (assessed as medium sensitivity) will be medium and the resultant impact 'Minor-moderate’.

7.2.3 Over time, the new tree and hedge planting along the northern and southern boundaries will mature to largely screen the new dwellings and provide a strong planted context for the whole development. Overall the development will provide an effective interface between the urban form (both new and existing) to the south and open countryside to the north. It is therefore assessed that the magnitude of change will be small and the visual impact on landscape character at year 15 will ‘Minor’. In view of the creation of more open views towards open landscape from Clophill Road (as a result of the creation of an area of Public Open Space at this point) this change would probably be regarded by most viewers as an improvement on the present situation; in this case the change would be seen as beneficial rather than adverse .

7.2.4 With regard to the wider landscape, by providing new tree planting along the whole of its northern site boundary, the new development has the potential to provide a much clearer distinction between Maulden and open land along the Greensand Ridge than exists at the present time. Although relatively modest in scale (the visual impact on landscape character at year 15 is assessed as ‘Minor’ when viewed from the ridge) this should also be seen as beneficial overall rather than adverse.

7.2.5 Taken together, the perimeter planting, enhanced hedgerows and wildflower meadows included within the current proposals would enable the development to make a positive response to two of the Statements of Environmental Opportunity set out in English Nature's LCA profile, namely:

23 2779 Clophill Road, Maulden: Landscape & Visual Impact Assessment  Rosetta Landscape Design 2017

SEO 2: Manage the agricultural and woodland resource and priority habitats for the benefit of biodiversity, landscape character and the economy.

SEO 4: Promote and protect the distinct character and geodiversity of the Greensand Ridge landscape, with its prominent sandstone ridgeline rising from the surrounding low ‐lying vales; protect the long open views and high levels of tranquillity to ensure continued enjoyment of the landscape and plan for the sustainable extraction and restoration of sites associated with the distinctive geology.”

7.2.6 The proposals would also comply with the ‘Guidelines for New Development’ and ‘Landscape Management Guidelines’ contained with the Landscape strategy section of Central Bedfordshire’s Landscape Assessment namely:

• Conserve panoramic views from the ridge across the adjacent Clay Vales • Promote Green Infrastructure and explore options for improving recreational opportunities and public access… • Conserve the recreational value of the landscape by continuing to maintain open access opportunities and rights of way including the Greensand Ridge Walk, John Bunyan Trail and woodland/forestry access. • Enhance the condition and structure of hedgerow boundaries - reinstating sections so as to strengthen landscape pattern and ecological value.

8.0 Monitoring

8.1 Where possible, elements of new planting – in particular the perimeter planting to both road frontages and the tree belt along the western site boundary – would be undertaken at an early stage of development to ensure that visual screening can develop well in advance of completion of the construction programme.

8.2 All landscape works would be accompanied by a comprehensive aftercare programme (including weeding, application of fertiliser, thinning and cutting back to promote strong growth) to ensure development of the new planted areas into robust landscape elements within the shortest timescale possible.

9.0 Summary

9.1 The site proposed for development is located towards the eastern edge of the village of Maulden which itself lies around 11km south of the town of Bedford. This report assesses the potential effect of development upon adjacent receptors and the character of the local landscape.

9.2 The site falls within National Landscape Character Area 90 Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge (Appendix D). This is described in the profile as …narrow ridge running north ‐east, south ‐west. It rises out of and is entirely surrounded by the Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Claylands NCA. In character terms it is described as …a distinctive ridge with a north-west-facing scarp slope, …which has shaped the landscape and industry of the Ridge…farmland…combined with small settlements, greenbelt and woodlands ancient and modern, give parts of the NCA a more timeless feel than the Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Claylands which surround it.

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9.3 The local landscape has also been assessed as part of the Central Bedfordshire Council’s Landscape Character Assessment; the study site falls within area 6B (Mid Greensand Ridge). The following ‘Guidelines’ are considered relevant to the study site: • Promote Green Infrastructure and explore options for improving recreational opportunities and public access… • Conserve the recreational value of the landscape by continuing to maintain open access opportunities and rights of way … • Enhance the condition and structure of hedgerow boundaries - reinstating sections so as to strengthen landscape pattern and ecological value.

9.4 The study site comprises the southern parts of three open fields, currently in use as arable land and as grazing for horses bounded to the south and east by dense hedgerows and to the north by fences. The eastern field (A) is bounded by tall hedgerows along Clophill Road to the south and Green End to the east (photo 5), a farm access track to the west but no defined boundary to the north. The middle field (B) is a small linear field lying between the other two. The western field (C) is bounded by hedgerows to south/south ‐east and a fence to the west but no defined boundary to the north.

9.5 Vegetation in proximity to the site comprises: a formal line of trees along both sides of the farm track; substantial hedgerows to the south of Fields A & C (photos 2-4 & 19); a low hedge to the south of Field B; hedges containing mature trees along both sides of Green End; an intermittent line of trees running northwards within an open field just beyond the western site boundary; and extensive tree planting lies within the gardens of dwellings within the farm complex to the north.

9.6 Built form in the vicinity of the site comprises: a cluster of farm buildings to the north; residential properties to the south (beyond Clophill Road), to the east (beyond Green End) and to the north east; and a number of single-storey buildings in industrial use together with a recently-completed two-storey detached dwelling to the west (beyond a narrow strip of open land).

9.7 Several Public Rights of Way run nearby, namely: one footpath (MAL3C) runs a short distance to the north of the site; two footpaths (MAL9A and MAL10A) lie to the south of the site; and part of The Greensand Ridge Walk (footpath MAL18A) runs along the southern edge of Maulden Wood around 600m north of the study site.

9.8 A total of 48 individual receptors are assessed as being potentially subject to some level of visual impact from the development. During the construction phase, and also on completion of the development, the range of impacts is assessed as follows: 11 to a ‘Moderate’ level of impact (one public footpath, one industrial property and nine residential properties); 16 to a ‘Minor-moderate’ level of impact (12 of which are residential properties, three public footpaths and one road); and 20 receptors (18 residential properties and two roads) to a ‘Minor’ level of visual impact.

9.9 Mitigation measures are proposed to reduce levels of visual impact and ensure that the new dwellings have a satisfactory planted context: specimen tree planting along the Clophill Road frontage to augment the existing roadside hedges; extension of hedge alongside the access road to provide visual definition to the dwellings within Field A; removal of hedge along the south side of Field B to enable views out to open countryside at this point; specimen trees set within a wildflower meadow along the northern edge of the development to provide a strong planted interface between the new dwellings and open land beyond; and a band of mixed trees and shrubs along the western site boundary to provide visual separation with adjacent land in industrial use. Once this planting has become established it is assessed there will be a significant reduction visual impact for the principal visual receptors (from ‘Moderate / Minor-Moderate’ to ‘Minor-moderate / Minor’ levels) and a modest change in the level of visual impact from the secondary visual receptors (to ‘Minor’ or ‘Negligible’) after 15 years. 25 2779 Clophill Road, Maulden: Landscape & Visual Impact Assessment  Rosetta Landscape Design 2017

9.10 The landscape in the immediate vicinity is assessed to have a medium sensitivity to change since, although it possesses some attractive individual elements, these do not necessarily complement each other fully. The magnitude of impact on landscape character on completion of the development in the immediate vicinity is assessed as medium since it would be partially screened by existing vegetation. The resultant impact at this time would be 'Minor-moderate’

9.11 Over time, it is assessed that the new planting proposed along the northern and southern boundaries will mature to largely screen the new dwellings, providing a strong planted context for the whole development and therefore a more effective interface between urban form (new and existing) to the south and open countryside to the north than exists at present. It is therefore assessed that whilst the magnitude of change will only be small (and the visual impact on landscape character at year 15 ‘Minor’) this change represents an improvement on the present situation so the change would be seen as beneficial rather than adverse .

9.12 With regard to the wider landscape, the new tree planting to the north of the new development has the potential to provide a much clearer distinction between Maulden and open land along the Greensand Ridge than exists at the present time. As above, although relatively modest in scale, it is assessed that this would also be seen as beneficial overall rather than adverse.

10.0 References

Central Bedfordshire Council Landscape Character Assessment, published in January 2015

National Character Area NCA 90: Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge. Published by Natural England, 2014

1:25000 Ordnance Survey map 193: Luton & Stevenage

Rosetta Landscape Design 15 january 2018 projects/docs/2779-lvia-rev-15jan18

26 2779 Clophill Road, Maulden: Landscape & Visual Impact Assessment  Rosetta Landscape Design 2017

Appendix A

SCHEDULE OF VEGETATION

27 2779 Clophill Road, Maulden: Landscape & Visual Impact Assessment  Rosetta Landscape Design 2017

See drawing 2779/1 for location of items

Item Nr Species Approx. Comments max height (m) V1 London Plane, Wild Cherry <7 Avenue of trees (around 15 years old) has been planted on both sides of access road. One gap midway along Western side. V2 Hawthorn <2 Recently planted hedge containing some gaps. Otherwise developing well V3 Hawthorn, Blackthorn <4 Well established hedge has been left unmaintained in recent past. Dense foliage to ground level. V4 Hawthorn, Crab Apple, Elm, Beech <4.5 Very substantial hedge contains self sown trees. Unmaintained. Dense foliage to ground level. V5 Cherry <7 Ornamental planting within grassed area adjacent to Redhills Close. Flowering Currant <2 V6 Various species <8 Ornamental planting within front gardens of adjacent dwellings. V7 Oak, Ash <10 Overgrown hedge along green Lane contains several middle-aged trees towards southern Hawthorn, Crab Apple, Holly, <6 end. Some gaps in hedge; otherwise dense Blackthorn foliage to ground level. V8 Leyland’s Cypress 3 Conifer hedge along garden boundary of dwelling (Two Chimneys). Dense foliage to ground level. V9 Lombardy Poplar 16 Mixed planting along Western boundary of Oak 9 garden to Old Woodside Farm provides Cherry Laurel 5 almost continuous screen. V10 Silver Birch 4 Group of recently planted trees in north-east corner of garden to Badger’s Rest. V11 Ornamental species including Maple <10 Well established ornamental planting within and Cherry western part of garden to Badger’s Rest. V12 Ash, Horse Chestnut, Wild Cherry, <8 Densely planted area between garden and Silver Birch field adjacent. Hawthorn, Snowy Mespilus <5 V13 Whitebeam, Oak, Norway Maple, <9 Line of trees within adjacent field just beyond Sweet Chestnut, Silver Birch the Western site boundary. V14 Whitebeam, Ash, Oak, <18 Overgrown hedgerow containing mature trees Hawthorn <6 along Western side of adjacent field. V15 Silver Birch, Whitebeam, Rowan, <7 Ornamental planting in South East corner of Alder, Hornbeam, Sugar Maple Old Farm Barn. Cherry Laurel 3 V16 Golden Cypress 5 Short length of unmaintained hedge around car parking for The Well House. V17 Purple Norway Maple 8 Isolated ornamental tree with dense rounded Crown. V18 Hawthorn, Elder, Blackthorn, Ash, <6 Unmaintained hedge – some gaps towards Elm northern end otherwise dense foliage to ground level.

28 2779 Clophill Road, Maulden: Landscape & Visual Impact Assessment  Rosetta Landscape Design 2017

Appendix B

VISUAL RECEPTORS

29

Table 4. VISUAL RECEPTORS: Construction Phase (i.e. during implementation)

Ref on Plan Description Sensitivity Magnitude Visual Impact Comments

1 30-52 Clophill Road (12) High Very Small Minor Views of site largely screened by mature roadside hedge. Possible glimpsed views of works on site from first floor windows 2 54-60 Clophill Rd (4) High Small Minor-Moderate Oblique open view of works within eastern part of site from ground floor and first floor windows. 3 62-70 Clophill Rd (5) High Medium Moderate Direct open view of works within eastern part of site from ground floor and first floor windows. 4 1-8 Redhills Close (8) High Small Minor-Moderate Views of works on site largely screened by roadside hedge and ornamental planting within area of ground to north of dwellings. Possible glimpsed views of works on site from first floor windows. 5 76, 70, 76A, 78, 70 8A, 80 Clophill Rd (5) High Medium Moderate Direct view of works within eastern part of site from ground floor and first floor windows partially screened by roadside hedge and ornamental planting within front gardens. 6 82. 84, 84a, 86, 86a Clophill Road (5) High Very Small Minor Oblique view from first floor windows of works within eastern part of site largely screened by mature roadside hedge, trees on southern part of Green End and ornamental planting within front gardens. 7 Old Farm Barn (1) High Very Small Minor Oblique view of works within eastern part of site from single window in eastern gable of property. 8 33 Clophills Road (1) High Medium Moderate Direct open view of works within western part of site from windows in eastern gable of property. 9 Industrial buildings (1) Low Medium Moderate Direct open view of works within western part of site. 10 Clophill Road (1) Medium Small Minor Oblique open view of works within eastern part of site for those travelling in either direction through gap in hedge. 11 Green End (1) Medium Small Minor Oblique open view of works within eastern part of site for those travelling in either direction through narrow gap in hedge. 12 Public Footpath MAL9A (1) High Small Minor-Moderate Direct view of works within eastern part of site at extreme northern end of footpath for those travelling north only will be partially screened by roadside hedge. 13 Public Footpath MAL10A (1) High Small Minor-Moderate Direct view of works within eastern part of site at extreme northern end of footpath for those travelling north only will be partially screened by roadside hedge. 14 Public Footpath MAL3C (1) High Medium Moderate Oblique open view of works for those travelling in either direction beyond low ridge. 15 Public Footpath MAL18A (1) High Small Minor-Moderate Oblique open view of works on site beyond Old Farm Barn complex in middle distance for those travelling eastwards.

All impacts assessed as ‘adverse’ unless otherwise stated

Table 5. VISUAL RECEPTORS: Operational Phase (i.e. on completion)

Ref on Plan Description Sensitivity Magnitude Visual Impact Comments

1 30-52 Clophill Road (12) High Very Small Minor Views of completed dwellings largely screened by mature roadside hedge. Possible glimpsed views from first floor windows 2 54-60 Clophill Rd (4) High Small Minor-Moderate Oblique open view of completed dwellings within eastern part of site from ground floor and first floor windows. 3 62-70 Clophill Rd (5) High Medium Moderate Direct open view of completed dwellings within eastern part of site from ground floor and first floor windows. 4 1-8 Redhills Close (8) High Small Minor-Moderate Views of completed dwellings largely screened by roadside hedge and ornamental planting within area of ground to north. Possible glimpsed views of new dwellings from first floor windows. 5 76, 70, 76A, 78, 70 8A, 80 Clophill Rd (5) High Medium Moderate Direct view of completed dwellings within eastern part of site from ground floor and first floor windows partially screened by roadside hedge and ornamental planting within front gardens. 6 82. 84, 84a, 86, 86a Clophill Road (5) High Very Small Minor Oblique view from first floor windows of completed dwellings within eastern part of site largely screened by roadside hedge, trees on southern part of Green End & ornamental planting in front gardens. 7 Old Farm Barn (1) High Very Small Minor Oblique view of completed dwellings within eastern part of site from single window in eastern gable of property. 8 33 Clophills Road (1) High Medium Moderate Direct open view of completed dwellings within western part of site from windows in eastern gable of property. 9 Industrial buildings (1) Low Medium Moderate Direct open view of completed dwellings within western part of site. 10 Clophill Road (1) Medium Small Minor Oblique open view of completed dwellings within eastern part of site for those travelling in either direction through gap in hedge. 11 Green End (1) Medium Small Minor Oblique open view of completed dwellings within eastern part of site for those travelling in either direction through narrow gap in hedge. 12 Public Footpath MAL9A (1) High Small Minor-Moderate Direct view of completed dwellings within eastern part of site at extreme northern end of footpath for those travelling north only will be partially screened by roadside hedge. 13 Public Footpath MAL10A (1) High Small Minor-Moderate Direct view of completed dwellings within eastern part of site at extreme northern end of footpath for those travelling north only will be partially screened by roadside hedge. 14 Public Footpath MAL3C (1) High Medium Moderate Oblique open view of completed dwellings for those travelling in either direction beyond low ridge. 15 Public Footpath MAL18A (1) High Small Minor-Moderate Oblique open view of completed dwellings beyond Old Farm Barn complex in middle distance for those travelling eastwards. All impacts assessed as ‘adverse’ unless otherwise stated 31

Table 6. VISUAL RECEPTORS: Residual Impacts (i.e. after 15 years)

Ref on Plan Description Sensitivity Magnitude Visual Impact Comments

1 30-52 Clophill Road (12) High Very Small Minor Views of development largely screened by mature roadside hedge. Possible glimpsed views from first floor windows 2 54-60 Clophill Rd (4) High Very Small Minor Oblique open view of development within eastern part of site from ground floor and first floor windows largely screened by hedge & maturing planting on site. 3 62-70 Clophill Rd (5) High Small Minor-Moderate View of development within eastern part of site from ground floor and first floor windows partially screened by maturing planting on site 4 1-8 Redhills Close (8) High Very Small Minor Views of development largely screened by roadside hedge, ornamental planting within area of ground to north & maturing planting on site. 5 76, 70, 76A, 78, 70 8A, 80 Clophill Rd (5) High Small Minor-Moderate View of eastern part of development from ground floor and first floor windows partially screened by roadside hedge, ornamental planting within front gardens & maturing planting on site 6 82. 84, 84a, 86, 86a Clophill Road (5) High Very Small Minor Oblique view of eastern part of development from first floor windows largely screened by roadside hedge, trees on southern part of Green End, planting in front gardens & maturing planting on site 7 Old Farm Barn (1) High Very Small Minor Oblique view of eastern part of development from single window in eastern gable of property largely screened by maturing planting on site 8 33 Clophills Road (1) High Very Small Minor View of western part of development from windows in eastern gable of property largely screened by maturing planting on site 9 Industrial buildings (1) Low Very Small Negligible View of western part of development largely screened by maturing planting on site. 10 Clophill Road (1) Medium Very Small Negligible Oblique view of eastern part of development for those travelling in either direction partially screened by maturing planting on site. 11 Green End (1) Medium Very Small Negligible Oblique view of completed dwellings within eastern part of site for those travelling in either direction largely screened by maturing planting on site.. 12 Public Footpath MAL9A (1) High Very Small Minor View of eastern part of development from extreme northern end of footpath for those travelling north only will be largely screened by roadside hedge and maturing planting on site. 13 Public Footpath MAL10A (1) High Very Small Minor View of eastern part of development from extreme northern end of footpath for those travelling north only will be largely screened by roadside hedge. and maturing planting on site 14 Public Footpath MAL3C (1) High Small Minor-Moderate Oblique open view of development for those travelling in either direction will be partially screened by maturing planting on site. 15 Public Footpath MAL18A (1) High Very Small Minor Oblique partially screened view of development beyond Old Farm Barn complex in middle distance for those travelling eastwards. All impacts assessed as ‘adverse’ unless otherwise stated 32 Appendix C

PHOTOGRAPHS

2779 Clophill Road, Maulden: Landscape & Visual Impact Assessment  Rosetta Landscape Design 2017

Photo 1:

View north along track leading towards farm complex showing avenue of recently-planted trees (V1)

Photo 2:

View north from Clophill Road near its junction with the farm track showing avenue of trees V1 in centre, hedge V2 centre left beyond cars, hedge V3 on right and mature hedge V4 extreme left. 

Photo 3: View east along Clophill Road showing mature hedge V4 on left and nos.30-52 Clophill Road (receptor R1) on right.  2779 Clophill Road, Maulden: Landscape & Visual Impact Assessment  Rosetta Landscape Design 2017

Photo 4:
View west along Clophill Road. Roadside hedge (V3) centre right and trees along Green End (V7) extreme right. Nos.76-80 Clophill Road (R5) and garden vegetation V6 on left

Photo 5: View south along Green End showing gap in roadside hedge (V7)

Photo 6: View south along Green End showing dense vegetation on steep bank (V7) on right and tree line V19 on left.  2779 Clophill Road, Maulden: Landscape & Visual Impact Assessment  Rosetta Landscape Design 2017

Photo 7:
View east along public footpath MAL3C towards hedge V8 surrounding Two Chimneys (on right) and tree line V9 surrounding Old Woodside Farm (on left)

Photo 8: View south west from public footpath MAL3C showing tree group V12 on left and tree line V13 centre right.

Photo 9: View south from public footpath MAL3C showing tree V13 in centre and hedge line V14 on right.  2779 Clophill Road, Maulden: Landscape & Visual Impact Assessment  Rosetta Landscape Design 2017

Photo 10:
View south west from public footpath MAL3C as it emerges from gap in dense vegetation (cypress hedge V8 on extreme left); roofs of dwellings within Old Farm complex can be seen beyond ridge.

Photo 11: View west along public footpath MAL3C showing Old Farm complex on left and woodland planting over Greensand Ridge (V20) on right.

Photo 12: View east along public footpath MAL3C showing trees within garden of dwellings within Old Farm complex (V11) on right and woodland planting over Greensand Ridge (V20) centre left. 2779 Clophill Road, Maulden: Landscape & Visual Impact Assessment  Rosetta Landscape Design 2017

Photo 13:

View east along Greensand Ridge Way (MAL18A) showing part of woodland plantation V20 left and centre. Buildings within Old Farm complex can be seen in middle distance centre right.

Photo 14:
View west along Greensand Ridge Way showing point at which path enters dense woodland

Photo 15:

View east along Greensand Ridge Way showing point at which path enters dense woodland. 

2779 Clophill Road, Maulden: Landscape & Visual Impact Assessment  Rosetta Landscape Design 2017

Photo 16: View north from cul de sac serving Redhills Close showing ornamental planting V5 in front of these dwellings in centre with roadside hedge V3 beyond (on left).

Photo 17: View east along Clophills Road showing recently-completed dwelling No.33 on left (R9) and mature hedge V4 centre right

Photo 18: View west from western boundary of proposed development site towards industrial buildings (R8). Mature hedge lines V4 and V14 can be seen on left and extreme right respectively. 2779 Clophill Road, Maulden: Landscape & Visual Impact Assessment  Rosetta Landscape Design 2017

Photo 19: Panoramic view of study site looking north from Clophills Road directly opposite farm track. Hedges V4, V2 and V3 can be seen on extreme left, centre left and right respectively with avenue of recently-planted trees (V1) in centre.

Photo 20: Panoramic view of study site looking south from public footpath MAL3C. Planting along Green End on extreme left, roofs of dwellings on Clophill Road beyond hedge V3 (centre left) and dwellings within the Old Farm complex on extreme right (together with garden vegetation groups V15-17) Appendix D

NATURAL ENGLAND NCA 90: BEDFORDSHIRE GREENSAND RIDGE

National Character 90. Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

www.naturalengland.org.uk

1 National Character 90. Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Introduction National Character Areas map

As part of Natural England’s responsibilities as set out in the Natural Environment 1 2 3 White Paper , Biodiversity 2020 and the European Landscape Convention , we are North revising profiles for England’s 159 National Character Areas (NCAs). These are areas East that share similar landscape characteristics, and which follow natural lines in the landscape rather than administrative boundaries, making them a good decision- Yorkshire making framework for the natural environment. & The North Humber NCA profiles are guidance documents which can help communities to inform their West decision-making about the places that they live in and care for. The information they contain will support the planning of conservation initiatives at a landscape East scale, inform the delivery of Nature Improvement Areas and encourage broader Midlands partnership working through Local Nature Partnerships. The profiles will also help West Midlands to inform choices about how land is managed and can change. East of England Each profile includes a description of the natural and cultural features that shape our landscapes, how the landscape has changed over time, the current key London drivers for ongoing change, and a broad analysis of each area’s characteristics and ecosystem services. Statements of Environmental Opportunity (SEOs) are South East suggested, which draw on this integrated information. The SEOs offer guidance South West on the critical issues, which could help to achieve sustainable growth and a more secure environmental future.

NCA profiles are working documents which draw on current evidence and knowledge. We will aim to refresh and update them periodically as new 1 The Natural Choice: Securing the Value of Nature, Defra information becomes available to us. (2011; URL: www.official-documents.gov.uk/document/cm80/8082/8082.pdf) 2 Biodiversity 2020: A Strategy for England’s Wildlife and Ecosystem Services, Defra We would like to hear how useful the NCA profiles are to you. You can contact the (2011; URL: www.defra.gov.uk/publications/files/pb13583-biodiversity-strategy-2020-111111.pdf) NCA team by emailing [email protected] 3 European Landscape Convention, Council of Europe (2000; URL: http://conventions.coe.int/Treaty/en/Treaties/Html/176.htm)

2 National Character 90. Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Summary

The Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge National Character Area (NCA) is a narrow The main pressures on the NCA are (or would result from) development, use of ridge running north-east, south-west, rising out of – and entirely surrounded bland, non-local materials, increased congestion and increased traffic noise and by – the Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Claylands NCA. It is a distinctive light pollution. ridge with a north-west-facing scarp slope, formed by the underlying sandstone geology which has shaped the landscape and industry of the Ridge. Its historic landscapes, including the farmland, parklands and historic architecture, combined with small settlements, greenbelt and woodlands ancient and modern, give parts of the NCA a more timeless feel than the Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Claylands which surround it.

There is a patchwork of semi-natural habitats throughout the NCA, including flood plain grazing marshes, lowland heathland and meadows and mixed deciduous woodland.

The north-west-facing scarp slope, with its mix of coniferous and deciduous woodland, pasture, arable and heathland, overlooks Milton Keynes and the Marston Vale, forming a significant landscape feature from a distance. There are a number of fine panoramic views over the surrounding landscape. Food, timber and biomass provision on the Ridge are regionally important, and the Ridge is nationally important for recreation: Woburn Abbey and its associated safari and deer parks are well known and attract visitors from far and wide, as do other houses and estates along the Ridge – Haynes, Shuttleworth, Sandy Lodge and Southill. The historic houses, both great and small, with their vernacular architecture, are of significance.

Click map to enlarge; click again to reduce.

3 National Character 90. Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Statements of Environmental Opportunity

 SEO 1: Protect, manage and enhance the historic landscape and its wealth of sites of heritage interest, including the remnant ridge and furrow, iron- age hill forts, designed parklands and associated country houses, estate villages, farmsteads and houses using traditional building material, for their contribution to landscape character and as a recreational and educational resource.

 SEO 2: Manage the agricultural and woodland resource and priority habitats for the benefit of biodiversity, landscape character and the economy.

 SEO 3: Protect the Ridge’s aquifer, the river valley landscape of the Flit, Ivel and Ouzel to benefit biodiversity, prevent soil erosion, improve river flow and quality, support pollinators and protect and enhance wildlife and recreational corridors.

 SEO 4: Promote and protect the distinct character and geodiversity of the Greensand Ridge landscape, with its prominent sandstone ridgeline rising from the surrounding low-lying vales; protect the long open views and high levels of tranquillity to ensure continued enjoyment of the landscape and plan for the sustainable extraction and restoration of sites associated with the distinctive geology.

Haynes Park Mansion.

4 National Character 90. Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Description

Physical and functional links to other National Character Areas

The Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge National Character Area (NCA) is entirely surrounded by the Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Claylands NCA. The dominant and highly visible north-west-facing scarp slope with its mix of coniferous and deciduous woodland, pasture, arable and heathland overlooks Milton Keynes and the Marston Vale; the ridge offers fine panoramic views out over the surrounding landscape, including reciprocal views of and from the Chilterns to the south. The undulating dip slope is relatively gentle with shallow dry valleys generally sloping southwards. It is View from the Ridge to the Claylands. the marked contrast between this island of Greensand and the encircling Clayland vales and low hills over which it rises that makes the area both attractive and distinctive within the wider setting. NCA and connects all the NCAs between London and Birmingham; this is also The porous nature of the Woburn Sands, a major constituent of the Lower an important route for walkers and cyclists. Greensand Group, makes it an important aquifer supplying potable water and water to agriculture and industry to both this and nearby NCAs. The rivers The Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge NCA is bisected by the East Coast Main Line Flit and Ouzel rise in the Chilterns, the Ivel in the East Anglian Chalk; all pass railway with trains running between London and Peterborough stopping at through the periphery of the area to join the Great Ouse, including drainage Sandy; the Midland Mainline via Bedford to London St Pancras runs through from the north-west-facing escarpment in the middle of the NCA which flows the NCA with a station at Flitwick, and the West Coast Main Line nips the to the Elstow Brook. Although much straightening and deepening has been western extremity of the NCA with London Midland trains stopping at Leighton carried out, there are still traditional flood meadows, acid mires and wet Buzzard. The M1 motorway runs through the Ridge, with junctions just north woodland in the valley floors which form corridors of riparian habitat linking and south of it, with the A1 cutting through near Sandy. The A6 runs north– the Greensand Ridge and the Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Claylands south through and from Bedford and Luton, with the A5 cutting through the NCAs. The Flit largely forms the southern boundary of the NCA. There is much south-west between Dunstable and Milton Keynes. The western end of the boating activity on the Grand Union Canal which cuts through the west of the NCA is part of the greenbelt around Luton.

5 National Character 90. Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Key characteristics

■ Narrow escarpment resulting from the erosion-resistant sediments of ■ The Ridge is dissected by the rivers Ouzel and Ivel, which have carved the Lower Greensand Group, with a distinct scarp slope to the north- distinct valleys with riparian habitats, and it is partially bounded to the west and dip slope to the south-east. south by the River Flit. Springs arising from the Ridge support important wetland habitats, including acid mire and wet woodland. ■ The rolling and elevated Ridge provides a north-west-facing wooded skyline offering extensive panoramic views across the lower-lying ■ Visible heritage of iron-age banks and ditches at Kings Wood and Glebe Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Claylands and towards the Chilterns. Meadows, Houghton Conquest Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and iron-age hill fort remains at Sandy. Remnant ridge and furrow at Hockliffe ■ Well-drained acidic sandy soils are capped in places with drift deposits of and Potsgrove. Historic parklands and estates associated with grand Boulder Clay. Sand and gravel deposits are present in the Ouzel valley, and country houses such as Woburn. there are deposits of peat in the Flit valley between Flitwick and Clophill. ■ Dispersed settlement pattern along the Greensand Ridge, with the ■ Substantial blocks of ancient woodland and coniferous plantation are majority of towns and villages lying along the river valleys and southern found on the Ridge and steeper slopes. Wood pasture and numerous dip slopes. Estate villages, houses and farmsteads use local building hedgerow trees, copses and shelterbelts are associated with the estate materials including clay brick and tile, locally quarried brown ironstone, farmland and parkland trees. thatch and render. Several of the villages (including Southill, Woburn and Old Warden) are estate villages and have their own distinct styles. ■ Mixed field and roadside boundaries range from mature shelterbelts to gappy, short flailed boundaries to intact evergreen hedgerows. ■ Major communications infrastructure includes the Sandy Heath Commercial arable cropping within a network of large geometric fields transmitter. Road and rail links cut north–south through the Ridge. is associated with the better soils on the dip slope.

■ A patchwork of semi-natural habitats including mire habitats, lowland heathland and lowland mixed deciduous woodland species, including coppiced hazel which is important for dormice at Maulden Wood. Adders are particularly associated with heathland areas of the Ridge. The mire habitats are notable for their invertebrate interest, especially in terms of beetles.

6 National Character 90. Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge today On acidic soils, the ancient woods are characterised by sessile oak and birch with a diverse understory of holly and rowan and small-leaved lime, bracken and bluebells. Numerous rare species of fungi are found. Woodlands The Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge NCA stretches between Leighton Buzzard on the heavier clays are characterised by pedunculate oak and ash with an and Gamlingay; it is entirely surrounded by the Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire understory of field maple, hazel and dogwood. Mistletoe occurs on a number Claylands NCA and is a dominant feature that rises above its surroundings. Its of trees and hedgerows near woods at Houghton and Ampthill. tree cover creates a distinct contrast to the surrounding open arable land. The undulating dip slope is a mix of arable land and estate parklands, villages and woodlands, giving the impression of a carefully tended landscape.

Agriculture is important on the Ridge, with cereals and vegetables grown on the lower slopes. Cereal growth accounts for nearly 40 per cent of the agricultural area. The most numerous livestock are sheep.

Much of the Ridge has acidic, free-draining soils which are less fertile than the surrounding Claylands and historically suitable for hunting estates of heath and mixed woodland. In the more fertile river valleys there is some pasture and market gardening. A variety of sand types occur here, including a pure ‘silver sand’ quarried especially around Heath and Reach, which is both important and famous for glass-making. Fuller’s earth has been worked from large quarries at Woburn Sands and Clophill.

The scarp slope has extensive woodland cover with areas of heath and pasture; the dip slope has a mixture of arable and wooded land. Ancient semi-natural woodlands occur largely on the Boulder Clay; woodland areas on the sand have been planted with conifers or sweet chestnut. The Forest of Marston Vale, one of 12 Community Forests across England, aims to increase woodland cover to 30 per cent by 2031; it covers 2,178 ha (8 per cent) of the NCA. The Ridge is valuable for fauna such as adders.

7 National Character 90. Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Wood pasture and parkland are characteristic of the estates, with extensive The River Ivel breaches the Ridge west of Sandy. The course of the River Flit areas of grassland especially rich in old trees supporting many species forms a dominant valley through the Lower Greensand, flowing through a including beetles and bats. Flitwick Moor SSSI is one of the most important wet landscape of paddocks, pasture and arable fields and helping to define the woodland sites in south-east England. Wet woodlands are found in the river southern boundary. The dip slope is drained by a series of streams which flow valleys and around springs, providing shady conditions for fungi and liverwort southwards to join the rivers Flit and Ivel. The Ridge is an aquifer and significant species. The rare black poplar also grows here. groundwater abstraction takes place both within the NCA and beyond its boundaries. There are many springs – notably the Boiling Pot at Lidlington The Ridge is important for species including adders, woodlarks, natterjack where the water bubbles up rather than simply rises; this water flows into the E toads and specialised mere plants. The scarp and upper ridge have poor quality lstow Brook catchment. The Ouzel and Flit valleys have flood meadows which acidic soils. Here, there are important heath habitats, some of significant are grazed in summer. wildlife value. The Ridge supports a mixed agriculture with cereals and some vegetables grown on the lower slopes of the dip slope. The area has a varied field pattern and a high proportion of woodland cover. In some places it is comparable with the large agricultural field pattern of the adjacent Claylands; however, the landscape character of old is retained in pockets associated with the estates where the pattern of mixed hedgerows with standard oaks survives.

The historic fields, settlements and buildings display distinctive patterns of historical land use. Iron-age remains, such as the hill forts at Sandy Lodge, demonstrate the strategic importance of the gap where the River Ivel cuts the Ridge. The long development of the agricultural holdings in the area is evident in the uniform distribution of surviving pre-18th-century, potentially medieval, irregular enclosures, and most dominant are the more regular thorn- hedged enclosures laid out by the major estates in the late 18th and 19th centuries. There are important examples of ridge and furrow at Hockliffe and Potsgrove. The Grand Union Canal cuts through the very south-west of the NCA. A concentration of vernacular historic houses, parks and gardens has had a considerable influence on the character of the area and on settlement patterns. With country houses and parkland estates, including Woburn, Haynes, Shuttleworth, Sandy Lodge and Southill, the Ridge boasts a higher Capbility Brown planting in Ampthill Park. percentage of historic parklands than any other NCA.

8 National Character 90. Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

The Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge has a dispersed settlement pattern. The The landscape through time settlements are restricted to small groups. Movement between settlements along the Ridge involves a series of narrow winding roads and sunken lanes, The Lower Greensand Group, including the Woburn Sands, was laid down in often with rough verges of bracken. shallow tropical straits between two landmasses 124–112 million years ago during the Cretaceous Period. In some places, ash deposits from volcanoes The major towns in the area (Leighton Buzzard and Sandy) are generally located active in north-west Europe at this time have subsequently been altered to towards the edge of the escarpment. Ampthill, however, although it has become what are now localised patches of fuller’s earth found at Woburn effectively merged with Flitwick to the south, sits in the middle of the area Sands village and Clophill. Subsequently, Gault Clay and Chalk were deposited behind the Ridge, adjoining Ampthill Great Park. on top of the Woburn Sands with the whole succession then tilted and eroded to create the scarps and vales of the Greensand Ridge that are such a feature of Many older buildings are constructed from distinctive local stone. The the Bedfordshire landscape today. varied traditional building materials include brick, thatch and sandstone, including occasional dark brown ironstone – the latter being found in the Locally extensive glacial clay deposits and associated sands and gravels overlie churches around Ampthill. The combination of ironstone and green or orange the Cretaceous rocks. These sediments were deposited during the Anglian sandstones in buildings such as churches is unique. Locations with more glaciation (approximately 290,000 years ago) when the area was covered by an diluted ‘Greensand’ character correspond to pockets of chalky Boulder Clay ice sheet from the north. The area was not covered by ice sheets of later (glacial till) which overlie the sandstone. glaciations but was affected by the fluctuating interglacial (temperate) and glacial (tundra-like) climate, the latter leading to extreme periglacial erosion. Recreation is important here. In addition to the major attractions of Woburn Alluvial sand and gravel were deposited in the Ouzel valley and peat deposits Abbey and its attendant deer and safari parks, horse riding is popular and there have subsequently been laid down in the Flit valley. are many pony paddocks across the Ridge. The wooded Greensand Ridge Walk is increasingly popular and the Grand Union Canal is used for boating, walking The well-drained soils of the Greensand Ridge led to it being extensively settled and cycling. The Lodge (now the UK headquarters of the Royal Society for the and cleared of much of its tree cover early in Neolithic times. There is evidence Preservation of Birds (RSPB)), Shuttleworth and Rushmere Country Park are also of bronze-age activity near Flitwick and of iron-age hill forts at Sandy, popular recreational facilities. A new Centre Parc is opening in 2014. Wavendon and Heath and Reach.

Roman settlement was extensive, with small towns attached to the major Roman roads passing through the area at Sandy and south of Milton Keynes, and a wider pattern of small farming settlements and villas (for example, Shefford). Roman finds have been made in the Haynes and Flitwick areas while the present-day A5 follows the line of the Roman Watling Street.

9 National Character 90. Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

The medieval period, when less valuable land was often given to the Church Agricultural advances in the 18th and 19th centuries meant that the extensive for the establishment of ecclesiastical houses, saw the creation of monastic grazing of open heaths ceased to be a key element of the local farming institutions including large Cistercian abbeys at Warden and Woburn and economy. With developments in fertiliser application and irrigation, many of smaller priories at Chicksands, Beadlow and Millbrook. These institutions the areas of light sandy soil became productive arable land. Other areas were controlled a large proportion of the farmland and heaths, managing woodland planted with conifers; the extensive plantations at Wavendon, Aspley and (eight great oaks were sent from Chicksands for the construction of the lantern Millbrook were all previously heathland. There are still some relatively at Ely Cathedral), grazing sheep and developing extensive warrens because extensive areas of grassland. Market gardening developed on the peats of the the sandy infertile soils were not well suited to arable agriculture. There are Flit valley while summer grazing of flood meadows still continues in the Ouzel traces of ridge and furrow and old field systems, including important earth and Flit valleys. banks marking ownership boundaries, within areas that have since been wooded for centuries. Nationally important remnant ridge and furrow survives at Hockliffe and Potsgrove.

After the Dissolution of the Monasteries, these lands became the estates of the aristocracy – the remains of such estates, with their large houses and parkland, remain a feature of the Greensand Ridge; there are parkland remains at Woburn, Old Warden/Shuttleworth, Ampthill – where Catherine of Aragon was imprisoned – and Southill, with small remnants at places like Battlesden and Stockgrove. Estates have strongly influenced the architecture of farmsteads, villages and towns. The Dukes of Bedford rebuilt Woburn Abbey in 1747–61 in the classical style. Part of the project was the relocation of the village of Woburn which today retains a distinctively complete and elegant Georgian high street. At Old Warden, the houses and village are of Victorian vintage. A model village was created by Lord Onslow with spacious thatched cottages in various architectural styles. The associated Shuttleworth House is of Italianate style. The estate also contains the Swiss Garden. A number of the remaining settlements contain attractive brick Georgian homes, for example those at Ampthill.

Agricultural buildings are now finding a new lease of life.

10 National Character 90. Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Horticulture, based on the light and fertile soils of the Ivel valley, developed Modern alterations to the pattern of fields take two competing forms. Boundary in the later 19th century and remained a major element of the landscape loss resulting in the expansion of arable fields is widespread across the dip slopes until the late 20th century. Dairy farming was an important component of and on parts of the northern scarp, and is most noticeable within the corridors farming on the dip slopes and river valley pastures into the early 20th century. of the A5/M1 and A1 where traditional patterns are also disrupted by roads. Conversely, the area also exhibits much post-1950s enclosure – mainly small Traditional coppice management of ancient woodlands had all but subdivisions of pasture for paddocks and stabling, which is widespread but more disappeared by the early part of the 20th century; some were grubbed out concentrated around the larger villages and towns. and turned over to arable crop production while others were planted with conifers. The Bedford Estate has an active forestry section but generally the More recent development has also shaped the area with a regional transmitter poor economics of forestry does not lead to high levels of activity. mast at Sandy Heath, several major national road routes which cut north– south through the Ridge, including the A6, M1 and A5 roads, and three Some of the estates, for example Southill, owned by the Whitbread family, mainline railways. Historic market towns and villages provide popular have retained their traditional form. In others, opportunities for tourism have dormitory settlements for commuters and there has been some settlement been developed, for instance at Woburn with its safari and deer parks. expansion. The presence of rich gravelly alluvial soils has led to the Specialist users have also arisen, for example at Sandy Lodge, where the RSPB development of market gardening, with areas of glasshouses, along the has its headquarters, and the internationally famous Woburn golf course set River Ivel. There is also a series of past and current gravel pits, with old sites amid the pine trees. generally being restored as water bodies. The presence of the purer quality sands has led to extensive quarrying at Heath and Reach, exposing significant The influence of the estate owners has restricted the size of local settlements geological sites. and controlled 20th-century development; however, the proximity of the area to major communications routes has led to the expansion of settlements There will inevitably be pressure for this area to accommodate further around all the towns and most of the former village nucleations. development growth with consequential impact on its predominantly quiet rural character.

11 National Character 90. Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Ecosystem services

The Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge NCA provides a wide range of benefits to society. Each is derived from the attributes and processes (both natural and cultural features) within the area. These benefits are known collectively as ‘ecosystem services’. The predominant services are summarised below. Further information on ecosystem services provided in the Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge NCA is contained in the ‘Analysis’ section of this document.

Provisioning services (food, fibre and water supply) ■ Food provision: The Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge NCA supports a mixed agriculture. Commercial quantities of cereals, along with some vegetables, are grown on the lower slopes. There is no major meat production here although there used to be lamb production. Some venison from the Woburn deer park is sold but it is not marketed in a big way. Some very small areas of market gardening survive around the village of Northill.

■ Timber provision: The Bedford Estate and Forestry Commission land here is commercial but otherwise the woodlands of the Ridge are mainly managed for conservation. Most of the commercial forestry takes place near Clophill and Chicksands, at Maulden Wood, Wilstead Wood, Chicksands Wood, Pedley Wood and Rowney Warren.

■ Biomass energy: There is currently significant biomass provision – wood chip and similar products – from the Bedford Estate (Woburn) and elsewhere, with local markets.

■ Water availability: The Ridge is an aquifer and significant groundwater Coopers Hill, Ampthill, is easy to get to and very popular. abstraction takes place both within the NCA and beyond its boundaries.

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Regulating services (water purification, air quality maintenance and ■ Sense of history: There is a strong sense of history throughout the Ridge climate regulation) landscape, arising from the presence of the hill forts at Sandy to the buildings ■ Soil quality: Most of the non-arable land is of low quality and supports pastoral and parklands of estates such as Woburn Abbey. This was originally a agriculture. Areas under woodland or permanent vegetation result in stability Cistercian abbey, founded in 1145 and later developed to include a deer park. in soil quality and increases in organic material and soil fauna. It was substantially renovated after the Second World War and is now open to the public. There are several parklands designed by ‘Capability’ Brown, ■ Soil erosion: Preventing soil erosion would greatly benefit food production including the one at Ampthill Park which was designed for the Earl of Upper and would also help semi-natural wetland habitats in the areas which are Ossory in the 1770s. sensitive to sediment run-off. Keeping soil on the land and out of the water is an important measure that helps to improve biodiversity and the ecological ■ Tranquillity: There are tranquil areas away from transport corridors, especially status of rivers and streams; this is a requirement of the EU Water Framework outside the main tourist season and along the Greensand Ridge Walk. The Directive. wooded and undisturbed character gives pockets of isolation and remoteness.

Cultural services (inspiration, education and wellbeing) ■ Recreation: Many areas of the NCA are used for leisure, especially Ampthill ■ Sense of place/inspiration: The marked contrast between this island of Park, Maulden Wood and Cooper’s Hill (a Wildlife Trust site) which are easily Greensand and the encircling Clayland vales and low hills it rises above makes accessible. Woburn’s safari park is a major draw and its deer park, at 1,200 ha, this area distinctive within the wider regional setting. Its largely intimate rural is one of the largest private conservation parks in Europe, surrounded by an 11 character, mosaic of semi-natural habitats and dominant ridge with its wooded km-long wall. Rushmere Country Park, with its picnic facilities and walks, is a skyline give the Greensand Ridge a unique sense of place. There are views over major attraction. The Greensand Ridge Walk is increasingly popular. The Grand the surrounding Claylands and across to the Chilterns. Union Canal at the western end of the NCA is a key recreation feature for both walking and boating. At its eastern end, the grounds of the RSPB’s headquarters The local stone building materials and the nucleated settlement pattern in rural at Sandy are very popular with birdwatchers and other wildlife enthusiasts. areas contribute to the rural character of the whole area, and the numerous historic parklands with their grand houses are a major factor in the Ridge’s ■ Biodiversity: Ancient, semi-natural woodland is found on a mix of soil types sense of place. The ruin of Houghton House, just outside Ampthill, which ranging from heavy, poorly drained clays to acid well drained soils associated provides a prominent landmark, is reported to be the inspiration for the ‘House with the Lower Greensand. Beautiful’ in John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress.

13 National Character 90. Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

The lowland heathland, typified by heather and wavy hair grass, supports a characteristic mix of species, which along the Ridge include notables such as the natterjack toad, nightjar, adder and proliferous pink. Open sandy areas provide excellent conditions for a range of specialised invertebrates, especially bees, wasps and spiders.

Lowland acid grassland is characterised by fine-leaved grasses such as fescues and bents, with a range of plants such as tormentil, heath bedstraw, shepherd’s cress and clovers. Bryophytes, rare and/or scarce macrofungi and lichens are a special feature. Common blue and small copper butterflies can be abundant and there are records for bugs such as the bishop’s mitre shield bug. Some of the best remaining areas of acid grassland in the county are at places such as Ampthill Park and Woburn Park.

■ Geodiversity: The landform created by the resistant geology of the Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge distinguishes it from the surrounding Claylands. Building stone quarried here characterises the local landscape, and fuller’s earth and sand for glass-making are quarried here. The aquifer created by the porous sandstone is important both within and outside the Ridge. The famous Shenley Limestone is highly fossiliferous.

Cross-stratified sandstone at The Lodge, Sandy.

14 National Character 90. Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Statements of Environmental Opportunity

SEO 1: Protect, manage and enhance the historic landscape and its wealth of sites of heritage interest, including the remnant ridge and furrow, iron-age hill forts, designed parklands and associated country houses, estate villages, farmsteads and houses using traditional building material, for their contribution to landscape character and as a recreational and educational resource.

For example, by: ■ Conserving historic buildings and structures using traditional techniques ■ Preserving settlement character, including listed buildings and Arts and and vernacular materials. Crafts architecture, promoting the use of local vernacular and traditional ■ Protecting the area’s distinctive estate villages from development – access building materials in restored features, new buildings and highway to major commuting routes has led to the expansion of most of the larger schemes, including the use of stock bricks, clay tiles and selective use of villages and towns within and adjacent to the Greensand Ridge. This trend Greensand in churches and boundary walls. is changing the intrinsic character of many of the historic settlements. ■ Promoting awareness of and mitigation of potential impacts of larger ■ Maintaining historic features associated with parklands, including access recreational/tourism facilities (for example, Woburn Safari Park routes, traditional walls and bridges, railings, fencing, woodland, veteran Shuttleworth Collection and proposed Center Parcs) that may increase trees, wood pasture, hedging and shelterbelts. pressures on the local landscape. ■ Promoting sustainable access to the Greensand Ridge to users of the ■ Conserving remaining areas of ridge and furrow through agri- Grand Union Canal. environment agreements. ■ Promoting the importance of the historic estate landscapes along the ■ Conserving and interpreting the remains of bronze-age hill forts by Greensand Ridge through enhanced interpretation for education and preventing them from becoming overgrown, or clearing overgrowth recreation. where this has already happened, so that they can be clearly seen and ■ Protecting and maintaining historic farm buildings, both through reuse their original layout understood. in the planning system and by encouraging uptake of agri-environment ■ Minimising the visitor pressure on iron-age banks and ditches by limiting schemes, to ensure that they maintain their historic character. visitor numbers through permissive (rather than open) access. ■ Promoting, as appropriate, the reinstatement of areas of former parkland ■ Recognising the high potential for archaeological remains in this area. where these have been converted to arable and restoring areas which are in decline. Managing these areas with livestock where possible, focusing on areas where original parkland trees survive.

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SEO 2: Manage the agricultural and woodland resource and priority habitats for the benefit of biodiversity, landscape character and the economy.

For example, by: ■ Promoting sustainable and water-friendly agriculture and minimising ■ Promoting Environmental Stewardship to deliver maintenance, restoration run-off containing agricultural chemicals (fertilisers, pesticides) as well and re-creation of semi-natural habitats such as acid grassland as well as as managing the soils to keep them on the field and to sequester CO2 to arable options for farmland birds and farmland wildlife. mitigate climate change. ■ Reinstating and restoring hedgerow features, where possible reflecting ■ Promoting limited use of the landscape for root crops and free range pigs on historic pre-enclosure boundaries, expanding outwards from areas of more lighter soils where soil erosion is a problem. intact condition. ■ Promoting greater take-up of woodland grant schemes and encouraging ■ Ensuring that steeper scarp slopes are retained predominantly for pasture a reduction in the proportion of conifers in favour of indigenous and woodland so as to maintain traditional patterns and protect from soil broadleaves. Managing broadleaved areas with an emphasis on sustainable erosion. practices (for example, coppicing of sweet chestnut, as found on the ■ Protecting, enhancing and linking priority habitats, including heathland, acid Woburn Estate, and hazel) and retaining conifer content as a characteristic grassland, acid mires and woodland, and creating and expanding buffer feature of the ridgeline. zones for birds, especially nightjars and woodlarks. ■ Creating new woodlands, especially within the Forest of Marston Vale, and ■ Enhancing and expanding suitable conditions for dormice at Maulden. managing existing ones using traditional methods including coppicing, ■ Enhancing and expanding suitable conditions for adders at three isolated and extending and linking these with ancient woodland sites and smaller locations across the Ridge. woodland blocks in valleys, while maintaining the landscape character ■ Encouraging the sensitive generation of alternative energy by promoting without creating excessive visual enclosure. the scope for biomass crops of small-scale short rotation coppice and ■ Promoting sustainable new uses and viable markets for private woodlands to miscanthus, on arable sections of the dip slopes reflecting existing field bring them back into management and enhance their environmental value. patterns. ■ Protecting the peats of the Flit valley. ■ Creating and reinstating areas of heathland habitat through appropriate land management methods including clearance of coniferous woodland and scrub on poorer soils which are developing acidic plant and animal communities.

16 National Character 90. Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

SEO 3: Protect the Ridge’s aquifer, the river valley landscape of the Flit, Ivel and Ouzel to benefit biodiversity, prevent soil erosion, improve river flow and quality, support pollinators and protect and enhance wildlife and recreational corridors.

For example, by: ■ Protecting the aquifer from pollution and over-extraction. ■ Reinstating flood meadow pasture to allow for seasonal high water levels and summer grazing and to support its associated species and assemblages. ■ Enhancing and expanding suitable conditions for wetland species including natterjack toad, sedges, lower plants including liverworts, and fungi. ■ Enhancing river corridors by planting wet woodland, including native willow, poplar and alder. ■ Working with partners to ensure that water abstraction has the minimum impact on designated wetland habitat, minimising its effect on biodiversity and water quality. ■ Maintaining input, where possible, from springs. ■ Seeking opportunities to reinstate arable land to pasture, particularly in association with rivers and settlement edges. ■ Increasing the current flood storage capacity by creating or increasing areas of flood plain grazing marsh reedbeds, concentrating on areas at risk. ■ Enhancing and protecting biodiversity and the ecological status of rivers and streams to enable EU Water Framework Directive objectives to be achieved. ■ Preventing the introduction and spread of non-native invasive species (plants and animals) that have an adverse impact on river life biodiversity and ecological status. The River Flit at Clophill.

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SEO 4: Promote and protect the distinct character and geodiversity of the Greensand Ridge landscape, with its prominent sandstone ridgeline rising from the surrounding low-lying vales; protect the long open views and high levels of tranquillity to ensure continued enjoyment of the landscape and plan for the sustainable extraction and restoration of sites associated with the distinctive geology.

For example, by: ■ Identifying and conserving key geological features, including quarry ■ Working to agree restoration plans and management agreements exposures of Greensand and Gault (for example, Double Arches Pit SSSI between landowners, operators and the Minerals Planning Authority and Nine Acres Pit SSSI). for existing and former extraction and quarry sites that demonstrate ■ Preserving exposures of the local stratigraphy for research and education geological, landscape, biodiversity and public access benefits, including as well as for their aesthetic value those where extraction of nationally scare minerals such as fuller’s earth ■ Demonstrating the history of mineral extraction within the NCA, for has taken place. building stone, high-quality sands and fuller’s earth. ■ Promoting the importance of smaller-scale locally distinctive features ■ Creating and promoting interpretation of, and access to, geological such as acidic mires, that are a feature of the local geology. features and assets of the area, highlighting links to other interests including historic earthworks, local building materials, distinctive habitats, flora and fauna.

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Additional opportunity

1. Manage and plan for the recreational use of the area by putting in place multifunctional green infrastructure networks and green space provision which respects intrinsic character and provides enhanced access and connections for people and wildlife.

For example, by: ■ Creating, promoting and improving interpretation of existing rights of ■ Ensuring that liaison and understanding are maintained with major way and strategic facilities (for example, the Greensand Ridge Walk), landowners to balance the pressures of public access with private providing new and enhanced connections to strategic routes from ownership interests. adjacent settlements and increasing promotion of health walk initiatives. ■ Promoting the creation of new green infrastructure, including quality ■ Providing enhanced sustainable access for longer journeys and green space provision for existing and new populations to meet any local promoting the use of buses and trains. short falls in resource. ■ Creating new access links within and between existing local communities ■ Identifying remaining tranquil areas and safeguarding them from further and amenities, and creating natural public green space in areas of need as intrusive developments and activities. identified in Natural England access maps. ■ Creating access to the wider countryside for the benefits that would bring ■ Seeking opportunities to increase public access along river corridors. for the public using this access. ■ Reviewing adequacy and management of existing parking areas ■ Linking green infrastructure for the benefit of visitors as well as species. providing access to the countryside. ■ Ensuring that formal sports facilities (for example, golf courses) are created and managed to respect and emphasise local landscape character and create/maintain public access opportunities.

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Supporting document 1: Key facts and data Area of Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge National Character Area (NCA): 27,337 ha 1. Landscape and nature conservation designations There are 123 Local sites in Bedfordshire and Greensand Ridge NCA covering 3,953 ha which is 14 per cent of the NCA. Source: Natural England (2011) There are no National Parks or Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in this NCA. Management plans for the protected landscapes can be found at: ■ Details of individual Sites of Special Scientific Interest can be searched at: Source: Natural England (2011) http://www.sssi.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/sssi/search.cfm ■ Details of Local Nature Reserves (LNR) can be searched at: 1.1 Designated nature conservation sites http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_search.asp ■ Maps showing locations of Statutory sites can be found at: http://magic.Defra.gov.uk/website/magic/ – select ‘Rural Designations The NCA includes the following statutory nature conservation designations: Statutory’ Area % of Tier Designation Name (ha) NCA 1.1.1 Condition of designated sites International N/A N/A 0 0 Percentage of NCA European Special Protection N/A 0 0 SSSI condition category Area (ha) SSSI resource Area (SPA) Unfavourable declining 7 1 Special Area of N/A 0 0 Favourable 420 65 Conservation (SAC) Unfavourable no change 28 4 National National Nature Kings Wood 62 <1 Reserve (NNR) Unfavourable recovering 191 30 Site of Special A total of 16 sites 646 2 Source: Natural England (March 2011) Scientific Interest (SSSI) wholly or partly within the NCA ■ Details of SSSI condition can be searched at: Source: Natural England (2011) http://www.sssi.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/sssi/reportIndex.cfm

Please note: (i) Designated areas may overlap (ii) all figures are cut to Mean High Water Line, designations that span coastal areas/views below this line will not be included.

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2. Landform, geology and soils The scarp slope of the Greensand Ridge is a significant landscape feature facing north over Milton Keynes and the Marston Vale. The dip slope is relatively gentle 2.1 Elevation with the shallow undulations of dry valleys generally sloping southwards. The The Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge is a large scale elevated landscape providing Greensand Ridge provides a strong contrast with the clay vales either side and extensive views across the surrounding Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire supports woodland, pasture and mixed arable farmland. Claylands. The lowest points are found in the valleys at around 20 m, the highest Source: Bedfordshire and Greensand Ridge Countryside Character Area Description; Greensand Ridge Natural Area Profile in the south west near Leighton Buzzard at over 150 m with a gentle drop towards Gamlingay in the north-east. 2.3 Bedrock geology Source: Natural England (2010) The Greensand Ridge is dominated by the sands and sandstones of the Lower Greensand Group, laid down in shallow tropical seas during the Cretaceous 2.2 Landform and process Period around 124-112 million years ago. These include a thin layer at the top, The sands and sandstone of the Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge were laid down in extraordinarily rich in fossil marine shell species, especially brachiopods - the shallow tropical seas in the Cretaceous Period. Deposition of volcanic ash at this famous Shenley Limestone. A shallow shelf was created, fringing the East Anglian time has given rise to localised patches of fuller’s earth (a clay mineral that has Massif to the north-east and areas of higher ground to the west. Known as the particular absorbent properties). ‘Bedfordshire Straits’, this shelf linked seas to the north and south. Repeated marine flooding from the north deposited the marine Lower Greensand Group. Tilting during the Alpine Orogeny (mountain building period) followed by millions The layers of fuller’s earth found in the Greensand were formed when ash of years of erosion has given rise to the scarps and vales that are such a feature produced by a series of volcanic eruptions settled in the shallow waters of of this area of Bedfordshire as well as small areas of both Buckinghamshire and the sea that covered what is now central and southern England. Fuller’s earth Cambridgeshire. contains a clay mineral with particular absorbent properties. It has been quarried and used to extract the grease from sheep’s wool, a process called fulling, hence The ice ages of the last million years covered the area with ice sheets increasing the name. More recently, fuller’s earth is used for a variety of chemical processes. the erosion and leaving behind the glacial tills and boulder clay that still shroud the underlying greensand in many areas. The Greensand, being made up of more Source: Natural England (2010); Greensand Ridge Natural Area Profile; Bedfordshire and resistant sands, was not eroded as much as the surrounding softer clays and Greensand Ridge Countryside Character Area Description when the ice retreated, the Greensand Ridge was left as a prominent feature on the landscape.

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2.4 Superficial deposits for agriculture. These areas are highly distinctive of the area and many are of Extensive glacial clay deposits and associated sands and gravels overlie high biodiversity value. There are also areas of heavy, poorly-drained clay soils the Cretaceous rocks. These sediments were deposited during the Anglian where woodland can often be found. Where fertility is higher, for example in the glaciations (approximately 290,000 years ago) when the area was covered by an river valleys, some pasture land and limited market gardening takes place. ice sheet from the north. Source: Greensand Ridge Natural Area Profile; Bedfordshire and Greensand Ridge Countryside Character Area Description

In the Flit valley between Flitwick and Clophill there are extensive deposits of The main grades of agricultural land in the NCA are broken down as follows (as a peat that are important both agriculturally and for supporting biodiversity. proportion of total land area): Source: Greensand Ridge Natural Area Profile; Bedfordshire and Greensand Ridge Countryside Character Area Description Grade Area (ha) % of NCA Grade 1 609 2 2.5 Designated geological sites Grade 2 5,553 20 Grade 3 12,593 46 Tier Designation Number Grade 4 2,980 11 National Geological Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) 2 Grade 5 N/A N/A National Mixed Interest SSSI 0 Non-agricultural 4,186 15 Local Local Geological Sites 15 Urban 1,415 5 Source: Natural England (2011) Source: Natural England (2010)

■ Details of individual Sites of Special Scientific Interest can be searched at: ■ Maps showing locations of Statutory sites can be found at: http://www.sssi.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/sssi/search.cfm http://magic.Defra.gov.uk/website/magic/ – select ‘Landscape’ (shows ALC classification and 27 types of soils). 2.6 Soils and Agricultural Land Classification Much of the Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge is located on Cretaceous sands and sandstones, which give rise to acidic, nutrient poor, free draining soils. These are lower in fertility than the surrounding claylands. This has influenced the vegetation and agricultural activities of the area, making it more suitable for the establishment of hunting estates comprised of heath and mixed woodland than

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3. Key water bodies and catchments 4. Trees and woodlands

3.1 Major rivers/canals 4.1 Total woodland cover The following major rivers/canals (by length) have been identified in this NCA. The NCA contains 4,786 ha of woodland (17.5 per cent of the total area), of which 1,419 ha (5 per cent) is ancient woodland. The Forest of Marston Vale, one of twelve ■ River Flit 12 km Community Forests established to demonstrate the contribution of environmental ■ River Iver 5 km improvement to economic and social regeneration, covers 2,178 ha of this NCA, ■ River Ouzel 7 km which is 8 per cent. ■ River Lovat 7 km Source: Natural England (2010), Forestry Commission (2011) ■ Grand Union Canal 6 km Source: Natural England (2010) 4.2 Distribution and size of woodland and trees in the landscape The NCA has extensive woodland cover comprising ancient woodland, Please note: Other significant rivers (by volume) may also occur. These are not listed where the plantations, wet woodland and wood pasture and parkland. The north-west length within the NCA is short. facing scarp slope has a high proportion of woodland (both deciduous and coniferous) and areas of heath and pasture, producing a distinctive wooded 3.2 Water quality skyline with a strong sense of enclosure. On the dip-slope to the south-west The total area of Nitrate Vulnerable Zone is 27,337 ha, 100 per cent of the NCA. Source: Natural England (2010) there is a medium-sized arable and wooded landscape where areas of pasture intersperse arable and wooded land cover. 3.3 Water Framework Directive Ancient, semi-natural woodland is found on a range of soil types ranging from Maps are available from the Environment Agency showing current and projected heavy poorly drained clays to the acidic well drained soils associated with the future status of water bodies at: Lower Greensand. Some areas on the boulder clay have been planted up with conifers or sweet chestnut. Those ancient woods on acidic soils are characterised http://maps.environment-agency.gov.uk/wiyby/wiybyController?ep=maptopic by trees of sessile oak and birch with holly and rowan in the under storey s&lang=_e with the uncommon small-leaved lime. Bracken often dominates the ground vegetation which is characterised by bluebells and wood sorrel. The conditions are ideal for fungi and numerous rare species are found.

23 National Character 90. Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Woodlands on the heavier clays are characterised by pedunculate oak and ash Area and proportion of ancient woodland and planted ancient woodland within with an under storey of field maple, hazel and dogwood. The ground flora is typical the NCA. of poorly drained soils with species such as rushes and primrose characteristic. Mistletoe unusually occurs on a number of trees and hedgerows near woods at Type Area (ha) % of NCA Houghton and Ampthill. Ancient semi-natural woodland 1,419 5 Wood pasture and Parkland is characteristic of the area associated with the estates Planted Ancient Woodland (PAWS) 768 <1 especially on the eastern side of the ridge although most are remnants they have Source: Natural England (2004) extensive areas of grassland and are especially rich in old trees a habitat that supports many species from beetles to bats. 5. Boundary features and patterns

The NCA is home to one of the most important wet woodland sites in south-east 5.1 Boundary features England: Flitwick Moor Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Wet woodlands The NCA contains variable field and roadside boundaries ranging from mature are found within the river valleys and around spring-fed sites arising from shelterbelts to gappy, short flailed boundaries to intact evergreen hedges. the Greensand Ridge. Species characteristic here are alder, birch and willow, Source: Bedfordshire and Greensand Ridge Countryside Character Area description; providing shady conditions for fungi and liverwort species. The rare black poplar Countryside Quality Counts (2003) can also be found. Source: Greensand Ridge Natural Area Profile 5.2 Field patterns 4.3 Woodland types The dip slope of Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge features medium sized arable fields A statistical breakdown of the area and type of woodland found across the NCA and a wooded landscape. The removal of some of the hedges and hedgerow trees is detailed below. has taken place to create larger fields; however the area still remains distinctive from the surrounding lower lying Claylands. Area and proportion of different woodland types in the NCA (over 2 ha) Source: Bedfordshire and Greensand Ridge Countryside Character Area description; Countryside Quality Counts (2003)

Woodland type Area (ha) % of NCA Broadleaved 3,120 11 Coniferous 1,361 5 Mixed 52 <1 Other 253 1 Source: Forestry Commission (2011)

24 National Character 90. Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

6. Agriculture 6.4 Land use Land used for cereal production still accounts for 38 per cent of the agricultural area (5,317 ha), although this has declined by 22 per cent (1,509 ha) in the last The following data has been taken from the Agricultural Census linked to this NCA. decade. A similar proportion of land (36 per cent, 5,089 ha) is under grass or is uncropped. This has increased substantially (by 16 per cent, 711 ha) since 2000. Other changes include a decrease in the land under cash roots, an increase in 6.1 Farm type oilseeds and other arable crops. Almost half the farms in this area are arable (45 per cent), with the 30 cereal Source: Agricultural Census, Defra (2010) farms accounting for 30 per cent of all holdings. Livestock farming accounts for 21 per cent of holdings. Between 2000 and 2009 the number of farms has 6.5 Livestock numbers decreased by 6 per cent. Arable farms declined by 19 per cent and mixed farms by 12 per cent. Livestock grazing farms increased by 10 per cent from 58 in The most numerous livestock are the 13,900 sheep, which has increased by 10 2000 to 64 in 2009 and other types increased by 28 per cent from 61 to 78. per cent since 2000. Cattle numbers have remained relatively stable at 4,200. Source: Agricultural Census, Defra (2010) Pig numbers have declined dramatically, from 9,100 in 2000 to 1,600 in 2009. Source: Agricultural Census, Defra (2010) 6.2 Farm size Many of the farms are relatively small, with farms below 20 ha comprising 46 per cent of the total number of farms although these account for only 5 per 6.6 Farm labour cent of the agricultural land area. 73 per cent of the agricultural area is in 39 Over half of all farm labourers are farmers, their spouses and business partners, farms (19 per cent of the total) over 100 ha. There has been an overall reduction comprising 268 in total, although these have decreased by 38 in the last in the number of farms (19) in the last decade, the majority of which is among decade. The most substantial increase has been in part time workers (up by 22 farms smaller than 50 ha. to 67) and casual / gang workers (up by 28 to 55). Source: Agricultural Census, Defra (2010) Source: Agricultural Census, Defra (2010) 6.3 Farm ownership Please note: (i) Some of the Census data is estimated by Defra so will not be accurate for every 2009: Total farm area = 14,149 ha; owned land = 8,331 ha holding (ii) Data refers to Commercial Holdings only (iii) Data includes land outside of the 2000: Total farm area = 14,713 ha; owned land = 9,830 ha NCA belonging to holdings whose centre point is within the NCA listed. Source: Agricultural Census, Defra (2010)

25 National Character 90. Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

7. Key habitats and species scarce macro fungi and lichens can be a special feature. Common blue and small copper butterflies can be abundant and there are records for bugs such as the bishops mitre shield bug. Some of the best remaining areas of acid 7.1 Habitat distribution/coverage grassland in the county are at places such as Maulden Heath and Woburn Park. Arable land: Agriculturally improved pasture comprises a significant proportion of the habitats now present within the area which contain important features Acidic mire, floodplain grazing marsh and wet woodland: The acidic waters such as hedgerows and mature trees, ponds and small watercourses and rising from the Greensand aquifers supports a mix of different wetland habitats semi-improved grassland such as that found alongside tracks and on road including acid mire, floodplain grazing marsh and wet woodland. These have verges. These give much of the character to the area and support a wide range a rich assemblage of specialised wildlife, especially sedges, lower plants of species, including some that have undergone dramatic declines such as such as bog-mosses and liverworts, and invertebrates. The wet woodlands skylark, grey partridge and a number of rare arable weeds such as broad-leaved are characterised by alder, birch and willow, providing shady conditions for spurge, fine-leaved sandwort, sand spurrey and toothed medick. specialised fungi and liverwort species. The rare black poplar can also be found. There are also some areas of marsh and fen on more calcareous soils, Ancient, semi-natural woodland: Found on a mix of soil types ranging from with species like greater tussock sedge, and jointed rush. heavy poorly drained clays to acid well drained soils associated with the Lower Greensand. This reflects the species composition of the vegetation and Wood pasture and parkland: remaining areas are characteristic and significant associated species found there. in Bedfordshire. Many contain extensive areas of lowland grassland and are especially rich in mature and veteran trees. Lowland heathland: usually found on outcrops of Greensand and is typified Source: Greensand Ridge Natural Area Profile by heather and wavy hair-grass. The density and age range of heather is variable both on and between sites depending on management, but the heath 7.2 Priority habitats usually occurs in a complicated matrix with areas of acid grassland. There The Government’s new strategy for biodiversity in England, Biodiversity 2020, are also areas of bracken, with gorse and broom. Remaining sites support a replaces the previous Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) led approach. Priority characteristic mix of species, which along the ridge includes notables such habitats and species are identified in Biodiversity 2020, but references to BAP as the natterjack toad, nightjar, adder and proliferous pink. Open sandy areas priority habitats and species, and previous national targets have been removed. provide excellent conditions for a range of specialised invertebrates, especially Biodiversity Action Plans remain a useful source of guidance and information. bees and wasps and spiders. More information about Biodiversity 2020 can be found at: Lowland acid grassland: Restricted to well drained Greensand soils and often found in close association with areas of grassland or heathland although http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/biodiversity/ much has been lost to agriculture and plantations. The sward is characterised protectandmanage/englandsbiodiversitystrategy2011.aspx by fine-leaved grasses such as fescues and bents, with a range of plants such as tormentil, heath bedstraw, shepherd’s cress and clovers. Bryophytes, rare/

26 National Character 90. Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

The NCA contains the following areas of mapped priority habitats (as mapped by 8. Settlement and development patterns National Inventories). Footnotes denote local/expert interpretation. This will be used to inform future national inventory updates. 8.1 Settlement pattern Settlement pattern includes estate villages and hamlets in the fold of the ridge. Priority habitat Area (ha) % of NCA Numerous transport corridors traverse the ridge. There are both working and disused sand quarries around Leighton Buzzard. Broadleaved mixed and yew 1,885 7 Source: Bedfordshire and Greensand Ridge Countryside Character Area description; woodlands (Broad habitat) Countryside Quality Counts (2003) Lowland dry acid grassland 715 3 8.2 Main settlements The main settlements are: Leighton Buzzard and Linslade: 37,410; Flitwick: 13,550; Lowland meadows 209 1 Sandy: 11,700 and Ampthill: 7,000. The total estimated population for this NCA Lowland heathland 174 1 (derived from ONS 2001 census data) is: 89,994. Source: Bedfordshire and Greensand Ridge Countryside Character Area description; Coastal & floodplain grazing marsh 137 1 Countryside Quality Counts (2003) Source: Natural England (2011) 8.3 Local vernacular and building materials A number of the villages comprise time capsules of a given style, often relating ■ Maps showing locations of priority habitats are available at: http://magic.Defra.gov.uk/website/magic/ select 'Habitat Inventories' to the rebuilding of the great house in the vicinity. The Dukes of Bedford rebuilt Woburn Abbey in 1747-61 in the classical style. Part of the project was the 7.3 Key species and assemblages of species relocation of the village of Woburn which today retains a distinctively complete ■ Maps showing locations of priority habitats are available at: and elegant Georgian High Street. At Old Warden the houses and village are of http://magic.Defra.gov.uk/website/magic/ Victorian vintage. A model village was created by Lord Onslow with spacious ■ Maps showing locations of S41 species are available at: thatched cottages in various architectural styles. The associated Shuttleworth http://data.nbn.org.uk/ House is of Italianate style. The estate also contains the Swiss Garden. A number of the remaining settlements contain attractive brick Georgian homes, for example those at Ampthill. Elsewhere, the traditional building materials are varied and include brick, sandstone, thatch and occasional ironstone - the latter being found in the churches around Ampthill. Tall and extensive estate walls in brick enclose some of the parklands such as Woburn while, within the woodland areas, timber picket fencing and clipped hedgerows are characteristic. Source: Bedfordshire and Greensand Ridge Countryside Character Area description; Countryside Quality Counts (2003)

27 National Character 90. Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

9. Key historic sites and features ■ More information is available at the following address: http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/caring/heritage-at-risk/ 9.1 Origin of historic features  http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/professional/protection/process/ Roman settlement was extensive, with small towns attached to the major Roman national-heritage-list-for-england/ roads passing through the area at Sandy and south of Milton Keynes, and a wider pattern of small farming settlements and villas (as at Shefford). The medieval period saw the creation of monastic institutions within the Bedfordshire ridge 10. Recreation and access including large Cistercian abbeys at Warden and Woburn and smaller priories at Chicksands, Beadlow and Millbrook. These institutions controlled a large 10.1 Public access proportion of the farmland and heaths, managing woodland (trees were sent ■ 4 per cent of the NCA 1,192 ha is classified as being publically accessible. from Chicksands to Ely Cathedral) and developing extensive warrens. The ■ There are 458 km of public rights of way at a density of 1.7 km per km2. dissolution of these houses in the early 16th century added to the proliferation ■ There are no National Trails within the NCA; however, the area contains of large private estates which had already become a feature of the area. Historic a significant access trail. The Greensand Ridge Walk is Bedfordshire’s parklands and estates (for example, Woburn, Southill, Haynes) are a dominant premier long distance walk passing through Buckinghamshire and feature of the area, often based upon earlier ecclesiastical foundations and Cambridgeshire. Opened in 1986 it follows the Greensand Ridge above highly influential in the architecture of individual late 18th and 19th century the surrounding clay vales on either side and is an ideal introduction to farmsteads (such as the Duke of Bedford's estates) and entire villages and towns the history, landscape and wildlife of this part of the country. The 64 km (such as Woburn, Old Warden, Southill). walk starts in Leighton Buzzard and finishes in Gamlingay. Source: Countryside Quality Counts Draft Historic Profile, Sources: Natural England (2010) Countryside Character Area description

9.2 Designated historic assets This NCA has the following historic designations:

■ 11 Registered Parks and Gardens covering 1,936 ha ■ 0 Registered Battlefields ■  36 Scheduled Monuments ■  1,099 Listed Buildings Source: Natural England (2010)

28 National Character 90. Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

The following table shows the breakdown of land which is publically accessible 11. Experiential qualities in perpetuity: 11.1 Tranquillity Access designation Area (ha) % of NCA Based on the CPRE map of Tranquillity (2006) the least tranquil areas in the west National Trust (Accessible all year) 0 0 of this NCA are around the major settlements of Leighton Buzzard, Ampthill and Flitwick. The most tranquil areas are fairly dispersed but mainly found at the Common Land 1 <1 Cambridgeshire end of this NCA around Gamlingay. Country Parks 14 <1 CROW Access Land (Section 4 and 16) 188 <1 A breakdown of tranquillity values for this NCA are detailed in the table below: CROW Section 15 406 <1 Village Greens 8 <1 Category of tranquillity Score Doorstep Greens 0 0 Highest value within NCA 33 Forestry Commission Walkers 166 <1 Lowest value within NCA -79 Welcome Grants Mean value within NCA -10 Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) 82 <1 Sources: CPRE (2006) Millennium Greens 3 <1 ■ More information is available at the following address: Accessible National Nature Reserves (NNRs) 62 <1 http://www.cpre.org.uk/campaigns/landscape/tranquillity/our- Agri-environment Scheme Access 28 <1 tranquillity-map-explained Woods for People 1,046 4 Sources: Natural England (2011)

Please note: Common Land refers to land included in the 1965 commons register; CROW = Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000; OC and RCL = Open Country and Registered Common Land.

29 National Character 90. Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

11.2 Intrusion The 2007 Intrusion Map (CPRE) shows the extent to which rural landscapes are ‘intruded on’ from urban development, noise (primarily traffic noise), and other sources of visual and auditory intrusion. This shows a similar picture to the tranquillity data with the most disturbed areas found around major settlements and road networks such as the M1, A1 and A6. A breakdown of intrusion values for this NCA is detailed in the table below.

1960s 1990s 2007 % change Category of intrusion (%) (%) (%) (1960s-2007) Disturbed 24 57 67 43 Undisturbed 72 39 27 45 Urban 4 4 6 2 Sources: CPRE (2007)

Notable trends from the 1960s to 2007 are the significant increase in the area of disturbed land, matched by a strong decrease in the amount of land considered as being undisturbed. The amount of urban intrusion has increased, but by smaller amount.

■ More information is available at the following address: http://www.cpre.org.uk/resources/countryside/tranquil-places

Agriculture is a major part of the Ridge's economy.

30 National Character 90. Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

12. Data sources

■ British Geological Survey (2006) ■  Detailed River Network, Environment Agency (2008) ■ Natural Area Profiles, Natural England (published by English Nature 1993-1998 ) ■  Source protection zones, Environment Agency (2005) ■  Countryside Character Descriptions, Natural England (regional volumes ■  Registered Common Land GIS data, Natural England (2004) published by Countryside Commission/Countryside Agency 1998/1999) ■  Open Country GIS data, Natural England (2004) ■  Joint Character Area GIS boundaries, Natural England (data created 2001) ■  Public Rights of Way Density, Defra (2011) ■  National Parks and AONBs GIS boundaries, Natural England (2006) ■  National Trails, Natural England (2006) ■  Heritage Coast Boundaries, Natural England (2006) ■  National Tranquillity Mapping data, CPRE (2007) ■  Agricultural Census June Survey, Defra (2000,2009) ■  Intrusion map data, CPRE (2007) ■  National Forest Inventory, Forestry Commission (2011) ■  Registered Battlefields, English Heritage (2005) ■  Countryside Quality Counts Draft Historic Profiles, English Heritage (2004)* ■  Record of Scheduled Monuments, English Heritage (2006) ■  Ancient Woodland Inventory, Natural England (2003) ■  Registered Parks and Gardens, English Heritage (2006) ■  Priority Habitats GIS data, Natural England (March 2011) ■  World Heritage Sites, English Heritage (2006) ■  Special Areas of Conservation data, Natural England (data accessed in March 2011) ■  Incorporates Historic Landscape Characterisation and work for preliminary ■  Special Protection Areas data, Natural England (data accessed in March 2011) Historic Farmstead Character Statements (English Heritage/Countryside ■  Ramsar sites data, Natural England (data accessed in March 2011) Agency 2006) ■  Sites of Special Scientific Interest, Natural England (data accessed in March 2011)

Please note all figures contained within the report have been rounded to the nearest unit. For this reason proportion figures will not (in all) cases add up to 100%. The convention <1 has been used to denote values less than a whole unit.

31 National Character 90. Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Supporting document 2: Landscape change

Recent changes ■ At Flitwick Moor, a rare example of mire and wet woodland, management continues to control water levels and the encroachment of scrub and to Trees and woodlands prevent the spread of non-native species such as Himalayan balsam. ■ Trees and woodlands including parkland are significant features of the In other places along the Greensand Ridge, areas of former conifers and landscape, although there is evidence of some neglect. Of the existing ■ scrub are being restored and managed as traditional lowland heath and woodlands, approximately one-third (by area) is ancient semi-natural lowland acid grassland (e.g. at RPSB Sandy Lodge where a historic hill fort has woodland sites that are being maintained, with around half now being been revealed). covered by a Woodland Grant Scheme. There is a mix of deciduous and conifer plantations and on balance a gradual move towards an increase in Boundary features broadleaved woodland has taken place. ■ There is evidence of neglect in relation to hedges. Historic field patterns have been neglected and become fragmented through field expansion, ■ Between 1999 and 2003 an area equivalent to 2 per cent of the 1999 total particularly in the river valleys. Much hedgerow had been lost historically stock was approved for new planting under a Woodland Grant Scheme but, as with the grasslands, this decline has slowed. agreement (76 ha). There have been over 400 ha of Woodland Grant Scheme agreements for improved access since 1999; however, the area of parkland Between 1999 and 2003, Countryside Stewardship capital agreements for within a Countryside or Environmental Stewardship agreement for managing ■ linear features included fencing (11 km), hedge management (11 km), hedge historic landscape is limited. planting and restoration (37 km) and restored boundary protection (14 km). The estimated boundary length for the NCA is approx 1,678 km. Total length ■ The Forest of Marston Vale, one of the 12 Community Forests, is working to of agreements between 1999 and 2003 is equivalent to about 4 per cent of increase woodland cover within their boundaries tenfold to 30 per cent by this total. 2031. Agriculture ■ A ‘Working Woodlands Centre’ is being developed at Maulden Wood to ■ There has been a decline in amount of grassland within the NCA although promote business and enterprise associated with woodlands, education and the rate of decline has slowed. In contrast the popularity of owning horses awareness-raising. has led to an increase in the number of pony paddocks, especially between Stockgrove and Woburn. There has been a general shift away from cereal production to mixed cropping, with an increase in oilseed rape, although

32 National Character 90. Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

wheat is still the main crop, and from lowland cattle to sheep in the Ivel ■ Leighton-Linslade, within the Ouzel Valley, is the only major urban area of valley. Horticulture and market gardening in the Ivel Valley and Potton the Ridge. It is based on the sand industry and has strong rail and road links. areas has also declined. Flitwick has seen rapid recent growth.

■ There has been some localised agricultural intensification and farm ■ The major transport corridors that transect the area have a negative impact on amalgamation leading to larger field sizes and hedgerow/field tree removal, its predominantly quiet, rural character and are a barrier to access. particularly in the Ivel Valley, which has blurred the distinction with the adjacent Claylands in this part of the NCA. ■ Large areas of the western end of the NCA are within greenbelt land; this is under pressure from development around e.g. the towns of Flitwick and ■ The Ridge creates a big impact on landscape character, particularly on Ampthill. northern escarpment where it is in stark contrast to woodland/grassland but the dominance of estate management in some areas such as around Southill Semi-natural habitat and Woburn has mitigated this change compared to adjacent areas. ■ The most extensive annual Countryside Stewardship agreements in 2003 were for lowland pastures on neutral/acid soils (245 ha) and regeneration of ■ There is not much livestock farming on the Ridge. The most numerous grassland/semi-natural vegetation (53 ha). There were also annual agreements livestock are sheep, the numbers of which increased by 10 per cent for enhancing existing lowland heath (30 ha). between the years 2000 and 2009; during the same period, pig farming decreased dramatically here but the numbers of cattle remained stable. Lowland heathland and lowland acid grassland habitats have been reduced The area of uncropped land or land under grass increased during this time. ■ in extent by conifer plantation and neglect leading to scrub invasion. Areas remaining are now relatively small and fragmented. The RSPB, Greensand Trust Settlement and development and Wildlife Trusts are reversing this trend with acid grassland and, to a lesser ■ Development pressure has been concentrated along the urban fringe at extent, with heathland. the edges of existing settlements both within and outside of the NCA. Encroachment of settlement to the edge of the Greensand Ridge particularly Historic features in the southwest around Leighton Linslade and northeast around Sandy has Some historic features, including parkland, are showing signs of neglect. impacted on rural character. Although the rate of development outside the ■ urban and fringe areas is moderate, local development has also impacted on the character of Sandy, Upper Caldecote, Potton, Flitwick, Ampthill and ■ There are limited Countryside Stewardship agreements for the management Leighton Buzzard where ribbon development has merged settlements. of historical landscapes. In 1918 about 14 per cent of the NCA was historic parkland. By 1995 it is estimated that 29 per cent had been lost. About 51 per cent of the remaining parkland is covered by a Historic Parkland Grant,

33 National Character 90. Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

and about 8 per cent is included within an agri-environmental scheme. Drivers of change It should also be noted that about 79 per cent of historic farm buildings remain unconverted and most are structurally intact. Historic local Climate change churches are defining landscape features. ■ Climate change may bring more extreme weather which could have an impact on the NCA. There may be drier summers and wetter winters, larger Rivers storms or an increase in droughts. ■ There has been work on the banks of the River Ivel at the Riddy near Sandy to alleviate flooding risk. Much straightening and deepening has been ■ Some of the urban areas are susceptible to flooding and are therefore carried out where the Rivers Flit, Ouzel and Ivel pass through the area and vulnerable to extreme weather resulting from climate change. hard engineering work has taken place in response to flood protection issues around Flitwick, The Ivel and Flit were both navigable in downstream ■ The agricultural landscape may change as farmers adapt to changes in sections – the last few kilometres of the Flit are known as the ‘Ivel Navigation’. weather or water availability by producing new crops. A longer growing season may lead to winter cropping and a loss in winter stubble with a ■ Although small, there were mills at Flitwick, Clophill, Shefford, Clifton (outside consequent loss of food sources for farmland birds. NCA) and the channels were modified during their construction. There are also modifications at Chicksands, where the Flit runs into and out of a lake. ■ The semi-natural grassland and heathland of the NCA would be susceptible to increasing periods of drought with possible change in species Minerals composition as a consequence. In addition warmer winters might make acid ■ In addition to local Greensand stone being quarried and used in grassland and heathland prone to invasion by bracken. construction including walls, bridges, churches and houses, the area has been a centre for the extraction of a number of nationally significant, but ■ The area’s woodlands particularly those on drier soils may be at increasing rarely occurring minerals risk of fire. Species change may occur as trees from southern Europe that are more tolerant of drought conditions, such as the Holm oak, out-compete ■ High quality sands, used for making glass, have been extracted from native trees. Leighton Linslade. ■ In addition climate change may make trees more vulnerable to disease such ■ At Woburn Sands and Clophill, there are deposits of the uncommon as Chalara fraxinea (ash dieback). Warmer winters may allow pathogens and fuller’s earth (reworked bentonite clay) which have been used in cleaning their vectors to increase their range. wool during the production process and in paper manufacturing.

■ Some former quarries are now being restored to wetland, agricultural, recreational or residential after use.

34 National Character 90. Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Other key drivers

■ The ease of accessibility of the area to major commuting routes has led to the ■ Greater demands on agriculture to produce higher yields could put pressure expansion of most of the larger villages and towns within and adjacent to the on the remaining areas of semi-natural grassland and other semi-natural Greensand Ridge, a trend which appears to be continuing and changing the habitats. It may also lead to deterioration in water quality, through the run-off intrinsic character of many of the historic settlements. of soil nutrients and increased use of herbicides and pesticides.

■ There are potential visual impacts from the long, open viewpoint on the ■ Tourism and leisure continue to create pressure on Woburn, Shuttleworth, ridge as considerable development is planned for the surrounding claylands. Rushmere, Ampthill, and the Lodge. Further may be caused by the new Center Parcs, due to open in 2014, unless it can be designed and managed to ■ Future mineral extraction may put pressure on the area’s semi-natural reduce the impact on the surrounding landscape. habitats, although there may also be opportunities to restore old sites to habitat.

35 National Character 90. Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Supporting document 3: Analysis supporting Statements of Environmental Opportunity

The following analysis section focuses on a selection of the key provisioning, regulating and cultural ecosystem goods and services for this NCA. These are underpinned by supporting services such as photosynthesis, nutrient cycling, soil formation and evapo-transpiration. Supporting services perform an essential role in ensuring the availability of all ecosystem services.

Biodiversity and geodiversity are crucial in supporting the full range of ecosystem services provided by this landscape. Wildlife and geologically- rich landscapes are also of cultural value and are included in this section of the analysis. This analysis shows the projected impact of Statements of Environmental Opportunity on the value of nominated ecosystem services within this landscape.

Field of brassicas.

36 National Character 90. Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Ecosystem Service

Statement of Environmental Opportunity Food provision Timber provision Water availability Genetic diversity Biomass provision Climate regulation Regulating water quality waterRegulating flow Regulating soil quality Regulating soil erosion Pollination Pest regulation coastal erosion Regulating Sense of place/inspiration Sense of history Tranquility Recreation Biodiversity Geodiversity

SEO 1: Protect, manage and enhance the historic landscape and its wealth of sites of heritage interest, including the remnant ridge and furrow, iron-age hill forts, designed N/A N/A parklands and associated country houses, estate villages, farmsteads and houses using ** ** *** ** ** ** ** ** *** ** * *** *** *** *** ** *** traditional building material, for their contribution to landscape character and as a recreational and educational resource.

N/A N/A SEO 2: Manage the agricultural and woodland resource and priority habitats for the benefit ** *** *** *** *** ** ** *** *** *** * *** *** *** *** *** *** of biodiversity, landscape character and the economy.

Note: Arrows shown in the table above indicate anticipated impact on service delivery: = Increase = Slight Increase = No change = Slight Decrease = Decrease. Asterisks denote confidence in projection (*low **medium***high) ° symbol denotes where insufficient information* on the** likely** impact** ** is available.** ** ** * ** * * * * * * ** ** ** Dark plum = National Importance; Mid plum = Regional Importance; Light plum = Local Importance

37 National Character 90. Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Ecosystem Service

Statement of Environmental Opportunity Food provision Timber provision Water availability Genetic diversity Biomass provision Climate regulation Regulating water quality waterRegulating flow Regulating soil quality Regulating soil erosion Pollination Pest regulation coastal erosion Regulating Sense of place/inspiration Sense of history Tranquility Recreation Biodiversity Geodiversity

SEO 3: Protect the Ridge’s aquifer, the river valley landscape of the Flit, Ivel and Ouzel N/A N/A to benefit biodiversity, prevent soil erosion, improve river flow and quality, support *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ** ** ** *** *** *** *** *** pollinators and protect and enhance wildlife and recreational corridors.

SEO 4: Promote and protect the distinct character and geodiversity of the Greensand Ridge N/A N/A landscape, with its prominent sandstone ridgeline rising from the surrounding low-lying *** vales; protect the long open views and high levels of tranquillity to ensure continued *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** enjoyment of the landscape and plan for the sustainable extraction and restoration of sites associated with the distinctive geology.

Note: Arrows shown in the table above indicate anticipated impact on service delivery: = Increase = Slight Increase = No change = Slight Decrease = Decrease. Asterisks denote confidence in projection (*low **medium***high) ° symbol denotes where insufficient information* on the** likely** impact** ** is available.** ** ** * ** * * * * * * ** ** ** Dark plum = National Importance; Mid plum = Regional Importance; Light plum = Local Importance

38 National Character 90. Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Landscape attribute Justification for selection

A distinctive ridge with a north-  The dip and scarp landform of the Ridge results from the underlying geology. west facing scarp slope, shaped by  The stratigraphy provides evidence of the Ridge’s geological history and of the geological history of surrounding NCAs; the strata the underlying Greensand geology. were originally laid down horizontally but were tilted during the Alpine Orogeny (mountain-building episode). Harder rocks such as those of the Lower Greensand Group have eroded more slowly than the softer, surrounding sediments and thus stand proud from the surrounding Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Claylands NCA.  Views across the Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Claylands NCA, and to the Chilterns NCA, from the Ridge.  Being visible from surrounding lands makes the Ridge a distinctive and dominant feature.

Historic landscapes including the  The rich diversity of archaeological and historic features expressed in the landscape contribute to the sense of history and act parklands and historic architecture. as important reminders of the area’s past, from bronze-age activity and iron-age hill forts onwards. It has areas of medieval ridge and furrow, Capability Brown designed landscapes, and several country estates.  The Greensand has the highest surviving percentage of historic parkland (for example Woburn, Southill, and Haynes) of any National Character Area. These estates have many veteran trees and have also strongly influenced the architecture of individual late 18th- and 19th-century farmsteads and entire villages and towns.  In Victorian times a model village was created at Old Warden, by Lord Onslow, with spacious thatched cottages in various architectural styles. Shuttleworth House in the village is of Italianate style. The estate also contains the Swiss Garden. A number of the remaining settlements – Ampthill, for example – contain attractive brick Georgian homes.  The Arts and Crafts architecture and designed parklands give the Ridge a timeless feel.

Woodlands, ancient and modern,  4,237 ha (16 per cent) of the NCA is covered by woodland including 1,419 ha (5 per cent of the NCA) of ancient woodland. characterise the NCA.  The Forest of Marston Vale, which is one of 12 Community Forests, covers 2,178 ha (8 per cent) of the NCA. Their vision is to increase woodland cover within their remit tenfold to 30 per cent by 2031.  There is commercial timber production here but it is not is a major economic sector due to its poor economics.  The wooded ridge line adds to the profile of this NCA and further makes it stand proud of the surrounding Claylands.  The Greensand Ridge has important areas of wet woodland.

39 National Character 90. Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Landscape attribute Justification for selection

A patchwork of semi-natural  Lowland heathland, typically heather and wavy hair grass, is usually found on outcrops of Lower Greensand; lowland acid habitats throughout the NCA. grassland is restricted to well-drained Greensand soils.  The acid waters rising from the aquifers support a range of wetland habitats including wet woodland, flood plain grazing marsh and acidic mires. These all have a rich assemblage of specialised species including lower plants and invertebrates.  The Ridge is important for many species including, on the heathland, natterjack toad, nightjar, adders and large quantities of pink. The grasslands have fescues and bents, with a range of plants such as tormentil, heath bedstraw, shepherd’s cress and clovers. Bryophytes, rare/scarce macrofungi and lichens can be a special feature. Common blue and small copper butterflies can be abundant.

A rural feel with small settlements  The Ridge has a predominantly, quiet, rural character with attractive market towns and villages, often constructed from local and greenbelt. vernacular stone, providing popular dormitory settlements for commuters. However, an intimate rural character remains in many areas, adding to its popularity as a place to live.  The influence of the estate owners has restricted the size of settlements here. This has in turn controlled the amount of 20th century development. However, the proximity of the area to major communications routes has led to the expansion of settlements around all the towns and most of the villages with a degree of ribbon development and there is pressure resulting from the proximity of transport corridors and hubs.  Much of the western end of the Greensand Ridge is greenbelt land but is nevertheless under pressure from development.

Tranquillity  Away from urban areas and transport routes, the Ridge can be tranquil. This peace is a major factor in the enjoyment of, for instance, the Greensand Walk.

40 National Character 90. Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Landscape opportunities

■ Conserve and promote the area’s geological heritage including designated sites and vernacular building stone. Continue small-scale quarrying of locally distinctive stone and sand to help maintain and enhance the historic built environment.

■  Historic parklands are significant here – there is a need to maintain veteran and specimen trees to retain the parklands’ character and to protect ridge and furrow and other archaeology including securing improved interpretation opportunities.

■  Protect and enhance woodlands.

■ Protect and appropriately manage priority habitats and plan to link fragmented habitat wherever possible through new habitat creation.

■ Manage development impacts, where possible obtaining improvements to biodiversity, access and greenspace, so that the structure of the area is maintained and the impacts of development on tranquillity and landscape quality in the area are minimised. Plan for multi-user networks of green infrastructure.

■  Work to minimise the effects of light and noise pollution, especially from transport routes, in rural areas.

Vernacular local stone was used to build Old St Mary's Church, Clophill.

41 National Character 90. Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Ecosystem service analysis

The following section shows the analysis used to determine key ecosystem service opportunities within the area. These opportunities have been combined with the analysis of landscape opportunities to create Statements of Environmental Opportunity.

Please note that the following analysis is based upon available data and current understanding of ecosystem services. It does not represent a comprehensive local assessment. Quality and quantity of data for each service is variable locally and many of the services listed are not yet fully researched or understood. Therefore the analysis and opportunities may change upon publication of further evidence and better understanding of the inter-relationship between services at a local level.

Assets/ Principal attributes: services offered main by opportunities contributors Service to service State Main beneficiary Analysis Opportunities Food Soils The Ridge supports a mixed Regional The Ridge supports mixed pastoral and Promote best practice principles, Food provision provision pastoral/ arable (mostly cereals arable agriculture but the statistics indicate through agri-environment Mixed pastoral with some vegetable crops) a decrease in farmed area, cropping and schemes, including the Biodiversity and arable farmed landscape. livestock numbers since 2000. establishment of wide buffer farming strips and tall hedgerows, to Regulating soil 46 per cent of the agricultural Within the historic parklands the farmed help address soil erosion, soil erosion Woburn Deer land was classified as Grade 3 landscape is perhaps less likely to be quality, water quality and water Regulating soil Park under the Provisional ALC Survey, influenced by changes in the market than is availability issues. and a further 20 per cent as the case for other NCAs. quality Grade 2. Secure opportunities to Population increase is likely to drive encourage sustainable farming Water availability Venison from Woburn Deer the pressure for increased yields locally to enhance biodiversity by, for Park is a local delicacy but is not and this will place further demands on instance, reducing herbicide/ Pollination marketed widely. ecosystem services such as regulation of pesticide use, providing Sense of place / soil erosion, soil quality and water quality. uncultivated strips around field inspiration margins and retaining winter stubble. Sense of history Promote the sale of locally sourced high-quality venison from Woburn Deer Park.

42 National Character 90. Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Assets/ Principal attributes: services offered main by opportunities contributors Service to service State Main beneficiary Analysis Opportunities Timber Areas of conifer There is a high proportion of Regional There is scope to increase timber Promote sustainable forestry Timber provision provision plantation coniferous and deciduous production but this would have to with replanting to replace woodland woods, heath and pasture on be balanced against other ecosystem harvested trees. Biodiversity the scarp slope and woodlands services including biodiversity and food Wet woodland plus medium-scale arable production. Promote awareness of woodland Recreation and mire at farming on the dip slope. and its associated industries Climate regulation Flitwick Moor One third of the woodland is ancient and purposes via the Working There are areas of Forestry semi-natural woodland and not suitable / Woodland Centre. Regulating water Commission land within available for timber provision. flow the NCA with, for instance, A Working Woodland Centre has been Support the work of The Marston Maulden Wood and Rowney established to promote woodland business Vale Trust in creating the Forest Sense of place / Warren being the largest at 182 and education. of Marston Vale. inspiration and 114 ha respectively. The creation of the Forest of Marston Vale across part of the NCA will yield increased woodland cover (up to 500 ha or more) and future timber supply.

43 National Character 90. Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Assets/ Principal services attributes: offered by main opportunities contributors Main Service to service State beneficiary Analysis Opportunities

Water Aquifer Due to the porous nature Regional Groundwater availability is good across Promote the sustainable use of local Water availability availability of the underlying geology, the NCA. water resources by both commercial Rivers Flit, Ivel and the Ridge is an aquifer and and domestic users. Regulating water Ouzel groundwater abstraction is a The Woburn Sands Aquifer is extracted quality significant local resource. both with the NCA and for at least 13 Work to maintain and improve, as km beyond its boundaries; many of appropriate water quality in local Regulating water The main watercourses are these abstractions are for agricultural or watercourses. flow the River, Flit, Ouzel and Ivel. industrial uses rather than for potable water. Encourage water efficiency Climate regulation The whole of the NCA measures in the design of any new is classed as a Nitrate Anglian Water has several large public development. Biodiversity Vulnerable Zone (NVZ). water supply abstractions from the aquifer. Work with the Environment Agency Sense of place / and the water industry to ensure inspiration Increased storminess and drought that abstraction does not damage or resulting from climate change are likely cause loss of semi-natural habitats. to increase and measures needed to be taken in preparation for this. Address the issues of over abstraction which can have an Flood plain grazing marsh and wet impact on river flows affecting the woodland habitats are particularly ecology during low flow periods. sensitive to water availability.

44 National Character 90. Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Assets/ Principal services attributes: offered by main opportunities contributors Main Service to service State beneficiary Analysis Opportunities

Genetic N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A diversity

Biomass Existing There is significant biomass Regional It would be possible to increase Secure opportunities to increase Biomass energy energy woodland and provision for wood chip and biomass provision from this NCA further and small-scale biomass new plantations similar products from the by appropriate traditional coppice production on the dip slope including Biodiversity Bedford Estate (Woburn) and management of existing woodland wood chips as a result of active elsewhere with local markets. and as a by-product of the Ridge’s woodland management. timber production.

Miscanthus could be grown in pockets on the dip slope but could have a detrimental impact on land use and agriculture.

45 National Character 90. Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Assets/ Principal services attributes: offered by main opportunities contributors Service to service State Main beneficiary Analysis Opportunities

Climate regulation Woodland including The wooded nature Local The Ridge is well-wooded with Increase the area under woodland Climate regulation wet woodland of the NCA heightens areas of deciduous trees as well as for commercial, conservation and the role that it plays in coniferous plantations. In addition recreational purposes as well as to Biomass Semi-natural grassland the sequestration and to the commercial forestry there mitigate climate change. provision storage of carbon, are many mature trees in the NCA’s Heathland parklands. especially where the There are opportunities to extend Biodiversity and improve the condition of Unimproved pasture woodland is under There is potential for further management. woodland planting which would semi-natural habitats to increase Sense of place / Soils increase the carbon storage their carbon absorption capacity. inspiration The soils also have a potential further as long as this role in carbon storage, results in a net increase of the There are opportunities to Sense of history especially the areas of woodland cover. encourage sustainable farming peat in the Flit valley, to support soil carbon storage as do the limestone The enhancement of semi-natural capacity by, for example, strata where these habitats such as grassland and ploughing less frequently exist. heathland would improve the and adding organic matter as NCA’s ability to sequester and store appropriate. carbon. There are opportunities to protect Carbon is locked up in peat and, to a lesser extent, in other habitats the peats in the Flit valley. including woodland, grasslands and heathland and continued Explore opportunities to promote careful management, and even biomass fuel from forestry expansion where appropriate, operations. would enhance the ability to sequester and store carbon. There are opportunities to increase soil organic matter Where the Ridge is underlain helping carbon retention as well by limestone, for example, the as the drought-tolerance of crops Shenley Limestone Formation, in the short term. carbon was locked up in its formation.

46 National Character 90. Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Principal services Assets/attributes: offered by main opportunities contributors Service to service State Main beneficiary Analysis Opportunities

Regulating Aquifer and rivers The Woburn Sands Aquifer Regional The underlying geology, woodland, Work with public bodies, farmers Regulating water water extends over an area of at grassland and similarly-functioning semi- and non-government organisations quality quality Soils least 870 km2. Groundwater natural habitats have the potential to filter to reduce surface and groundwater quality is very good. out pollutants This ability could be greatly pollution at a catchment scale by Biodiversity Woodland strengthened by linking or expanding using fertilisers strategic existing fragments of these habitats. including wet Due to the porous nature Regulating soil woodland and of many areas of the local Manage farmland under the principles Waterbodies in the rivers Ouzel, Flit and quality mire soils, surface water is quickly Ivel catchments are under investigation established under the England absorbed where these soils by the Environment Agency to establish Catchment Sensitive Farming Delivery Regulating soil Semi-natural are found. reasons for failure to achieve good Initiative. erosion grassland ecological status and to identify actions The ecological status of rivers that should be taken to improve the Encourage landowners and managers Sense of place / Hedgerows within the NCA varies from situation. This work is required by the EU to manage land to prevent the inspiration poor to good. The River Flit Water Framework Directive. Reasons for drying out of peat. Encourage the has good ecological status; failure can be one of a combination of establishment of increased areas of Pollination the Ivel has poor potential pressures, for example, lack of flow, the semi-natural habitat such as flood and the Ouzel moderate impact of point sources such as treated plain grazing marsh and reedbed sewage effluent discharges, diffuse potential. which slow the passage of water pollution from agricultural and urban land, poor river bed and bank condition and the through the hydrological system. The sandy soils of the Ridge impact from non-native invasive species act as filters to maintain and such as signal crayfish and Himalayan Encourage the reversion from arable improve water quality. balsam. to species-rich acid grassland where appropriate close to sensitive semi- The flora of the Ridge – its Many wetland habitats are sensitive to natural habitats. woodland, hedgerows and poor water quality. grasslands all have a role to There are opportunities to work play in water quality. There are problems with sewage effluent with farmers to reduce surface and at Flitwick groundwater pollution at a catchment scale by using fertilisers more Catchment-sensitive farming helps reduce strategically and maintaining good the inputs of phosphates and nitrates to watercourses. quality water in the aquifer. Continued on next page...

47 National Character 90. Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Principal services Assets/attributes: offered by main opportunities contributors Service to service State Main beneficiary Analysis Opportunities

Regulating ... continued from previous page water quality Expanded areas of woodland and cont grassland could also act as filters and would also help to improve biodiversity.

Seek opportunities to manage and treat effluent.

Regulating Bedrock/aquifer The bedrock and its Local The expected changes in rainfall pattern due Increase the current flood storage Regulating water water flow aquifer absorb much to climate change with more rainfall in winter capacity by creating or increasing flow Rivers meteoric water and and more intense rainfall in summer could areas of flood plain grazing marsh prevent flooding that exacerbate flooding events. reedbeds, concentrating on areas Regulating soil Woodland would otherwise be at risk. quality Good flow regulation within the NCA would be including wet caused by runoff. Some helpful in preventing erosion of the banks of woodland and Implement the recommendations of this water flows out watercourses. Regulating soil mire through the springs and from the EA Anglian Habitat erosion thence into the rivers The woodlands of the Ridge affect its hydrology Restoration Programme. Hedgerows rather than being stored in as they take up large quantities of water and the aquifer. their roots act as a physical barrier. Produce a strategy to develop a Soils sustainable, integrated and long Much water also flows There have been hard flood defences term flood risk management through the NCAs from around Flitwick, where hard engineering approach. higher up the rivers’ has consequently taken place. There are still courses. traditional flood meadows in the valley floors Use hedgerows and buffer strips to which form corridors of riparian habitat linking protect semi-natural habitats. the Greensand Ridge and the Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Claylands NCAs. Explore opportunities to work to reduce over abstractions and their There has been major work to link wetland habitats along the Flit valley, especially between effect on water flow. Flitwick Moor and Flitton Moor.

48 National Character 90. Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Assets/ Principal services attributes: offered by main opportunities contributors Service to service State Main beneficiary Analysis Opportunities

Regulating Soils The Ridge has a mixture of soil Local Most of the non-arable land is of Encourage best practice grazing Regulating soil soil quality types, with loams and sandy soils low quality and supports pastoral regimes to avoid localised areas quality Woodland predominating. Areas of clays agriculture. of poaching and compaction. resist water infiltration and can be Regulating soil Semi-natural a source of diffuse pollution as a Areas under woodland or permanent Manage areas with high levels erosion habitats result of surface run-off. vegetation result in stability in soil of visitors and recreational quality or increases in organic material use that result in localised soil Food provision Unimproved Only 2 per cent of the NCA’s soils and soil fauna. compaction to avoid further pasture were classified as Grade 1 under impacts on soil quality or relieve Biodiversity the Provisional Agricultural Land In the main, continuing pastoral land use current negative impacts. Classification Survey and 20 per will maintain the current condition of Climate regulation cent as Grade 2; 46 per cent was soils. Localised compaction and erosion Any increase in the area under classified as Grade 3. may occur in areas with high levels of cropping should aim to use soil- Sense of history visitor access; on or around marked friendly cultivation techniques. The remaining 32 per cent was of routes and in areas of open access. Sense of place / lower grade or non-agricultural Current levels of grazing are unlikely to There may be opportunities for inspiration (for example under woodland) or cause negative impacts in soil quality. local composting to provide urban. increased soil carbon at selected Where land is in arable use, there are spots. There is a mosaic of semi-natural more risks to soil quality. habitats and unimproved pasture Opportunities to work to keep where soils are not (directly) the soil on the land by reducing subject to agricultural inputs. erosion.

Encourage the adoption of the Defra Code for Good Agricultural Practice (2009) and Environment Agency’s Think Soils’ manual (2008) to avoid soil compaction and maintain good soil structure.

49 National Character 90. Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Assets/ Principal services attributes: offered by main opportunities contributors Service to service State Main beneficiary Analysis Opportunities

Regulating Soils with high The acidic, nutrient- Local Use of heavy high-powered equipment Encourage landowners and Regulating soil soil erosion organic matter poor, free draining soils increases the risk of soil compaction and managers to use farming methods erosion are less fertile than the consequently incidence of enhanced run- that protect the soil, such as Semi-natural surrounding Claylands. off and erosion by water. For mineral soils, maintaining vegetative cover Regulating soil habitats This has influenced the management to build up soil organics reduces or improving the soil structure quality vegetation and agricultural the chance of soil compaction and therefore with organic matter. Use of grass Extensively activities of the area, erosion. buffer strips in areas of arable Food provision grazed making it more suitable land can reduce soil erosion from permanent for the establishment Preventing soil erosion would greatly benefit susceptible arable fields in the Biodiversity grassland of hunting estates food production but would also help semi- autumn and winter. comprised of heath and natural wetland habitats such as the fens in the Climate regulation Trees and mixed woodland than for areas which are sensitive to sediment run-off. Encourage the adoption by woodland agriculture, reducing soil Soil erosion, (by water or wind) from cultivated farmers and landowners of the Sense of history erosion. and unvegetated land has an important link Environment Agency’s ‘Think Soils’ Hedgerows with pollution to surface waters, particularly manual (2008) Sense of place from pesticides and phosphates although the latter originate significantly more from sewage Seek opportunities to work to keep than from agriculture. the soil on the land.

Erosion on the Ridge also occurs as a result of Consider laying tall hedgerows, mountain biking, especially at Rowney Warren where appropriate, to restrict the and Aspley Heath. transport of sediment by wind and water and reinstate hedgerows where also appropriate and in keeping with the character of the landscape.

50 National Character 90. Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Assets/ Principal services attributes: offered by main opportunities contributors Service to service State Main beneficiary Analysis Opportunities Pollination Heathland Lowland meadows, lowland Local Habitat for pollinating insects There are opportunities to restore Pollination heathland and flood plain includes small areas of areas of semi-natural habitats Grassland grazing marsh jointly make up lowland meadows, lowland Food provision approximately 3 per cent of heathland, and flood plain Use the environmental stewardship Gardens the NCA’s area. grazing marsh. Increasing and scheme (for example pollen and nectar Biodiversity securing pollinator numbers mixes for field margins) to enhance Field margins increases food security. landscape character and increase Sense of place / landscape connectivity. This would inspiration increase the ability of the pollinators to service nominated food crops.

51 National Character 90. Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Assets/ Principal services attributes: offered by main opportunities contributors Service to service State Main beneficiary Analysis Opportunities A sense The Greensand The Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge has Regional The main pressures which There are opportunities Sense of place / of place/ Ridge, rising from the a strong and distinct sense of place. could affect the sense of to prevent inappropriate inspiration inspiration surrounding lowland The scarp and dip slopes have a distinct place and inspiration of the development and to but only slightly different character. Greensand Ridge include maintain the parklands and Sense of history Wooded horizons and The orange colour of the exposed faces development that could estates. the wooded ridgeline of quarries such as those at Sandy obscure the landform, Recreation There are opportunities to Distinctive Geodiversity contrasts strongly with the colours of imported and bland building maintain the distinctive the surrounding Claylands. materials such as corrugated character of local buildings Tranquillity Long views over the metals for industrial units. and villages surrounding rural The pattern of woodlands, especially landscape around Sandy and heathland in the Development of inappropriate Opportunities to promote NCA, add to this. The woodlands are style could also damage the distinctive local recreation Traditional building a distinct contrast to the Claylands sense of community on the such as the Greensand Ridge material, and ‘Arts and around the Ridge. ridge. Walk. Crafts’ architecture The views across the surrounding A high concentration Claylands and to the Chilterns also of parkland and large contribute to the sense of place as houses do the traditional building material, nucleated settlement pattern, ‘Arts and Crafts’ architecture and other vernacular building materials and styles , which are strongly evocative of the time they were built and is locally distinctive.

Older buildings constructed with local materials – sandstone, ironstone, brick, thatch and render add to this distinctiveness.

52 National Character 90. Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Assets/ Principal services attributes: offered by main opportunities contributors Service to service State Main beneficiary Analysis Opportunities

Sense of Historic settlements, This NCA has many historic Regional The many heritage assets, Use agri-environment Sense of history history farmsteads and buildings structures and contains more including the country houses, agreements where possible country houses than any other Woburn Abbey and Deer Park to protect historic farmsteads Tranquillity Fine examples of Arts and NCA area for area. and the many properties in “Arts and buildings and features Crafts vernacular and Crafts” style contribute to the including ridge and furrow and Sense of place / There is a wealth of historic farm sense of local history as much as other earthworks. inspiration Country Houses and buildings and churches. they do to the sense of place. The associated Parklands great majority of farm buildings Promote and use local building Nationally important examples are unconverted and intact and materials –brick, thatch and ‘Capability Brown’ of ridge and furrow survive at historic churches are ‘stand-out’ render and, locally around plantings Hockliffe and Potsgrove. features in the landscape. Ampthill, ironstone, and use local styles when restoring Ridge and furrow The ridge and furrow at Hockliffe existing structures or building and Postsgrove, surviving new developments. under grassland, is of national importance. Put in place design and conservation plans to guide The main pressures on the sense and inform new development of history are, or would result to ensure it respects intrinsic from, inappropriate development character. either destroying or obscuring historic features. The landscapes designed and planted by Capability Brown are ideally placed for continuing conservation.

Seek opportunities to preserve the history and living history of the great houses and parklands.

53 National Character 90. Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Assets/ Principal services attributes: offered by main opportunities contributors Service to service State Main beneficiary Analysis Opportunities

Tranquillity Areas of woodland The more tranquil areas of the Ridge Local The growth in road and rail traffic since There are opportunities to Tranquillity and heathland are found in the north-west of the the 1960s, and the development of work with local authorities NCA. the settlements within the NCA, has and Railtrack to minimise Sense of place / Historic parkland contributed to the decrease in areas noise and light pollution, inspiration and country parks There are numerous areas of free from intrusion. for example by “screening” Recreation woodland and heathland along the major transport routes by Rivers, flood plains Intrusion by light and noise pollution Ridge as well as areas of historic has increased considerably since the hard landscaping or by the Greenbelt parkland and country parks. 1960s when only Leighton Buzzard and planting and/or screening major transport routes were intruded. hedgerows. The southern boundary of the NCA is marked by the River Flit. Woodland and heathland provide Seek opportunities to recreation away from the hustle and protect woodlands and to The greenbelt proportion of the bustle of everyday life. manage recreation sites in NCA provides tranquillity in the such a way that sound from areas it covers. them does not carry further afield.

54 National Character 90. Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Assets/ Principal services attributes: offered by main opportunities contributors Service to service State Main beneficiary Analysis Opportunities

Recreation Country parks and The Woburn estate and Regional Increased public access through the There are opportunities to increase Recreation Woburn Safari Park its associated Safari Park creation of country parks, Forestry the availability of ‘green’ transport and Deer Park, and other Commission woodland and the Greensand to the country parks and stately Sense of place / Historic country historic houses, are major Ridge Way, which follows the length of the homes. inspiration houses and draws for tourists offering ridge, has widened the public perception associated parkland history and wildlife. of this relatively private landscape. There are opportunities to manage the parks while balancing their Right of way The rights of way and the Pressures on the NCA’s recreational use with the protection of their networks and Greensand Ridge Walk facilities include, especially in the case of historical quality and character footpaths including offer good opportunities Woburn Abbey and its parks, over-use and the Greensand Ridge for long-distance walking. congestion, traffic noise and pollution. There are opportunities to Walk maintain and extend rights of Boating is popular on the While there is little pressure on the way along the Ridge both for local Grand Union Canal Grand Union Canal which designed walking routes, there is much usage and tourists. Also to manage cuts though the NCA and boating and recreational pressure on the the use of bicycles and to minimise the towpath acts as another Grand Union Canal. soil erosion resulting from their long-distance path. use. While the grounds of the Lodge are The grounds of the tranquil, there is a danger of pressure on There are also opportunities to RSPB’s headquarters at the loading leading to it from Sandy. increase sustainable recreation Sandy provide important There are numerous cycling routes – and tourism including walking tranquillity with high including circular ones – along the Ridge. along the Greensand Walk. Also to biodiversity. increase access to, and promotion A Centre Parc holiday village is currently of, ‘free’ resources such as views under construction; Explore opportunities to provide Rowney Warren Wood Forestry sustainable transport options to Commission/Southill Estate are popular increase access to woodland sites. for walking and cycling; Seek opportunities to encourage At Old Warden/Shuttleworth, there are users of the Grand Union Canal to an aircraft museum, Swiss gardens, and a leave their boats temporarily and birds of prey centre. explore the local area.

55 National Character 90. Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Assets/ Principal services attributes: offered by main opportunities contributors Service to service State Main beneficiary Analysis Opportunities

Biodiversity Semi-natural habitats The Greensand Ridge has a wealth of The priority habitats of the Designated sites could be managed, Biodiversity semi-natural habitats. Ridge, resulting largely from the protected and extended and Ancient woodlands geology and hydrology, support fragmented habitats connected and Regulating Water There are a number of ancient a wide range of flora and fauna. expanded. Quality Rivers and wetlands woodlands within the NCA. Ancient, semi-natural woodland Buffer strips could be created Regulating Water Wildlife is found on a mix of soil types Priority habitats including lowland around field margins. ranging from heavy poorly Flow heathland and flood plain grazing Historic Parklands drained clays to acid well with veteran trees marshes are scattered throughout drained soils associated with There are opportunities to ensure Sense of place/ the NCA. the Lower Greensand. that any development in the NCA is Inspiring Places Greenbelt sustainable. Rivers and wetlands here support Lowland heathland usually Sense of a wide range of species including, found on outcrops of Awareness of local, important Tranquillity lower plants including liverworts, Greensand and typified by species can be raised and measures and fungi. The wetlands include heather and wavy hair-grass to protect them and increased their Recreation former quarries restored under the supports a characteristic mix range/numbers put in place. Nature After Minerals scheme. of species, which along the Ridge includes notables such Continue to value and retain the Adders have been reintroduced and as the natterjack toad, nightjar, Greenbelt. adder and proliferous pink. supported at isolated locations along Open sandy areas provide Prevent the introduction and the Ridge. excellent conditions for a range of specialised invertebrates, spread of non-native invasive A large part of the western end of the especially bees and wasps and species (plants and animals) that NCA is classified as greenbelt. spiders. have an adverse impact on river life biodiversity and ecological status. Continued on next page...

56 National Character 90. Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Assets/ Principal services attributes: offered by main opportunities contributors Service to service State Main beneficiary Analysis Opportunities

Biodiversity ... continued from previous page cont Lowland acid grassland is restricted to well-drained Greensand soils. The sward is characterised by fine-leaved grasses such as fescues and bents, with a range of plants such as tormentil, heath bedstraw, shepherd’s cress and clovers. Bryophytes, rare/scarce macrofungi and lichens can be a special feature. Common blue and small copper butterflies can be abundant and there are records for bugs such as the bishops mitre shield bug. Some of the best remaining areas of acid grassland in the county are at places such as Ampthill Park and Woburn Park.

The acidic waters rising from the Greensand aquifers supports a mix of different wetland habitats including acid mire, flood plain grazing marsh and wet woodland. These have a rich assemblage of specialised wildlife, especially sedges, lower plants such as bog-mosses and liverworts, and invertebrates. The wet woodlands are characterised by alder, birch and willow, providing shady conditions for specialised fungi and liverwort species. The rare black poplar can also be found. There are also some areas of marsh and fen on more calcareous soils, with species like greater tussock sedge, and jointed rush.

Remaining areas of wood pasture and parkland are characteristic and significant in Bedfordshire. Many contain extensive areas of lowland grassland and are especially rich in mature and veteran trees.

57 National Character 90. Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Assets/ Principal services attributes: offered by main opportunities contributors Service to service State Main beneficiary Analysis Opportunities

Geodiversity Striking landform The geological importance of the National The underlying Cretaceous There are opportunities Geodiversity that clearly reveals Greensand Ridge is underlined by the geology of the Lower Greensand to maintain views of and geological processes SSSI designated for their geological Group gives the Ridge its access to geological features Sense of place/ interest and by 15 Local Geological distinctive landform and has and exposures where inspiration Natural exposures Sites. influenced the NCA’s social and appropriate, improving economic history and provides access to cuttings, quarries Sense of history the route for the Greensand Walk. Geological and The bedrock geology dates from the and other exposures of mixed interest SSSI Cretaceous Period but two of the Local Exposures of rock, especially geological features for Recreation and Local Geological Geological Sites also have Quaternary those designated as SSSI or Local increased understanding Sites interest. Geological Sites, are important and enjoyment of for the geology and geological geodiversity as well as Quarries – fuller’s The Greensands include a thin layer, processes they reveal. The fossil for uncovering fossils earth and high- the famous Shenley Limestone, at fauna of the Shenley Limestone and stratigraphy of major quality sands their top; this is extraordinarily rich in is important for the biology it importance. fossil marine shell species, especially reveals. Vernacular building brachiopods. Seek opportunities to Local stone is an important stone interpret the geology to High-quality sands from the Ridge are resource – vernacular buildings such as churches would be enhance the Greensand used for glassmaking and fuller’s earth, difficult to repair or renovate Ridge Walk. originally used to remove grease from without bringing stone long sheep’s wool, is currently used in a distances. Maintain resources such as variety of chemical processes. small-scale quarries for the repair and renovation of Local stone is important here as a local vernacular buildings. distinctive building material.

58 National Character 90. Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Photo credits Front cover: Woburn Deer Park. © Natural England/Naomi Stevenson Pages 4, 10, 41: © Lisa King/LGK Photography Pages 5, 8, 12, 14, 30: © Natural England/Naomi Stevenson Page 7: © Natural England/Peter Roworth Page 17: © Natural England Michelle Russell Page 36: © Natural England/John Tyler

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59 Appendix E

CENTRAL BEDFORDSHIRE COUNCIL LCA TYPE 6: WOODED GREENSAND RIDGE

TYPE 6: WOODED GREENSAND RIDGE

Key Characteristics

 A large scale, elevated landscape (up to 150m AOD) providing extensive views.  A narrow, prominent ridge running southwest-northeast across Central Bedfordshire and forming a strong horizon, divided by the Rivers Flit and Ivel which have carved distinct valleys.

 Relatively steep sides define the edges of the ridge, particularly on the north-west facing side – the landform becoming flat to undulating on the ridge top.

 Underlying solid geology of Lower Greensand capped in places with drift deposits of Boulder Clay.

 Large woodland blocks and plantations make this a heavily-treed landscape – forming wooded horizons and a strong sense of enclosure.

 Intensive arable crop production occurring within a network of large geometric fields  Primary transport routes cut north-south through the ridge. The A507 runs east-west.  A number of historic houses, parks and gardens, including Woburn Abbey and Park – impart a designed character on the landscape.

 Active and restored mineral extraction works (sand pits) intersperse wooded areas.  The Greensand Ridge Walk follows the entire length of the ridge.  A number of nationally important (SSSI and NNR designated) including heathland and woodland.

 Communication masts are locally prominent vertical structures.

Location and Boundaries

6.1 The Wooded Greensand Ridge landscape type lies to the north of Central Bedfordshire . It occurs over a band of Lower Greensand geology that stretches southwest to northeast – forming a prominent ridge and a marked contrast with the surrounding lowland clay vales. The boundaries of the landscape are determined by the geological outcrop, the slopes of the pronounced landform and the extent of wooded land cover.

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5D 1A

5C

6B

M i l t o n K e y n e s

6A

A y l e s b u r y V a l e D i s t r i c t

Bedford Borough

Bedford ! Sandy ! 8A Kempston ! Biggleswade ! ! 7B Central Bedfordshire 6A Letchworth Baldock Garden City ! !

Hitchin ! Leighton Leighton Buzzard Buzzard Houghton ! ! Stevenage Regis ! ! Dunstable ! Luton 5A !

Welwyn Harpenden ! Garden Con8tAains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right (Central City 125 Tring ! Bedfordshire Cou7nBcil) Licence 100049029 !

6A Woburn Greensand Ridge

Location and boundaries

6A.1 This large scale, rolling, elevated landscape occurs north of Leighton Buzzard predominantly over the solid band of Lower Greensand and with a distinctive ridge topography. It extends west from the Mid Greensand Ridge (6b) to the border with Buckinghamshire and is intersected by Ouzel Greensand Valley (7b) at its far western extent. The extensive woodland resource and presence of Woburn Abbey and park contribute to the distinctive character of the area. In comparison with character area 6b this part of the ridge has a gentler northern transition to the vale and is notable for areas of large scale mineral extraction.

Summary of landscape character: Key characteristics

6A.1.1 A large scale, rolling, elevated landscape occurring over the solid band of Lower Greensand (running SW to NE across Central Bedfordshire). 6A.1.2 Areas of highest ground (surrounding Woburn Park) are generally underlain by drift deposits of boulder clay. 6A.1.3 Predominantly under arable cultivation but considerable areas of pasture, contained by extensive woodland. Strong underlying heathland character. 6A.1.4 Large, deciduous and mixed woodland blocks (many ancient) - e.g. King’s Wood, Washer’s/ Daintry Woods, result in a strong wooded context - forming distinct wooded backdrop to views and a strong sense of enclosure. Large plantations of Scots pine are also a feature. 6A.1.5 Woburn Park and Abbey and its associated areas of woodland and plantations are an important feature. The red brick perimeter walls of Woburn Park impart a strong designed character. The deer and safari park provide recreational and ecological resources. 6A.1.6 Primary transport routes including the M1, A5, A507, A5130, A4146, A4012 together with a number of secondary roads cross the ridge. 6A.1.7 A number of historic houses, parks and gardens including Woburn Abbey, Crawley Park, Stockgrove and Rushmere Country Parks. 6A.1.8 Active and restored mineral extraction works are dispersed across the area, often associated with woodland e.g. sand pits on the edge of Heath and Reach, disused workings at old Wavendon Heath. 6A.1.9 Concentration of SSSI designations associated with areas of ancient semi-natural woodland, heathland, open water and improved neutral and acid grassland include King’s Wood Heath and Reach and Wavendon Heath Ponds. 6A.1.10 Small scale, picturesque villages of Woburn and Aspley Guise characterised by consistent building materials of red brick, clay tiles, white windows. Recent expansion at Heath and Reach is sympathetic to the traditional style and use of materials. 6A.1.11 Landmark churches act as distinct focal points in the landscape e.g. St. Mary’s Church at Woburn. 6A.1.12 The Greensand Ridge Walk and Milton Keynes Boundary Walk crosses along a significant length of the area connecting Woburn Greensand Ridge with the adjoining Mid Greensand Ridge (6b). 6A.1.13 Bordered by the urban edge of Leighton Buzzard, views to which are channelled by woodland cover at Rushmere.

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Landscape Character Description

Physical and natural landscape

6A.2 The Woburn Greensand Ridge forms the western section of the prominent band of Lower Greensand that rises dramatically above the surrounding landscapes to define much of Central Bedfordshire. This part of the ridge is distinctive as a result of its strongly articulated landform and the extent of tree cover - forming an elevated wooded belt, visible from considerable distance. The ancient broadleaved woodland and Scots pine plantations combine to create a strong sense of enclosure - creating a dramatic contrast where views open out to large tracts of arable land and areas of pasture. Underlying the agricultural and wooded landscapes is a strong heathland character, relating to the greensand and thin acidic sandy soils. There are variable fields and roadside boundaries - ranging from mature shelterbelts to gappy, short cut boundaries to intact evergreen hedges enclosing lanes through areas of woodland e.g. New Wavendon Heath.

6A.3 Active and restored mineral workings also have an influence on landscape character - sand pits interspersing areas of woodland and often visible along the roadsides. Historic houses, parks and gardens are central to the character of the Woburn Greensand Ridge - Woburn Park and Abbey in particular, with its extensive areas of parkland is central to the development of the landscape since the middle ages – with considerable influence beyond the park boundaries.

6A.4 This part of the ridge includes primary transport corridors and large scale quarrying activity. However, there are numerous features that have ensured the intimate, rural character of the ridge has been retained, such as the areas of pasture, the extensive woodland tracts, which limit views to Leighton Buzzard, and the picturesque red-brick villages.

View of the village of Ridgmont over arable fields from The rolling and wooded landscape seen beyond a Eversholt Road hedgerow-lined Aspley Lane

Biodiversity

6A.5 This is a well wooded elevated landscape, with particularly good survival of ancient semi-natural woodland to the west and south of the area. To the south at Heath and Reach the King’s Wood and Baker’s Wood forms part of the largest single area of ancient woodland in the county. Elsewhere, the woodland also includes more recent plantations. Parts of the area have been disturbed by quarrying, most notably for fuller’s earth at Wavendon Heath - which has subsequently been restored for commercial forestry and sand extraction close to Leighton Buzzard. Arable farming remains the main land use, with localised areas of pasture around settlement and within parkland. A notable concentration of pasture occurs to the south in the area around ‘Heath and Reach’. Estates and parkland are a key characteristic of the landscape and Woburn Park contains many ancient trees as well as extensive areas of semi-improved neutral and acid grassland. Other areas of unimproved grassland remain along road verges and small isolated sites such as Aspley Heath field. The underlying heathland character persists along rides within woodland such as Wavendon Heath - with acid wetland habitats present as small flushes also within the Wavendon Heath Ponds SSSI and local areas of heathland in the areas around ‘Heath and Reach’. Numerous springs rise at the junction of the Greensand and

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underlying clay and these feed into streams that flow to the lower lying clay vales - an example being the small stream that flows between Woburn and Aspley Guise.

6A.6 The Greensand Ridge is a Nature Improvement Area.

Visual and perceptual character

6A.7 A distinctive and heavily wooded area with a strong sense of enclosure. Where views open out to large open fields there is strong contrast. A landscape of rural character typified by areas of pasture, woodland tracts and picturesque red-brick villages but in which additional elements such as quarrying and transport corridors detract at a local scale.

Cultural pattern and historic character

6A.8 The lighter soils of the Greensand ridge were a focus of activity in the Mesolithic period, and occupation in the later prehistoric period is indicated by the Bronze Age barrows (scheduled) at The Knoll, north of Leighton Buzzard, and the probable former Iron Age hillfort at Craddocks Camp, Heath and Reach Mesolithic occupation

6A.9 Outcrops of Greensand tended to be marginal land within the medieval landscape, and largely occupied by heathland or woodland. Agricultural land, whether arable or pasture, was more focused on the areas of overlying boulder clay. As a result, the west of the Woburn character area is dominated by ancient woodland and plantations on former heathland; a further band of woodland east of Woburn Park runs along the edge of a boulder clay ridge.

6A.10 The presence of Woburn Abbey has dominated the development of the landscape since the middle ages, both as a religious house and as the centre of a large post-dissolution estate. North and west of the Park, the present pattern of arable fields originated as result of 19th century reorganisation of earlier irregular fields, in the interests of arable improvement; it has been subject to much 20th century boundary loss.

6A.11 Twentieth century sand extraction has dominated the area east of Heath and Reach. 6A.12 Earthwork sites are mostly limited to pockets of ridge and furrow. Medieval settlement earthworks have been recorded at Overendgreen, Heath and Reach, as an island largely surrounded by sand quarrying.

The historic core of Husborne Crawley medieval village

Settlement pattern; built character

6A.13 The historic cores of the nucleated medieval villages at Aspley Guise, Husborne Crawley and Ridgmont have been supplemented by linear settlements of Bedford Estate cottages. Woburn itself was a planned market town, located just outside the Abbey precinct for maximum economic benefit; its present character owes much to the lack of substantial growth or industrial development after the 18th century.

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6A.14 To the east, the parish of Eversholt has a distinct settlement pattern comprising a large number of settlement ‘ends’, leading to the survival of areas of small irregular fields. To the south Heath and Reach was formerly two small hamlets but has coalesced and partially merged with Leighton Buzzard – although it retains essential features of a rural village based around a hill top village green.

6A.15 The small villages on the Greensand Ridge have a consistent unified architectural style e.g. red brick, clay tiles and white render that contributes to the strong rural character and contrast to the adjacent town of Leighton Buzzard.

Evaluation

Landscape Change

Past Change Potential Future Change Mineral extraction, in particular sand pits East of Leighton Linslade urban interspersing wooded areas e.g. at Heath and Reach. extension. Some large scale leisure developments e.g. Woburn Potential for small scale development Safari Park and associated buildings/infrastructure at Woburn Sands, Aspley Guise and e.g. visitor centre and car parking facilities. Husborne Crawley, creating the impression of a more continuously Housing expansion e.g. Heath and Reach and settled area. resulting in the near merger of Woburn Sands, Aspley Guise and Husborne Crawley. Future heathland restoration projects creating more extensive linked areas Development of primary transport routes. of heathland. Expansion of Leighton Buzzard towards Heath and Renewable energy developments. Reach at the southernmost point of the area. Development of the Linslade western bypass. Wind energy development at Heath and Reach.

Key positive landscape features/ strategic sensitivities of the landscape

6A.1.14 Prominent landform creating a distinctive undeveloped skyline and horizon in the view from much of Bedfordshire. Any change on the ridge - land management or development/quarrying could threaten this important characteristic. 6A.1.15 Extensive woodland cover - an important, recreational and visual resource that unifies the landscape. Significant survival of ancient woodland with recorded medieval woodbanks. King’s Wood Heath and Reach - the largest remaining ancient woodland in Bedfordshire. The woodlands require active and sustained management. 6A.1.16 Heath and acid grassland - which are remnants of a historic landscape and provide a resource for future landscape restoration. 6A.1.17 Woburn Park and Abbey (grade 1 registered landscape) and its associated areas of woodland and plantations provide an important landscape, recreation and ecological resource. The red brick perimeter walls of Woburn Park impart a strong designed character. The influence of the landscape extends beyond the park boundaries and is sensitive to inappropriate development and woodland planting. 6A.1.18 The 19th century field pattern north and west of Woburn Park, resulting from an important period of agricultural improvement. 6A.1.19 A number of historic houses, parks and gardens including, Toddington Manor, Stockgrove Country Park, Rushmere Park, which are an important feature of the landscape.

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6A.1.20 Small scale villages of Woburn and Aspley Guise with distinct and unified architectural style associated with the Woburn Estate landscape. The distinctive village Ends around Eversholt that are sensitive to expansion and gradual merger. 6A.1.21 The Greensand Ridge Walk and Milton Keynes Boundary Walk provide recreational access to the adjoining Mid Wooded Greensand Ridge (6b). 6A.1.22 Landmark churches act as distinct focal points in the landscape e.g. St. Mary’s Church at Woburn. 6A.1.23 Areas of pasture which intersperse the arable landscape creating a diverse mosaic. 6A.1.24 The distinctive settlement pattern and associated irregular small fields of Eversholt. 6A.1.25 Access opportunities and rights of way including the Greensand Ridge Walk and Milton Keynes Boundary Walk which provide links into the urban areas; 6A.1.26 Wooded context providing screening and integration of development, as at Aspley Guise and Leighton Buzzard. 6A.1.27 Strong unity and sense of place as a result of landscape features of relatively high value such as ancient woodlands, unimproved grassland, heathland, historical and cultural attributes and recreational value.

Visual Sensitivity

6A.1.28 Role of the ridge as the backdrop to the Vale (5c) - the heavily wooded northern edge of the ridge is elevated, exposed and highly visible area with clear reciprocal views to and from the adjacent low-lying, flat landscape. These views are sensitive to adverse change such as unsympathetic development within the foreground of the vale as seen from the ridge top. Likewise any adverse change - such as tall development or unsympathetic felling on the ridge top would be highly visible in views from the Vale.

Landscape Strategy

The overall strategy is to conserve and enhance the landscape of the Woburn Greensand Ridge. Key features that should be conserved include the ancient woodland, estate parkland and areas of pasture. Enhancement opportunities predominantly relate to improving its condition, which, with appropriate landscape management, would improve the integrity of the landscape and strengthen its character. There are also opportunities to restore elements that have been lost such as areas of heathland and acidic grassland.

Guidelines for New Development

6A.1.29 Conserve the consistent, unified architectural style e.g. red brick, clay tiles and white render of the small villages on the Greensand Ridge that create a rural character and a strong contrast to the adjacent town of Leighton Buzzard. 6A.1.30 Monitor the expansion of the villages of Woburn, Aspley Guise, Heath and Reach and Husborne Crawley to conserve their individual identity and prevent gradual coalescence. 6A.1.31 Conserve and enhance the historic parkland and estate landscapes with their woodland patterns, formal planting and built features such as estate walls. Any new landscape features or woodland planting should have regard to the designed character of the wider landscape around Woburn Park (not just within the park boundaries). 6A.1.32 Conserve the setting and views to landmark churches which act as distinct focal points in the landscape e.g. St. Mary’s Church at Woburn. 6A.1.33 Protect and enhance the ancient irregular fields, particularly in Eversholt.

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6A.1.34 Conserve the undeveloped wooded ridgeline connection with the Salford-Aspley Clay Vale (5c) and ensure any change (development) on the vale reflects this transition and respects the function of the flat vale as the foreground to the ridge. 6A.1.35 Conserve the contrast between the ridge and the adjacent low-lying clay vales landscape. Avoid development at the base of the northern ridge in order to conserve the contrast and dramatic change in landform and character between the two landscape types. 6A.1.36 Conserve panoramic views from the ridge across the adjacent Salford-Aspley Clay Vale (5c) and the role of the ridge itself in providing a strong wooded backdrop and horizon. 6A.1.37 Monitor the development of Woburn Safari Park and associated buildings/infrastructure e.g. visitor centre and car parking facilities whilst exploring opportunities for the restoration/improvement of areas subjected to considerable visitor pressure. 6A.1.38 Conserve the character of A roads and secondary roads that cross and align the greensand ridge (e.g. Aspley Lane, Mill Road) and limit urbanising influences through widening/kerbing and ensure that traffic management measures are sympathetic to the rural character. Prevent further fragmentation of the landscape. 6A.1.39 Conserve the strong wooded context to settlements and use this as a template for integration of new development. 6A.1.40 Consider opportunities for extending and connecting the existing woodland and heathland resource, particularly through the creation of additional broadleaved woodland and heathland mosaics. 6A.1.41 Ensure restoration of sand pits respond to their setting and contribute to landscape character , nature conservation and recreational objectives e.g. consider opportunities for creating further areas of heathland or acidic grassland on the ridge,particularly to enhance connectivity of habitat. 6A.1.42 Utilise local vernacular materials where appropriate to reinforce local distinctiveness.

Landscape Management Guidelines

6A.1.43 Conserve the ancient woodland and ensure that it is bought into suitable management, including re-introduction of coppice where appropriate. The safeguarding of woodland earthworks is also a priority. 6A.1.44 Assess the potential for heathland restoration/creation particularly through diversification of existing coniferous plantations by selective tree felling and restoration of sand extraction sites. Consider the effects of any large scale felling on key views to the ridge. 6A.1.45 Conserve the remaining areas of pasture and seek to ensure continued grazing management. 6A.1.46 Conserve the parkland landscape through veteran tree management, repair of boundaries and sympathetic management of grassland. 6A.1.47 Conserve the recreational value of the landscape by continuing to maintain open access opportunities and rights of way including the Greensand Ridge Walk and Milton Keynes Boundary Walk which provide links into the urban areas. 6A.1.48 Conserve the wooded context of the ridgeline, buffering views to development on the ridge. 6A.1.49 Enhance the landscape buffer at the western urban edge of Leighton Linslade to screen development from open views. 6A.1.50 Enhance the condition and structure of hedgerow boundaries by focussing hedgerow renewal between remaining sections, to strengthen landscape pattern and ecological value and by actively applying a consistent management strategy.

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Also refer to the following documents:

 Mid Bedfordshire Green Infrastructure Plan: Greensand Ridge  Secrets of the Sands HLF project  Greensand Nature Improvement Area

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Bedford Borough

Bedford ! Sandy ! Kempston !

Biggleswade ! ! 4A

Central Bedfordshire

Letchworth Baldock ! Garden City ! 5E !

Hitchin ! B e d f o r d Leighton Buzzard Houghton B o r o u g h ! Stevenage Regis ! ! Dunstable C o u n c i l ! Luton !

!

Harpenden Welwyn ! Garden City Tring ! !

4B

1A

5D 6B

4C

!

5C 8D 7A 8D

6B 8C 6A 5B

9C N o r t h 8A H e r t f o r d s h i r e 10C D i s t r i c t 10B Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and datab133ase right (Central Bedfordshire Council) Licence 100049029

6B Mid Greensand Ridge

Location and boundaries

6B.1 This large scale, elevated landscape forms the central section of the band of Greensand that stretches SW - NE across Central Bedfordshire. The steep slopes defining the northern edge of the ridge form a prominent backdrop to the North Marston Vale and East Marston Vale Clay Vales (5d and 5e) and provide commanding views across these adjacent low-lying, open landscapes. Cut by the Flit Greensand Valley (7a), the ridge is divided into two sections, with a southern outlying area abutting the contrasting Barton-le-Clay Clay Vale (5b) and the Harlington-Pulloxhill Clay Hills (8c) with which there is a subtle character transition. The northernmost part of the character area (part of the north-facing escarpment) falls within Bedford Borough – refer to the companion LCA for Bedford Borough.

Summary of landscape character: Key characteristics

6B.1.1 A large scale ridge with a gently undulating ridge top; forming part of the prominent band of Greensand that extends SW- NE across Central Bedfordshire. 6B.1.2 Dramatic northwest facing slope forming a distinct backdrop to the North Marston Vale and East Marston Vale Clay Vales (5d and 5e), as well as far-reaching, clear views across these adjacent open landscapes. 6B.1.3 Divided by the course of the River Flit which has carved a valley through the Greensand and created a small outlying section of the ridge to the south of the valley. 6B.1.4 Agricultural land is primarily in arable cultivation but with some variation of land use i.e. pockets of pasture and free-range pig farming that bring localised variation. There is a greater proportion of pasture on the northwest facing slope. 6B.1.5 Strong underlying heathland character with fine examples of remnant heathland and neutral/acid grassland. 6B.1.6 High ecological value - the area supports several nationally important sites for nature conservation including Kings Wood, Glebe Meadows, and Copper’s Hill- all SSSI. Cooper’s Hill is the largest heathland site remaining in Bedfordshire. 6B.1.7 Strong wooded context with extensive areas of deciduous woodland (a large proportion of which is ancient), mixed woodland and coniferous plantations e.g. Exeter Wood, Maulden Wood and Rowney Warren Wood. Woodland located along the northwest facing slope and northern half of the ridge top forms part of The Forest of Marston Vale Community Forest. 6B.1.8 The contrast of arable land and densely wooded areas creates contrasting perspectives from open and exposed to enclosed and sheltered. 6B.1.9 A large number of historic parks and gardens impart a designed character - including the Grade II* listed Southill Park and Old Warden Park and the Grade II listed Moggerhanger Park, Ickwell Bury and Ampthill Park. 6B.1.10 Parkland is a dominant land use, influencing not just the land within the park boundary but also the wider landscape for example through the creation or retention of tree clumps as part of significant vistas. 6B.1.11 Variable fields and roadside boundaries - ranging from mature shelterbelts to gappy, short flailed boundaries to intact holly hedges (surrounding Southill Park). 6B.1.12 A dismantled railway runs north-south through the area with railway bridges and tunnels in local views. 6B.1.13 Primary transport routes including the M1, A507 and A6 and Midland Mainline railway cross

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north-south through the ridge and reduce tranquillity although large areas of the ridge have a remote character. 6B.1.14 Settlements comprise medium to small villages and hamlets (predominantly linear). Some have a varied character (due to modern expansion) e.g. Maulden and Silsoe with others (including estate villages) being consistent in terms of material and style such as Haynes (red bricks, clay tiles and timber-framed houses). 6B.1.15 The John Bunyan Trail and Greensand Ridge Walk cross significant tracts - connecting the ridge with the adjacent area. 6B.1.16 Bordered by the Georgian town of Ampthill that brings some urban edge characteristics to the landscape.

Landscape Character Description

Physical and natural landscape

6B.2 This is a dramatic, elevated landscape – forming part of the Lower Greensand that crosses diagonally across the north of Central Bedfordshire, forming a large scale ridge.

6B.3 This middle section of the ridge is particularly distinct as a result of its prominent north-west facing slope that rises dramatically from the adjacent, low-lying Clay Vale (largely within Bedford Borough). This strongly articulated slope offers a sense of containment to the vale as well as far- reaching and open views to the north. The slope defining the south of the ridge is less dramatic, forming a subtle transition to the adjacent Clay Hills. The ridge is divided by the River Flit which has carved a distinct valley through the greensand.

6B.4 The land use comprises a consistent and recognisable pattern of woodland blocks interspersed with expansive tracts of arable cultivation - creating changes in viewing experience from enclosed to open. There are some pockets of agricultural/land use diversity, such as free range pig farming, and these bring localised variation to the landscape. Large estate houses and surrounding parkland bring a notable formal designed character to the landscape, which often extends beyond the park boundaries through the retention or creation of significant tree blocks and clumps to form vistas.

6B.5 As with the whole of the greensand ridge, this landscape is defined by its strong underlying heathy character with small areas of remnant heathland and neutral/acid grassland. Cooper’s Hill is significant as having the largest area of heather. The central section of the ridge is notable for the absence of mineral extraction works.

6B.6 The rural, and in places remote, character of the landscape has survived but visual and audible intrusions are evident where road corridors, including the M1 motorway and A507, cut through the landscape.

Biodiversity

6B.7 This is a well wooded elevated landscape, with particularly good survival of ancient semi-natural woodland along the north-west facing slopes and on the plateau top. In addition to the ancient woodland are areas of more recent plantation - many of which are on former heathland with heathy vegetation still present within rides and glades.

6B.8 The area includes a large number of sites designated as SSSI indicating national importance for biodiversity. Maulden Wood and Pennyfather’s Hill SSSI is a large block of mixed, partly replanted deciduous woodland situated on a boulder clay cap. The site is notable for its exceptional invertebrate fauna which includes both county and national rarities, as well plant species which are uncommon in the county. The site also supports remnant open heathland within the plantations of Scot’s pine. Kings Wood and Glebe Meadows, Houghton Conquest SSSI is a good example of ash-maple woodland and supports a rich variety of ground flora species, including several species that are uncommon in the county. Glebe Meadows are situated

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adjacent to the northern boundary of Kings Wood, and form a species rich area of unimproved grassland. Other important woodland sites include Southill Lake and Woods SSSI which is an example of wet valley alder wood which has developed where springs and flushes arise at the junction of the Lower Greensand with the Gault Clay of mid-Bedfordshire. The woodland grades into open tall fen vegetation.

6B.9 The Mid Greensand Ridge has also retained two nationally important areas of unimproved grassland. Maulden Church Meadow SSSI is an unimproved pasture, characterised in its higher northern section by neutral grassland which has formed on a cap of boulder clay, while the southernmost part which has formed over the Lower Greensand, has developed more acidic grassland characteristics. Maulden Heath SSSI also forms an area of unimproved acid grassland and is situated on a gently south-facing slope of the Lower Greensand. The site consists of two distinct grassland areas, referred to as the eastern and western meadows, and supports a good range of acid grassland species.

6B.10 The parklands include many veteran trees as well as areas of semi-improved neutral and acid grassland.

6B.11 The Greensand Ridge is a Nature Improvement Area.

Visual and perceptual character

6B.12 Extensive views are afforded by the elevated aspect – clear, far views across adjacent lower lying open landscapes such as the vales. Areas of agricultural land on the ridge are primarily under arable cultivation, however considerable texture and visual interest is imparted by deciduous woodlands, relict heaths and areas of acid grassland, plus designed parklands. The area has a strongly rural and remote quality, with only localised intrusions in the form of the M1, A6, A507 and Midland Mainline Railway.

View to Clophill Old Church from Cainhoe quarry Extensive views from elevated ground towards the village of Haynes West End

Cultural pattern and historic character

6B.13 The light Greensand soils were a focus for Mesolithic activity, particularly along the edge of the Flit valley. There is evidence in the form of cropmarks of later prehistoric & Roman settlement where boulder clay caps the top of the Greensand ridge.

6B.14 In the middle ages, areas where the Greensand outcrops were considered marginal land, and were used primarily for warrens and deer-parks (Millbrook Warren, Ampthill Warren, Ampthill Great and Little Parks, Haynes Warren, Rowney Warren). Estates were given as foundation grants for religious houses: Chicksands and Warden Abbeys. At Ampthill, a substantial residence built in the 15th century came into royal hands in the 16th and 17th centuries; for a time it was a favoured hunting retreat of Henry VIII.

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6B.15 After the dissolution, many of the medieval parks and monastic estates were developed as extensive designed landscapes. During later centuries further country houses were founded with their own parkland making them the characteristic historic land use of the area, as for example at Ampthill Park, a Capability Brown landscape. The significance of the parks is noticeable not just within the park boundaries, but in the design of the wider landscape, for example, in the creation or retention of tree clumps as part of significant vistas.

6B.16 Ancient woodland survives on the crest of the ridge, and the associated field patterns (particularly in the northern part of the area) are mainly the result of ancient enclosure (assarting) out of former woodland. Where common fields existed between these areas of ancient enclosure they did not tend to be extensive.

6B.17 18th and 19th century enclosure was followed by extensive 19th century plantations on former heathland by the Bedford and Southill estates - Millbrook Warren, Coopers Hill, Maulden Wood, Rowney Warren. Land which had been in the common fields was divided up by regular boundaries, but many of these were removed during the 20th century.

6B.18 Towards the south-west, most of the irregular fields which were created by assarting, or when the deer-parks were subdivided in the later middle ages, were replaced by regular fields as part of the Bedford estates 19th century agricultural reorganisation.

6B.19 The military use of Chicksands Park in the 20th century has had a significant landscape impact. 6B.20 South of Flit valley, this area comprises mostly 19th century parliamentary enclosure fields, with some pockets of more ancient enclosure.

6B.21 Many moated sites have survived in the area, associated with woodland assarting, dispersed settlement or medieval deer parks. Those scheduled as ancient monuments are Newbury Farm (Silsoe), Westoning Manor, Wake’s End (Eversholt), Maltings Spinney (Ridgmont) and Bolebec Farm, Maulden.

6B.22 Also scheduled is the site of Warden Abbey, surrounded by an extensive landscape of Cistercian water engineering. Ampthill Castle and Houghton House are sites of major significance, occupying prominent positions on the top of the Greensand escarpment, and both open to public access. Other important medieval earthworks can be found at Quince Hill, Old Warden (a ringwork), Bury Farm, Houghton Conquest (a pillow mound for the breeding of rabbits, though scheduled as a Neolithic long barrow) and manorial fishponds in Home Wood, Northill. The ruined church of St Mary, above the village of Clophill, is a prominent landscape feature marking a former focus of medieval settlement.

6B.23 The registered parks are Moggerhanger Park (grade II), Ickwell Bury (II), Old Warden, including the 19th century Swiss Garden (II*), Southill (II*), Chicksands (II), Ampthill (II) and Flitwick Manor (II).

Settlement pattern; built character

6B.24 Settlement form is varied, with some nucleation (Steppingley, Millbrook, Ampthill) but other areas are more dispersed; this is especially the case in the former parkland areas in Ridgmont and Lidlington, and in the assart areas to the north-east. There is a line of small ‘ends’ along the dip slope at Maulden and Clophill, associated with small irregular fields. Haynes has several ends, with Ends also characteristic at Steppingley and Eversholt. Center Parcs, new housing and associated transport improvements including roundabouts on the A507 has extended an urban influence to the west of Ampthill. Ickwell is distinguished by its characteristic village green.

6B.25 Settlement is typically located in sheltered areas on the sloping valley sides and towards the base of the ridge as opposed to the more open ridge top. Red brick, white render and clay tiles are consistently used and unify the character of the settlements. Black tarred timber barns are a feature of the agricultural landscape.

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Parts of the ridge are cut by large scale transport corridors View towards the estate and designed parkland of Haynes such as the M1 Park from Church End Road

Evaluation

Landscape Change

Past Change Potential Future Change Afforestation and plantation woodland. Continued pressure for growth at Ampthill, Maulden and Clophill. Agricultural intensification/ boundary loss. Transport corridor upgrades. Large scale transport corridors. Habitat creation schemes (heathland). Settlement expansion.

Large scale leisure developments e.g. Center Parcs

Key positive landscape features/ strategic sensitivities of the landscape

6B.1.17 Prominent landform creating a distinctive skyline and horizon in the view from much of Bedfordshire. Any change on the ridge - land management or development/quarrying could threaten this important characteristic. 6B.1.18 Remnant heath and neutral/ acid grassland which require active management to sustain ecological and landscape interest. 6B.1.19 Significant ecological value, containing a number of nationally important sites for nature conservation. 6B.1.20 Extensive areas of woodland cover, many ancient (and some now forming part of the Forest of Marston Vale) - providing an important recreational, ecological and visual resource. Existing woodland require active long-term management to sustain biodiversity and visual interest. 6B.1.21 A large number historic parks and gardens which impart a formal, designed character to the landscape – and have a significant influence on character beyond the park boundaries. 6B.1.22 Strong influence of the estates in the 19th century, in the form of plantations on former heathland, and reorganisation of field boundaries. 6B.1.23 Villages with a consistent traditional intact character which remain vulnerable to development, infill and settlement expansion and loss of individual identity – this is particularly the case for the more loose knit settlements and ‘Ends’.

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6B.1.24 Good survival of irregular field patterns, often associated with medieval moated sites, derived from medieval woodland assarting. 6B.1.25 A large number of nationally important medieval earthworks and monastic sites. 6B.1.26 Greensand Ridge Walk and John Bunyan Trail provide recreational access across the ridge and to the adjacent landscapes. 6B.1.27 Intact holly hedges at Eversholt, Steppingly and surrounding Southill Park are important local landscape features. 6B.1.28 Although interrupted in places, there is a pervading rural, remote quality to the landscape.

Visual Sensitivity

6B.1.29 Striking north facing slope providing far reaching views across the adjacent Clay Vales landscape (North Marston Vale and Mid Marston Vale Clay Vales (5d and 5e), plus panoramic views southeast from the ridge towards Potton and Ashwell. 6B.1.30 The prominent slope – which is distinctive in views from the north, south and east – would be sensitive to large scale development or changes in land management, particularly the northwest facing slope.

Landscape Strategy

This is a high quality biodiversity-rich historic landscape. The overall strategy is to conserve and enhance the landscape of the Mid Greensand Ridge (6b). The area should continue to provide a strong wooded backdrop and undeveloped skyline in the view from much of Bedfordshire. Conservation should focus upon positive features and especially those identified as being sensitive, notably the ancient woodland, estate parkland and areas of pasture. Landscape enhancement opportunities predominantly relate to improving overall condition of the ridge and reinforcing landscape elements so as to strengthen landscape pattern and overall character. There are also key opportunities to restore elements that have been lost such as the areas of heathland.

Guidelines for New Development

6B.1.31 Respect the consistent, unified architectural character of villages e.g. red brick, clay tiles and timber frames. 6B.1.32 Monitor linear development, infill of villages in order to prevent further settlement coalescence and loss of individual village identity – this is particular the case for the dispersed, loose settlements and ‘Ends’. 6B.1.33 Monitor the expansion/widening of the transport corridors to prevent further fragmentation of the landscape. 6B.1.34 Conserve panoramic views from the ridge across the adjacent Clay Vales (5d, 5e). 6B.1.35 Conserve the ridge in providing a strong wooded horizon, skyline and backdrop to the surrounding vales - any ridge top change could have a major impact in views. 6B.1.36 Conserve views to and from the northwest facing slope and resist development at the foot of the slope that would threaten to dilute the dramatic contrast in character between the vales and the ridge. 6B.1.37 Conserve the character of rural roads, limiting urbanising influences e.g. kerbing and widening and erosion of verges. Ensure that traffic management measures are sympathetic to those areas with a strong rural character;

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6B.1.38 Conserve the distinction between the ridge and the adjacent Flit Greensand Valley (7a) and ensure development does not spill over the ridge diluting the contrast between the two landscapes. 6B.1.39 Retain views to important local landmarks, particularly at gateways to villages – e.g. the church spire at Ridgmont or the tower at Maulden in views from the south, keeping such views free from development which would detract or obscure. 6B.1.40 Promote Green Infrastructure and explore options for improving recreational opportunities and public access. Nevertheless, it is important to consider the associated development of facilities e.g. visitor centres, car parking and potential impact of increased traffic that might impact upon the rural, tranquil character defining much of the ridge. 6B.1.41 Restrict expansion of development associated with the J13 and encourage woodland planting to reduce the visual dominance of infrastructure in views from the south west of the character area. 6B.1.42 Monitor equestrian development, pony paddocks, stables and stores. 6B.1.43 Conserve the medieval moated sites and safeguard their landscape setting. 6B.1.44 Utilise local vernacular materials where appropriate to reinforce local distinctiveness.

Landscape Management Guidelines

6B.1.45 Further heathland restoration, creation and extension of existing sites - particularly through diversification of existing coniferous plantation by select tree felling - ensure the effects of felling on long views to the ridge are taken into consideration. Extension or recreation of heathland should have regard to the historic pattern. 6B.1.46 Extend and connect existing woodland and heathland resource, particularly through the creation of additional broadleaved woodland and heathland mosaics. Extension or recreation of woodland should have regard to the historic pattern. 6B.1.47 Ensure the existing ancient woodland resource is brought into management, including reintroduction of coppice management where appropriate. 6B.1.48 Conserve the remaining areas of pasture and consider opportunities for restoration of pasture to create a mixed landscape mosaic. In particular retain and enhance areas of small irregular fields. 6B.1.49 Conserve and enhance the historic parkland landscapes with their associated woodland in order to retain the design qualities they bring to overall landscape character. Replace historic planting schemes in and around parks and safeguard the setting of historic parks. 6B.1.50 Conserve the recreational value of the landscape by continuing to maintain open access opportunities and rights of way including the Greensand Ridge Walk, John Bunyan Trail and woodland/forestry access. 6B.1.51 Enhance the condition and structure of hedgerow boundaries - reinstating sections so as to strengthen landscape pattern and ecological value. 6B.1.52 Monitor the growth of nurseries and their impact on landscape character.

Also refer to the following documents:  Mid Bedfordshire Green Infrastructure Plan: Greensand Ridge  Greensand Trust  Marston Vale Forest Plan

 Clophill Green Infrastructure Plan  Secrets of the Sands HLF project  Greensand Nature Improvement Area

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Bedford Borough

Bedford H u n t i n g d o n s h i r e ! Sandy ! Kempston D i s t r i c t !

Biggleswade ! !

Central Bedfordshire Letchworth Baldock Garden City ! !

Hitchin ! Leighton Buzzard Houghton ! Stevenage Regis ! ! Dunstable 5F ! Luton !

Harpenden Welwyn ! Garden City Tring ! !

S o u t h C a m b r i d g e s h i r e D i s t r i c t

6C

5G 4B

Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and datab141ase right (Central Bedfordshire Council) Licence 100049029

6C Everton Heath Greensand Ridge

Location and Boundaries

6C.1 This is the easternmost part of the Greensand Ridge landscape in Central Bedfordshire which continues over the county boundary into Cambridgeshire. It is geographically separated from the main part of the ridge (6a and 6b) by the wide valley of the Great Ouse (4a) and Lower Ivel (4b). This part of the ridge has a steep northern transition to the vale (5f) with a gentler undulating slope down to the vale to the south (5g) and west-facing escarpment to Sandy.

Summary of landscape character: Key characteristics

6C.1.1 An elevated landscape occurring over the solid band of Lower Greensand (running SW to NE across Central Bedfordshire). This character area forms the easternmost part of the ridge - it has a steep northwest facing ‘escarpment’ backed by an area of high undulating land forming the ridge top. 6C.1.2 Varied land cover pattern with large scale mosaic of plantation and deciduous woodland, open areas of heathland creation, arable cropping and set side - together creating a diverse textured landscape. Pine clumps are a distinctive landscape feature. 6C.1.3 Sense of scale and enclosure varying from enclosed dark beech plantations, to vast open panoramas from the ridge top, for example, Warden Hill near Everton. Experience of the landscape includes filtered views through woodland opened up for heathland creation, directed views associated with parkland planting, and extensive views from the open arable ridge top. 6C.1.4 Strong underlying heathland character (Sandy Heath, Potton Heath, Gamlingay Great Heath (Cambs)) evident in road names e.g. ‘Heath Road’, verge and woodland understorey vegetation, and in the areas of heathland recreation initiated by the RSPB (Sandy Warren SSSI). 6C.1.5 Variable field and roadside boundaries - ranging from mature shelterbelts to gappy, short flailed boundaries to intact hedges. 6C.1.6 Large, deciduous, mixed and plantation woodland blocks - some of which are ancient - e.g. White Wood, to the north and woods associated with areas of parkland result in a strong wooded context - contrasting with more open arable areas. 6C.1.7 Strong estate parkland character - with houses, parkland planting, formal avenues, estate woodlands and gatehouse lodges forming an important landscape element at Woodbury Park, Hazells Hall, and Everton Park. To the south The Lodge is now the headquarters of the RSPB. 6C.1.8 Iron Age hillforts control the gap in the Greensand Ridge as at Caesar’s Camp and Galley Hill. 6C.1.9 Springs occur along the steep northern ridge - otherwise water is largely absent within the landscape apart from a reservoir at Woodbury Park and a pond at The Lodge. 6C.1.10 Limited road network with a triangle of routes connecting settlements of Everton and Potton, and the market town of Sandy - at the foot of the ridge. 6C.1.11 The sparse road network contrasts with the extensive unmarked tracks which cross through the area providing access. The Greensand Ridge Walk is a popular long distance route. 6C.1.12 Historic town of Potton - archetypal small town, with attractive red and buff brick buildings clustered around the market square. 6C.1.13 Active and restored mineral extraction works are dispersed across the area including a sandstone quarry north of Potton Road and sand and gravel workings near Deepdale - undergoing progressive restoration. Workings are generally well screened within the

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landscape. 6C.1.14 Small linear village of Everton above the ‘escarpment’ with the larger expanded village of Potton to the south, based around the market square. 6C.1.15 Landmark churches, with distinct towers act as focal points in the landscape e.g. at Everton. The church at Potton is by comparison set away from the village at the edge of the vale (5g). The mast at Sandy transmitter station is a dominant feature in views to the ridge and across the ridge. There is a small windmill north of Potton. 6C.1.16 Recreational landscape with facilities and extensive walks associated with the RSPB reserve and the long distance route of the Greensand Ridge Walk.

Landscape Character Description

Physical and natural character

6C.2 This is an elevated landscape - forming part of the Lower Greensand that crosses the north of Central Bedfordshire, forming a large scale ridge. Views to the ridge from the adjacent lower lying vale landscapes and the Ouse Valley are a key characteristic of Central Bedfordshire. Three Iron Age hillforts control the gap in the Greensand Ridge as at Caesar’s Camp and Galley Hill.

6C.3 The strongly articulated north-west facing slope offers a sense of containment to the vale as well as providing far-reaching and open views to the north. The slope defining the south of the ridge is less dramatic, forming a subtle transition to the adjacent Clay Vale.

6C.4 The land cover pattern is consistent with large scale mosaic of plantation and deciduous woodland, open areas of heathland creation, arable cropping and setaside - together creating a diverse textured landscape. Pine clumps are a distinctive feature. The sense of scale and enclosure varies from enclosed dark beech plantations, to vast open panoramas from the ridge top, for example, Warden Hill near Everton. Experience of the landscape includes filtered views through woodland opened up for heathland creation, directed views associated with parkland planting, and extensive views from the open arable ridge top.

6C.5 A strong underlying heathland character (Sandy Heath, Potton Heath, Gamlingay Great Heath (Cambs)) is evident in road names e.g. ‘Heath Road’, verge and woodland understorey vegetation, and in the large areas of heathland recreation initiated by the RSPB (Sandy Warren SSSI).

6C.6 Large estate houses and surrounding parkland bring a notable formal designed character to the landscape - with houses, parkland planting, formal avenues, estate woodlands and gatehouse lodges forming an important landscape element at Woodbury Park, Hassells Hall and Everton Park. To the south,The Lodge is the headquarters of the RSPB.

6C.7 Active and restored mineral extraction works are dispersed across the area including a sand quarry north of Potton Road and sand and gravel workings near Deepdale which are progressively being restored. For the most part the workings are well screened within the landscape.

Biodiversity

6C.8 This is a well wooded elevated landscape. The woodland consists of some ancient semi-natural sites as well as more recent plantations - the latter frequently on areas of former heathland as at Sandy Warren. The area includes a number of parklands as at Woodbury Park and Hazells Hall which retain areas of pasture and ancient trees. The former heathland character of this part of the ridge is evident and areas of heathland and acid grassland persist at Sandy Warren - here a major restoration project is restoring areas of plantation to heathland, with the adjacent Sandy Heath Quarry also being restored to acid grassland and heathland. Small areas of unimproved neutral grassland are present e.g. at Everton Hill at Everton Churchyard. Elsewhere the ridge is mainly in arable use with local areas of pasture.

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6C.9 The Greensand Ridge is a Nature Improvement Area.

Woodland at Cox Hill Productive farmland enclave west of Potton Church

Visual and perceptual character

6C.10 The distinctive north-west facing slope offers a sense of containment to the vale as well as providing far-reaching and open views to the north. Blocks of woodland provide a sense of intimacy and diversity in the landscape whilst far ranging views from elevated spots (e.g. near Everton) and designed parkland create a landscape of texture and interest.

Cultural pattern and historic character

6C.11 Cropmarks indicate the presence of late prehistoric or Roman occupation across the Greensand plateau. At the crest of the escarpment to the west are three Iron Age hillforts overlooking the Ivel Valley, where it cuts through the ridge. These controlled access through the river valley at this strategic location.

6C.12 The poor sandy soils were marginal land in the medieval period, utilised as warrens covering large areas of the plateau. Along the north-west facing crest of the escarpment, possibly attracted by a narrow outcrop of Ampthill Clay, there is a line of historic settlement foci, comprising Hassells, Everton, Story Farm (in a former detached part of the parish of Tetworth, Huntingdonshire) and Woodbury. These were associated with small irregular fields (old enclosures). Ancient woodland survives at Woodbury, which suggests this may have originated as an assart settlement. The historic land units belonging to these settlements took the form of long strips running from the Greensand plateau, over the escarpment down into the vale to the north-west, though this arrangement has been lost in more recent administrative boundary changes.

6C.13 At enclosure, the warrens were subdivided by regular field boundaries, many of which (particularly at Everton Warren) were removed in the 20th century. Other areas were laid out as parkland around country houses (Sandy Lodge, Hasells Hall and Woodbury Hall), with plantations established on the ridge overlooking Sandy.

6C.14 The three Iron Age hillforts - Sandy Lodge, Galley Hill (both scheduled) and Caesar’s Camp - occupy prominent positions on the crest of the escarpment overlooking Sandy. Earthworks representing the remains of medieval settlement along the ridge overlooking the clay vale can be found at Everton and Woodbury, and the scheduled moated site at Story Farm (former Tetworth parish).

6C.15 The parkland at Hazells Hall is registered Grade II.

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Settlement pattern; built character

6C.16 Settlement is largely nucleated and contained within the small village of Everton and the historic market town of Potton. Beyond this settlement is mainly limited to areas associated with historic parkland - farms and estate buildings and there is relatively little scattered settlement across the wider area. A linear collection of dwellings within the incised sandstone valley is a feature at Deepdale.

6C.17 Potton developed as a prosperous market gardening town with market garden plots largely being located within the adjacent character area east of Potton. The town is clustered around a central market square - of medieval origin with buildings ranging from the 16th century to the present day. St. Mary’s church is reached by the Causeway and is a distinctive feature - set away from the town on the edge of the adjacent Vale. The sandstone church tower at Everton is a further landmark feature as is the mast at Sandy Transmitting station which provides a locational reference in views from a wide distance.

6C.18 The characteristic building material is ironstone and sandstone quarried locally and found in the larger houses, churches, for example Everton church, and occasional boundary features. Elsewhere vernacular buildings materials include red and buff brick - forming the distinctive centre of Potton, plus colour washed render, slate and clay tiles. The settlements, notably the edge of Potton have expanded to include considerable areas of more modern post war residential estates.

Evaluation

Landscape Change

Past Change Potential Future Change

Quarry and subsequent landscape restoration Construction of committed housing of quarry pits e.g. Sandy Heath Quarry. developments in Potton. Loss of hedgerow boundary features. Potential for further urbanisation of the road network. Housing expansion at Potton. Renewable energy developments. Dilution of market gardening. Reduction of coniferous woodland; Heathland restoration projects. regeneration of heathland.

Key positive landscape features/ strategic sensitivities of the landscape

6C.1.17 Prominent landform creating a distinctive skyline and horizon in the views from the vale (5f). Any change on the ridge - land management or development/quarrying could impinge on these views. 6C.1.18 Extensive mosaic of woodland and heathland - an important recreational, biodiversity and visual resource. The woodland and heathland require sustained management. The remnant heathland reflects the extensive heaths and warrens of the medieval period. 6C.1.19 Historic estate and parkland landscapes associated with The Lodge, Woodbury Park, Everton Park and Hazells Hall imparting a strong designed character. 6C.1.20 Iron Age hillforts (Sandy Lodge, Galley Hill, Caesar’s Camp) which occupy a significant strategic position in the landscape. 6C.1.21 The distribution of former settlements along the crest of the ridge, associated with small irregular fields, and set within linear land units. 6C.1.22 The Greensand Ridge Walk which provide recreational access and links this outlying part of the ridge with the main ridge (6a and 6b) to the west.

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6C.1.23 Landmark churches act as distinct focal points in the landscape e.g. at Everton. 6C.1.24 Considerable nature conservation value with SSSI designated heath, grassland and woodland habitats at Sandy Warren which require sustained management. 6C.1.25 Strong unity and sense of place which result from the combination of valued landscape elements including ancient woodlands, heathland, historic parkland and recreation.

Visual Sensitivity

6C.1.26 Role of the ridge as the backdrop to the Vale (5f) - the northern edge of the ridge is elevated, exposed and highly visible with clear reciprocal views to and from the adjacent low-lying vale landscape. These views are vulnerable to adverse change within the vale. Likewise any adverse change - such as tall development or unsympathetic felling on the ridge top would be highly visible in views from the vale. At closer range changes in land management such as creation of extensive areas of set aside or new crops on the steep northern slopes also has the potential to have a high visual impact being seen in plan form from below.

Landscape Strategy

The moderate condition and strong character of the Everton Heath Greensand Ridge (6c) suggest an overall strategy to conserve and enhance the landscape. Key features that should be conserved include the ancient woodland, estate parkland and function as a rural, wooded backdrop in views. The area has a strong underlying heathland character and conservation and restoration of heath is a key opportunity. Enhancement opportunities predominantly relate to improving its condition, notably hedgerow boundaries. There are also continuing opportunities to restore, extend and link areas of heathland.

Guidelines for New Development

6C.1.27 Improve the integration of the edge of Potton with its landscape setting. 6C.1.28 Conserve the essentially undeveloped wooded and open ridgeline in views from the adjacent vales (5f and 5g). 6C.1.29 Conserve the setting and views to landmark churches and other features which act as distinct focal points in the landscape. 6C.1.30 Conserve the contrast between the ridge and the adjacent low-lying clay vales landscape. Avoid development at the base of the northern ridge in order to conserve the contrast and dramatic change in landform and character between the two landscape types. 6C.1.31 Conserve the rural character of the secondary roads that cross and align the ridge (e.g. Potton Road, Everton Road) and limit urbanising influences. 6C.1.32 Ensure restoration of quarries and pits responds to landscape character and nature conservation objectives e.g. increasing consider opportunities for creating further areas of heathland on the ridge. 6C.1.33 Utilise local vernacular materials to add detail and reinforce local distinctiveness.

Landscape Management Guidelines

6C.1.34 Conserve the ancient woodland and ensure that it is brought into suitable management, including re-introduction of coppice where appropriate. 6C.1.35 Assess the potential for further heathland restoration/creation particularly through restoration of extraction sites and opportunities associated with redundant arable land and forestry plantations. Consider the effects of any large scale felling on key views to the ridge.

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6C.1.36 Conserve the remaining areas of pasture and seek to ensure continued grazing management. 6C.1.37 Conserve and enhance the historic parkland and estate landscapes with their woodland patterns, formal planting, ancient trees pasture and built features such as estate walls and gate lodges. 6C.1.38 Conserve the recreational value of the landscape by continuing to maintain rights of way including the Greensand Ridge Walk. 6C.1.39 Conserve panoramic views from the ridge across the adjacent vales and beyond and the role of the ridge itself in providing a strong wooded backdrop and horizon. 6C.1.40 Enhance the condition and structure of hedgerow boundaries by focussing hedgerow renewal between remaining sections as to strengthen landscape pattern and ecological value by actively applying a consistent management strategy. In particular focus efforts on conserving surviving boundaries of the historic land units and consider reinstatement where possible. 6C.1.41 Conserve and enhance the old irregular fields and associated ancient woodland representing historic land use patterns along the north-west facing crest of the ridge. 6C.1.42 Encourage active management of areas used for horse grazing - including retention of hedge boundaries, minimising proliferation of temporary structures and active sward management. 6C.1.43 Conserve the site and setting of the archaeological features, notably the Iron Age Hill forts overlooking the Ivel Valley and the scheduled moat.

Also refer to the following documents:

 Mid Bedfordshire Green Infrastructure Plan  Potton Green Infrastructure Plan

 Secrets of the Sands HLF project  Greensand Nature Improvement Area

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