Landscape Capacity Study2010:Site Options , and Bramley LandscapeCapacity Study, February 2008 Basingstoke andDeaneLandscapeAssessment,June2001 County Integrated Character Assessment,FinalMay 2012 The Hampshire Landscape:AStrategy for theFuture, 2000 National LandscapeCharacter, CountrysideAgency Landscape Character Extracts Appendix 4: 16 Basingstoke Down 8B: Basingstoke OpenDowns 2B: NorthHampshire LowlandMosaic 5: NorthHampshire LowlandandHeath 1: Area 130:Hampshire Downs Area Heaths 129:ThamesBasin

Tab5 Appendix 4 Tab3 Tab2 Appendix LT2.2.1

Countryside Character Volume 7: South East &

The character of ’s natural and man-made landscape Character Area 129 Thames Basin Heaths

Key Characteristics

● Particularly diverse landscape unified by the high incidence of heathland and coniferous forestry, the open unenclosed nature of which is unusual within the context of the south-east region.

● Heavily populated and developed area characterised by large towns plus numerous smaller settlements along transport corridors interspersed by open land.

● Important occupation area from Mesolithic to modern times based on exploitation of the rivers with numerous Prehistoric, Roman and medieval settlements, the latter of which extended along valley bottoms.

●

Fragmented but often connected blocks of largely AGENCY JOHN TYLER/COUNTRYSIDDE neglected remnant heathland as a result of early agricultural clearances and widespread development, Small towns and villages, such as the Roman settlement of , nestle discreetly amongst the gently sloping plateaux of with most heath retained on large commons or as the Reading and Bagshot Beds. Use of local materials is reflected Ministry of Defence training areas. in the buildings and flint wall.

● The western part of the area is fairly well-wooded Landscape Character with grazed pasture but retains a heathy character due to the dominance of oak/birch/bracken/pine The Thames Basin Heaths comprise a distinct area of and remnant heath on small unimproved pockets commonly unenclosed heathland and coniferous forestry of land. developed on the acidic soils in the west of the Thames ● Variety and contrast is given by the wide grazed Basin. The Heaths extend from the Thames Basin Lowlands floodplain, drainage ditches, restored gravel in the east, across north Hampshire north of the Downs and workings and lush wetland vegetation associated with through south-east towards the dip slope of the the Kennet Valley. Berkshire and Marlborough Downs.

● Cultivated farmland and pasture is typically enclosed The once extensive heathland is now largely fragmented within small and irregularly shaped fields divided by and degraded but the landscape still maintains its open and hedgerows with small areas of wood and heath ‘heathy’ character. The area still contains large areas of heavily used for horse grazing. rolling unenclosed heathland where the varying seasons and weathers change the character of the open landscape from ● Large tracts of coniferous plantations or mixed colourful and exhilarating to sombre and bleak. The wood with beech and birch are typical of much of distinctive and widespread occurrence of the area, with significant areas of ancient woodland in oak/birch/bracken/pine reflects the poor acidic soils and the west. heathland origins of this area.

1146 10km ESHER 6

7 level in feet level A3050 height above sea- height above 0-200' 1 600-800' 200-400' 400-600' Elmbridge District Weybridge

M25 Byfleet M3 A3

Spelthorne District A318

5 0

SURREY Wey A245

Woodham River

Addlestone Character Area Area Character 129 Runnymede District A318 Lyne A320 Woking

SU 0 TQ SU 0 A324 Thames Basin Heaths GUILDFORD Water Virginia Woking District Chobham A322 Burrowhill A323 Windlesham Sunninghill Knaphill Bisley

A329 Donkey Tow n WINDSOR AND MAIDENHEAD UA WINDSOR A324 Ascot District Guildford A332 9 District Deepcut Heath

A322 Bagshot

A331 Aldershot Farnborough Frimley District Rushmoor

CAMBERLEY A3095

BRACKNELL Canal

BRACKNELL FOREST UA BRACKNELL Basingstoke 115

A3013 Crowthorne M4 Fleet Church Crookham Yardley

Manor

Minley 8 A30 Wokingham A287 Hartley Garrison Wintney Arborfield Village

River Crondell A329(M)

Loddon River Hart

Crookham River Blackwater

A327 West Green West M3 Hound Green Hart District WOKINGHAM UA WOKINGHAM Hook Spencers Wood 7

READING UA

Swallowfield A33 Rotherwick Burghfield Common Green Theale

West End West A340 Bramley 110 Mortimer 8 Bradfield District Tadley BASINGSTOKE Southend 6

Beenham Pang

Basingstoke and Dean River A340 A339 Woolhampton Alley 108 Ashampstead 130 114

Heath End

Charter M4 Yattendon Frilsham Buckleberry A4

River Kennet Headley Cold Ash Thatcham

5 Greenham A34 Newtown Hermitage WEST BERKSHIRE UA

116 River NEWBURY A343

Lambourn HAMPSHIRE Speen Enborne 4 115 Kintbury Area 129 boundary Area Adjacent Area Motorway A Road B Road and station Railway County boundary Unitary authority District boundary

147 irregular fields set in winding, locally sunken lanes with hedgebanks, hedgerows and oaks. Small farms, cottages and straggling roadside settlements are dispersed throughout. A more regular field pattern also occurs, with a network of Blocks of remnant typically straight roads and small hedged fields or small to heathland on acidic medium-sized fields, often internally fenced. Roadside soils are often open and settlements, smallholdings, market gardening and garden unenclosed, which centres also tend to occupy this recently enclosed is rare in the south landscape. Bracken and gorse, typically prominent along the eastern landscape. Their bright purple fencelines and in the hedgerows, reinforce the impression patches make a of a ‘heathy’ character. distinct impression on the character Contrast and variety is provided by, the Kennet Valley of the Thames south of the Berkshire and Marlborough Downs. Generally, ~ Basin Heaths. the valley sides rise gently, in places in a series of terraces, encompassing an area of gentle character which is quintessentially English lowland river and vale. Over quite large areas the valley bottom is still undrained and damp in

PETER WAKELY/ENGLISH NATURE PETER WAKELY/ENGLISH character with a complex pattern of river, canal, drainage The Heaths have experienced rapid and intensive residential dykes and linking channels, with associated wet pasture, development in the last 50 years with large towns such as reed beds and woodland. Ascot, , Farnborough and Woking comprising The Kennet Valley has also borne the impacts of recent major focal points within the wider landscape. The M3, development, in particular the rapid growth of Newbury M4, M25 and A34 are major transport routes that cut and Thatcham, and some substantial sand and gravel through the area adding to the generally developed extraction. From Theale towards Reading, for example, the character of much of the heathlands. Within the wider rural extensive lakes of wet workings have completely landscape, farming is generally small-scale and enclosed, transformed the original character of the landscape. primarily, restricted to pasture, with widespread horse grazing and very little productive arable land due to the South of the Kennet, the land rises to a plateau of mixed poor soils. woodland with extensive conifer plantations, heath, farm and parkland. This area includes the famous defence Trees are a significant feature of western Surrey, Fields, establishment at , which is a distinct feature at gardens and houses appear to be set within all-enveloping night when lit. woodland; an illusion partly created by large wooded gardens and by belts of woodland along roadsides, together Physical Influences with substantial areas of woodland and forestry. Broad heaths and a subtle mosaic of grassland, bogs, ponds and The dominant landform is generally flat to gently sloping fringes of encroaching scrub combine with the woodlands plateaux commonly incised by broad or, in places, steep- and forestry to give the essential character of the area. sided river valleys. The plateaux are generally underlain by, At the western end of the Thames Basin Heaths, a Tertiary deposits including clays, silts, sands and gravels of landscape of mixed farmland and woodland forms most of the Reading and Bagshot Beds, with London Clay in the the boundary with the Hampshire Downs to the south. This valleys. These give rise to nutrient-poor acidic soils with a is largely a landscape of small to medium-sized irregular mainly light or slowly permeable character which are a major fields and woodlands as well as hedgerows and hedgebanks factor in the land use. Localised areas of more fertile loamy with large trees. Views are constrained by the many soils support arable farming within the predominantly woodlands and hedgerows. The chalklands are visible from heathland, woodland and pasture land use. areas of higher ground but, generally, this is an intimately Where the Chalk scarp of the Hampshire Downs meets the enclosed landscape, valued for its sense of remoteness and lower lying Heaths, water from within the higher Chalk seclusion. strata produces many spring lines. These are commonly Large areas are under private ownership, including sizeable associated with ecologically important habitats and also with tracts owned by the Ministry of Defence. Barracks, areas of distinctive linear settlement patterns. Many valley areas are army housing, camps, military signs and notices give much affected by gravel extraction. Elsewhere, drift deposits of the landscape an inescapable military tone. contribute to the variety of land cover elements within the area. Plateau deposits consisting of acidic sands and gravels This is an ancient landscape with many small well-hedged, give rise to heathland, whereas valley deposits including 148 fertile silt as well as gravels have created lush water largely undeveloped land within a generally heavily meadow landscapes. developed area. Other historic land uses, such as those resulting from the use and harnessing of river water, eg as Numerous watercourses drain the Heaths including the flood meadows and mills, add to the typically diverse rivers Enborne, Kennet, Pang, Loddon (and its tributary historic landscape associated with the Heathlands. the Lyde), Blackwater (and its tributary the Whitewater), the Hart, the Windle Brook and the Bourne. The During the 18th century the Thames Basin Heaths became a is also an important element in the major focus for new development in the region due hydrological balance. largely, to the perceived scenic qualities of heathland coupled with the rapid growth of London. This led to a Historical and Cultural Influences major increase in the number of people moving to the area. Park estates, modest country houses and villages grew up The development of the heathland character began with in the more open parts, generally surrounded by woodland, prehistoric clearance of the natural woodland for grazing or which were fairly close and accessible to London. cultivation. The characteristically light soils, assisted by the slight natural acidity and permeability of the underlying Buildings and Settlement sands and gravels, were leached of nutrients and became more acidic and thus better suited for acid-tolerant species Large areas of the Thames Basin Heaths within easy, reach such as heather and gorse. Much of this heathland survived of London are dominated by extensive residential suburbs, well into the 18th century when it was one of the largest intermixed with golf courses and parkland. On many areas and most continuous areas of lowland heath in England. of former heathland the developing woodland has created a mature and enclosed setting for large houses at low density, associated in many places with a network of small fields, usually used as paddocks. Away from the influence of London and the main commuter routes, the area is characterised by a network of winding roads and lanes throughout which villages and scattered farming settlements are generally at a low density. Villages are commonly linear but locally there is a clear nucleus, typically associated with a village green. Within the Kennet Valley the settlements of Newbury and Thatcham dominate the area having grown extensively and almost coalesced in recent years. Military installations are significant built structures within

JOHN TYLER/COUNTRYSIDE AGENCY JOHN TYLER/COUNTRYSIDE the Heaths landscape such as the Atomic Warfare The wide grazed floodplain of the is a distinctive Establishment at Aldermaston, Farnborough Airfield and feature. Regular flooding in winter restricts land use to permanent pasture also Greenham Common airfield. These military installations generally coincide with areas of heathland or The last 150 years has seen the extent of heathland greatly former heath surrounded by an alternating landscape of reduced due to cessation of stock grazing resulting in medium-sized farms, large houses in extensive grounds and encroachment by ‘pioneer’ species such as birch and the small villages. Some villages such as Aldermaston, located invasive bracken. More recently still, further areas of on the site of a former Saxon settlement, have managed to heathland have been lost through piecemeal housing retain a large part of their traditional character. In contrast development, commercial forestry plantations, scrub other villages, such as Burghfield or Mortimer, have woodland, nurseries and other suburban developments. experienced major expansion as commuter settlements The whole area has a complex history, of human during this century. Red brick housing is generally the intervention containing many known and many more norm for much of the Heaths. potential sites of archaeological interest. Henges, long and round barrows, Roman settlements, traces of ancient field Land Cover systems and evidence, of lynchets are all frequent and characteristic features of the historic landscape. Some areas An internationally rare habitat with a high conservation reflect wider historic land uses: for example, the influence value, heathland forms extensive pockets of uncultivated of early medieval hunting forests such as the Forest of land within the Thames Basin Heaths character area. These Evesley or which are extensive tracts of distinctive landscape features form open tracts of seasonally

149 Woodlands, coniferous and broadleaved, are major features of the character of the Thames Basin Heaths. Much is secondary woodland with oak, birch and sweet chestnut being common constituent species. JOHN TYLER/COUNTRYSIDE AGENCY JOHN TYLER/COUNTRYSIDE

colourful land, dominated by various types of heathers, years. The main woodland type is oak-birch secondary gorse, beech and birch. Many of the smaller grass- woodland with beech, rowan, holly and rhododendrons dominated heathlands are in local authority ownership frequent in many woods. Many smaller woodlands or wooded allowing public access while the generally larger but strips near the edge of settlements are often used for informal comparatively fewer areas of heather-dominated heathlands recreation. Increases in the size of fields within arable areas, are within restricted areas owned by the Ministry of at the expense of hedgerows and woodland, have left many Defence. A notable exception is owned woods isolated, contributing to the erosion of the patchwork by Surrey County Council. landscape that gives the Heaths their essential character. Farmland is generally of traditional scale, extensively Throughout the area, scattered isolated pockets of ancient hedged and, in some places, intercut with small woods and semi-natural woodlands and some areas of wood-pasture relict heathland. Improved grasslands dominate the provide significant nature-conservation value. A diverse agricultural scene with some small areas of arable on the range of significant landscape features such as streams, localised areas of more fertile soils. In addition to the meadows, commons and some ancient field systems are also widespread grazing of farm livestock, grazing by horses is a important wildlife habitats. Typically, hedges consist of oak, notable and common feature within the small paddocks that holly, ash or hazel. are a particular feature of the farmland in the urban fringes. Commercial nurseries are a common land use within this Riding schools and stud farms provide small paddocks and area, for example around Chobham and Bisley where light medium-sized fields, typically defined by a network of free-draining soils support a distinctive landscape pattern of hedges, although often these are reinforced or regular blocks of tightly spaced young trees. Some areas of supplemented by distinctive post and rail fencing. neglected and overgrown former nurseries have led to There is little ancient semi-natural woodland, except in the unusual woodlands which provide new and varied habitats. west part, with most woodland planted over the last 200 Golf courses are also a common land use in the Heaths.

150 These are generally well-wooded between the fairways and Shaping the Future are commonly either formed within woodland or on open heathland. ● The conservation of remaining areas of heath should be considered through the management of woodland scrub Secondary woodland, and sometimes also semi-natural encroachment by the restoration of grazing. This might woodland, adjacent to areas of suburban housing is often also include the reversion of woodland (in particular subject to the increasing influence of non-indigenous plants coniferous plantations) to heath. within their understorey and ground layers. Where gardens have extended into established woodlands, ornamental ● The restoration and management of sand and gravel shrubs and grasses combine with woodland species such as workings and waste disposal sites should be addressed. laurel, holly, sweet chestnut, beech and oak to give many ● The reversion of arable to permanent pasture in remnant areas a gardened appearance. unimproved valley floors, and the management of willow Forestry plantations are common on former heathlands. and alder along watercourses, are important. They are mainly coniferous, usually Scots pine, and are ● There is scope for the restoration and conservation often edged by broadleaved trees such as birch, oak or of hedgerows. sweet chestnut. Bracken is common beneath the trees and in open areas while heather also re-colonises where the ● Former Ministry of Defence landholdings might present canopy has not closed. Many of the forestry areas are opportunities for restoration and conservation of owned and used by the Ministry of Defence, alongside remnant heathlands, as at Greenham Common. active forestry management and public access. Some areas are typified by their distinctively dense crop of young trees Selected References grown for the Christmas tree market. (1993), The Hampshire Open riverside meadows are a distinctive characteristic of Landscape, HCC. the river valleys with alder, willow and poplar as typical Surrey County Council (1994), The Future of Surrey’s tree species. Extensive gravel extraction activities are a Landscape and Woodlands – Part 1: An assessment (Consultation common feature in these areas, such as in the Kennet Valley Draft), SCC. where current workings and large lakes, important for their recreation and wildlife value, are highly prominent features. Babtie Public Services Division (undated), A Landscape Strategy for Berkshire: Consultation Proposals, Berkshire County The Changing Countryside Council.

● Poor management of existing woodland and tree belts is diminishing the character of the landscape and making development more intrusive.

● Planting of extensive conifer plantations since 1945 has dramatically altered the traditional appearance of the heathlands.

● Loss of characteristic features such as hedgerows in small pockets of farmland.

● Ministry of Defence activity has restricted development and public access,

● Mineral extraction along rivers.

● Decline in commons grazing.

● Agricultural diversification pressures on the landscape giving rise to inappropriate land uses, such as Christmas tree nurseries and golf courses. AGEBCY JOHN TYLER/COUNTRYSIDE Farming is generally small-scale and restricted to intensive ● Development pressures from the continuing rapid pasture, with widespread horse grazing and little productive arable land due to the poor soils. growth of towns in the area and from pressures relating to transport infrastructure and road improvements.

151 Character Area 130 Hampshire Downs

Key Characteristics east. The South Hampshire Lowlands form the landscape immediately to the south separating the Downs from the ● Strongly rolling downland with scarps, hilltops,and south coast. valleys which have an overall open and exposed character.

● Scarps and hilltops are characterised by extensive open tracts of large arable fields and some ley pasture, sporadically interrupted by woodlands. In contrast within the sheltered downland valleys, the network of mixed-species hedgerows interspersed by numerous oak/ash or hazel woodland coppice gives a strong sense of enclosure.

● Clay-with-flints overlying Chalk mainly on higher ground supports a mix of arable farms, former commons, wood-pastures and ancient semi-natural woodland. A network of distinctive and ancient JOHN TYLER/COUNTRYSIDE AGENCY JOHN TYLER/COUNTRYSIDE droving roads and track ways are a particular The clay tops of the downland often support areas of deciduous feature, as are numerous large estates with formal woodland. parkland. Characterised by a complex landform consisting of strongly ● Distinctive appearance of chalk cob and flint in rolling chalk downland, dissected by both deep and shallow traditional rural buildings and walls surrounding sheltered valley landforms with numerous distinct hilltops, farm courtyards, with thatch surviving in many ridges and scarps, the Downs are both striking and places. conspicuous. The landscape is large in scale with a predominantly rural character typified by often extensive ● Widespread prehistoric settlement and burial views and widely dispersed settlements. mounds with visually prominent Iron Age hillforts, Roman estates and nucleated medieval village Many of the higher parts of the Downs are capped by a settlement patterns. shallow deposit of clay with flints. In places this is in the form of a flat or gently domed plateau. The plateau is ● The Test and Itchen are significant and distinctive predominantly a landscape of arable farmland with varying Chalk river valleys cut into the broad downland degrees of enclosure. Hedgerows or the edges of numerous landscape. ancient woodlands frequently define the field pattern, although some areas of former common or open field Landscape Character system are more open with fenced fields and long views. The Hampshire Downs are part of the broad belt of Chalk Away from the clay plateau on the lighter chalk soils, linking the Dorset Downs and Salisbury Plain in the west intensive arable production is typical in the largely open with the in the east, and the Berkshire and landscape. Low, trimmed hedgerows, post and wire fences Marlborough Downs to the north. In stark contrast to the or coniferous shelter belts define the large fields. There are Hampshire Downs, adjacent character areas are dominated few woodlands. Throughout the Downs on the steeper by the heaths and coniferous forestry of the Thames Basin uncultivated slopes, woodland or unimproved chalk Heaths to the north and the Wealden Greensand to the grassland occurs.

7272 10km 120 5 119 level in feet level height above sea- height above 0-200' 114 600-800' 200-400' 400-600' 800-1000' SURREY Waverley District Waverley FARNHAM Area 130 boundary Area Adjacent Area Motorway A Road B Road and station Railway County boundary District boundary Forest 0 8 Hampshire Downs Hampshire Character Area Area Character 130 A287 4

Bentley 3 A31 120 Hart District Long Sutton North ALTON

7 Warnborough A32 Upper East Grey Farringdon District Upton Hampshire

Beech

Shalden A33 A33 Four West Marks A339 Tisted Wield Lower Park Bramdean Axford Brockwood 6

BASINGSTOKE A30 Old Alresford Dummer Cheriton

A339

Oakley A272 Kilmeston Steventon Stoke Itchen East Stratton Hannington North 129 Waltham

Itchen Abbas A31 M3 Micheldever Quidhampton

125 Easton

6 A33 Overton 5 Twyford Shawford Otterbourne Kings

Wor thy A303 Basingstoke

South Wonston

A34 Litchfield and Deane District Itchen River Sutton Whitchurch Scotney A34 Stacey Compton Barton Hill

872' A272 Littleton Beacon A3090 HAMPSHIRE District

Binley

Winchester A343 Forest

Sparsholt Harewood A30 4 Chilbolton

Braishfield A3057 Faccombe Enham Alamein Hill 974' Walbury Kings Somborne Upton 128

Tarrant ANDOVER River Michaelmersh WEST BERKSHIRE UA Hurstbourne District Test Valley Test

Linkenholt A343 Houghton Hatherden Nether Wallop 3 SU Hill 860'

Haydown A342 Weyhill Ludgershall Broughton Chute 116 Kennet District Upper Marten Over Wallop Middle Wallop 132 WILTSHIRE

73 grazing. Grazing sustained the chalk grassland or ‘sheepwalks’ which were often defined by long boundary banks. Settled agricultural communities became more widespread during the Bronze and Iron Ages within the Chalk valleys and along the ridges of the Hampshire Downs. Towards the end of the Iron Age and through the Roman periods the Downs were noted for their exports of cereals and wool, an economy that boomed until the end of the Roman occupation when some cultivated areas were abandoned. Successive settlers exploited the Downs according to their own socio-economic needs, of particular note were the Saxon infield-outfield and later open-field systems surrounding medieval settlements. Between the 15th and 19th centuries,

JOHN TYLER/COUNTRYSIDE AGENCY JOHN TYLER/COUNTRYSIDE open-field downland became increasingly enclosed following The hedgerows of the lower valleys give a sense of an enclosed successive Parliamentary Enclosure Acts which helped create landscape contrasting with the open arable land outside much of the present day hedgerow and field pattern. the valleys. Amidst this downland and agricultural landscape, parklands Numerous wooded valleys are particularly characteristic and large estates feature widely, among them House, features. Within them, ancient semi-natural woodlands are providing rural inspiration for the novels of Jane Austen. seemingly interconnected by a dense and well-trimmed network of mixed-species hedges with oak hedgerow trees that frequently mark field and road boundaries. These pockets afford a degree of enclosure and seclusion within the more open and exposed areas of higher ground more typically characterised by large fenced fields and extensive views.

Physical Influences

The underlying Chalk gives rise to a variety of contrasting landforms including broad strongly rolling downland, both deep and shallow valleys, and distinct hilltops and ridges with minor steep scarps in places. On the plateau and ridge SMITH RAY The flint, found naturally in the chalk, has been used over time – areas the Chalk is typically overlain by a shallow but more recently as a building material in the area. virtually continuous deposit of Clay-with-flints. This stony clay cap creates damp heavy soils amongst the generally Buildings and Settlement free-draining thin chalky soils, supporting former heaths and oak wood-pastures mixed in with the surrounding arable The predominantly agricultural landscape of the Hampshire farming. Downs is characterised by a widely dispersed settlement pattern of villages and hamlets linked together by a complex The rivers Test and Itchen have cut significant valleys into network of remote and narrow lanes, often with steep the Chalk and their swiftly flowing rivers are notable hedgebanks. The occasional settlements are generally of brick features within the landscape. The vast majority of other or brick and timber in the valleys, or of brick and distinctive valleys within the Downs are generally dry, although some knapped flint in the hills, with thatch roofs surviving in some support winter streams or ‘bournes’. buildings, although plain tiles are a more typical roofing Historical and Cultural Influences material. Chalk is used infrequently as a building stone due to its inherent softness and solubility, although chalk cob is Flint, with its remarkably hard crystalline structure and used in walls surrounding some farmsteads. strong planes of fracture, played a significant role in the Major routes, such as the M3 motorway, pass through this prehistorical and cultural development of the Hampshire area, linking Winchester and Basingstoke with London. Downs. Using flint tools to clear substantial areas of woodland, early Neolithic farmers began to cultivate the light Land Cover chalk soils. The clearing of land for cultivation and pasturing had, by the Middle Ages, become dominated by sheep Some parts of the steeper, uncultivated slopes are covered 74 by short, grazed turf on chalk soils which have been Shaping the Future generally exempt from agricultural ‘improvements’ such as the application of herbicides/pesticides or ploughing. These ● The landscape and nature-conservation interest of ancient traditional areas of chalk grassland or ‘sheepwalks’ are a woodlands, former wood pastures and relic commons scarce landscape feature with only comparatively small areas should be addressed. remaining among the predominantly arable landscape. ● There is scope to conserve and manage neglected and fragmented hedgerows.

● The protection of archaeological features and their settings is important.

● The protection of the Chalk aquifer from pollution should be addressed, together with the management of water resources and the conservation of rivers and their landscape setting.

● There are opportunities to conserve Chalk grassland by the reinstatement of traditional management regimes.

RAY SMITH RAY Selected References The river Test flows along the edge of the area and gives rise to a range of significant wildlife habitats from the river channel to Countryside Commission (1991), The floodplain grassland. Landscape, CCP 358, Countryside Commission, Oak is the dominant tree species, particularly on the clay- Cheltenham. capped ridges, with infrequent but characteristic occurrence Hampshire County Council (1993), The Hampshire of beech on the lighter valley soils. Ash, hazel and field Landscape, Hampshire County Council, Hampshire. maple occur widely while yew, holly and whitebeam are restricted to the thinner, chalky soils. Oak is also found as Hunton, D A and Insole, A N (1988), Ordnance Survey a hedgerow tree within the frequent mixed-species hedges Historical Guides: Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, George that follow the remote and narrow lanes in the area. The Philip, London. hedges tend to be either low and well-trimmed, or high, overgrown and unmanaged. In many areas, hedges are non- Glossary existent. ley: land that has remained untilled for some years or land put down to grass or clover for a limited period of years The Changing Countryside

● Many hedgerows and woodlands have been removed in recent years as field sizes have been increased for arable crop production, thus causing the more traditional patchwork pattern of the landscape to be eroded.

● Significant development pressures arising from expansion of major settlements such as Andover and Basingstoke.

● Development of major new roads and improvements has significantly diminished the character of the landscape, such as the M3 cutting at Twyford Down.

● Over-abstraction of water resources and ground water RAY SMITH RAY pollution has affected the viability of the Chalk aquifer The impact of the cutting for the M3 through the chalk grassland under the Hampshire Downs leading to detrimental at Twyford Down. effects on Chalk streams and rivers.

● Strong past and future pressures for large golf course developments within the Downs.

75

The Hampshire LANDSCAPE a Strategy for the Future Character Area Descriptions The Hampshire Landscape: a Strategy for the Future

Hampshire Downs Character Area

General description The most remote, high and tranquil parts of rural Hampshire are found in these rolling and extensive chalk downs. Broad and gently domed high plateaux or sweeping hills with long and panoramic views provide a sense of openness and space, combining with numerous ancient woodlands and hedgerows, and many winding ancient lanes and tracks to create a rich and generally well-enclosed landscape. These distinctive characteristics provide a secluded setting for large tracts of intensively farmed, mainly arable countryside and the widely dispersed settlements throughout the area.

The Hampshire Downs form the highest parts of Hampshire’s broad belt of chalk which as a whole acts as an extensive rural buffer separating the significantly smaller-scale and slightly more urbanised Lowland and Heath landscapes of north and south Hampshire.

Many parts of the Hampshire Downs retain their generally unspoilt rural character despite the presence of three large urban areas and several major transport routes.

Landscape Types BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN: Open Arable Key Habitats – Action plans Chalk and Clay Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland Pasture Woodland, Parkland Clay Plateau Hedgerows Scarps: Downland Arable Land Scarps: Hangers Lowland Calcareous Grassland Open Standing Water Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty Chalk Streams AONB East Hampshire AONB Public Access and Long Distance Paths Abbotstone Down Special Protection Areas and Ashford Hangers Nature Reserve Candidate Special Areas of Conservation Beacon Hill Iron Age Fort Porton Down SPA Whitehill viewpoint Salisbury Plain cSAC Basing House East Hampshire Hangers cSAC Test Way Wayfarers Walk Three Castles Way

18 The Hampshire Landscape: a Strategy for the Future Character Area Descriptions

©Crown Copyright. All rights reserved. Hampshire County Council Licence Number LA076651/00/01

Main characteristics Generally elevated chalk landscape comprising extensive tracts of predominantly arable agricultural land mostly with a remote and quiet rural character despite several major through routes and three large urban areas.

Predominantly high ground with broad and sweeping contours varying from very gently domed or undulating clay plateaux to steeply rolling and domed hills with dry valleys and coombes; also steep, dramatic escarpments forming prominent skylines of wooded hangers or exposed hilltops.

A sense of openness and space allowing spectacular panoramic views from the more open parts of the area which include Hampshire’s highest hills.

Generally a high degree of enclosure and a sense of seclusion created by numerous woodlands and hedgerows particularly on many areas of higher ground where a clay cap overlies the chalk; also many areas of arable farmland with a more open spacious character occasionally with coniferous shelter belts or small plantations.

Numerous but often unmanaged ancient semi-natural woodlands and ancient hedgerows provide significant biodiversity value throughout the area; areas of unimproved species-rich chalk grassland on the steeper slopes are concentrated mainly towards the north western parts; generally the more intensively farmed areas have low biodiversity levels.

Mainly grade three agriculture land comprising well-drained shallow calcareous soils, or more clayey soils on areas of higher ground capped by clay with flints; predominantly intensive arable production with a much smaller proportion of grazing land.

Mainly medium to large or very large fields comprising both irregular field patterns of ancient pre-Enclosure systems, but also regular patterns of more recent enclosures by Parliamentary Act or Agreement of former downlands and open field systems.

Sites and monuments of significant archaeological interest include Bronze Age burial mounds such as those at , and Iron Age hillforts, including Beacon Hill () and on prominent hilltops; the Iron Age site at Blagden Copse may be evidence from past farming; also, a medieval castle at Barley Pound.

Historic parks include Cholderton Park, Hackwood Park, Herriard Park, Rotherfield Park and Stratton Park.

Winding ancient roads, lanes and tracks predominate, often with hedgebanks and occasionally with sunken profiles especially on steeper slopes, though straight roads associated with Parliamentary Enclosures also occur; a motorway and several major roads and railways also lie across the area creating local visual and noise intrusion.

Settlements widely dispersed including hamlets, villages, small towns and major urban areas; characteristic building materials include brick or lime washed plaster over timber wattle, and the widespread use of flint for walls; timber-framed buildings are typical, and longstraw thatch, later superseded by clay tiles are characteristic roofing materials. 19 Character Area Descriptions The Hampshire Landscape: a Strategy for the Future

North Hampshire Lowland and Heath Character Area

General description This generally low-lying area forms a small part of the Thames Basin and lies to the north of Hampshire’s chalk downs.

The area is predominantly farmland comprising both arable and grazing land in an undulating and well-wooded setting. Throughout the area numerous rivers and streams flow north from the chalk to the River Thames. This is mainly an ancient landscape with numerous ancient woodlands and ancient hedgerows with high biodiversity value, and the irregular field patterns and winding lanes and tracks characteristic of pre-Enclosure landscapes. The heathlands and unimproved meadows of North Hampshire are also habitats of significant nature conservation value. There are also large areas of forestry plantation.

Towards the east where the railway and several major roads link Basingstoke, Fleet and the Blackwater Valley towns, the landscape shows a greater concentration of urban influences. Elsewhere the character is generally more rural and some areas have a particularly remote and quiet character.

Landscape Types Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty Mixed Farmland and Woodland North Wessex Downs AONB Open Arable on Clay Heathland and Forest Special Protection Areas Pasture and Woodland: Heath Associated Thames Basin Heaths SPA River Valley Public Access and Long Distance Paths BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN: Key Habitats – Action plans Yateley Common Country Park Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland Blackwater Valley Walks Pasture Woodland, Parkland Basingstoke Canal Hedgerows Castle Bottom Nature Reserve Arable Land Zebon Copse Nature Reserve Unimproved Neutral Dry Grassland, Hay Meadows King John’s Castle Heathland, Acid Grassland and Bog Bramshill Common Fen/Carr/Marsh/Swamp/Reedbed Herbert Plantation Nature Reserve Open Standing Water Forest Nature Reserve Canals

Main characteristics Generally low-lying gently undulating small-scale landscape with numerous ancient woodlands and hedgerows which create a strong sense of enclosure; mainly grazing land on heavy soils, with arable crops on areas of higher or better drained ground; also heathland, or woodlands and plantations on former heathland, on more acid soils associated with small gravel outcrops or, towards the east, more extensive gravel plateaux.

Generally undulating but varying from steep-sided valleys particularly towards the west to almost flat further east where river valleys often have indistinct boundaries, tending to merge into the surrounding landscape; extensive, elevated gravel plateaux east of Fleet and the River Hart. 26 The Hampshire Landscape: a Strategy for the Future Character Area Descriptions

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Generally small-scale landscape; numerous woodlands, forestry plantations and well-treed hedgerows limit views and create a high degree of enclosure; more open in places particularly arable farmland associated with the Loddon and Whitewater Valleys; occasional views of high and prominent chalk downs skyline to the south.

Diverse range of habitats including numerous ancient semi-natural woodlands, ancient hedgerows and hedgebanks, and valuable habitats associated with streams and spring lines which occur where the area meets the chalk downs; areas of heathland on acidic soils on higher ground near Burghclere and Tadley, but mainly towards the east especially on the plateau gravels east of the River Hart.

Predominantly grade three agricultural land with small areas of grades two and four on loamy or heavy, clayey soils including seasonally waterlogged ground; both grazing and arable land in similar proportions overall but generally less arable towards the west particularly on clayey valley soils; also unintensive grazing land including many paddocks and occasional stud farms often on former heathland areas.

Largely ancient pre-Enclosure landscape with small to medium-sized irregular field pattern; also small areas with regular field pattern of Enclosure by Parliamentary Act or Agreement.

Sites and monuments of significant archaeological interest include Silchester Roman Town located on a low spur, with an amphitheatre alongside; also, a number of medieval moats associated with woodland clearance, such as Clappers Farm, and a medieval fish pond complex at Wyeford Farm; and important medieval castles at Old Basing and Odiham, with a medieval deer park nearby.

Historic parks include Dogmersfield Park, Elvetham Park, , Stratfield Saye, The Vyne and Wolverton Park.

Urban influences including MoD land are more heavily concentrated towards the east where larger towns and major urban areas including Fleet, Farnborough and Aldershot are linked by primary transport routes including M3 and main railway to Basingstoke; mineral extraction and landfill sites also occur towards the east, changing the character of the rural landscape and causing visual intrusion and disturbance in varying degrees; villages, occasionally with village greens, and scattered farms are well dispersed but more frequent than on Hampshire’s chalk downs; timber-framed brick and tile buildings are characteristic; settlements linked mainly by winding roads, lanes and tracks occasionally sunken in steeper areas; areas with a more remote and quiet rural character occur locally throughout but notably north of Ecchinswell and Kingsclere, and areas associated with the Rivers Loddon and Lyde including around Rotherwick and Stratfield Saye. 27

2B: NORTH HAMPSHIRE LOWLAND MOSAIC

Farmstead near Goose Hill – small scale pasture dominated fields, backed by woodland – Farmsteads typically in close proximity to streams. Horticulture and pylons often prevalent.

Towards park pale of Wolverton – Small meadow and permanent pasture Land typically rises from the Lowland larger scale wood and field assarts. fields, boundaries often with drainage Mosaic Small Scale to the more ditches – Church Green wooded and gravelly soils of the Lowland Medium Scale - Ecchinswell

Farmstead converted to office and Wolverton house – in wooded Kingsclere market town on the edge industrial units setting of the chalk.

Hampshire County 1 Status: FINAL May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment North Hampshire Lowland Mosaic . Hampshire County 2 Status: FINAL May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment North Hampshire Lowland Mosaic . 1.0 Location and Boundaries 1.1 This character area is located in the north of the County and comprises an area of lowland well wooded landscape which is bounded to the west by a transition into a smaller scale farmland landscape and to the east by a transition into a more ordered landscape influenced by estate management. The southern boundary is defined by the distinct change in geology and relief of the chalklands and upper greensand. To the north the area is defined by the higher occurrence of acidic soils and heath as well as the River Enborne and the Hampshire County Boundary.

1.2 Component County Landscape Types Lowland Mosaic Small Scale, Lowland Mosaic Medium Scale, Urban areas: Kingsclere

1.3 Composition of Borough/District LCAs: Basingstoke and Dean District Ecchinswell Woolverton North Sherborne (in part)

These character areas have similar origins being part of the Forest of Pamber. This common evolution along with small north-south running valleys, clay soils and pattern of farmsteads helps to unify them such that they can be grouped into this single character area.

1.4 Associations with NCAs and Natural Areas: NCA 129: Thames Basin Heaths NA 66:

2.0 Key Characteristics • Gently undulating landform dissected by small chalk fed streams, in small valleys running south to north. • Medium and small scaled mixed farmland and woodland mosaic. • Blocks of broadleaved and mixed woodland often sinuous in shape which contain views and create wooded horizons. • Woodland coppice and old hedge banks are reoccurring features. • Juxtaposition of habitats, including woodland, pasture, remnant heathland, grassland and wetlands creates biological richness. • Pockets of predominantly arable farmland comprising medium scale regular fields defined by a strong structure of hedgerows and shaw woodlands. • Smaller scale fields of pasture along stream valleys.

Hampshire County 3 Status: FINAL May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment North Hampshire Lowland Mosaic . • Dispersed settlement pattern – villages to the south are more substantial whilst those to the north comprise a loose collection of buildings associated with exploitation of woodland. • High concentration of timber framed buildings and use of mellow red brick, clay roof tiles and decorative use of blue brick in Flemish bond patterns. • Narrow rural lanes defined by high hedgerows. • Ancient woodland (often associated with historic deer parks) contributes to rich biodiversity.

3.0 Physical Characteristics and Land Use 3.1 This landscape is gently undulating and has a subdued yet simple and generous character. The area slopes gently and almost imperceptibly northwards towards the river Enborne and is dissected throughout by numerous small streams. Geologically this area is underlain with heavy London Clay and permeable sands and gravel. This gives rise to course loamy and some sandy soils over gravels and in places heavier soil which may be slowly permeable where clay is more dominant. Agricultural land quality is predominantly medium, with areas of lower quality within the river valleys.

3.2 The topographical variation in this landscape is often masked by the high concentration of blocks of assart woodland which characteristically have sinuous boundaries. These sinuous lines coupled with the smooth landform gives rise to a rounded and organic landscape pattern. In places this pattern is interrupted by areas of open arable land use (often appearing intensive) where fields are medium in size and defined by a regular pattern of hedgerows. Pastoral landuse is generally limited and most commonly found along the small stream valleys and includes remnant areas of unimproved/semi-improved grassland. Here the fields comprise a smaller scale enclosure pattern. Many of the hedgerows across this landscape are well trimmed with few hedgerow trees and there is evidence of some field boundary loss. Although some of the woodlands have been replanted with conifers the majority are ancient in origin and hazel coppice woods and old woodbanks are repetitive and defining features of the area. In places there are clear parkland influences such as areas of arable with in field trees e.g. Wolverton.

3.3 The majority of this area falls within the Environment Agency Kennet River Enborne catchment area, although the southeast corner forms part of the Loddon catchment area. All the streams flow in a north-south direction feeding into the River Enborne excepting the tributaries to Bow Brook in the southeast which flow east-west into the Loddon. Waterbodies include lakes associated with parkland landscapes e.g. Ewhurst Park, The Vyne, Wolverton Park and former clay pits associated with brickworks at Kingsclere.

4.0 Experiential/Perceptual Characteristics 4.1 This is an inward looking landscape. Views are contained by the undulating topography and frequently treed horizons. This, combined with the simple visual patterns in this landscape and few landmarks mean that the landscape may be disorientating. However in the southern part of the character area the rising land associated with the chalk to the south becomes a visually significant element in views and assists in orientation, contributing strongly to sense of place. The pattern of land uses and extensive blocks of woodland across this landscape creates a generally ordered and balanced composition.

Hampshire County 4 Status: FINAL May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment North Hampshire Lowland Mosaic .

4.2 Much of this landscape is accessible by public rights of way and bridleways linking stream valleys and woodlands across areas of arable landuse and parkland. There are no long distance paths in this area and no areas of open access. Smithleys and Sleepers Copses in the north of the area do offer accessible woodland. Sandford Springs Golf Club adjacent to Kingsclere and within the former parkland of Wolverston Deer Park is a popular destination.

4.3 This is a quiet, rural landscape which has medium to high tranquillity as a result of its rural character, extensive blocks of woodland and dispersed pattern of rural farmsteads. Tranquillity declines at the edges of the character area adjacent to areas of urban development at Kingsclere and Tadley, or where there are overt man made features such as the pylons which run across the southeastern part of this character area.

5.0 Biodiversity Character 5.1 This landscape comprises a mix of arable and agriculturally improved grasslands and is well wooded.

5.2 Woodland is significant in the area, existing as small to large, often interlinked, patches. Much of the woodland is ancient and semi-natural, although this is less so in the very north of the area. Woodland is mainly broadleaved, although there are some patches of parkland, mixed plantation and coniferous woodland and some small patches of active coppice with standards in the east. There are patches of unimproved grasslands within the agricultural landscape including unimproved and semi-improved neutral grasslands and occasional small patches of marshy grassland. There are occasional ponds in the south of the area and some urban development.

5.3 This landscape character area is partially covered, in the west, by the to Headley BOA which contains a complex series of ancient commons which would once have been covered by heathland and acid grassland with a scatter of small woods. The BOA contains an exceptionally high concentration of ancient woodland and unimproved grassland.

5.4 There are over 140 SINCs within this landscape character area. The majority are wooded sites that support ancient woodland or remnants of ancient woodland; many support notable species too. One of the largest is Sandford Wood East at 71 hectares and is designated for its ancient and semi-natural woodlands, significant elements of woodland surviving in other woodland and because it represents important community types restricted in distribution to the County and because they support notable species.

6.0 Historic Character 6.1 Archaeology 6.1.1 This area has relatively low levels of archaeological evidence available. There are no Mesolithic sites within the area and only a handful of Mesolithic finds (although a recent cable project found Mesolithic and Neolithic flint periodically along its length, suggesting it is to be found in small quantities). There is considerable evidence of Mesolithic activity in the Kennet Valley to the north and so it would seem likely that there was some level of exploitation in this area, but it was clearly not a favoured

Hampshire County 5 Status: FINAL May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment North Hampshire Lowland Mosaic . area and of limited relevance. The same can be suggested for the Neolithic period, when this area seems to have been exploited in only a very limited way.

6.1.2 Likewise in the Bronze Age this is one of only a few areas in Hampshire with a very low incidence of evidence of Bronze Age activity, although the Kennet Valley to the north is unusually rich in evidence of Bronze Age settlement. There is only one ring ditch (a ploughed down site of a burial mound) in the area, although there are burial mounds to the north along the high ground that acts as the watershed to the Kennet Valley, and to the south in the chalk downland where a greater range of evidence is available. It seems likely that this area was only lightly exploited in the Bronze Age, but the evidence to support this is usually slight. This pattern of limited evidence continues into the Iron Age, with no occupation sites and no evidence of Celtic field systems emerging, although close by the emergence of Calleva (Silchester) can be seen.

6.1.3 In the Roman period the rise of Silchester can be seen to the east but within 2A there is only one Roman occupation site. This is a Roman villa, which is close to the southern downland edge, and seems to relate to a distribution of Roman villas along the northern edge of the downland.

6.1.4 The archaeological evidence is very suggestive of a landscape that is exploited at a low level throughout prehistory, and one which would emerge in the medieval period as woodland and heath. This ties in with the area’s status as Pamber Forest. The presence of the Alien Priory at Pamber is the sort of gift of land in the medieval period that suggests that it was waste or of low value. There are two deer parks which also tie in with the area’s Forest character.

6.2 Historic Landscape 6.2.1 This landscape character area formed part of the Royal Forest of Pamber and was important for hunting and the production of timber throughout the medieval period. It is likely that the first clearance of areas of the forest for agriculture began in the 14th century. This suggests that the assarts here are of mid medieval origin and later encroachment for agriculture has lead to woodland becoming increasingly fragmented. Nevertheless, exploitation during this period was probably less intensive than in the Loddon and Lyde valley landscape immediately to the east as reflected in the comparatively fewer moated sites and medieval manors. The marginal nature of this character area is also reflected in the concentration of deer parks found here including Beaurepaire and Cufaude (The Vyne) as well as Wolverton, Burghclere, Ecchinswell and Fobury. A number of these parks were refashioned as landscape parks in the 18th century such as Wolverton, The Vyne and Beaurepaire while elsewhere entirely new parklands developed and took advantage of changes in topography e.g. Elmhurst which made use of the varied scenery associated with the chalk landscape to the south. As a result parklands often occur at the margins of this character area where changes in topography and landscape could be utilised to best effect.

6.2.2 Overall the area as a whole is relatively homogenous with a scattering of assart woodlands throughout and irregular enclosures of varying sizes, suggesting that the process of clearance came about in a piecemeal fashion over a considerable time. Whilst the extent to which woodland blocks remain in the landscape varies there is

Hampshire County 6 Status: FINAL May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment North Hampshire Lowland Mosaic . a notable concentration of woodland in the central part of this character area. Here some of the woodland has been replanted with conifers and this variation is likely to reflect the influence of the Kingsclere estate and Wolverton Deer Park.

6.2.3 On the northern part of this landscape character on the valley sides of the River Enborne there is a different historic pattern. Here there is considerably less woodland and the field boundaries are regular and straight sided. These enclosures reflect more formal parliamentary enclosure dating to the 18th and 19th centuries and suggest a different pattern of land tenure (perhaps areas of former common) and exploitation of resources adjacent to the River Enborne.

6.3 Built Environment 6.3.1 The road network in this landscape comprises a pattern of historic (pre 1810) rural lanes which are orientated mainly in a north-south direction and connect the dispersed pattern of farmsteads with small hamlets and villages. These lanes are frequently flanked by grass verges as well as hedges and may pass adjacent to woodlands but rarely through them.

6.3.2 Settlement in this landscape comprises a number of types including nucleated and more substantial villages at the foot of the chalk (spring line villages e.g. Ecchinswell, Kingsclere and ) and a dispersed pattern of smaller historic (pre 1810) villages e.g. , and Monk Sherborne. The historic cores of Ecchinswell, Kingsclere and Sherborne St John are covered by Conservation Area status for their high concentration of listed buildings, range of vernacular architecture and integrity. These settlement also have a strong association with the watercourses on which they are located – in the case of Kingsclere this led to the development of mill buildings and a tannery, and in Ecchinswell, the development of water cress beds. The mill buildings remain a feature of these settlements especially at Kingsclere and contribute greatly to local character.

6.3.3 At Monk Sherborne the conservation area covers the historic core of the village which was located on the site of a Norman motte and bailey castle and priory. In Monk Sherborne, Sherborne St John, Ramsdell, Kingsclere and Ecchinswell recent housing development has altered the settlement form and character.

6.3.4 There is a dispersed and high density pattern of farmsteads across this character area. Many of the farm buildings are timber framed clad with black (coal tar coated) weather board timber with hipped roofs and low eaves and low brick walls are a distinctive characteristic. This character area has one of the highest concentration of surviving timber framed buildings and pre 1700 buildings which incorporate brick in Hampshire. The establishment of post 1800 brickworks has produced the characteristic red / orange local bricks seen in many of the vernacular buildings in this landscape. Flemish bond with blue / grey decorative headers are fairly typical of pre 1850 buildings and are characteristic of buildings in both Ecchinswell and Kingsclere. The character area has a remarkably high concentration of clay tiled roof and tile hung buildings, the latter particularly associated with timber frame buildings. It also has a higher than average density of buildings with thatch roofs.

Hampshire County 7 Status: FINAL May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment North Hampshire Lowland Mosaic . EVALUATION

7.0 Forces for Change 1. Changes in agriculture and land management, particularly associated with agricultural intensification. 2. Changes in woodland management practices. 3. New development, resulting in suburbanisation and loss of character, and the potential introduction of large-scale structures. 4. Climate change, potentially affecting farming patterns, groundwater and stream levels, and tree loss due to increased storms, drought and disease. 5. Mineral working, as the area contains safeguarded areas for sand and gravel extraction. 6. Pressure for access and recreation, particularly given the proximity of large settlements.

KEY QUALITIES AND EFFECTS OF FORCES 7.1 An enclosed and generally tranquil landscape comprising a medium-small scale mosaic of farmland and woodland defined by a strong hedgerow structure. In the south, views of rising land associated with the chalk contribute to the sense of place. FORCES FOR CONSEQUENCES CHANGE: 1.3.4.5. Threats: Continued local loss of tranquillity and visual quality near urban areas, main roads and pylon lines. Past (and potential future) loss of biodiversity due to intensification of agricultural methods. Climate change affecting farming practices which in turn alters the pattern of the landscape. Potential prominent vertical features on the chalk skyline which would be intrusive in views. Potential future mineral extraction affecting the tranquillity of the landscape, its structure and scenic quality.

Opportunities: Target agri-environment schemes to improve the biodiversity of agricultural land, for example through the provision of uncultivated buffer strips along field margins. Manage hedgerows and encourage hedgerow trees, particularly in areas of historic field patterns. Identify areas of elevated land which are particularly visually sensitive, and use planning policy and conditions to protect them from intrusive development. Use minerals planning policy and conditions to ensure that any future mineral extraction has a minimal impact on the tranquillity and visual quality of the landscape.

Hampshire County 8 Status: FINAL May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment North Hampshire Lowland Mosaic . 7.2 Historically part of the Royal Forest of Pamber, the area retains a strongly wooded character and rich biodiversity, with sinuous ancient woodland blocks, hedgebanks, plantations, coppice, parklands and remnant grassland and heathlands all reoccurring features in the landscape. FORCES FOR CONSEQUENCES CHANGE: 2.4.5.6. Threats: Potential loss of trees due to increased drought, storms and disease as a result of climate change. Past (and potential future) under-management of ancient semi-natural woodlands, including hazel coppice. Lack of species and structural diversity in areas of coniferous plantation. Potential loss of habitats and biodiversity as a result of future mineral extraction. Lack of public access into the countryside from nearby towns.

Opportunities: Target agri-environment and other grant schemes to maintain and enhance woodland habitats utilising traditional management techniques such as coppicing (in line with BOA objectives); restore and retain traditional and distinctive hedgebanks, and manage and link smaller areas of remnant heathland and unimproved grassland, Diversify coniferous plantations to include native broadleaf species. Potential to carry out conservation management plans as appropriate for parkland landscapes within this landscape character area, Encourage public access into the countryside through CAP actions, specifically improved access to the northern parkland of the Vyne estate.

7.3 Small chalk-fed streams dissect the landscape, with small-scale fields of biodiversity-rich grassland in the valley bottoms, and associated historic buildings including spring-line settlements, mills, a tannery and watercress beds. FORCES FOR CONSEQUENCES CHANGE: 1.3. Threats Changes in agricultural practices, and increased water abstraction may result in loss of biodiversity-rich grasslands. Climate change potentially affecting ground water levels and springs. Potential neglect of historic buildings and structures which have gone out of use.

Opportunities: Target agri-environment schemes to retain ponds and unimproved/ semi-improved grassland habitats through appropriate water management and grazing regimes, in line with BOA objectives. Restore historic buildings and structures to working use if appropriate, and also protect their landscape settings.

Hampshire County 9 Status: FINAL May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment North Hampshire Lowland Mosaic . 7.4 Settlement comprises a dispersed but dense pattern of farmsteads, villages and hamlets (with many buildings constructed of locally sourced timber and mellow brick) connected by a network of narrow rural lanes and paths. FORCES FOR CONSEQUENCES CHANGE: 3. Threats: Recent housing altering traditional settlement pattern and character. Potential lack of management of road verges and hedgerows along rural lanes. Potential suburbanisation of rural lanes around settlements through increased lighting, kerbing and signage, plus urban-style property boundaries.

Opportunities: Use local assessments such as Village Design Statements and Parish Plans to identify and retain distinctive features of built form in the area, and ensure that new development is well integrated into the surrounding landscape. Use Rural Roads Initiative to retain the rural character of lanes, whilst still meeting Highways standards. In particular maintain grass verges, hedgerows and hedgebanks alongside roads, enabling them to act as corridors for wildlife. Promote CAP actions to maintain and enhance the public rights of way network.

Hampshire County 10 Status: FINAL May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment North Hampshire Lowland Mosaic . 8B: BASINGSTOKE OPEN DOWNS

Seasonally parched open arable landscape in high summer from A339 - low often fragmented hedge lines. Dramatic far reaching views across the North Hampshire lowlands.

South of Sherborne St John – some Shothanger cross roads above Woodland below Woodgarston farm modern development has started toBasingstoke to the north west © – site of former chalk pits which extend into lower slopes of the area Andrew Smith Geograph dotted the area © Andrew Smith.

Roman road at – forms a Outside Basingstoke high proportion Low density nucleated pattern of strong rural settlement boundary ©of historic buildings – timber framed small settlements - Sebastian Ballard - Geograph and typically orange red brick.

Hampshire County 1 Status: FINAL May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment Basingstoke Open Downs

Hampshire County 2 Status: FINAL May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment Basingstoke Open Downs

1.0 Location and Boundaries 1.1 This character area comprises an area of downland which forms a shallow bowl, within which the settlement of Basingstoke is located at the head of the . It is the topography and settlement that unify this area. The northern boundary of this character area is particularly marked as a result of a dramatic change in geology to the lower lying heaths and clays. To the south the change is more transitional as the land rises onto an elevated and often wooded chalk plateau. The western and southern boundaries are marked by a gradual transition to a more enclosed mosaic of farmland and woodland.

1.2 Component County Landscape Types Open Downs

1.3 Composition of Borough/District LCAs: Basingstoke and Dean Basingstoke Down

The boundaries of this LCA are similar to those of the character area above.

1.4 Associations with NCAs and Natural Areas: NCA 130: Hampshire Downs and JCA 129: Thames Basin Heaths NA 78: Hampshire Downs and NA 66: London Basin

1.5 Townscape assessment areas: Basingstoke

2.0 Key Characteristics • Rolling chalk landform with broad sweeping undulations, forming a bowl around the head of the River Loddon and north facing slopes which extend down to the lower lying heaths. • Extensive tracts of intensive arable cultivation defined by well trimmed hedgerows or ancient tracks and footpaths. • Visible framework of winding ancient lanes and tracks which formed boundaries to extensive open field systems and lead up to higher ground. • Generally low woodland cover with scattered blocks of woodland and stronger hedgerow structure in southern parts of the area. • An archaeologically significant area, with settlement and exploitation going back to prehistoric times.

Hampshire County 3 Status: FINAL May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment Basingstoke Open Downs

• Extensive areas of mid to late 20thC. urban development of Basingstoke which is visible, mainly from within the character area. • Major transportation routes include a Roman road, Basingstoke Canal, railway and M3. • Remote and quiet landscape outside of built up areas. • Beyond the major settlement of Basingstoke the landscape is lightly populated with low density nucleated villages and occasional farmsteads. • Sense of openness, space and emptiness, especially when climbing up out of the bowl shape landform where Basingstoke sits.

3.0 Physical Characteristics and Land Use 3.1 This landscape is underlain by chalk with occasional deposits of clay with flint particularly in the north and west. The gently rolling topography of the landscape has developed as a result of the erosion of the chalk. The bowl shape of the area forms the head of the River Loddon valley.

3.2 This landscape comprises a large scale pattern of arable fields with low, well trimmed hedgerows which are weak and broken in places. Woodland blocks are infrequent although where they occur or form shelter belts they are visually dominant e.g. north of Piccadilly Hill or along Lane. In places there are small patches of grassland on steep slopes and areas of parkland e.g. Worting Park or adjacent to historic villages e.g. Cliddesden. Close to the urban edge of Basingstoke some land is used for recreation purposes e.g. Basingstoke Golf Course and Weybrook Park Golf Club.

3.3 This area falls within the Environment Agency Loddon catchment area. The tributary to the River Loddon flows through the central developed area of Basingstoke but it is not a major feature of the town. Due to the porous chalk geology there are no other watercourses within this character area.

4.0 Experiential/Perceptual Characteristics 4.1 Beyond the urban area this landscape has an open and exposed character with little shelter from vegetation. Extensive views across gently rolling landform to the north and across Basingstoke are possible from the upper rim of the area. Horizons are typically open with distinctive rounded and flowing land forms.

4.2 Footpaths and bridleways tend to follow former drove road routes across the downs although they are not prolific, leaving large swathes of arable farmland relatively inaccessible.

4.3 This landscape has only moderate or low tranquillity overall as a result of the influence of the urban conurbation of Basingstoke, the major communication networks such as the railway and M3, and recreational uses of the landscape e.g. golf courses at Basingstoke Golf Club. There is also considerable night blight from Basingstoke on the surrounding downland landscape. Collectively these influences serve to undermine the sense of remoteness experienced here. Nevertheless there remains a sharp contrast between the open simplicity of the downland farmland compared to the enclosure created by the urban area of Basingstoke.

Hampshire County 4 Status: FINAL May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment Basingstoke Open Downs

5.0 Biodiversity Character 5.1 This is an arable landscape with some improved grassland. There are some very small patches of unimproved grassland but these tend to be isolated within the productive, agricultural landscape. The east of this area comprises urban land, with residential development, industry and Basingstoke town centre. Within the urban area, open land such as amenity grassland and sports pitches provide habitat variation. Gardens also provide some habitat opportunity and variation, as do street trees and other planting.

5.2 Woodland cover is low; there is one significant area of parkland/ woodland over grassland in the north east of the area, on the interface of the urban and agricultural landscapes. Other woodland is mainly broadleaved woodland with some mixed plantation. Woodland tends to be linear, enclosing farmsteads or fields.

5.3 There are few SINCs within this landscape character area, all are small in size and most are designated for their ancient woodland resource. This LCA contains Daneshill Park Wood LNR and Popley Ponds LNR.

6.0 Historic Character 6.1 Archaeology 6.1.1 Archaeologically this character area is very significant.

6.1.2 A number of Mesolithic items have been found in this area and it is clear that it was being utilised during the Mesolithic, evidence points in particular to the immediate flanks of the Loddon itself.

6.1.3 It is important to note the close correlation between the open downland landscape type and Neolithic Long Barrows and settlement i.e. the reasons which led to open downland are to a large degree co-incident with those areas showing the earliest evidence of occupation and exploitation. It seems likely that the open downland areas were enclosed and settled at the early stages of landscape development. There is a Long Barrow in Basingstoke, and a Neolithic settlement was recently found within this character area during recent development to the north of Basingstoke. A considerable amount of Neolithic flint work was found in the Basingstoke area by early collectors.

6.1.4 Likewise in the Bronze Age there is evidence of both settlement and burial mounds of sufficient presence to suggest that the area was being intensively utilised in this period. Where in other areas it has been suggested that areas were exploited extensively by settled populations in adjacent areas, it is areas like this landscape character area that would have been settled and were exploiting adjacent less sparsely settled or wild areas.

6.1.5 This pattern continues into the Iron Age with a dense cluster of settlement sites and the Iron Age hill fort at . But the evidence also seems to suggest that by the Iron Age the peculiar focus of intense settlement onto the Basingstoke area has further enhanced, in common with only a handful of other places in Hampshire. The existing importance of this part of the Loddon valley can be seen by the fact that the Roman road from the north to the south bends to pass through Basingstoke rather than pass to the west which is the direct route. Hampshire County 5 Status: FINAL May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment Basingstoke Open Downs

6.1.6 In the Roman period too the Basingstoke area was densely settled in a manner paralleled in only a few places in Hampshire. The Portland Roman road which connected Silchester to Winchester forms the western limit of the present day town.

6.1.7 The mechanisms of the lineage between the open downland of the present landscape and the earliest origins of this landscape are not discernible, but the evidence shows that it is a landscape that has the origins of its evolution in the Neolithic and is a landscape which has evolved throughout the prehistoric, settled, occupied and intensively utilised.

6.2 Historic Landscape 6.2.1 Although this landscape shows continuity of occupation and exploitation as indicated above, it is the dominance of modern built development and the pattern of 17th, 18th and 19th century enclosures which determine the overall character and pattern of the landscape today. This character area can be divided into three areas: Firstly the built up area of Basingstoke which has expanded most rapidly over the last 60 years; secondly the areas to the north (between Basingstoke and Sherborne St John) and south of the town which comprise large scale rectilinear fields dating from the 18th century formal enclosures6; and thirdly fringe areas to the northwest and parts of the southeast which have medium sized fields with wavy boundaries and fields bounded by tracks and paths. These tracks probably formed the framework for extensive medieval (and possibly earlier) open field systems. Much of the landscape has been subject to boundary loss and reorganisation.

6.2.2 Prior to enclosure (mainly pre 1800) and the growth of Basingstoke in the 20th century, much of this landscape (with the exception of fringe areas to the north and west) would have comprised an expanse of open fields with open downland. The OSD maps show almost no areas of downland left by 1800. In the fringe areas, the northwest and southeast parts of the character area, where the soils were influenced by a cap of clay with flints, the landscape is likely to have been wooded until much later, being cleared for agriculture in a more piecemeal fashion during the 17th and 18th centuries. This pattern of clearance would have created the characteristic wavy field boundaries. The creation of formal enclosures (mainly in the 18th century) lead to the planting of hawthorn hedges to divide individual fields, often connecting the older hedges associated with lanes and tracks. This process is evident in areas such as Pidden Hill and north of Wotton St Laurence.

6.2.3 The growth of Basingstoke has resulted in the extension of built areas extending up the sides of the Loddon valley and onto the higher surrounding downland. This process of expansion has resulted in the loss of surrounding agricultural land, although some field patterns are still evident in housing layout, road layout and vegetation belts within the urban form. Similarly the Iron Age hillfort at Winklebury now forms the playing fields associated with the Winklebury school, its historic downland context having been completely altered by housing development. Former dispersed farmsteads which would have been typical of the early settlement pattern in this landscape have also been subsumed by the growth of the town e.g. Farm which now forms South Ham School.

Hampshire County 6 Status: FINAL May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment Basingstoke Open Downs

6.3 Built Environment 6.3.1 The modern communication networks which pass through this landscape and Basingstoke - including the Basingstoke canal, railway and M3 corridor - have substantially influenced the growth of Basingstoke over the last century. These networks run in an east-west direction through the natural ‘bowl’ that defines this landscape. The canal was completed in 1794 connecting Basingstoke with the and then the Thames, and enabling the import and export of goods. However the completion of the railway, in the first half of the 19th century, which again connected Basingstoke to London and south to Winchester, provided a much more effective and faster form of transportation. It was the railway that led to the most significant growth of industry associated with the town. Since then the M3 has also contributed to the prosperity of the town which was designated a London overspill town in the 1960’s and has had substantial housing growth since this time. The development of high rise office blocks with characteristic roof gardens has become known locally as the ‘hanging gardens of Basingstoke’

6.3.2 Basingstoke first evolved as a nucleated settlement located on the springline of the River Loddon, and its historic core (which has Conservation Area status) can still be appreciated. It prospered in the medieval period as a centre for the woollen industry. Immediately beyond Basingstoke and within the character area there is little development, with the exception of Worting, Wooton St Lawrence and Cliddesden. These nucleated settlements reflect the pattern of early medieval manor houses associated with a church and manor farm which have grown gradually over many centuries but remain largely intact and protected by conservation area status. In these historic settlements the local vernacular of the area can best be appreciated. Elsewhere the modern growth of Basingstoke and the ease with which building materials could be transported from outside the area has resulted in a wide range of building styles and construction materials. In the intact historic areas vernacular building materials typical of the area include 18th century timber framed buildings with brick infill and some use of blue and vitrified header bricks for decoration. The use of flint for walling can also be seen, particularly on churches. Slate is used extensively for roofing and stone has been used in the construction of civic buildings within Basingstoke. On the northwest edge of the town is Park Prewett which is a 19th/20th century mental hospital. The layout of buildings reflected new thinking in patient care, remains relatively intact and is designated a Conservation Area.

6.3.3 Isolated farmsteads are also found in this landscape although they are limited in number e.g. Field Barn Farm and Woodgarston Farm, both of which are located on the northern slopes of this character area overlooking the lower lying landscape to the north.

6.3.4 The public parks of Basingstoke and their much earlier origins are of particular note in this character area and include War Memorial Park, Eastrop Park, Glebe Gardens and South View Cemetery.

Hampshire County 7 Status: FINAL May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment Basingstoke Open Downs

EVALUATION

7.0 Forces for Change 1. Built development, particularly proposed major residential and employment sites in and around Basingstoke. 2. Suburbanisation of rural areas surrounding the town, e.g through increased recreational land use such as golf courses. 3. Changes in land management, especially intensification of agriculture. 4. Potential development of masts and other tall structures. 5. Climate change, particularly its effects on faming practices and resultant changes in the appearance of the landscape. 6. Minerals and Waste projects (safeguarded sites for a quarry and aggregate recycling facilities). 7. Demand for countryside access and recreation facilities, and improved access between Basingstoke and the surrounding countryside.

KEY QUALITIES AND EFFECTS OF FORCES 7.1 The town of Basingstoke sits within a natural “bowl” in the landscape, and reflects many centuries of transport influences (Roman roads, canal, railway and motorway)and built development. Outside built-up areas, the landscape is remote, open and quiet, reflecting the sparse settlement pattern of historic nucleated villages and dispersed farmsteads linked by rural lanes and footpaths. FORCES FOR CONSEQUENCES CHANGE: 1.2.6.7 Threats: Intrusion of large-scale built development, mineral works and major roads on the landscape. Loss of the landscape setting of the town and coalescence of settlements as a result of continuing development. Increased demand for recreational land use (e.g. golf courses) having a suburbanising affect on the countryside around the town. Lack of access from Basingstoke into the surrounding countryside. “Night blight” from streetlights in urban areas impacting on the sense of remoteness of the surrounding countryside. Close proximity to large populations can introduce greater likelihood of conflict through misuse (e.g. fly tipping, trespassing) on local farmland. Significant noise and visual intrusion from the M3 and A-roads on the immediate surroundings of the town.

Opportunities: Use minerals and waste planning and conditions to ensure works have a minimal impact on the qualities of the landscape. Use of planning policies and conditions to maintain and enhance the landscape setting of Basingstoke, particularly through the sensitive use of planting and edge treatment, and careful siting of new development and sports/ recreation facilities. Promote LDF and CAP actions to improve linkages between Basingstoke and surrounding countryside, and provide additional open air recreation sites such as Country Parks. Explore measures to reduce light pollution. Promote CAP actions to educate the public about responsible behaviour in the countryside. Explore measures to reduce the visual and acoustic impacts of major roads, possibly through the creation of new native woodland corridors.

Hampshire County 8 Status: FINAL May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment Basingstoke Open Downs

7.2 A landscape with a history of settlement and cultivation from earliest times, visible today through prehistoric earthworks, the framework of winding ancient lanes and tracks (which formed boundaries to open field systems and led up to higher ground), and areas of historic parkland (including several of Basingstoke’s public parks). FORCES FOR CONSEQUENCES CHANGE: 1.2.3.4.5 Threats: Damage to archaeological sites by ploughing, neglect or other means. Loss of settings of archaeological features (for example, the Iron Age hillfort at Winklebury, which is now surrounded by housing and forms the playing fields for Winklebury school.) Potential large scale structures dominating the setting of archaeological sites, especially hill top earthworks. Loss of historic field patterns due to field amalgamation or neglect of hedgerows. Potential damage to historic tracks due to use by motorised vehicles. Loss of parkland trees due to over maturity, possible exacerbated by disease and drought caused by climate change.

Opportunities: Agreements with farmers to prevent further damage to buried or upstanding archaeology. Use of planning policies to ensure that any new development respects the settings of archaeological sites, including earthworks on hilltops. Target agri-environmental schemes to resist further loss of hedgerows and historic field patterns. Use of CAP actions (and Rural Roads Initiative where appropriate) to minimise potential damage to historic routes by motor vehicles.

7.3 An open, agricultural landscape, with extensive tracts of intensive arable cultivation defined by well-trimmed hedgerows or ancient tracks, and occasional linear woodlands or shelterbelts. FORCES FOR CONSEQUENCES CHANGE: 3.5 Threats: Past (and potentially future) intensive agricultural practices, leading to a reduction in biodiversity. Hedgerow structure weak and broken in places, affecting the structure of the landscape. Isolation of small patches of remnant grassland. Potential under-management of some ancient semi-natural woodlands.

Opportunities: Target agri-enviornment and other grant schemes to improve the biodiversity of the agricultural landscape, in particular: Management of grass field margins, hedgebanks and uncultivated buffer strips adjacent to sensitive wildlife habitats; Manage and restore hedgerows to improve landscape structure and wildlife habitats; Link areas of remnant unimproved grassland to create wildlife corridors, possibly using road verges or tracks to do so; Improve management of linear woodlands. Enhance the opportunities for urban areas to provide habitat variation (e.g. grassland, gardens and street trees).

Hampshire County 9 Status: FINAL May 2012 Integrated Character Assessment Basingstoke Open Downs

BASINGSTOKE AND DEANE LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT: MAIN REPORT Part 2: Landscape Character Areas Basingstoke Down

16. Basingstoke Down

Key characteristics

• rolling landform to the north, becoming more undulating and northward sloping to the south; • predominantly large-scale farmland, lacking a distinctive sense of place; • provides landscape setting for the western and southern parts of Basingstoke, whilst the western third of the area lies within the North Wessex Downs AONB. Urban influences affect much of the area, with hospital and golf course development north of Basingstoke, further golf courses south-west of Basingstoke, and signifi- cant noise intrusion from M3 and A-roads; • open character formed by large-scale, arable fields, the mix of track-bound fields, large wavy-edged fields and parliamentary fields reflecting enclosure from post-medieval to 19th century times; • low, well-cut hedgerows and very few woodland blocks, although shelter belt planting exists north of Basingstoke, and very occasional remnants of ancient semi-natural woodland exists, especially concentrated in the south of the area; • high intervisibility within the area due to the lack of woodland or strong hedgerow structure, enabling views of Basingstoke from many parts of the character area; • limited settlement outside Basingstoke, with scattered isolated farmsteads and small villages/hamlets, linked by relatively small, narrow roads, contrasting with effective but intrusive road network linking Basingstoke with surrounding areas via the M3 and A-roads. Roman road defines the abrupt, straight, western built edge to Basingstoke, and the M3 corridor marks a similar sharp edge on the southern side; • various Scheduled Ancient Monuments, including Woodgarston ring motte, and a Roman site north-west of Woodgarston Farm.

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Location and boundaries woodland blocks are infrequent and very small-scale, bring a feeling of openness to the area. Urban influences, This irregularly-shaped area lies in the centre of the such as golf courses and main roads/motorway develop- Borough, taking its form from the settlement of ment, affect the character of parts of the landscape. Basingstoke, which defines its eastern boundary and, for a The major settlement of Basingstoke, and its associat- part to the south, its northern edge. Most of its northern ed infrastructure, exerts a strong influence on the character boundary is defined by the distinct change in geology, of the immediate surrounding landscape, affecting its orig- relief and vegetation characteristics between chalkland and inal rural character. In terms of settlement pattern, how- lowland mosaic landscapes. The western and southern ever, development outside Basingstoke is limited to a scat- boundaries mark a transition to a more enclosed mosaic of tering of isolated farmsteads and small villages/hamlets. farmland and woodland characteristic to the surrounding character areas. Key issues Formative influences • under-management of some ancient semi-natural woodlands; This area is underlain predominantly by chalk layers with • weakened hedgerow structure across the more exten- occasional deposits of clay and flint. Erosion of the chalk- sive, open landscape types, resulting from previous lands to the north of Basingstoke gives rise to a character- hedgerow removal; istic rolling landscape. This landform merges into a gen- • inappropriate general over-management of hedgerows tle rising slope to the south, which becomes steeper to the (including ‘gapping up’) and field patterns of historic south of Basingstoke, rising to a high clay plateau at importance; . • decline in extent of unimproved chalk grassland and The present landscape was probably initiated as long sheep pasture through scrub encroachment and agricul- ago as the earlier prehistoric period (Neolithic and Bronze tural improvement, particularly conversion to arable Age), when the original forest cover was largely cleared farmland; for arable agriculture and grazing. A few patches of wood- • areas of intensive farming with low biodiversity levels; land survived or regenerated in the north of the character • management of grass field margins, road verges, area. The settlement of Worting is amongst those men- hedgebanks, and uncultivated buffer strips adjacent to tioned in the Domesday Survey of 1086. Medieval open sensitive wildlife habitats to maintain or increase bio- field systems and downland were largely replaced by diversity; enclosure by informal means during the 17th-18th cen- • intrusion of built development, urban land uses and turies, and later by parliamentary enclosure. major roads on the landscape.

Overall landscape character

This is an area of relatively consistent landscape character, the urban form of Basingstoke creating a unifying element within a landscape of varying landform. The area is char- acterised by a large-scale pattern of arable fields with low, well-trimmed hedges that have become weak and broken in places. These elements, together with the fact that

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Key Designations

Scheduled Ancient Monuments Special Sites of Scientific Interest Biodiversity Action Plans Woodgarston ring motte, Wootton None Ancient Semi-natural Woodland St Lawrence parish (SM 103), Hedgerows parish (SM 316); Arable Land Roman site NW of Woodgarston Farm, Wootton St Lawrence parish (SM 319). Keyhole enclosure, SE of Field Barn Farm, Monk Sherborne (SM 551); Preserved windmill mound, Farleigh Wallop House (SM 555). North Wessex Downs ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ English Heritage Listed Parks/Gardens None

LANDSCAPE DESIGN ASSOCIATES JUNE 2001 Page 72

BASINGSTOKE, TADLEY AND BRAMLEY LANDSCAPE CAPACITY STUDY

FEBRUARY 2008

BASINGSTOKE AND DEANE BOROUGH COUNCIL

APPENDIX A – DETAILED LANDSCAPE CAPACITY ASSESSMENTS OF CHARACTER AREAS.

Area: BASINGSTOKE Local Character Area: BA1 – Sherborne St John Slopes It should be noted that the overall assessment given to any area does not mean that the assessment applies to the whole area – it may apply to one part of it. Further detailed assessment of the areas will be required as part of the next stage of the development of the Local Development Framework.

SUMMARY OF OVERALL LANDSCAPE CAPACITY

Landscape Capacity of Area: LOW

This area is partly located on the slopes beyond a ridge on the northern edge of Basingstoke and as a consequence is relatively prominent; a quality that is highlighted by its generally open character. This area is also important as a settlement gap, separating the town from Sherborne St John. To the west in particular, the openness and the vegetation character also means that mitigation is not appropriate.

Landscape Sensitivity: (Low, Low/Medium, Medium, Medium/High or High)

Natural Factors: L L/M MM/HH Cultural Factors: L L/M M M/H H Landscape Quality and Condition: L L/M MM/HH Aesthetic Factors: L L/M M M/H H OVERALL Medium

Summary of Characteristics  Gently sloping landform from a significant ridge along southern boundary  Mixed farmland/paddocks with little woodland; hedges in varying condition and limited across area; occasional farmsteads; A340 forms western boundary; minor roads and footpaths cross the area.  Elements produce an open landscape, enclosed by surrounding landform and vegetation  Unified large scale landscape with few discordant features within it  Parliamentary fields are a common historic landscape type in the area  The area is representative of the wider landscape character although there has been some hedge removal  The ridgeline along the southern boundary is a significant feature in relation to the skyline.

Visual Sensitivity: (Low, Low/Medium, Medium, Medium/High or High)

General Visibility: L L/M MM/HH Population: L L/M MM/HH Mitigation Potential: L L/M M M/H H OVERALL Medium/High

Summary of Characteristics  Long distance views through the area of a generally rural landscape; landform and vegetation screen many views of Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital, respectively, whilst garden vegetation and roadside hedges give a soft edge to Sherborne St John. Beyond the site to the east there are views of new development at Popley  The ridge along the southern boundary is a significant feature providing visual separation between the village and Basingstoke.  There are a number of properties along the edge of the village looking over this character area. In addition there is a network of roads and footpaths.  Given this is an open landscape with a relatively intact character, there is limited potential for mitigation, as the introduction of new areas of screen planting would have an adverse impact on an area which contains little woodland. 11

Landscape Value: (Low, Low/Medium, Medium, Medium/High or High)

Designations: L L/M MM/HH Perceptual Aspects: L L/M M M/H H Settlement Edge: L L/M M M/H H Local Associations: L L/M MM/HH OVERALL Medium/High

Summary of Characteristics  This area is very significant in relation to maintaining physical separation between Basingstoke and Sherborne St John. There are no features to the north of the ridge that development could extend to without adversely affecting the setting of the village.  Whilst there are no designations in the area, the south-eastern corner abuts Carpenter’s Down, a significant SINC.  The proximity of the A340 and settlements limit the sense of tranquillity, although it is a sloping landform with a unified farming character that does have some scenic beauty.

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SITE BAS 104 Site map:

Site BAS 104: Medium/Low capacity

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Site description: BAS 104 is made up of two medium sized fields which are mainly arable farmland although a small area in the south, next to a new housing estate, is being used for a balancing pond and swale and tree screen planting for the benefit of this estate. The land falls southwards towards the estate from a broad ridge in the north which is reinforced by the woodland edge to Spier’s Copse. The western field is on flatter lower slopes. The site is enclosed on its eastern side by Carpenter’s Down Wood and a tree belt and by the new housing (separated by the newly planted tree belt and hedgerow) along its southern edge. The western boundary is more open, with small fields and copses separating the site from Sherborne St John. The site has an open character and the upper slopes are visually prominent.

Key landscape planning factors: The site immediately abuts the northern estates of Basingstoke, and most of it extends beyond the current northern limits of the town.

The site is not in an area designated for its landscape value but it sits within an area of open countryside between Basingstoke and the village of Sherborne St John. However it has no intervisibility with the village, due to the local topography and woodland cover. It lies within the local landscape character area BA 01 Sherborne St John Slopes of the 2008 Study which identifies the area as having a low landscape capacity for development and as being important to the gap between settlements.

Photographs:

Photo 1: View west from south-east corner of site, overlooking balancing pond. New Photo 2: View north from south-east corner of site. View to north restricted by topography. development visible on left, long view out to west possible. Communications mast visible on right.

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Photo 3: View south from eastern boundary of site. Balancing pond in foreground with new Photo 4: View west from eastern boundary of site. Long views of open countryside, with development beyond. Tree belt visible in distance on left. Sherborne St. John nestled in the landscape.

Photo 5: View north from eastern boundary of site. Views in and out blocked by Spier’s Photo 6: View north towards site from within recent development to south. Copse in this direction.

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Photo 7: View south from north-western tip of recent development, on southern edge of Photo 8: View west from north-western tip of recent development, on southern edge of site. Views blocked by development. site. Sherborne St John visible in centre beyond Kiln Farm, on right.

Photo 9: View north from north-western tip of recent development, on southern edge of Photo 10: View north-east from north-western tip of recent development, on southern edge site. Footpath crossing site visible in front of tree in centre. Views out of site restricted by of site. Views restricted from this part of the site by topography. topography and vegetation.

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Please refer to page 2 of the Executive Summary for a summary of the assessment process

1. Medium/High Visual Sensitivity: • Several open views of the site from local footpath network and middle distance views from Chineham Lane; • Long distance views from the site to the southwest; • Area is well used by the local population; • The potential for screening is limited; to avoid damaging the character of the local landscape.

2. Medium Landscape Sensitivity: • Open slopes; • Predominantly arable landscape; • Some local landscape features: reed beds, hedgerows, infield trees.

3. Landscape Character Sensitivity: Medium/High (combines 1 and 2)

4. Medium Wider Landscape Sensitivity: • Good visual and physical links with the wider landscape which extends westwards along the northern edge of Basingstoke; • Urban influence will be mitigated by buffer planting linking into the surrounding woodland in the long term.

5. Overall Landscape Sensitivity: Medium/High (combines 3 and 4)

6. Medium Landscape Value • The site forms a part of the area identified as important in separating Basingstoke from Sherborne St John in the 2008 Study; • No landscape designations but site abuts two SINCs.

7. Landscape Capacity: Medium/Low (combines 5 and 6)

RECOMMENDATIONS AND COMMENTS: The site is considered to have a higher landscape capacity than the wider local landscape character area BA01. The main reasons for this are: the influence of the adjacent housing within Basingstoke; the relatively less prominent nature of the western field; and the lack of significant landscape features on the site. There is also a greater opportunity to mitigate the impact of development in this western area.

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Development might be possible on the lower western slopes and should be designed to relate well to the existing housing and avoid extending the urban footprint further to the north than at present. Views from the open countryside to the west should be screened with woodland planting to link with woodland at Marnel Dell. The height of any development should be designed to prevent any visual intrusion on the village of Sherborne St John.

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