117. Avon Vales Area Profile: Supporting Documents

National Character 117. Avon Vales Area profile: Supporting documents

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1 National Character 117. Avon Vales Area profile: Supporting documents

Introduction National Character Areas map

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

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

2 National Character 117. Avon Vales Area profile: Supporting documents

Summary

This is an undulating, low-lying landscape of mixed, predominantly pastoral Less than 5 per cent of the land here is designated for any purpose. This 5 per agriculture and small limestone-built towns, cut by the (Bristol) River Avon cent is mostly accounted for by the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural and its tributaries, and surrounded to the west, south and east by higher land. Beauty (AONB) in the north-west and the 17 Sites of Special Scientific Interest, a Woodlands lie on the steeper slopes and by watercourses, and in a few other slight majority of which are of geological interest. The NCA is crossed by a wide areas within a structured farmland of medium to large fields and now straggly communications corridor running broadly from east to west; most of the major hedgerows. It is more than 80 per cent agricultural (both arable and pasture, settlements are clustered along this corridor. This was initially reliant on water with some localised nurseries and market gardening) and less than 10 per cent routes, namely the (Bristol) River Avon and the Kennet and Avon Canal, as well as urban, but from the late 20th century onwards it has been subject to much the Great West Road, now the A4. Now the M4 motorway and Isambard Kingdom development. There is evidence of Saxon occupation in the many ‘–ham’ place Brunel’s Great Western Railway, link London and the West Country and have names, and there are prehistoric hill forts, with extensive areas of ridge and spread wide the travel-to-work net. furrow that indicate medieval arable cultivation. This area still reveals its past role in broadcloth production and trade in its fine late medieval churches and This area can be easily overlooked, surrounded as it is by the high-quality merchants’ houses in market towns and in its many stream-side mills. Smaller designated landscapes of Cotswolds AONB and North Wessex Downs AONB, but settlements and farmsteads are clustered along streams and lesser rivers, linked it has a restful and undramatic charm of its own. by narrow winding lanes. Ancient patterns of flood meadows and drainage ditches dominate these valley floors, with their wet grasslands and woodlands. Flooding affects many communities in this National Character Area (NCA), and the opportunities to restore wetland habitats within river corridors to alleviate problems with water flow and to aid climate change mitigation will be important ecosystem services here, to add to food provision and cultural services.

Large historic parks and mansions, such as Bowood and Lacock, which often still feature major woodlands, enrich the landscape and historical context and provide much local recreational resource, to the benefit of the local economy. The same can be said of the towns such as Malmesbury and Frome, with their historic and attractive town centres.

Click map to enlarge; click again to reduce.

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Statements of Environmental Opportunity

 SEO 1: Protect, manage and enhance the semi-natural habitats, including the pastoral waterside landscape of permanent pasture and wet grassland, calcareous and neutral grasslands, and (as site appropriate) ponds, and investigate and pursue opportunities to create such habitats, to increase resilience to climate change, reduce soil erosion and provide benefits to the water environment and biodiversity in general.

 SEO 2: Protect, manage and enhance the area’s woodlands and parklands for their rich ecological, historical and archaeological resource, to foster a sense of place and to provide benefits to wildlife, and work to establish appropriate access, thus enhancing cultural, health and recreational benefits for local residents.

 SEO 3: Plan for the creation of new landscapes associated with the expansion of towns such as Chippenham, Melksham and Trowbridge, while incorporating the existing landscape features into green infrastructure planning. This will serve the interests of local landscape character, access and recreation, biomass provision, biodiversity and water flow regulation.

 SEO 4: Protect and manage the varied rural landscape of small urban areas amid gently rolling arable and pasture, and thick hedges interspersed with small woods, securing wide-ranging views, reinforcing landscape character, preventing soil erosion, promoting sense of place and tranquillity, and providing recreational benefits.

Coir rolls with purple loosestrife in pond at Biss Meadows Country Park.

4 National Character 117. Avon Vales Area profile: Supporting documents

Description

Physical and functional links to other National Character Areas

The Avon Vales form a low-lying, clay-dominated open landscape, with the higher ground of the Salisbury Plain and West Wiltshire Downs National Character Area (NCA) to the south, Berkshire and Marlborough Downs NCA to the east, and the Cotswolds NCA to the west. In the south and north there is a gradual merging with the clay of the Blackmore Vale and Vale of Wardour NCA and the Upper Thames Clay Vales NCA respectively. The town of Frome forms a ‘gateway’ to the eastern tip of the Mendip Hills NCA.

There are wide views over the Vales from these adjoining, more elevated areas, to the west and south.

There is an extensive road network within the NCA, with links generally to all directions, but the historic links east–west between Bristol and London remain strong. The main rail connections are still on this route, although connections to Warminster and Weymouth to the south also pass through the area.

The main river connection is the (Bristol) Avon, meandering somewhat from its source north of Malmesbury and flowing generally south to Trowbridge, where it heads west towards the Bristol, Avon Valleys and Ridges NCA. The (Somerset) Frome rises in the NCA and flows through the town of Frome to the north, joining the Avon near Bath in the Cotswolds NCA.

The NCA is largely underlain by hard rock aquifers, with little scope for greater water extraction; it also benefits from access to water from the adjoining chalk of the Salisbury Plain and West Wiltshire Downs NCA to the south. Lock at Seend on the Kennet and Avon Canal.

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Key characteristics

■ An undulating clay vale with a mix of arable and pasture.

■ Small- and medium-sized fields with mostly hedgerow boundaries with few hedgerow trees, varying in shape from irregular piecemeal enclosure to rectilinear planned enclosure.

■ Numerous low ridges with local views over towns and villages.

■ Wide River Avon corridor, with an ancient pattern of flood meadows and closely associated settlements and more recent development.

■ Transport corridors along roads and watercourses, heavily influential on all development in the NCA.

■ Large historic parks and mansions, often established from former monastic establishments.

■ Attractive stone-built centres to market towns that reflect the former agricultural productivity and wealth of the area.

■ Wide views across whole area from higher areas of surrounding chalk downs.

Looking east towards Horsingsham, Wiltshire.

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Avon Vales today in England as a borough, since the time of Alfred the Great, and hosts the country’s oldest operating purpose-built hotel (inherited from the medieval abbey); and Frome dates back to the Saxon period. Many towns contain The distinctiveness of the Vales lies as much in the settlement pattern and exceptional collections of buildings, and most lie close to the Avon and building styles along the (Bristol) Avon as in the countryside. The areas next to the thus along the historical lines of communication. There was much urban Avon Vales – the dip slope of the Cotswolds to the west, the North Wessex development in the late 20th century, and towns are much larger in population Downs to the east, and Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs to the south- than was the case immediately post war. In particular, Chippenham has east – have been designated for their outstanding scenic and natural beauty; in a prospered from its position on the Bristol to London train line built in the mid few, very small areas, these landscapes extend into the Avon Vales. 19th century and being, as a result, within the London travel-to-work area. It is a varied landscape, with much open arable land with low hedgerows and many areas of smaller fields, often under pasture. The mean height of this NCA is 78 m above sea level, and the landform is generally flat, rising to long, low ridges with small streams between them, often with willow pollards and alders. The open quality is emphasised by the lack of hedgerow trees in some areas, a consequence of Dutch elm disease in the later 20th century. There is, however, considerable local, subtle variation in the landscape. The farms are mostly mixed or solely grazing livestock. There is a small horticultural presence in the central area around Bromham, and some poultry production. There was a rise in arable farming generally in the early 21st century, with the national decline in dairy farming being reflected in this NCA.

The towns contribute much to the distinctiveness of the area, mainly through the range of stone used in their historic centres. Most towns, including Calne and Chippenham, are dominated by centres built of limestone ashlar, reflecting their post-medieval prosperity as centres of the wool trade or their location on trade routes. Particularly relevant here are the A4 – formerly the Great West Road – and the M4, linking London and the West Country; the A361, which links important market towns from Oxfordshire to Somerset and beyond; and the A350, a spine for more modern development, north to south. Some are more Lacock: an estate village in the clay vale near Chippenham, a honeypot for tourism. ancient still: Malmesbury may be the longest continually inhabited town

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Within a short distance of many of the towns are large landscaped parks with was the beneficiary of much local volunteer enthusiasm. It is restored and is an aristocratic connections, for example Bowood. Some of these parks reflect the attractive feature of the NCA, now popular and in use for recreation and tourism. work of major landscape designers such as Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, and it is around these parks that many of the few larger woodlands are found. The landscape through time

The River Avon is of importance both as a historical transport corridor and due to The Avon Vales are dominated by Middle and Upper Jurassic clays (some the water quality, which is judged responsible for much of the sediment that around 160 to 150 million years old), including both Oxford Clay and reaches Bristol harbour to the west. The Avon drains most of the area directly Kimmeridge Clay. These are the fossil-rich deposits of tropical sea floors. and through a network of tributaries. Near the Avon and its tributaries are pleasant, compact, stone-built villages with spired churches. The flood plain is still marked Prehistoric occupation is evident, with the area overlooked by hill forts by the low mounds of abandoned flood meadows and there are many attractive and barrows (notably Cley Hill) on the surrounding high ground of the and remote areas with pollards, alders and much lush pasture. It also includes Cotswolds and the chalk downs. There is limited evidence of Roman presence small areas of tranquillity and remoteness, qualities not otherwise generally found within the NCA. In the Saxon period the locations of the later towns such as in this NCA. The (Somerset) Frome and the Biss are the other rivers of interest; they Calne along – or easily accessible from – the Avon began to emerge as major are both tributaries of the Avon. The former rises west of the town of Frome and centres. Malmesbury was one of the great ecclesiastical and pilgrimage sites joins the Avon near Bath; the latter rises on Salisbury Plain and flows through of pre-conquest England. Although much of the area lay within the later Trowbridge (where its meadows now serve as welcome green infrastructure) medieval forests of Chippenham and, to the south-west, Selwood, the place onward beyond Bradford on Avon, to join the Avon near Staverton. names indicate that by the Saxon period much of the land had been cleared. The principal settlements of the ‘–tons’ and ‘–hams’ were along the river and low- This NCA includes several geological Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), lying ground, but there were considerable patches of woodland marked by ‘– with exposures of richly fossiliferous sandstone. The Seend Ironstone SSSI is leah’ and ‘–wood’ names. Commons were also frequent and, in the high Middle one of the (Cretaceous) ironstone exposures of the Greensand – the rock lies Ages, there were probably extensive open fields around most settlements. unconformably on the (Jurassic) Kimmeridge Clay. Although there are few places designated for their biological scientific interest, there is much to appreciate, During the later Middle Ages new monastic sites were founded at places such as with many rare bird species to be found in the farmed and parkland landscapes, Lacock, in addition to the growth of the ancient foundations of Malmesbury and such as the yellowhammer. Rare greater horseshoe bats forage here from their Frome. Much of their wealth was founded in the pastoral landscapes of the roosts in nearby areas of Wiltshire. Vales, producing sheep for wool and dairying. The land acquired by gentry and noblemen following the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the mid 16th century formed the basis of large, wealthy estates and ultimately of the imposing The Kennet and Avon Canal was once a major communication and trade route landscaped parks such as Spye and Bowood. Although in the Middle Ages wool between Bristol, the West Country and London, along the NCA’s central east–west and cloth had been important industries throughout Wiltshire, in the post- axis. Long neglected after the decline in canal trade, in the later 20th century it medieval period the processing and sale of cloth became concentrated along

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the Avon Valley and the ‘wool towns’. Prosperity continued through the 18th century and is reflected in the area’s town houses, civic buildings and mansions. Although it remained competitive during the 19th century, the cloth industry gradually lost out to northern manufacturers.

Areas of extensive open fields around settlements have been subject to piecemeal enclosure from the 14th century. As with the settlement pattern, there is considerable variation to the field boundaries and shapes – small and irregular to areas of ancient enclosure, but more varied in areas of later, piecemeal enclosure. This process was generally complete by the late 18th century, including areas of large-scale and regular enclosure.

The Avon continued as the main communication axis until the late 18th century, with turnpike roads and canals gradually taking over, and then, in the mid 19th century, the railways. The Bristol–London rail connection was made by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, and his name for the line – the Great Western Railway – has returned to that route, which traverses the NCA’s centre, past Chippenham. Much of the urban landscape dates from the mid19th century onwards and the arrival of the railways, together with later 20th century development. Wiltshire now sees much development in this NCA, since it includes so few designated and/or protected sites.

Some of the development since the mid 20th century is sprawling and, in places, unsympathetic to the landscape and the fringes of historic towns and villages. Until the millennium it was also often ad hoc, as at the northern edges of Calne and Chippenham. Expansion – much of which follows the spine of the A350 – has been largely met by the demands for residential and light industrial uses at the outer areas of settlements, rather than within their historic cores. With the building of the M4, which has little noise impact over any distance, there has been a major expansion to the adjacent towns. Handle House in Trowbridge; a building for storage of teazles, used in cloth finishing from the medieval period until the modern era and thus revealing a trace of the NCA's industrial cloth trade heritage.

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Ecosystem services Regulating services (water purification, air quality maintenance and climate regulation) The Avon Vales NCA provides a wide range of benefits to society. Each is derived from the attributes and processes (both natural and cultural features) ■ Regulating soil quality: Much of the soil in the NCA is clayey and has proved within the area. These benefits are known collectively as ‘ecosystem services’. fertile in the past. With careful land management it should remain so, with The predominant services are summarised below. Further information on reduced compaction and the resulting reduced levels of sedimentation and ecosystem services provided in the Avon Vales NCA is contained in the diffuse pollution. ‘Analysis’ section of this document. ■ Regulating soil erosion: This has not been a major issue in the NCA, as the Provisioning services (food, fibre and water supply) soil types are broadly not susceptible and the landform unsuitable. There is concern, however, as some erosion occurs to the detriment of the Avon ■ Food provision: The NCA provides dairy products, although this is in decline, with beef and sheep products. Since the early 21st century arable production and areas downstream, such as Bristol harbour. Work to address this issue has increased. More than 15 per cent of the soil in the NCA (particularly towards commenced in the early 21st century and the impact is uncertain. the centre) is of high agricultural quality (Grades 1 or 2). ■ Regulating water quality: The water quality has been assessed as good in this NCA, both for chemical and biological status. While 81 per cent of the NCA is ■ Timber provision: The NCA contains 3,990 ha of woodland (6 per cent of the total area), of which 1,754 ha is ancient woodland. The Great Western a nitrate vulnerable zone, the nitrate and phosphates are currently broadly at Community Forest, one of twelve community forests established to acceptable levels. demonstrate the contribution of environmental improvement to economic and social regeneration, covers 1,580 ha of this NCA. The aspiration is to ■ Regulating water flow: The NCA has a long history of river flooding, affecting increase woodland cover if possible, increasing the potential for sustainable particularly Malmesbury (which is surrounded by rivers in steep valleys), timber provision. Chippenham, Melksham and Frome. The urban and industrial development taking place in these settlements in the early 21st century allows scope to implement green infrastructure to (among other aims) reduce flooding ■ Water availability: There is not believed to be any potential for increased abstraction from groundwater sources or from the rivers Avon or Frome. Areas impacts. Trowbridge is already well served. The Wiltshire Core Strategy, in place east of Chippenham and west of Malmesbury are Source Protection Zones, from 2013, placed flood risk management and sustainable drainage at the core and this will add to concerns about supply as the development of towns in this of new development and sees the River Avon corridor as a key multifunctional NCA increases. space, notably for flood management.

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Cultural services (inspiration, education and wellbeing) ■ Biodiversity: The NCA has few designated sites; those sites that are ■ Sense of place/inspiration: The NCA has a strong settlement pattern, and designated are mostly meadow lands. It is rich in birdlife, with species such the towns are distinctive in their stone construction. Most were market as the linnet, corn bunting and yellowhammer found locally. It also serves as towns, developing with the prosperous medieval wool trade, and many a feeding ground for many bats, notably the greater horseshoe bat, which have royal connections (Frome, Chippenham and Melksham, for hunting) or arrives from the Special Area of Conservation at Winsley and Box, in the were developed on communication routes or crossing points (Trowbridge, nearby Cotswolds NCA. Spye Park is designated for lichens and bryophytes. Chippenham, Melksham and Calne). Frome and Malmesbury were from an early Parkland in the NCA in general is a notable habitat, under-represented stage heavily influenced by local monastic interests. There is a wealth of historic in designations, the continuity of tenure and land management creating features, from relic and surviving field systems to parklands. The wet grasslands reserves of biodiversity within the otherwise farmed landscape. and woodlands are also characteristic of this area and not its surroundings. There is little cultural history inspired by this NCA, although the agricultural landscape ■ Geodiversity: There are many geological SSSI, largely in favourable condition, has and continues to have a clear influence on the area. and the area is rich in fossils. They provide a valuable educational resource. Elements of landscape history are well supplied, with the foundations of the monastic seats through to the work of ‘Capability’ Brown. When discovered, they create a strong sense of place. Frome is now prominent in ‘alternative’ culture.

■ Sense of history: The ancient towns show the long settlement history here and the use made of the landscape over time. Canal restoration and management is popular with volunteers, both on the Kennet and Avon and on the Wiltshire and Berkshire canals. Lacock (where the village is now commonly a film location) is the site of pioneering work in photography carried out in the mid 19th century, and Malmesbury has been identified as the location of the first flight in England, by a medieval monk. The agricultural landscape also shows the past, with medieval field patterns still plain, for example at Whaddon, and there is much remaining ridge and furrow.

■ Recreation: As is typically prominent throughout Wiltshire, there is a strong rights of way network, with a density of some 2.3 km per km², and much fishing, not least in the Kennet and Avon Canal and in the (under restoration) Wiltshire and Berkshire Canal. Fishing is common both in the canals and in Seend Ironstone Quarry SSSI; view of the Cretaceous ironstone. the River Biss.

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Statements of Environmental Opportunity

SEO 1: Protect, manage and enhance the semi-natural habitats, including the pastoral waterside landscape of permanent pasture and wet grassland, calcareous and neutral grasslands, and (as site appropriate) ponds, and investigate and pursue opportunities to create such habitats, to increase resilience to climate change, reduce soil erosion and provide benefits to the water environment and biodiversity in general.

For example, by: ■ Creating grassland buffer strips across slopes and alongside watercourses ■ Maintaining, extending and linking fragmented areas of species-rich to help reduce soil erosion and nutrient run-off in areas of arable calcareous and neutral grassland largely on the nearby limestone hills and production and grazing. in the river valleys where they can both enhance biodiversity (particularly invertebrate and landscape) and help to reduce soil erosion and nutrient ■ Protecting and encouraging planting of riverside trees, to help stabilise run-off. river banks, managing these by pollarding for longevity and aiding adaptation to climate change. ■ Restoring, maintaining and extending flood meadows and wet woodland, to enhance the landscape and cultural environment and the sense of place, and to increase water retention capacity for the benefit of flood alleviation. Yellowhammer; a Red-listed species, often seen in this area. ■ Restoring and re-creating ponds, for the benefit of wildlife in general and the enhancement of the landscape character.

■ Reinstating riverine habitats such as backwaters and reedbeds, lost largely through engineering work, to provide refuges for aquatic species, in the interests of biodiversity, and, by assisting with water filtration, to benefit water quality and water flow.

■ Reinstating and managing hedgerows to restore the local landscape character, to help reduce soil erosion and to foster linear habitat networks for pollinators and pest regulation for the benefit of agriculture, biodiversity generally and – notably – farmland birds.

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SEO 2: Protect and manage the area’s woodlands and parklands for their rich ecological, historical and archaeological resource, to foster a sense of place and to provide benefits to wildlife, and work to establish appropriate access, thus enhancing cultural, health and recreational benefits for local residents.

For example, by: ■ Protecting and encouraging arable reversion and scrub removal over ■ Maintaining access to important geological features, ensuring that they ridge and furrow, in the interests of buried archaeology and other historic are kept free of material or vegetation and promoting educational use and earthworks. awareness through interpretation.

■ Maintaining, restoring and extending existing woodland, including ancient ■ Developing access on foot, and where possible on bicycle and horse, for woodland, to enhance wildlife networks and enhance resilience of existing recreation and other use, in the interests of reducing traffic (to benefit the woodland habitats, in particular in relation to the bat communities. climate) and the health and enjoyment of residents and visitors to the area.

■ Maintaining and restoring historic parkland landscapes and, in particular, ■ Exploring and developing any potential for recreational use of the nurturing and replacing veteran trees, especially where they are vulnerable woodland in general. to changes in agricultural practices and where they are important for lichens, invertebrates and fungi, while encouraging deadwood management as appropriate.

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SEO 3: Plan for the creation of new landscapes associated with the expansion of towns such as Chippenham, Melksham and Trowbridge, while incorporating the existing landscape features into green infrastructure planning. This will serve the interests of local landscape character, access and recreation, biomass provision, biodiversity and water flow regulation.

For example, by: ■ Planting short rotation coppice and miscanthus locally where this can link into existing woodland and can screen and (where site appropriate) soften the edge of new development while serving as a local source of biomass energy.

■ Developing woodlands and new wetland habitat within and around new development as a recreational resource and as part of sustainable urban drainage systems, to help regulate water flow.

■ Seeking to provide community food growing opportunities within the planned open space associated with new development.

■ Promoting the use of sustainable materials and integrated renewable energy technologies within new low carbon developments, to be fostered as reflecting local character.

■ Developing accessible open spaces and making provision for their sustainable management. Volunteers working on the viewing platform for the observation pond in Biss Meadows Country Park, Trowbridge. The pond works in part to act as flood alleviation for this still developing town. ■ Ensuring the provision of green corridors for wildlife along canal and river banks and in any development sites, and generally to explore and expand linkages between the natural landscapes of the area.

■ Promoting green travel schemes, such as cycle paths between neighbouring urban areas, in the interests of the environment generally.

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SEO 4: Protect and manage the varied rural landscape of small urban areas amid gently rolling arable and pasture, and thick hedges interspersed with small woods, securing wide-ranging views, reinforcing landscape character, preventing soil erosion, promoting sense of place and tranquillity, and providing recreational benefits.

For example, by: ■ Protecting against insensitive development and/or alterations that would impact on the rural character, ensuring that buildings reflect traditional styles and methods such as limestone ashlar.

■ Maintaining the distinctive stone-built centres to larger settlements and the overall settlement pattern of clustered villages along stream sides, linked with narrow winding lanes.

■ Working with the local community to foster the mixed agriculture and the sense of place that this brings, as well as in the interests of food production.

■ Retaining and managing roadside ditches in the valleys and (on the higher land in the east) the drystone walls, where they can assist in the prevention of soil erosion, in keeping with local styles and management traditions.

■ Working to develop permissive access linking existing settlements, and developing circular routes, in the interests of sustainable transport and tourism, engaging local residents with their environment and for the Organic produce from Wiltshire, for sale at Frome Farmer's market. benefit of recreation generally.

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Supporting document 1: Key facts and data Area of Avon Vales National Character Area (NCA): 64,285 ha

1. Landscape and nature conservation designations Please note: (i) Designated areas may overlap (ii) all figures are cut to Mean High Water Line, designations that span coastal areas/views below this line will not be included. The Avon Vales NCA contains a small proportion of the Cotswolds and the There are 247 local sites in the Avon Vale NCA covering 2,802 ha which is 4 per Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs Areas of Outstanding Natural cent of the NCA. Beauty (AONB). They cover 3 per cent and 1 per cent of the NCA area respectively. Source: Natural England (2011) The Avon Vales NCA also contains a small proportion (<1 per cent) of the North Wessex Downs AONB. ■ Details of individual Sites of Special Scientific Interest can be searched at: http://www.sssi.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/sssi/search.cfm Management plans for the protected landscape can be found at: ■ Details of Local Nature Reserves (LNR) can be searched at: www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk/ ■ http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_search.asp ■ www.ccwwdaonb.org.uk/ ■ Maps showing locations of Statutory sites can be found at: Source: Natural England (2011) http://magic.Defra.gov.uk/website/magic/ – select ‘Rural Designations Statutory’ 1.1 Designated nature conservation sites The NCA includes the following statutory nature conservation designations: 1.1.1 Condition of designated sites Area % of Tier Designation Name (ha) NCA Percentage of NCA SSSI condition category Area (ha) SSSI resource International Ramsar n/a 0 0 Unfavourable declining 17 5 European Special Protection n/a 0 0 Area (SPA) Favourable 109 33

Special Area of n/a 0 0 Unfavourable no change 7 2 Conservation (SAC) Unfavourable recovering 195 59 National National Nature n/a 0 0 Reserve (NNR) Source: Natural England (March 2011) Site of Special A total of 17 sites wholly or 328 <1 Scientific Interest (SSSI) partly within the NCA ■ Details of SSSI condition can be searched at: Source: Natural England (2011) http://www.sssi.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/sssi/reportIndex.cfm

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2. Landform, geology and soils 2.5 Designated geological sites Tier Designation Number 2.1 Elevation At its lowest the area is about 26 m above sea level rising to a maximum height National Geological Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) 9 of around 233 m. The mean height is about 78 m. National Mixed Interest SSSI 0 Source: Natural England 2010 2.2 Landform and process Local Local Geological Sites 15 The landform is generally flat, rising to long, low ridges with small streams Source: Natural England (2011) between them. The Avon Vales are a low-lying clay-dominated landscape bounded by the dip slope of the Cotswolds to the west and by a band of ■ Details of individual Sites of Special Scientific Interest can be searched at: Corallian Limestone and Greensand to the east, with the Salisbury Plain and http://www.sssi.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/sssi/search.cfm West Wiltshire Downs beyond. In the south there is a gradual merging with the clay of Blackmore Vale and the Vale of Wardour. 2.6 Soils and Agricultural Land Classification Source: Thames and Avon Vales Natural Area Profile, Avon Vales Countryside This undulating area is dominated by the Oxford Clay. There are 9 main Character Area Description soilscape types in this NCA; slowly permeable seasonally wet slightly acid but base-rich loamy and clayey soils covering 46 per cent of the area; shallow lime- 2.3 Bedrock geology rich soils over chalk or limestone (15 per cent); lime-rich loamy and clayey soils The Avon Vales are dominated by Middle and Upper Jurassic clays (around 160 with impeded drainage (9 per cent); freely draining lime-rich loamy soils (8 per to 150 million years old), including both Oxford Clay and Kimmeridge Clay. These cent); freely draining slightly acid loamy soils (7 per cent); slightly acid loamy are the deposits of tropical sea floors and have an abundance of fossils. and clayey soils with impeded drainage (7 per cent); loamy and clayey flood Source: Thames and Avon Vales Natural Area Profile, Avon Vales Countryside Character Area Description plain soils with naturally high groundwater (4 per cent); freely draining slightly acid sandy soils (2 per cent) and freely draining slightly acid but base-rich soils 2.4 Superficial deposits (1 per cent). There are gravels and other alluvial deposits along the River Avon. Source: Avon Vales Countryside Character Area Description, Thames and Avon Vales Natural Area Profile, Natural England (2010) Source: Thames and Avon Vales Natural Area Profile, Avon Vales Countryside Character Area Description

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The main grades of agricultural land in the NCA are broken down as follows (as This undulating area is dominated by the Oxford Clay and is cut through by a proportion of total land area): numerous tributaries of the river Avon which drain westwards to join it on its generally southward course. Grade Area (ha) % of NCA 3.2 Water quality Grade 1 1,647 3 The total area of Nitrate Vulnerable Zone is 52,262 ha, or 81 per cent of the NCA. Grade 2 8,479 13 Source: Natural England (2010) Grade 3 39,653 62 3.3 Water Framework Directive Grade 4 10,106 16 Maps are available from the Environment Agency showing current and projected Grade 5 56 <1 future status of water bodies at:

Non-agricultural 1,312 2 http://maps.environment-agency.gov.uk/wiyby/wiybyController?ep=maptopic Urban 3,120 5 s&lang=_e Source: Natural England (2010) ■ Maps showing locations of Statutory sites can be found at: 4. Trees and woodlands http://magic.Defra.gov.uk/website/magic/ – select ‘Landscape’ (shows ALC and 27 types of soils). 4.1 Total woodland cover The NCA contains 3,990 ha of woodland (6 per cent of the total area), of which 1,754 ha is ancient woodland. The Great Western Community Forest, one of 3. Key water bodies and catchments twelve Community Forests established to demonstrate the contribution of environmental improvement to economic and social regeneration, covers 1,580 3.1 Major rivers/canals ha of this NCA, which is 3 per cent of the area. The following major rivers/canals (by length) have been identified in this NCA. Source: Natural England (2010), Forestry Commission (2011)

■ River Avon 49 km 4.2 Distribution and size of woodland and trees in the landscape ■ River Frome 16 km Woodland is concentrated in a few areas, notably the large complex of mixed and ■ Kennet and Avon Canal 16 km Source: Natural England (2010) deciduous woodland between Chittoe and Studley. However, it is also present on former commons and on the steeper slopes around places like Lyneham. Some Please note: Other significant rivers (by volume) may also occur. These are not listed where the areas are very open, affected by the clearance of hedgerows and loss of trees length within the NCA is short. to Dutch elm disease, such as the land just north of the M4. Hedgerow trees are

18 National Character 117. Avon Vales Area profile: Supporting documents

common in pastoral areas but rare in arable areas. Many of the large woodlands 5. Boundary features and patterns are concentrated in landscape parks, for example Bowood Park. Source: Thames and Avon Vales Natural Area Profile, Avon Vales Countryside Character Area Description 5.1 Boundary features The extent of hedgerows on the arable land is often poor; however, in the 4.3 Woodland types pasture areas, especially the lower lying meadows around the many small A statistical breakdown of the area and type of woodland found across the NCA streams, hedgerows are frequent and often overgrown. Hedgerow trees are also is detailed below. characteristic. Agricultural intensification has led to hedgerow loss and neglect. Source: Avon Vales Countryside Character Area description; Countryside Quality Counts (2003) Area and proportion of different woodland types in the NCA (over 2 ha) 5.2 Field patterns Woodland type Area (ha) % of NCA Areas of extensive open fields around settlements have been subject to Broadleaved 2,963 5 piecemeal enclosure from the 14th century. As with the settlement pattern, there is considerable variation to the field boundaries and shapes; small and irregular Coniferous 493 1 in areas of ancient enclosure, the fields in dairying areas in particular becoming Mixed 284 <1 smaller in the post-medieval period; and more varied in areas of piecemeal enclosure (generally complete by 18th century, but including areas of large-scale Other 250 <1 and regular enclosure). Source: Forestry Commission (2011) Source: Avon Vales Countryside Character Area description; Countryside Quality Counts (2003)

Area and proportion of ancient woodland and planted ancient woodland within 6. Agriculture the NCA. The following data has been taken from the Agricultural Census linked to this NCA.

Type Area (ha) % of NCA 6.1 Farm type The NCA supports a wide range of farm types but the largest by number of Ancient semi-natural woodland 1,007 2 holdings is grazing livestock; 220 grazing livestock, mainly cattle (27 per cent); Planted Ancient Woodland (PAWS) 747 1 129 cereals (16 per cent); 103 dairy (13 per cent); 31 specialist poultry (4 per cent); Source: Natural England (2004) 30 mixed (4 per cent); 22 horticulture (3 per cent); 11 general cropping (1 per cent); and 9 specialist pigs (1 per cent). Many farm types decreased significantly in numbers of holdings between 2000 and 2009 with dairy farming losing the

19 National Character 117. Avon Vales Area profile: Supporting documents

most holdings; down by 87 holdings or 46 per cent followed by mixed farms 6.5 Livestock numbers with 33 holdings or 52 per cent. ‘Other types’ were one of the few farm types to Cattle are the most numerous livestock in the NCA (numbering 52,900 in 2009), see an increase in holdings by 34 holdings as were cereals by 16 holdings. followed by sheep (27,600) then pigs (12,800). All livestock numbers declined Source: Agricultural Census, Defra (2010) between 2000 and 2009, but the steepest decrease was seen in pigs with a decline of 17,700 animals, with cattle decreasing by around 7,900 and sheep by 2,900. 6.2 Farm size Source: Agricultural Census, Defra (2010) Farms between 5 and 20 ha form the largest proportion (by number) of holdings within the NCA with 217 holdings or 27 per cent of farms covering 2,312 ha. Between 6.6 Farm labour 2000 and 2009 farms across most size brackets decreased in numbers, the greatest The overwhelming majority of holdings in this NCA, 1,114, are run by owner decrease being in farms between 50 and 100 ha which decreased by 41 holdings farmers with just a few, 59, managed by salaried managers. There are more and farms between 20 and 50 ha which decreased by 32 holdings. The exception full-time workers (267) than casual/gang workers (178) or part-time workers (177). was farms over 100 ha in size which increased in number by 18 holdings. Source: Agricultural Census, Defra (2010) Between 2000 and 2009, numbers fell across most job types. The numbers of full-time and part-time workers decreased by 88 and 10 respectively between 6.3 Farm ownership 2000 and 2009. The exception were the number of casual/gang workers which Sixty-six per cent of the total farm area is owned while the remainder is held in increased by 22. tenancy. Between 2000 and 2009 owned land decreased by 11 per cent while Source: Agricultural Census, Defra (2010) land held in tenancy increased by 11 per cent. Please note: (i) Some of the Census data is estimated by Defra so will not be accurate for every holding (ii) Data refers to Commercial Holdings only (iii) Data includes land outside of the 2009: Total farm area = 51,591 ha; owned land = 33,832 ha. NCA belonging to holdings whose centre point is within the NCA listed. 2000: Total farm area = 50,736 ha; owned land = 38,047 ha. Source: Agricultural Census, Defra (2010) 7. Key habitats and species 6.4 Land use Grass and ‘uncropped’ land is the largest land use within the Avon Vales. Coverage 7.1 Habitat distribution/coverage of ‘uncropped’ land is 31,956 ha, or 62 per cent of the farmed area. Cereals are the Priority habitats are largely scattered across the NCA though there is a second most prominent land use covering 10,429 ha within the NCA in 2009, or 20 concentration south-east of Chippenham around the Spye Park SSSI. Many of per cent of the farmed area. Between 2000 and 2009 most crop types decreased. the larger woods are found around the large landscaped historic parks such as Cereals showed the steepest reduction in area by 1,348 ha or 11 per cent. Other Bowood. Flood plain grazing marsh, calcareous grassland and lowland meadow arable crops showed a sharp increase by 1,195 ha or 38 per cent as did oilseeds by are concentrated around the river corridors in the northern part of the NCA. 687 ha or 31 per cent. Source: Thames and Avon Vales Natural Area Profile Source: Agricultural Census, Defra (2010)

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7.2 Priority habitats 8. Settlement and development patterns The Government’s new strategy for biodiversity in England, Biodiversity 2020, replaces the previous Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) led approach. Priority 8.1 Settlement pattern habitats and species are identified in Biodiversity 2020, but references to BAP priority habitats and species, and previous national targets have been removed. Most of the major settlements lie along the Avon, which would have been the Biodiversity Action Plans remain a useful source of guidance and information. major axis of communication until the turnpike roads and the Kennet and Avon More information about Biodiversity 2020 can be found at; Canal were built. Source: Avon Vales Countryside Character Area description; Countryside Quality Counts (2003) http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/biodiversity/ protectandmanage/englandsbiodiversitystrategy2011.aspx 8.2 Main settlements The main settlements within the NCA are; Trowbridge, Chippenham, Frome, The NCA contains the following areas of mapped priority habitats (as mapped by Warminster, Melksham, Westbury, and Calne. The total estimated population National Inventories). Footnotes denote local/expert interpretation. This will be for this NCA (derived from ONS 2001 census data) is: 214,658. used to inform future national inventory updates. Source: Avon Vales Countryside Character Area description; Countryside Quality Counts (2003), Natural England (2012) Priority habitat Area (ha) % of NCA 8.3 Local vernacular and building materials Broadleaved mixed and yew woodland (broad habitat) 2,247 3 Stone buildings use a wide range of materials from Corallian Rag to more finely- Coastal flood plain and grazing marsh 251 <1 worked Bath and Cotswold stone. 17th century and earlier timber frame buildings can be found, but now tend to be concentrated in towns. Brick was increasingly Lowland meadows 151 <1 used from 18th century, often in conjunction with stone facades. Lowland calcareous grassland 95 <1 Source: Avon Vales Countryside Character Area description; Countryside Quality Counts (2003) Lowland heathland 14 <1 9. Key historic sites and features Purple moor grass and rush pasture 8 <1 Source: Natural England (2011) 9.1 Origin of historic features At the dissolution of the monasteries the land acquired by gentry and noblemen Maps showing locations of priority habitats are available at formed the basis of large estates and ultimately of the imposing landscape parks like http://magic.Defra.gov.uk/website/magic/ select ‘Habitat Inventories’ ■ Spye and Bowood. Although in the Middle Ages wool and cloth had been important industries throughout Wiltshire, in the post-medieval period the processing and sale 7.3 Key species and assemblages of species of cloth became concentrated along the Avon Valley and the ‘wool towns’. Prosperity Maps showing locations of priority habitats are available at: ■ continued through the 18th century and is reflected in the town houses and the http://magic.Defra.gov.uk/website/magic/ mansions as well as the civic buildings. Although it remained competitive during the Maps showing locations of S41 species are available at: ■ 19th century the industry gradually lost out to northern manufacturers. http://data.nbn.org.uk/

21 National Character 117. Avon Vales Area profile: Supporting documents

Although the area’s association with writers and artists, apart from regional The table below shows the breakdown of land which is publically accessible in novelists, are few, it has great cultural significance as the location of many designed perpetuity: historic parks and the work of Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown in particular. Source: Draft Historic Profile, Avon Vales Countryside Character Area description Access designation Area (ha) % of NCA National Trust (Accessible all year) 42 <1 9.2 Designated historic assets This NCA has the following historic designations: Common Land 39 <1 Country Parks 0 0 ■ 10 Registered Parks and Gardens covering 1,232 ha CROW Access Land (Section 4 and 16) 132 <1 ■ 1 Registered Battlefield covering 18 ha ■ 65 Scheduled Monuments CROW Section 15 13 <1 4,204 Listed Buildings ■ Village Greens 9 <1 Source: Natural England (2010) Doorstep Greens 0 0

■ More information is available at the following address: Forestry Commission Walkers Welcome Grants 594 1 http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/caring/heritage-at-risk/ http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/professional/protection/process/ Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) 57 <1 national-heritage-list-for-england/ Millennium Greens 2 <1

Accessible National Nature Reserves (NNRs) 0 0 10. Recreation and access Agri-environment Scheme Access 29 <1 10.1 Public access Woods for People 646 1 ■ One per cent of the NCA 834 ha is classified as being publically accessible. Sources: Natural England (2011) ■ There are 1,476 km of public rights of way at a density of 2.3 km per km2. ■ There are no National Trails within the NCA. Please note: Common Land refers to land included in the 1965 commons register; Sources: Natural England (2010) CROW = Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000; OC and RCL = Open Country and Registered Common Land.

22 National Character 117. Avon Vales Area profile: Supporting documents

11. Experiential qualities A breakdown of intrusion values for this NCA is detailed in the table below. 1960s 1990s 2007 % change 11.1 Tranquillity Category of intrusion (%) (%) (%) (1960s-2007) Based on the CPRE map of tranquillity (2006) the NCA is not very tranquil. In Disturbed 29 49 68 39 particular there is considerable disturbance around the M4 and the towns of Undisturbed 68 47 25 -43 Chippenham, Frome, Trowbridge and Warminster. Urban 3 4 7 4 A breakdown of tranquillity values for this NCA is detailed in the table below: Sources: CPRE (2007)

Notable trends from the 1960s to 2007 are the considerable increase in the area Category of tranquillity Score of disturbance by more than a third. Highest value within NCA 42 Lowest value within NCA -66 ■ More information is available at the following address: http://www.cpre.org.uk/resources/countryside/tranquil-places Mean value within NCA -5 Sources: CPRE (2006)

■ More information is available at the following address: http://www.cpre.org.uk/what-we-do/countryside/tranquil-places/in- depth/item/1688-how-we-mapped-tranquillity

11.2 Intrusion The 2007 Intrusion Map (CPRE) shows the extent to which rural landscapes are ‘intruded on’ from urban development, noise (primarily traffic noise), and other sources of visual and auditory intrusion. This shows much of the NCA is quite disturbed particularly around the M4, but also around the other main roads that run through it.

23 National Character 117. Avon Vales Area profile: Supporting documents

12. Data sources

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

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

24 National Character 117. Avon Vales Area profile: Supporting documents

Supporting document 2: Landscape change

Recent changes ■ At that time, the proportion of established, eligible National Inventory of Woodland and Trees woodland stock covered by management schemes was Trees and woodlands some 25 per cent but the trend was for this to increase. ■ A quarter of the woodland is on ancient woodland sites, including within parklands. At the end of the 20th century small areas of new woodland ■ Overall, the largely broadleaved woodland character of the NCA planting were approved under the Woodland Grant Scheme. Such new appeared to be slowly improving from a low base, in particular alongside woodland planting was carried out mainly in small blocks, such as in the valley watercourses and on the steeper slopes and former common land. Wet of the Avon below Trowbridge, which added around 3 per cent to the then woodland was a particular feature of this landscape and the aspiration woodland stock. remains to restore this, where site-appropriate, and to increase the overall level of woodland in this NCA.

Boundary features ■ Overall the length of the NCA’s boundary features is estimated at more than 5,250 km, over 90 per cent of which were hedgerows, and these were somewhat neglected in the latter years of 20th century, possibly as a result of the agricultural intensification of the time. The NCA’s hedgerows were also badly affected in the late 20th century by the loss of elm trees and thus there was a perceived need to pursue hedgerow planting and restoration. Substantial funds were spent in the early 21st century under agri-environment schemes on fencing, hedgerow and general boundary protection features. Some 85 per cent of this was on hedgerow work but there was also an increase in electric fencing, to reflect the increase in livestock.

■ To an extent, overgrown hedgerows and their trees can be seen as characteristic of pasture and wet grassland and so appropriate for this NCA, but better management to secure a long-term future for hedgerows, that Oak tree in the parkland at Spye, near Lacock. would enhance landscape character and wildlife, is necessary.

25 National Character 117. Avon Vales Area profile: Supporting documents

Agriculture the peri-urban zone around Trowbridge, Melksham, Chippenham, Westbury, ■ A mixture of arable and pasture dominates the landscape with pasture often Calne, and Malmesbury. The travel-to-work areas of many such towns in smaller fields; this mixed farming is traditional for the NCA and persists. extend to London thanks to the railway connections.

■ Loss of permanent and rough grass continued in the latter years of the 20th ■ There has also been development in the more rural parts, especially in the south century, although at a slower rate than seen earlier. There was also some shift of the NCA between Warminster and Frome. These developments, occasionally to lowland cattle for beef and sheep, and reductions in dairy farming – this insensitive, have transformed the once agricultural character of the NCA. last, in common with the industry nationally. Diversity across the area needs to be respected to maintain a sense of place.

■ There was also an increase in the number of smaller holdings, those under ■ Most of the major settlements lie along the Avon, linked by valley bottom and five hectares. ridge roads, showing the commercial history of the Bristol/London corridor. Watercourses continue to be an important feature in the landscape closely ■ There remains some scope for enhancement of the more degraded agricultural connected to settlement patterns and future development opportunities. landscapes, particularly in tandem with the growing management of arable and grassland areas to arrest the decline of farmland birds. ■ Several major roads cut through the area – notably the M4 between Wales and Bristol/London – and there has been pressure for roadside development, ■ Evidence suggested that the mixed farming character of the area, with a including infill between settlements. mosaic of arable and pasture, may have been slowly eroding but the early 21st century saw signs of recovery. The most common agri-environment ■ Early 21st-century pressure for renewable energy has led to considerable option has proved to be lowland pasture management on neutral/acid soils. interest in solar farms, by way of diversification in the farmed environment.

Settlement and development Semi-natural habitat ■ The NCA is surrounded by high-quality designated landscapes which are ■ Levels of Countryside Stewardship uptake for annual area features (mostly strongly protected. This, and the construction-friendly landform of the for grassland or hay meadows) were below the national average and this Avon Vales, means that there has, since the Second World War, been intense will probably have limited the work done in the late 20th century on habitat pressure on the NCA for all forms of development, and this continues with management. the plans for a 21st-century expansion in housing in Wiltshire. ■ Although the Avon’s wide river corridor is influenced by modern development, ■ The area shows moderately high rates of change to urban, not least with there are ancient patterns of flood meadows, pollards, alders and rich wetland residential development pressure. There has been marked expansion into pasture. The ambition is to restore and maintain such landscapes, discouraging any further field enlargement, and allow further regeneration of trees along water courses, where site-appropriate and possible.

26 National Character 117. Avon Vales Area profile: Supporting documents

■ Overall little of this NCA is designated SSSI: less than one per cent of the area, including 17 SSSI, 9 of which are geological sites. The overwhelming majority of these sites are in favourable, or unfavourable recovering condition. Three per cent of the NCA (2, 247 ha) is broadleaved and yew woodland, a priority habitat, scattered over the NCA with some concentration around the southeast of Chippenham.

Historic features ■ The NCA features evidence of human occupation over a long period, and the archaeological resource is not yet fully explored and realised. It includes prehistoric barrows and occupation sites such as hill forts, such as Cley Hill, together with the later medieval forests of Melksham, Chippenham and Selwood. Extensive areas of ridge and furrow (which it is hoped to be retained in the landscape) suggest that the area was dominated by arable cultivation, mainly in open field systems. More recent periods offer large historic mansions and parks, often surrounded by woodland, such as Bowood.

■ In 1918 about five per cent of the NCA was historic parkland. By 1995 it is estimated that more than half that had been lost. Almost half, 43 per cent, of the remaining parkland is covered by a Historic Parkland Grant, and about Cley Hill hill fort, now also a Site of Special Scientific Interest. seven per cent is included within an agri-environment scheme.

■ About 70 per cent of listed historic farm buildings remain unconverted. Most ■ Arable intensification since the mid 20th century, and contemporaneous are intact structurally and may still see conversion to other purposes, although agricultural improvements to pasture, threatens areas of ridge and furrow, this late 20th century trend may now have declined. buried archaeology and other historic earthworks.

■ Distinctive towns such as Malmesbury, Calne and Trowbridge are dominated ■ The trends in the change to the area’s heritage assets suggest the need for by attractive centres built of limestone ashlar, reflecting their medieval extensive and proper management not limited to the built environment or prosperity as centres of the wool trade, and have a continuing role in the scheduled monuments. community. Some have since benefitted economically from their location along the M4 corridor and the resultant growth.

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Rivers Drivers of change ■ The biological river water quality of the main rivers, the Avon and Frome, in the early years of the 21st century was predominantly good. The levels of Climate change nitrates and phosphates were moderate to high. The chemical water quality ■ The predicted drier summers associated with climate change will lead to was predominantly very good. changes in the ground flora found in wet woodlands, as the water levels drop. –The need to seize opportunities for habitat creation and connectivity ■ The overall resource in ponds remains neglected at the start of the early of suitable habitat along watercourses or flood storage land created as green 21st century, and with limited uptake of pond options in agri-environment infrastructure will be an important. schemes this is unlikely to change quickly. ■ Increasing temperature and altered patterns of rainfall will lead to changes ■ There has been a rise in diffuse pollution of the waterways, and the need for in the hydrology of the catchment, which in turn will lead to changes in the work to address this has been noted. A catchment management plan for the character of river meadows and associated wetland habitat. (undesignated) Bristol Avon was in preparation in the early 21st century. ■ Drier summers are likely to accelerate the succession of wet woodland towards Minerals dry woodland. Increases in abstraction of water from catchments during dry periods would exacerbate the direct effects of climate change. ■ Some provision was made (in Wiltshire’s 2009 Minerals Plan) for continuing with soft sand supply from the area around Chippenham and east of An increased frequency of drought and storms pose a threat to veteran trees Trowbridge. The plan also designated a large area east and south of ■ within parkland and historic parks such as Bowood. Ensuring appropriate Chippenham as needing to be safeguarded for possible later exploitation, management decisions, such as replanting and the appropriate selection of and borne in mind when considering other development. tree species, will become increasingly important.

■ This area also includes much high-quality agricultural land to be ■ Increased incidence of extreme events such as heavy rainfall events and heat safeguarded in response to proposals for minerals winning. waves may increase the demand for green and blue infrastructure in and around new and existing development, such as sustainable urban drainage, ■ There is some history of provision of building stone, but nowhere in that over and above any current plans. market in Wiltshire is now active. ■ Hotter summers will make the hedgerow growing season longer, this may ■ The south-western corner of the NCA – the Frome area – adjoins the adversely impact any shaded flora and change resident insect species - unless Mendip Hills, from where there is a substantial national supply of this is accompanied by drought which may instead lead to die back. There are aggregates, but this has little impact within the NCA beyond increased possible adverse consequences (in either eventuality) for pests and/or pest heavy through traffic. regulation and in any event on insect species and thus for bird predators.

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■ Longer growing seasons will also impact on historic parks and gardens and Other key drivers their management and indeed on ground flora in woodland. ■ The growth along the M4 corridor or the A350 (for example around Warmer winters may impact on the regeneration requirements of some plant ■ Chippenham) is likely to continue and there may as a result be encroachment species, or lead to changes in berry abundance even if only in its timing. This by development of all kinds on the open countryside. This will need careful may affect pests and/or pest regulation, and birds. There will need to be careful management, although no designated sites are likely to be affected. The planting for species diversity to allow for this, as there are risks of species past, current and projected development makes the NCA score poorly for mismatch between consumer and provider of food. tranquillity and intrusion. ■ Should summer rainfall reduce, there will be a deficit in soil moisture, and ■ The continued pressure to expand housing provision in Wiltshire will be felt a possible increasing demand for water abstraction. Any development of more here than in most adjoining areas, as they are designated landscapes. drainage and/or irrigation needs to be handled with care lest there be adverse consequences for the ditch habitat. This may also cause difficulties for any ■ Changes in farm funding will inevitably have an impact, even though this restoration of wet grassland and woodland. NCA is not dominated by any one kind of farm operation and has more, smaller units than the national average. ■ Wetter or stormier winters may lead to increased flooding, an issue for the northern part of the NCA (in particular Malmesbury, already flood-prone) Pressure for solar farms and panels is already intense and there is concern and also its ditches and any restored flood plains. Extreme weather events ■ for the impact on the landscape should they become widespread and are in general more likely to occur, and management for these needs to be established. There may be wide views over seemingly unused fields, and little considered. farm traffic, but at an uncertain cost. ■ Increased flooding may provide opportunities to restore wetland habitats within river corridors to alleviate problems with water storage and flow. It is also likely to increase the demand for hard flood defences and engineered solutions that will need to be designed not to have adverse impacts on the riverine system and adjacent semi natural habitat. Any prolonged increased prevalence of low flows, poor water quality, and the consequent reduced habitat space could lead to increased competition and predation, thermal stress, siltation (due to reduced flushing), increased effluent pollution, and reduced dissolved oxygen levels in both sediments and overlying water in the Avon and its tributaries.

29 National Character 117. Avon Vales Area profile: Supporting documents

Supporting document 3: Analysis supporting Statements of Environmental Opportunity

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

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

Common liverwort found in Spye Park SSSI, a woodland site rich in lichen and bryophytes.

30 National Character 117. Avon Vales Area profile: Supporting documents

Ecosystem Service

Statement of Environmental Opportunity Food provision Timber provision availabilityWater diversityGenetic Biomass provision regulationClimate Regulating water quality Regulating water flow Regulating soil quality Regulating soil erosion Pollination regulationPest Regulating coastal erosion Sense of place/inspiration Sense of history Tranquility Recreation Biodiversity Geodiversity

SEO 1: Protect, manage and enhance the semi-natural habitats, including the pastoral waterside landscape of permanent pasture and wet grassland, calcareous and neutral grasslands, and (as site n/a appropriate) ponds, and investigate and pursue opportunities to create such habitats, to increase * ** ** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** resilience to climate change, reduce soil erosion and provide benefits to the water environment and biodiversity in general.

SEO 2: Protect, manage and enhance the area’s woodlands and parklands for their rich n/a ecological, historical and archaeological resource, to foster a sense of place and to provide *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** benefits to wildlife, and work to establish appropriate access, thus enhancing cultural, health and recreational benefits for local residents.

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

Dark plum = National Importance; Mid plum = Regional Importance; Light plum = Local Importance

31 National Character 117. Avon Vales Area profile: Supporting documents

Ecosystem Service

SEO 3: Plan for the creation of new landscapes associated with the expansion of towns such as n/a Chippenham, Melksham and Trowbridge, while incorporating the existing landscape features into *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** green infrastructure planning. This will serve the interests of local landscape character, access and recreation, biomass provision, biodiversity and water flow regulation.

SEO 4: Protect and manage the varied rural landscape of small urban areas amid gently rolling n/a arable and pasture, and thick hedges interspersed with small woods, securing wide-ranging *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** views, reinforcing landscape character, preventing soil erosion, promoting sense of place and tranquillity, and providing recreational benefits.

Dark plum = National Importance; Mid plum = Regional Importance; Light plum = Local Importance

32 National Character 117. Avon Vales Area profile: Supporting documents

Landscape attributes

Landscape attribute Justification for selection

Historic parklands and wood  Substantial estates with parklands and designed landscapes, some being important visitor attractions in addition to being pasture. important for biodiversity with their ancient woodland and species diversity.  Wood pasture, a priority habitat, survives in many estates.  Associated concentrations of notable buildings and estate architecture, and preservation of other heritage assets both above and below ground.

Woodlands largely concentrated in  Pockets of semi-natural, often ancient woodlands, mainly in the centre of the NCA near Chippenham. small area.  Numerous scattered ‘farm’ woodlands and copse present isolated patches of woodland in a predominantly agricultural landscape.

Settlement pattern closely related  Settlements with stone-built centres mainly following old trade routes along Bristol/London axis, many now subject to major to rivers and transport corridors. growth from the late 20th century onwards.  Scattered farmsteads, 19th-century model farms and nucleated villages reflect the agricultural development and historical land use of the area.

River valleys with a diverse range of  The (Bristol) Avon and some of its tributaries flow in the west and centre of the NCA at the heart of the vale landscape. habitat, notably wet woodland and  Fragmented and isolated wetland habitats remain along the river corridors, including flood plain grazing, wet woodland and flood plain grazing. riverside trees.  The earthworks of remnant flood meadow systems are preserved in many existing grassland sites.  Localised flooding and the need for alleviation have created and will provide further opportunities for habitat restoration and creation.

Mixed farmland.  Food production is, and has long been, an important service in this NCA underpinning the distinct agricultural character of much of the area.  Where the soil is heavy, pasture predominates. Elsewhere larger fields of arable dominate the landscape.  Livestock was historically more important, but remains a defining element across much of the area.

33 National Character 117. Avon Vales Area profile: Supporting documents

Landscape attribute Justification for selection

Kennet and Avon Canal and  Evidence of man’s long interaction with the landscape and of recycling features of interest. Wiltshire and Berkshire Canal.  Evidence of the major contribution to landscape restoration that can be made by enthusiastic volunteers.

Largely a tranquil agricultural  A well ordered landscape with numerous small villages, but being surrounded by land designated an AONB, and with much landscape away from the military land to the south, it faces development pressures on its small towns such as Trowbridge and Melksham. settlements, under pressure to accommodate further development.

Landscape opportunities

 Appropriately manage watercourses, wet woodlands, grasslands and  Manage arable cropping to encourage rare arable plants and farmland meadows, bankside trees and other vegetation to help restore and reinforce birds, maintaining profitable agriculture while restoring or adding interest the character of the river corridors, and protect them as areas of tranquillity. to the farmed landscape.

 Manage the restoration and replanting of hedgerows and hedgerow trees  Protect the many small well-established villages, particularly their historic both to reinforce the traditional field patterns and the local landscape cores, settlement pattern, green spaces and notable buildings, and the character and in the interests of biodiversity and habitat connectivity. narrow winding lanes that connect them aiming to retain their sense of isolation while ensuring viable and vibrant local communities.  Manage and conserve ancient woodlands while exploring opportunities to expand the area and number of small broadleaved woodlands  Seek to maintain the connections between settlements and their throughout the farmed environment where site-appropriate. agricultural and historical origins.

 Plan to engage local communities in the work to accommodate  Manage heritage assets which provide a sense of history and contribute development pressure in towns such as Melksham, Calne, Westbury and to the landscape. Plan for, where necessary the change of use of historic Trowbridge by designing and establishing a network of multi-functional buildings to respect local character and distinctiveness. greenspaces which both respects the current landscape and increases opportunities for people and nature.  Maintain and where possible enhance, the existing geological exposures by agreeing management plans with respective land managers and owners, and  Foster the development of cycle routes to serve as sustainable transport seek to develop access to them and their educational potential where possible. between the many small urban centres in the NCA and to act as spines for green infrastructure generally.

34 National Character 117. Avon Vales Area profile: Supporting documents

Ecosystem service analysis

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

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

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

Food Fertile clayey Mixed farming, with Regional The predominance of livestock grazing across Explore possibilities for Food provision provision soils principally livestock much of the area has remained consistent. More increasing food production from grazing, both historically than 60 per cent of the area has remained under the area, ensuring the historical Sense of place/ Mixed farming and presently, grass in recent decades. The numbers of holdings balance of pasture and arable inspiration predominates with principally occupied with cereal production, and cultivation is used to inform Level pasture on heavier, the area of land under arable cultivation have where potential may exist. Regulating soil topography wetter clay soils and also remained consistent at around 20 per cent of quality increased levels of cereal holdings and 20 per cent of the farmed area. Work with land owners and production on lighter farmers to identify the most Regulating soil soils. Smaller fields, erosion Holding size is fairly consistent, although the appropriate stocking levels and with often permanent cultivation methods to maintain pasture, are found on largest holdings are increasing slightly as a the valley floors. percentage of the total. or improve soil quality and condition. Cattle, at around 50,000 Dairying has seen a marked reduction, by nearly 50 animals, are the principal per cent, in the number of holdings in recent years. Seek to maintain the levels of livestock produced from This is in line with national trends. grazing animals particularly the area. where they can be used to There has been a greater than 50 per cent reduction help improve the quality and Some fruit growing and in the numbers of pigs reared in the area, again in condition of traditional, wet and market gardening is line with national trends. semi-natural grassland sites. found in the Bromham area, with open fields.

35 National Character 117. Avon Vales Area profile: Supporting documents

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

Timber Broadleaved Woodland cover is Local Timber provision is low as the current Explore opportunities to bring ancient Timber provision provision woodland, often approximately six per stock is limited and predominantly semi-natural woodlands back into ancient cent of the total area, with broadleaved, ancient and generally positive and traditional management to Biomass energy almost half identified unmanaged woodlands. provide some timber for local wood fuel Small farm as ancient semi-natural supply and artisan products. Biodiversity woods, copse woodland or plantation There is some scope for expansion in the and shelterbelts on an ancient woodland total area of woodland but this would Explore and reinstate traditional Sense of place/ be insufficient to radically change the inspiration site. Three-quarters coppicing to woodlands where character of the area or require much of woodlands are appropriate for making products such additional infrastructure; however, Tranquillity as hurdles, fencing and charcoal. broadleaved and there competing demands for productive are only 493 ha of conifer farmed land and new development Recreation Realise all possible opportunities plantation. around towns may limit realisation. for integrating new woodland into Some ecologically Some timber for local wood fuel and proposed and existing developments important wet woodlands traditional artisan products could around towns and along transport occur along the margins of be generated if broadleaved woods corridors to provide valuable green the rivers. and particularly ancient woodlands infrastructure, and reinforce the are brought back into positive timbered character of the landscape management. A one-off crop of timber where appropriate. would be generated by the reversion of plantations on ancient woodland sites to a more appropriate structure and mix.

There are practical drawbacks at present with harvesting much timber from woodland associated with watercourses.

36 National Character 117. Avon Vales Area profile: Supporting documents

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

Water Rivers Avon, The fringes of the area are Regional Until recently there has been adequate Work in partnership to develop Water availability availability Frome and underlain by the limestones provision of water from aquifers and the Catchment Management Biss, and their of the Cotswolds to the west groundwater sources, but this is under strain Strategy, in particular work Regulating water tributaries and the, Mendips Hills to the as towns along the M4 corridor expand. with land managers to make quality south-west, and chalk to the Increasing water capture, storage and maximum, sustainable use of Oolitic aquifer east. infiltration potential across the landscape, current water resource. Regulating water in north-west of and particularly in and around the expanding flow NCA Groundwaters are over towns, is required. Work with land owners and abstracted to the north and farmers to identify areas where Biodiversity surface waters from the Policy is being developed in the Catchment water run-off can be slowed rivers are not able to make Management Strategy for the (Bristol) Avon and, through appropriate land Recreation up the difference in supply as part of work on the whole Severn River management, infiltration rates and demand. District to limit abstraction in low flow increased, and where new water periods. capture and storage facilities In the north-west and can be created. around Malmesbury the The (Somerset) Frome is affected by Jurassic oolitic aquifer forms discharges of groundwater originally Pursue and develop green a major public water source. extracted for quarry dewatering. This is a infrastructure projects, and pulsed flow and affects the natural flow particularly sustainable Quarrying to the south- patterns, limiting opportunities for further drainage systems (SuDS), in new west of and within the area abstraction. and existing developments and depletes natural water in the catchments affecting sources and planning The impact of the slowly developing urban areas. controls are in operation as restoration of the Wiltshire and Berkshire a means of regulation. There Canal is not yet known nor the possible water is some use of groundwater needs; however, abstraction from the Avon to enhance river flows in will be required to some extent and in some periods of drought. locations, to be determined.

37 National Character 117. Avon Vales Area profile: Supporting documents

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

Biomass Woodland There has been little uptake of Local Potential yields for both miscanthus and short Identify suitable locations Biomass energy energy concentrated in a energy crop schemes in this rotation coppice are predicted to be high from for biomass planting, taking few areas only area, with little or no short this area. However, such planting is likely to be care not to obscure field rotation coppice or miscanthus heavily constrained by visual intrusion into a boundaries and patterns, planting. predominantly flat, if undulating, landscape; or to impede use of flood adverse impacts on the current pattern of plains and meadows and Plantations and woodland enclosure; loss of productive pasture and their existing and potential blocks are found (including on arable land; further fragmentation of sites of ecological and heritage value. former common land and on wildlife value; and, risk to heritage assets and ancient woodland sites) notably archaeological features (ridge-and-furrow and in the vale itself, in blocks and flood meadow earthworks) from cultivation . islands that may produce small This may make such planting impractical and volumes of biomass used locally. unattractive to land managers. It is not generally encouraged in the Cotswolds AONB. Planting of short rotation coppice may be useful in parts to screen more urban development, and may be worthwhile on a site-specific basis. The NCA has however many narrow lanes which would make harvesting a challenge.

38 National Character 117. Avon Vales Area profile: Supporting documents

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

Climate Soils low in organic The NCA soils are generally Local There is scope to increase the carbon Work with the farming Climate regulation regulation matter low in organic matter and storage potential of the NCA by community to promote best therefore have low carbon careful management of soil organic practice in soils management, Regulating water flow Woodland cover of storage potential. content and structure, expansion of using low pressure machinery some 3,990 ha semi-natural habitats, particularly and stock management where Regulating water Initiatives to improve green woodlands and wetlands, and by needed to prevent compaction. quality Semi-natural habitats, infrastructure around encouraging retention of permanent Encouraging the use of green particularly wetlands modern developments grassland and where possible manure crops such as nitrogen Regulating soil quality are promoted, in part, to reversion of arable to grassland, fixing legumes within arable Permanent grassland enhance carbon storage. particularly where this will also help systems to replace nutrients and Sense of place/ to protect sub-surface archaeology. bind soils. inspiration

Bringing woodlands into sustainable Seek to restore and reconnect management may offer opportunities wetland habitats in the flood to enhance carbon storage. plain, and expand native woodland into appropriate locations.

Seek opportunities to protect vulnerable soils by placing them under permanent grasslands, particularly where this will also protect sub-surface archaeology.

39 National Character 117. Avon Vales Area profile: Supporting documents

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

Regulating Soils Applying Water Framework Regional Some analysis suggests that intensive Work with the farming community Regulating water water Directive standards, the agriculture has led to soil erosion and the to ensure best practice in quality quality Semi-natural chemical and biological quality resulting levels of sediment reaching the managing soils, nutrients and habitat for the rivers Avon and Frome watercourses. There are associated concerns pesticides. Investigate scope Regulating soil is generally good. There are over diffuse pollution impacting on water for further targeted Catchment erosion Farming and some areas within the wider quality in the NCA. Sensitive Farming initiatives to other land catchment which are classed help protect water quality and Biodiversity management as moderate or poor ecological Investigation into sedimentation problems the valuable soil resources which practices status. in Bristol harbour suggests that much of this farming depends upon. may be the result of activities in/near the Avon within this NCA. Seek opportunities to implement the Avon Catchment Management Plan when it is finalised; ensure that the needs of Bristol Harbour are taken into consideration with those of other interests, in finding ways to reduce pollution and/or sedimentation.

40 National Character 117. Avon Vales Area profile: Supporting documents

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

Regulating Semi-natural There is a long history of Local The main flood risk is from the River Avon Work at catchment scale, including Regulating water water flow vegetation cover, flooding, and surface water – especially in Chippenham, Malmesbury, with authorities and land managers flow particularly drainage issues in the urban Melksham, and Trowbridge. Local flood in adjoining NCAs, to increase the wetlands areas, with limited flood defences exist and are used to help reduce ability of the wider catchment Regulating water defences in place. the risk. Opportunities here are set out in the to intercept and store increased quality Catchment Flood Management Plan (CFMP) volumes of precipitation, regulating Existing flood management and these include restoring and expanding the peak flows reaching settlements Regulating soil is currently seen as water meadows and wet woodlands. and farmland in Avon Vales. Pursue erosion effective, though it does opportunities in the Avon CFMP. not cater for increased risks Wiltshire Council is pursuing green Biodiversity under predicted climate infrastructure in modern developments, Seek opportunities to expand change. with one of its aims being the regulation wetland habitats in the floodplain, of water flow. This is an issue throughout and woodland habitats in appropriate There are some flooding the NCA, as the soil is very clayey, water locations which will intercept/hold concerns in the infiltration is limited and there are numerous sediment and excess water flow. Malmesbury area, as it watercourses. is surrounded by higher Seize opportunities to work in land from which many partnership with Wiltshire County rivers/tributaries flow. Council and developers, to create Properties in Chippenham, multi-functional green infrastructure, Malmesbury, Melksham in particular within the Avon corridor, and Trowbridge are at risk designed to assist with flood of flooding. management.

41 National Character 117. Avon Vales Area profile: Supporting documents

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

Regulating Soil type Nine soilscape types are found in the Regional The main soil type is easily Work with the farming Regulating soil soil quality NCA, the majority including: damaged when wet by community to ensure best quality Extensive pasture compaction or capping, and this practice in soil management to  Slowly permeable seasonally wet, may lead to poor water infiltration, improve structure and quality Regulating soil Hedgerows more surface water run-off and of soils. This may be achieved erosion slightly acid but base-rich loamy/ thus diffuse pollution. The lime- through use of low pressure clayey soils (46 per cent of the area) Woodlands rich soils in contrast are shallow machinery and managing Regulating water and are more resilient due to their stock movements to prevent quality  Lime-rich soil over chalk and calcareous nature. compaction. limestone (15 per cent). Regulating water Maintaining or enhancing soil Encourage the use of green flow The remaining soils are mostly lime- structure will aid aquifer recharge manure crops such as nitrogen- rich but some acid, of varying (in the western region of the NCA). fixing legumes within arable Carbon storage permeability and thus drainage, mostly systems to replace nutrients and clayey and little sand. Careful management of soil bind soil, and follow best practice organic matter content will ease in informed infield nutrient soil compaction issues and application. nutrient concerns.

42 National Character 117. Avon Vales Area profile: Supporting documents

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

Regulating Soil type The NCA has experienced Local The Catchment Sensitive Farming Initiative Seek opportunities to promote Regulating soil soil erosion low levels of soil erosion operates in the south west of the NCA in the more widely within the NCA erosion Topography generally due to the soil type Somerset Frome catchment. Objectives for this the best practice in soils and topography. There is area include controlling the potential damage management advocated in the Regulating water Semi-natural an increased risk of erosion to soil and associated sediment run-off arising Catchment Sensitive Farming quality vegetation, from arable cultivation of from trafficking by stock and vehicles, limiting Initiative. including lime-rich soils over chalk/ the pathway for soil wash entering watercourses, Regulating water hedgerows limestone. These soils are and protecting the watercourse by fencing to Seek to expand networks of flow commonly unstable and exclude livestock. semi-natural habitats within the Sustainable prone to erosion, particularly farmed landscape, and promote Sense of place/ farming on slopes: however there is reversion of arable land to Inspiration practice and relatively little of this in the permanent grassland in areas smaller field NCA. However, some analysis of higher erosion risk, to reduce Biodiversity sizes suggests that sediment the risk of exposure and loss of arising from soil erosion soils. in this area contributes to problems in Bristol Harbour, downstream of the NCA.

43 National Character 117. Avon Vales Area profile: Supporting documents

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

Pollination Semi-natural The habitats of this Regional Fruit growing and market gardening Support the expansion of local soft fruit and market Pollination grassland NCA offer fragmented is an important contributor to the gardening enterprises through the creation of an nectar sources for local economy, for example in the extended network of species rich grasslands and Pest regulation Hedgerows pollinators: hedgerows Bromham area. There is potential hedgerows across the NCA. and areas of species- to expand this industry, which is Food provision rich calcareous and reliant to some extent on natural Ensure that permanent pasture is maintained neutral grassland and pollination. Biodiversity and woodlands and hedgerows are restored and grazing marsh. The network of nectar-rich habitat is managed. Encourage increased use of nectar mixes Sense of place/ poor and limits pollination services. in field margins to encourage diversity in flowering inspiration This could be improved through plants. hedgerow restoration and greater use of nectar-rich field margins within the farmed landscape. Expanding the network of species-rich grassland habitats within the NCA would also support pollinators and their services to local food production.

Pest Areas of semi- For most of the Local Semi-natural habitats within Enhance the network of semi-natural habitats Food provision regulation natural habitat beneficial species productive agricultural landscapes throughout the farmed landscape of the Avon Field which can help in may support species which prey Vales so they may provide habitat for beneficial Pest regulation margins and regulating pests, on pest species, thereby regulating predator species in close proximity to main food hedgerows habitat in the Avon the potential damage of these to production areas. Pollination food production. In particular, field Vales is fragmented. margins and hedgerows will foster Biodiversity Enhance the hedgerow network through restoration a variety of species to serve as pest regulators and pollinators. and new planting, particularly where this also Sense of place/ strengthens local landscape character. inspiration

Regulating n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a coastal erosion

44 National Character 117. Avon Vales Area profile: Supporting documents

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

A sense Rivers and riparian The undulating valley landscape with Regional Watercourses have shaped the Ensure that new Sense of place/ of place/ features its watercourses, including canals, land and led to the distinctive developments or inspiration inspiration creates a strong setting and sense settlement pattern in the Avon changes in land use are Townscapes and of place. This valley character is Vales, including the historic successfully integrated Regulating water vernacular building further enhanced by the string of stone built towns of Calne into the landscape, using flow style settlements along the Avon, with once- and Malmesbury. The towns vernacular materials and small nucleated towns clustered along its were largely founded on and styles. Sense of history Productive farmed banks. developed with the medieval landscape wool trade. Some (Melksham) Seek to expand the Recreation This is an agrarian landscape; fertile and prospered from royal riparian semi-natural productive. connections, some from being habitats in the NCA into Biodiversity on communications routes. a coherent ecological Chippenham is now more a network, offering commuter town as a result, multiple benefits rather than a trading town. in regulating water flow, recreation and The NCA has in large part a biodiversity. clear riparian character, which although now influenced by Work with local modern development, retains communities to recognise characteristic features such and celebrate what is as wetland pastures and characteristic and special wet woodland which are of about the Avon Vales. biodiversity and landscape importance.

45 National Character 117. Avon Vales Area profile: Supporting documents

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

Sense of Settlements/village estates Bronze-age and iron-age Regional Much can be learnt from late 20th- Develop opportunities Sense of history history barrows and occupation sites century work on restoring canals to increase access to and Large historic mansions (such as Cley Hill) have not been and their infrastructure, and the understanding of the Sense of place / with landscaped parks and fully explored. There is little appeal of industrial archaeology industrial and commercial inspiration influence of ‘Capability’ trace of pre-Anglo-Saxon can be overlooked; traces of the history of the Avon Vales. Brown settlement. In contrast the past wool trade remain for example Recreation medieval heritage is widespread at Handle house in Trowbridge, a Seek opportunities to explore Historic (and well restored) and notable in the landscape, rare teazel drying facility. bronze and iron- age sites Biodiversity canals with numerous listed buildings, and increase understanding and evidence of agricultural There may be opportunities for local of early settlement in the history in the ridge and furrow groups and businesses to draw on Avon Vales. field topography and the the history of the towns in the NCA pattern of flood meadows. to foster a sense of community and Explore (with locals and provide local benefits in sustainable National Trust) potential to Place names suggest past wood tourism initiatives. develop interpretation of cover for example Chippenham Lacock and its status as a site and Chelwood. Lacock, as site of earliest of the earliest photography photography in England, and in England. The industrial heritage of the as surviving estate village of area, particularly its canals and considerable local character, Investigate opportunities railways is reasonably well offers opportunities to interpret around Malmesbury, with the understood, and much has been and enhance the educational and oldest purpose-built hotel done to restore this during the recreational experience of the in the country dating from late 20th century. area’s history. medieval times, as a ‘hook’ for medieval interest tourism.

Seek to restore historic parkland landscapes, and positively manage their veteran trees.

46 National Character 117. Avon Vales Area profile: Supporting documents

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

Tranquillity Landform Intrusion levels are high Local The NCA has experienced a significant Seek to incorporate green Tranquillity throughout much of this NCA, decline in tranquillity since 1960s due spaces and tranquil areas Rivers, streams and with the M4 corridor and Brunel’s to urban expansion and development within new development, Sense of place/ riparian corridor railway being a particular focus of roads such as the M4 and A361. and to use these to help inspiration for disturbance. Higher levels of minimise further noise Semi-natural disturbance are also associated The features of this area which intrusion or light spill. Biodiversity habitats, particularly with the towns of Chippenham, contribute to a sense of tranquillity, woodlands Frome, Trowbridge and such as rivers and streams, are Seek opportunities around Warminster. therefore of value and importance transport corridors to Historic parkland locally, and opportunities should be extend and link semi-natural sought to protect and enhance these. habitats into a coherent network which can aid screening and enhance the local access network.

Look to restore wetland habitats in the riparian corridor to enhance the contribution of these areas to an overall feeling of tranquillity within the Avon Vales.

47 National Character 117. Avon Vales Area profile: Supporting documents

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

Recreation Rights of way There are many potential recreational Local The best opportunities for Seek opportunities to enhance Recreation network assets within the NCA, many of these enhancing recreation and recreational use at appropriate historic. However, few of these outside the recreational experiences within levels along the rivers and Sense of history Historic sites main towns are well developed, and able the Avon Vales would appear to waterways of the Avon Vales. to compete with the provision in nearby be around the canals, particularly protected areas. fishing and boating opportunities Seek opportunities to develop on the Kennet and Avon Canal, and sustainable tourism, focused There are 2.3 km per km2 of public rights improving small attractions, such as around short journey times and of way. at historic visitor sites. local features of interest, such as a medieval or photography Less than one per cent of the NCA area is focus. open access land. Identify opportunities to create new sections in the rights of way network to improve access for all abilities and facilitate improved and sustainable access to local tourism businesses and attractions.

48 National Character 117. Avon Vales Area profile: Supporting documents

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

Biodiversity Designated sites: Only 0.5 per cent of the NCA is Regional Historic land drainage for agriculture Explore potential for restoring Biodiversity 17 SSSI wholly designated SSSI, with a further four has led to the loss and fragmentation wet woodlands, reedbeds and or partly within per cent designated as local sites. of much semi-natural habitat, though other wetland habitats into Regulating water the NCA (9 being the core of a wetland habitat network a coherent wetland habitats flow of geological There are 1,000 ha of wet woodland remains. network, supporting bird interest); 247 local and under 300 ha of flood plain populations in addition to Regulating water sites grazing marsh and minimal reedbeds There are opportunities to buffer regulating water services, quality remaining in the NCA. and expand these sites to create a strengthening sense of place Semi-natural Sense of place/ more resilient network for a range of and landscape character and habitat inspiration habitats and species, and supporting enhancing this feature of the Foraging area for a number of other ecosystem services NCA to visitors. Recreation bats from SAC site including regulating water flow and in neighbouring water quality. Work with the farming Biomass energy Cotswolds NCA community to improve biodiversity within arable systems, such as for farmland birds and pollinators, and explore biomass opportunities in particular where these will enhance biodiversity.

Geodiversity 9 geological SSSI The SSSI are largely in favourable Local The geological sites resource Work with universities, Geodiversity condition. Designated sites continues to develop as motorway schools and colleges to 15 Local protect exposures of a variety of cuttings are now designated. There increase research into and Sense of place/ Geological Sites rocks and can help explain their is an opportunity to further enhance understanding of geological inspiration role in the area’s industrial history. awareness and understanding of sites within the Avon Vales, the area’s geology through further seeking to promote this more research and other educational widely and facilitating access developments. to sites where appropriate.

49 National Character 117. Avon Vales Area profile: Supporting documents

Photo credits Front cover: Cowage Farm near Malmesbury. © Natural England/John Tyler Pages 4, 14: © Friends of Biss Meadows Country Park Page 5: © Natural England/John Tyler Pages 6, 27: © Natural England/Nick Smith Page 7: © Ann Cox Page 9: © Trowbridge Museum Page 11: © Wiltshire Geology Group Page 12: © Natural England Page 15: © Natural England/Graham Parish Pages 25, 30: © Tim Kaye/Wiltshire Wildlife Trust

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50 LANDSCAPE TYPE 12: OPEN CLAY VALE 12: OPEN CLAY VALE

12A

11B 8A

8A 11A

9A 16A 9A 4A 12B 1B 9A 10A 5A 7C 1A 2A

10B 15A

11C 2B

3B 6A 3A 7A 5D 5E 2E 6B

5C 68 2E

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13A ht g

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5F Co 6C n w 7B 5B 2C o Cr , ce i

2D f f O y r ne o i 14B t a t S s ' y t s e j a M r e H f o r e l l o r nt Co e h T f o n o i s s i m r

LANDSCAPE CHARACTER AREAS pe e h t h t i w n o i

12A Thames Open Clay Vale t a m r o f n i

12B Avon Open Clay Vale y e v r u S ce n

Urban Area a n d r O m o r f d e uc d o pr e R TYPE 12: OPEN CLAY VALES

DESCRIPTION

Location and boundaries The Open Clay Vales Landscape Type contains the open lowland centred on the floodplains of the Rivers Thames and Avon. Area 12A: Thames Open Clay Vale is situated at the far north of the county and area 12B: Avon Open Clay Vale runs through the north western section of the county. Boundaries are defined by topography and usually follow a physical feature, often a road that runs along the first contour above winter flooding level.

Key characteristics • Level land form with wide open skies and views to ridges and downs.

• Pastoral land use with some arable.

• Large scale geometric fields with hedgerows or open drainage channels defining boundaries.

• Presence of rivers, tributaries, drainage channels and open water bodies.

• Watercourses lined with riparian vegetation with prominent lines of willows (some pollarded).

• Floristically rich hay meadows.

• Settlement pattern varies from large towns and small scattered villages to sparse farmsteads.

• Buildings in varied materials of brick, render and stone.

• Crossed by major transport corridors, and a network of minor roads linking settlements.

• Historic use for transport evident in canals.

Physical influences The Open Clay Vales have a varied geology with Alluvium and River Terrace Gravels around the watercourses to Oxford and Kellaway Clays in the slightly higher marginal areas and and tracts of Sand throughout the vales. Soils vary from loam over gravel to seasonally wet deep clay and land use reflects this in a concentration of arable in the free draining soil over sand and gravel and of pasture on the wet Alluvium and Clay. During the 20th century there was extensive quarrying of Sand, Gravel and some Clay (deriving from the Jurassic Limestone of the Cotswolds Hills) in area 12A: Thames Open Clay Vale. These pits flooded and the lime rich waters have formed the Marl lakes of the Cotswold Water Park.

Wiltshire Landscape Character Assessment 125 Land Use Consultants

Final Report December 2005 Landform is level or very gently shelving with area 12A: Thames Open Clay Vale ranging from 70m to 100m AOD and 12B: Avon Open Clay Vale ranging from 30m to 70m AOD.

Biodiversity The Open Clay Vale landscape type is predominantly intensively farmed pasture and arable however there are some unimproved hay that are nationally significant for their diversity of grassland plants. These incude Clattinger Farm SAC, the only lowland farm in Britain known to have received no agricultural chemicals, plus Pike Corner SSSI, Sutton Lane Meadows SSSI, Upper Waterhay Meadow SSSI, Haydon Meadow SSSI, Acres Farm Meadow SSSI and North Meadow SAC, Cricklade SSSI. Another site of ecological importance is the Cotswold Water Park SSSI, located in area 12A. Here quarrying has created over a hundred lakes with nationally scarce marl waters caused by the lime rich geology. The series of lakes that form the SSSI include a range of the varied plant communities including open water (including those associated with marl waters), reed beds and surrounding grassland habitats. The area supports a wide range notable species including wintering and breeding birds such as pochard and gadwall, as well as water vole, otter, bittern, freshwater white clawed crayfish, and the lesser bearded stonewort Chara curta all of which are targets of the Cotswold Water Park BAP. County Wildlife Sites include: Swillbrook Lakes Reserve, former gravel pits within the Cotswold Water Park which are rich in bird and dragonfly diversity, including reed warbler, nightingale, hobby and four-spotted chaser and downy emerald dragonflies; and Grove Farm Meadows, high quality unimproved neutral grassland which is mostly cut for hay. Species indicative of old hay meadows present here include betony and pignut.

Historic environment Although the lowlands do not have the outstanding archaeological sites of the nearby Chalk uplands there is evidence of continuity of settlement on the gravel spreads of the vales from the Iron Age through the Saxon and Roman periods and beyond. Place names of the Saxon period indicate that much of the land had been cleared. Development during the Romano- British period included the major communication route of the Ermine Way built on a raised embankment above the floodplain of the Thames. Other major roads followed, along with canals (the Kennet and Avon Canal is still a prominent feature) and railways. The surviving pattern of scattered nucleated villages is largely medieval. In the post-medieval period the process and sale of woollen cloth became concentrated along the Avon Valley leading to the growth of towns along the river. These continued to expand in the 20th century and modern developments at the edges of Chippenham, Melksham and Trowbridge making the southern section of area 12B: Avon Open Clay Vale more settled and urbanised in character. The long history of water meadows in the Open Clay Vale landscape type is shown by the inclusion of grazed meadows at Cricklade in the Domesday Book. Ancient field systems are evident as crop marks on gravel areas. Ridge and furrow is evident for instance at Haydon Meadow SSSI where it has been protected from damage by ploughing. Field patterns vary with the topography and geology with small scale irregular water meadows and pasture on alluvial areas and large regular arable fields on free draining gravels.

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Final Report December 2005 Settlement and built character Throughout the type are small, nucleated villages and 19th century isolated farmsteads, usually sited on slightly elevated gravels to avoid flooding. Area 12A: Thames Open Clay Vale is sparsely settled while 12B: Avon Open Clay Vale is more settled to the south with the large towns of Chippenham, Melksham and Trowbridge. The widespread use of brick and tile reflects the use of local clay, but there is also render and Oolitic Limestone, a mixture of the latter and the local brick characterising the historic centres of settlements. The expansion of the towns in area 12B during the 20th century has lead to large scale developments which are prominent in the level vale landscape. This is combined with major trunk roads throughout the area. CHARACTER AREAS

12A: Thames Open Clay Vale Area 12A: Thames Open Clay Vale is a low lying area centred on the River Thames and its floodplain. It is a largely tranquil, rural landscape, predominantly level, with vertical elements of lines of willow and other wetland trees. The agricultural use of the area combines arable and wet pasture, with open water ditches as well as hedgerows defining boundaries. Field patterns vary from small and irregular to larger, geometric fields often in arable use on dryer or drained gravel areas. A major feature of the area is the large extent of open water resulting from gravel extraction and afterwards put to leisure use as the Cotswold Water Park. The many water bodies with their varied vegetation are of national significance as scarce marl waters (Cotswold Water Park SSSI). There are also a number of hay meadows of high ecological interest. The presence of water is felt throughout this area in the rivers, tributaries, drainage ditches with frequent lines of willows and other wetland vegetation. Settlement is sparse in the Thames Open Clay Vale with a few small settlements such as the village of Ashton Keynes and the town of Cricklade, but mainly scattered isolated farmsteads. Vernacular building materials are brick and stone. Although the Roman Ermine Way, now the busy trunk road of the A419, runs through the area, most of the roads are minor rural routes with small bridges crossing the waterways and ditches.

12B: Avon Open Clay Vale Area 12B: Avon Open Clay Vale is an extended area following the course of the River Avon from Great Somerford in the north to Bradford on Avon in the south. As well as the Avon the area is characterised by the presence of other rivers, tributary streams, lakes, and, to the south, the Kennet and Avon Canal. The Avon Open Clay Vale is a level, open area with views to the higher ground of the Limestone Ridge to the east. Land is predominantly intensively managed permanent pasture with some arable and small isolated pockets of meadow (such as Sutton Lane Meadow SSSI). Hedgerows, gappy or low flailed in places, enclose fields of varying size. There are sparse hedgerow trees plus willows lines (some pollarded) marking the waterways and poplar shelter belts. Sections of the area remain rural and tranquil despite major routes travelling through (the M4, A350, A342) plus railway lines in cuttings and embankments and the visual influence of modern large scale development on the edges of Chippenham, Trowbridge and Melksham. This urbanising influence is particularly prevalent to the south of the area while the northern section is more akin to area 12A with scattered settlement of small brick and stone built villages and farmsteads.

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Final Report December 2005 EVALUATION

Positive landscape features of significance • Wide open skies and views to ridges and downs.

• Rich variety of rivers, tributaries, drainage channels and open water bodies, including scarce marl water habitats.

• Watercourses lined with riparian vegetation with prominent lines of willows (some pollarded).

• Hay meadows with unimproved grassland of ecological interest.

• Villages and farmsteads with vernacular mix of local stone and brick.

• Visible archaeology in Roman roads, pattern of medieval villages, long established grazing meadows, and the Kennet and Avon Canal corridor.

Forces for change • Agricultural intensification threatens the remaining small scale field patterns and traditional pastoral landscape.

• Loss of hedgerows boundaries and particularly mature hedgerow trees, plus poor management of remaining hedgerows.

• Elm loss of the 1970s.

• Intensification in farming leading to drainage and improvement of permanent pasture and water meadows on the floodplain and loss of riparian vegetation.

• Pressure for further expansion of settlement and new development threatening the character of the small villages and scattered farmsteads.

• The presence of major transport corridors particularly the trunk roads has brought pressures for development and associated amenity planting and signage.

• Increasing road use which will further diminish the rural tranquillity of the vale landscape.

• Pressure to upgrade roads through additional kerbing and signage to accommodate an increase in traffic volume.

Condition The Open Clay Vales are an intensively managed type with large areas under arable cultivation. Although there are limited areas still managed as unimproved grassland most of the meadows, a substantial part of the hedgerow network and riparian vegetation has been lost. The condition of the Open Clay Vales is judged as moderate.

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Final Report December 2005 Strength of character There are still some highly rural, tranquil areas within the Open Clay Vales which are dominated by the varied waterways with their lush vegetation, with small scattered villages and farmsteads of vernacular materials. However elsewhere in the type the influence of the busy transport corridors and the large urban areas is pervasive making the type as a whole moderate in strength of character.

Inherent landscape sensitivities • Rural tranquillity.

• Hedgerow pattern.

• Water bodies and water ways of varied character and ecological value.

• Streamside willows and other riparian vegetation.

• Remnant hay meadows.

• Wide open views.

• Settlement pattern of nucleated villages with variety of vernacular building materials.

STRATEGY The strategy for the Open Clay Vales Landscape Type is to conserve the elements that contribute to the rural, tranquil landscape; the rivers, streams and open water, the meadows and riverside tree lines, the brick and stone villages and farmsteads and to improve elements in decline such as the hedgerows and hedgerow trees, and the visual influence of the large settlement edges and major transport corridors.

Broad management objectives • Retain and manage the hedgerow network and nurture new hedgerow trees.

• Promote appropriate management of arable land including retaining areas of fallow land and maintaining an unploughed margin around fields to encourage wildlife, particularly farmland birds.

• Retain and manage hay meadows.

• Introduce new tree planting along watercourses using typical riparian species such as alder and willow.

• Take opportunities to extend and enhance the varied wetland habitats (reedbeds, wet grassland and wet woodland) of the Cotswold Water Park through appropriate restoration of mineral workings.

• Minimise small scale incremental change such as signage, fencing or improvements to the road network which could change the rural peaceful character of the landscape.

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Final Report December 2005 • Consider developing guidance for built development to ensure both future construction and changes to existing buildings are designed to integrate with the existing character and structure of settlements.

• Consider screening views to intrusive urban edges through planting new woodland.

THE LANDSCAPE CHARACTER CONTEXT The character of the Wiltshire landscape has already been investigated in a number of studies as detailed in Appendices 1 and 2. The Open Clay Vales Landscape Type is covered in the Swindon Landscape Character Assessment and the North Wiltshire District Landscape Character Assessment. Area 12A: Thames Open Clay Vale is partially within Area 2D: Thames Vale, within the Clay Vales type of the Swindon assessment and also includes areas of the North Wiltshire types Alluvium River Terrace Farmland (Area 1: Thames Valley Floor) and Lowland Clay Farmland (Area 2: Thames Valley Lowland). Area 12B: Avon Open Clay Vale is, apart from its southern end which is outside the district, largely contiguous with the North Wiltshire character area Avon Valley Lowland of the Lowland River Farmland type.

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Final Report December 2005 Volume 1: Final Report North Wiltshire Landscape Character Assessment

CONTENTS

VOLUME 1

Landscape Character Assessment

Section A

1 Introduction

2 Overview of North Wiltshire’s landscape

3 Landscape Character Types

Section B

4 Landscape Character Areas

1. Thames Valley Floor 2. Thames Valley Lowland 3. Swindon Fringe 4. Braydon Wooded Plateau 5. Minety and Malmesbury Rolling Lowland 6. Upper Avon Valley 7. Sherston Dipslope lowland 8. Hullavington Rolling Lowland 9. By Brook Valley 10. Corsham Rolling Lowland 11. Avon Valley lowland 12. Bowood and Bowden Parkland 13. Lyneham Hills 14. Hilmarton Rolling Lowland 15. Cherhill Downs 16. Liddington Scarp

Figures

Figure 1 Geology Figure 2 Topography and Drainage Figure 3 Landscape Character Types Figure 4 Landscape Character Areas

VOLUME 2

Natural Environment and Landscape Policy

Recommendations

Cover photographs from top to bottom: • Avon valley lowland • Colerne from the south • Cherhill Hill with monument and White Horse

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4.201 The area has limited tree cover which is

Character Area 11 restricted to shelterbelts, hedgerow trees and small clumps of woodland. The latter are Avon Valley infrequent throughout the area but are slightly more evident to the south, below and around Chippenham, reducing the effect of the urban General Description of Character fringe. Poplar windbreaks are frequent across the 4.198 This large character area is focused around whole area, breaking up views and acting as the River Avon, its tributaries, Brinkworth Brook significant landscape features. The presence of and Marston River and the surrounding low-lying watercourses through the area is marked by landscape. The Avon meanders from Malmesbury to riparian vegetation dominated by willow, the north, through Chippenham, to leave the frequently pollarded, which enhances the damp, district below Lacock Abbey in the south. low lying character of these areas. Brinkworth Brook runs from below Wootton Bassett 4.202 The water related character is further to join the River Avon in the west; and River developed by the open ditches system which is Marston runs west from Calne. The area is hemmed prominent along low lying roadsides. The in by elevated ground surrounding the area and sits watercourses themselves are attractive and below 70m AOD, and at its lowest point is 36m AOD interesting features, meandering through below Lacock. landscape. Bridges across the river and causeways across wetter areas are significant elements relating to the watercourses. Maud Heath Causeway, north east of Chippenham, is one of the most well known. It was created circa 1458 as an investment by an individual for the public good.

4.203 With the exception of Chippenham, settlements are generally small, with a vernacular core, constructed of a mixture of Oolitic limestone

and local brick, with varying degrees of 20th century development. Church towers are local landmarks within the settlements and their

The River Avon immediate environs but are less significant 4.199 The topography is characterised by a features in the wider landscape. predominantly level landscape with only minor 4.204 Chippenham’s early development was linked undulations at its fringes as the land runs to higher to its importance as a Saxon administrative centre, ground. This produces a wide flat valley with areas the old core of the town sited as today within a of openness and vast skies. Towards the south the loop of the Avon. The town sat on the Bristol– surrounding topography of adjacent character London road, part of a national road system, highly areas provides more enclosure. The geology developed by the mid 14th century. However, underlying this landscape varies, from alluvium and significant expansion of the town began at the end river terrace gravel adjacent to the watercourses, of the 18th century with further development of to the dominance of Oxford and Kellaway Clays on communication links. Both the Wiltshire & the adjacent land. There are large tracts of Berkshire Canal and then the GWR London to Kellaway sand which provides pockets of free Bristol line allowed the existing cloth industry of draining high-grade agricultural land, throughout the town and surrounding area to flourish and the valley. other industries to develop. Extensive late 20th 4.200 The landscape is managed through mixed century development once more expanded the agricultural practices, with arable dominating the town, probably as a result of the town’s proximity freer draining higher-grade agricultural land, and to the M4. Large scale expansions associated with the damper land adjacent to the watercourses peripheral roads have occurred particularly to the consisting almost entirely of wet grassland, west and north west, but also to the south east. including areas of meadow which are designated The valley bottom of the Avon has generally been Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Through much avoided and forms a green corridor into and of area the integrity of the hedges and hedgerow through the town part of which is used for trees provides a sense of enclosure. Below recreational purposes. Development is particularly Chippenham, to the south, hazel hedges are prominent on the rising land to the north. evident, providing a variety to the character of the 4.205 The village of Lacock sits to the south of area. On tracts of intensively farmed arable land the area- a settlement dating from the 13th century hedges are gappy and lacking trees, and the area which gained prosperity through the wool industry. has an exposed character. This is especially The village remains largely unchanged, an eclectic prevalent on the fringes of development and mix of built styles and materials, maintained by communication corridors. The character on the the National Trust. The village, adjacent urban fringes of Chippenham, is further influenced settlement and surrounding settled landscape by the built form and roads which are particularly make this area a popular visitor destination. prominent to the south west of the town.

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4.206 There is evidence of habitation from • Damp meadow and pasture along prehistoric times, with numerous crop marks watercourses/valley floor. visible. These are more obvious north of • Intact and predominantly well managed Chippenham, along the Avon. Discoveries denoting hedgerows frequently with hedgerow trees. man’s intervention within this landscape continue • Areas of high quality arable agricultural land through Roman times, with the presence of located through out the area, on areas of settlement remains. Through both the Avon valley Kellways Sand. & Brinkworth Vale a wealth of medieval settlement • Shelterbelts of poplar act as significant existed. Many of these villages were lost through vertical elements in the horizontal landscape. the Black Death and resulting changes in • Rural and somewhat isolated feel to remoter agricultural systems. parts of character area. 4.207 The A4 and A350 are significant roads in the • Scattered settlements and dwellings. southern part of the area. The A4 east west • Strong rural sense of place, which begins to through Chippenham and the A340 runs along the break down around Chippenham and south western fringes. The only road of communication corridor. significance to the north is the M4 motorway. This • Green valley floor through Chippenham. creates a major feature, source of noise and • Broad expansive skyline, frequently unbroken barrier in the landscape as it cuts through the by development. valley. Away from the main roads traffic is very • Significance of electricity transmission lines. light, the scattering of small hamlets serviced by minor, often single-track roads, which enhance the rural character. 4.208 Two railways traverse the area. The main line London to Cardiff runs east west from Wootton Bassett through Brinkworth Brook valley and London to Exeter one runs south west through Chippenham. These are heavily vegetated with hedgerow species, reducing their effect on the landscape. The airfield at RAF Lyneham lies on high ground to the east, beyond the character area boundary. The heavy use of the airfield by cargo aircraft disturbs the inherent tranquillity of the surrounding area. Additionally, electricity Management Guidelines transmission lines form dominant structures in this 4.211 The overall objectives for the area are to flat landscape. conserve the rural character, and ensure 4.209 There is a comprehensive network of development of the urban fringe and footpath and recreation routes throughout the communication corridors does not compromise the area, although few have any direct relation to the nature of the area. watercourses. The line of the Wiltshire & Berkshire 4.212 Individual elements within the landscape Canal runs along the eastern edge of the area which make up the character should be providing a distinct feature in the landscape. maintained, conserved and when necessary replenished. This should include the retention of the ditch system which runs through the area, maintenance and replacement of hedges. 4.213 Conserve and where possible enhance the biodiversity of the watercourse, its environs and adjacent habitats.

4.214 Features of historical and archaeological interest relating to man’s use of this wet landscape and early settlement features will also require care

and protection.

4.215 Minimise the landscape and visual effects of Main characteristics the expansion of Chippenham. 4.210 The main characteristics of the area can be defined as follows: Management Strategy Actions • Low-lying river landscape, between 70m and 30m AOD on river terrace and alluvial geology 4.216 Conserve and enhance the Character Area with heavy soils, interspersed with light sands. through carrying out the following actions: • Dominant presence of water in the form of ditches, streams and river with related riparian vegetation and structures.

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Short Term minimise the effect on landscape and visual receptors. Development should be carried in • Conserve valley bottoms including wetland conjunction with the development of a strong features, open ditches, meadows and riparian landscape structure to repair urban fringe vegetation, especially willows. landscapes. • Conserve hedgerows and mature trees, including allowing new trees to emerge in 4.221 Where the traditional settlement form existing hedges, and discourage field meets the landscape in river corridors or other amalgamation. green wedges, these areas should be kept free of • Consider where development related to new development to protect the relationship Chippenham is most appropriate in terms of between built form and landscape. The valley floor landscape and visual effects. overall is a sensitive landscape with some of the most attractive landscapes of the area focussed on • Enhance the sense of place through use of the watercourses and riparian vegetation. appropriate building materials in respect of new development, extensions or other built features – especially through the use of materials used in vernacular buildings. • Conserve the alignment and features of the Wiltshire & Berkshire Canal

Long Term • Encourage the creation of public access along waterways, where consistent with nature conservation objectives.

Key Views management strategy 4.217 The area is primarily viewed from the M4, A350 and from the edges of Chippenham. Elsewhere, the large scale of the character area, views reduced by level topography and vegetation and the sparse settlement pattern make view points scarce. Watercourses are important so views from bridges over the Avon should be monitored. 4.218 Indicators for change within this area should include: • Change to watercourses. • Loss of riparian vegetation • Loss of grassland through the area particularly adjacent to watercourses. • Amalgamation of fields • Loss of mature hedgerow trees • Expansion of Chippenham • Establishment of screening around Chippenham

Landscape Sensitivity 4.219 Away from the influence of Chippenham, much of the area has an essentially rural character with small, scattered settlements and individual dwellings. The landscape is predominantly gently undulating with vegetation preventing extensive views. Only small-scale, sensitively designed development, appropriately associated with existing built form, could be successfully accommodated without adverse landscape impacts. 4.220 Around Chippenham, the original settlement in the valley bottom has expanded up the valley sides. These areas are exposed to wider views and are sensitive to further development. Care is required in further expansion of the town to

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with wide views across the Avon Valley. Close by is Character Area 12 Bowden Park. Bowood and Bowden 4.225 Large tracts of the area are designated SSSI, this designation also extends south into Spye Park. Parkland The designation relates to an extensive habitat mosaic of alder and oak woods, parkland and an General Description of Character area of dry acidic grassland which contains locally uncommon plants. 4.222 This character area is centred on three 4.226 There is a largely intact hedgerow system on estates- Bowood Park, Bowden Park and Spye Park the lower slopes, (predominantly hawthorn but which lies outside the district to the south. It is a with hazel in the more sheltered valley to the rolling hill landscape of parkland, woodland and north), which provides channelled views from the enclosed pasture higher than surrounding areas roads and a sense of maturity and permanence to within the district. The land rises from approx 40m the landscape. The hedges give way to fences and AOD in the Avon Valley to 180m above Bowden woodland edge surrounding arable fields on the Park, the highest point in the area. The area has higher ground. The higher ground also contains a many small valleys with minor tributaries running number of shelterbelts, of varied character, from to both the River Avon and River Marden. mixed deciduous strips to single species coniferous Underlying this landscape is a complex geology of lines, these frame and also reduce the expansive sands, landslip, and a variety of grits. views and panoramas from the summit. The woodland and shelterbelts produce enclosed areas of farmland and sheltered character at higher elevations. 4.227 There is wide spread evidence of man’s habitation of the area from the Roman era, with discoveries of settlements relating to the Roman Road to the south of the character area. 4.228 Settlements tend to be scattered dwellings strung out along the roadsides. These are a mix of vernacular or distinctive estate dwellings with some more recent developments. Derry Hill is the exception, mainly developed from the early 19th 4.223 While land cover is predominantly woodland century onwards with housing estates nucleated with parkland and pasture enclosed by tree belts, around the church and school. The vernacular the lower slopes to the west of the area are buildings closer to the Avon Valley tend to use managed as open pasture and there are small areas brick as a building material, while to the east, of arable agriculture on higher ground. The stone becomes predominant. woodland is mixed, dominated by mature deciduous cover, and is managed predominantly 4.229 Two major roads run through the area, the for recreation and biodiversity. Much of this A350, dissecting the area from north to south, woodland is listed in the English Nature Inventory running against the contour of the hill and the A4, of Ancient Woodland and is probably a remnant of which skirts the southern edge and lower ground. the previously expansive Chippenham Forest. Areas The rest of the area is accessed by minor roads. of coniferous plantation have a regular, often Although there is only minor public right of way geometric shape in places. coverage of the area, the parkland provides a substantial recreation area with open access and 4.224 Towards the east of the character area, the wooded paths. landscape is dominated by Bowood Park and its associated management. The central core of 4.230 This area has significant impact on the Bowood Park, is a ‘Capability’ Brown landscape, character areas surrounding it, rising above valleys listed on the English Heritage, Historic Parks and and acting as backdrop to much of the area to the Gardens register. It is dominated by open parkland North. The open slopes also provides significant and gardens surrounded by woodland and managed views out to the surrounding landscape. for recreation. A number of ornamental species, present in the garden and parkland, create significant elements in the wider landscape, appearing to rising from within the woodland and visible from the landscape beyond. The park also includes a rhododendron walk and a golf course, as additional visitor attractions. To the east, the landscape is managed as pasture, enclosed by mature clumps of woodland and mature parkland trees. At the west extent of the area the common land of Bowden provides an open grazed landscape Bowood Park

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4.231 The summit of the area is topped by an Management Strategy Actions aerials, yet the woodland cover reduced the impact of these from afar and prevents them 4.238 Conserve and enhance the Character Area dominating their immediate environment. through carrying out the following actions:

Main characteristics Short term 4.232 The main characteristics of the area can be • Conserve and promote continuity of existing defined as follows: cover and diversity of both woodland and • Significant area of hills with small valleys parkland, for ecological and visual interest. rising from 40m AOD to 180m AOD. • Conserve and where necessary replant • Dominance of mature deciduous woodland parkland trees. cover along the slopes. • Conserve landscape features of historical • Significant parkland, containing significant significance and the protect sites of numbers of mature trees, held on Parks and archaeological value. Gardens Registry. • Discourage coniferous only plantations and • Large panoramic views afforded from grazed, where present, enhance edges and open ground. watercourses with deciduous planting. • Significant visitor attraction. • Conserve hedgerows and mature trees on • Fields enclosed by woodland belts. lower slopes, including allowing new trees to emerge in existing hedges. • Mature and intact hedge system, which provides sense of maturity and frames views • Support recreation and tourism where consistent with maintaining and enhancing • Complexity woodland and grassland habitats, landscape character and nature conservation. with large tract of area designated SSSI. • Discourage new development. • Some coniferous elements in woodlands and some coniferous plantations. • Strong altitudinal variation between grazed Long term landscape and higher wooded slopes. • Support nature conservation management of area designated as an SSSI.

Key Views management strategy

4.239 Within much of this area the views are restricted by the woodland cover and shelterbelts. Views from the A4 and A342 are restricted but are important to the perception of the area. The main consideration should be the positive management of the woodland belts and related parkland and pastures and historic built form.

4.240 In areas to the west and on lower slopes, expansive views out across the Avon valley are possible framed by roadside hedges. Management Guidelines 4.241 Indicators of change from chosen viewpoints within this character area might include: 4.233 The overall objectives for the area are to preserve and enhance the parkland and woodland • Loss or deterioration of woodland belts character and retain the essentially rural character • Loss of parkland trees. of the area. • Loss of hedges and hedgerow trees. 4.234 The parkland should be maintained to • Excessive recreation use and wear indicated reflect its most important period of historical on roadsides. character. Recreation and tourism should be managed to respect this.

4.235 Woodland belts and plantations should be maintained as mixed deciduous/coniferous stands providing enclosure for the range of activities. 4.236 The woodland and grassland complexes should be managed to optimise nature conservation value.

4.237 The diversity of landscape pattern from open grazed pasture on lower slopes to wooded enclosures on higher slopes and hill tops should be maintained.

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Landscape Sensitivity 4.242 The area is designated as a Special Landscape Area which is an indication of its perceived high value. The whole area has an essentially tranquil, intimate and parkland character within which only small-scale, sensitively designed development, appropriately associated with existing built form, could be successfully accommodated without adverse landscape impacts. 4.243 The prominence and exposed nature of the Avon valley sides make this area particularly unsuitable for development. 4.244 As well as being a recreational attraction the woodland and open parkland is a valuable ecological resource vulnerable to development. Any recreational development should not conflict with the nature conservation requirements of this area.

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Chippenham Landscape Setting Assessment

Report Ref: 4646.006

December 2014

Railway Station Chippenham

Great Western Railway

River Avon River Disused Railway Disused Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf Her Majesty's Stationery Office. &URZQ&RS\ULJKWDQGGDWDEDVHULJKW$OOULJKWVUHVHUYHG2UGQDQFH6XUYH\ Key Rev A D C B Project Drwg No Strategic Area B Chippenham Landscape Setting Assessment Drawn Scale Title Amendments Description Boundary adjustments Amendments Amendments AJG 1:10,000 @ A3 Preserve character of approach High hedgerows Key views buildings important to retain) Listed building (setting around Low hedgerow more difficult to accommodate Built form (notable in and distinctiveness of built form Land where outlying settlement landscape) accommodated with mitigation Tree (indicative location) Water body/ Watercourse Woodland Areas where development would be Areas where development can be visible D4646.017D Checked Fax 01925 844002 Birchwood Science Park Warrington Genesis Centre e-mail [email protected] Tel 01925 844004 WA3 7BH TS Drawn PHM PHM PHM PHM Date Approved Approved 14/08/14 TJ TJ TJ TJ TS 23/09/14 16/10/14 06/10/14 24/10/14 Date Site Ref: Strategic Area C

New Leaze Farm prominent Housing on Riverside Drive on high ground in the Strategic Area St Paul’s Church

High ground provides screening to the Wooded edge to Chippenham Pewsham area of Chippenham Riparian trees along River Marden provide localised enclosure

River Avon

A – View from River Marden towards New Leaze Farm B – View from North Wiltshire Rivers Route Element Assessment 12b Avon Open Clay Vale (County Landscape Character Assessment, 2005)  level land form with wide open skies and views to ridges and downs  pastoral land use with some arable  Large scale geometric fields with hedgerows or open drainage channels defining boundaries.  Presence of rivers, tributaries, drainage channels and open water bodies.  Watercourses lined with riparian vegetation with prominent lines of willows (some pollarded).  Floristically rich hay meadows.  Settlement pattern varies from large towns and small scattered villages to sparse farmsteads.  Buildings in varied materials of brick, render and stone.  Crossed by major transport corridors, and a network of minor roads linking settlements.  Historic use for transport evident in canals. Key features of landscape character area 11 Avon Valley Lowland (North Wiltshire Landscape Character Assessment, 2004)  Low lying river landscape on river terrace between 30m and 70m AOD;  Dominant presence of water in the form of ditches, streams and river with related riparian vegetation and structures;  Intact and predominantly well managed hedgerows with frequent hedgerow trees;  Areas of high quality arable agricultural land throughout the area;  Shelterbelts of poplar act as significant vertical elements in the horizontal landscape;  Rural and isolated feel to more remote parts of the character area;  Strong rural sense of place, which begins to break down around Chippenham;  Green valley floor through Chippenham;  Broad expansive skyline, frequently unbroken by development; and  Significance of electricity transmission lines. This strategic area covers land closely associated with the River Avon; predominantly along the valley bottom but also including land to the south of Stanley Lane that rises to a high point of 72m AOD south of Hither Farm. The northern boundary is formed by the River Marden, a tributary of the River Avon flowing from high ground between Bencroft Hill and Derry Hill towards the River Avon. The approximate eastern boundary is formed by the road junction close to Pound Farm and along Pudding Brook, the southern boundary by the A4 London Road and the south western and western boundaries by the urban edge of Chippenham and the River Avon. The land across the strategic area is broadly flat with localised rolling high points at New Leaze Farm (61m AOD) and another of 62m AOD further south east and a high point south of Stanley Lane noted above. Strategic Area C description

There are two grade II listed buildings within Strategic Area C: Harden's Farmhouse and Bridge at NGR ST946738. Tytherton Lucas just beyond the Strategic Area is a Conservation Area. There are six non-designated heritage assets within Strategic Area C: Rectilinear and other features at New Leaze Farm, undated but potentially prehistoric; Medieval settlement at Harden’s Farm; Ditch and pond of post medieval date at Harden’s Farm; and The Calne and Chippenham branch of the Great Western Railway, now disused and currently used as a cycleway linking Chippenham to Calne along most of its length and known as the North Wiltshire Rivers Route cycleway. .

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Landscape Quality Landscape character (attractiveness) judgement Highly attractive/Attractive/Pleasant/Commonplace Representativeness/ consistency with wider Highly consistent/Mostly consistent/Some key characteristics present/Not representative of wider character character judgement Remoteness and tranquillity judgement Remote/Peaceful/Some interruption/Not tranquil This landscape is closely associated with the River Avon floodplain especially to the north of the North Wiltshire Rivers Route where the tree lined watercourses of the River Avon and River Marden are distinctive features; as are the views along the rivers from bridge crossings along PRoW. The landscape is characterised by small to large fields bounded by low hedgerows and some hedgerow trees. The low height of hedgerows and infrequent hedgerow trees, is an indicator of poor hedgerow management and provides a generally open character with views over long distances often with the backdrop of the Limestone Ridge featuring in easterly views. A perceived wooded character to the landscape is provided by lines of mature riparian trees along the many watercourses through the area which combines with the wooded limestone ridge and woodland along the Great Western Railway and North Wiltshire Rivers Route cycleway to provide a wooded backdrop to views.

Landscape quality general description Built form through the strategic area is characterised by individual farms such as New Leaze Farm and Harden’s Farm. In addition there are isolated properties and farmsteads along Stanley Lane. Stanley Lane is characterised by low to medium hedges allowing local views across arable and pasture fields. These views are mostly from gaps in hedgerows and at field access points. London Road is a busy approach route into Chippenham from Calne characterised by long distance views across countryside between ribbon development. This development includes car salesrooms, farmsteads and outbuildings, isolated properties and Stanley Park Sports Ground. Tytheron Lucas is to the north east of the Strategic Area and is characterised by a collection of farmsteads dispersed along the road through the village and is designated a Conservation Area. Many of these properties are distinctive and constructed from local stone. There is only one small rural track access to Harden’s Farm and New Leaze Farm from London Road. The landscape has a predominantly rural character particularly either side of Stanley Lane and to the north of the North Wiltshire Rivers Route cycleway. South of the cycleway where views of the urban edge of Chippenham are possible and field boundaries are less intact this rural and remote character is diluted and has an urban fringe character. Visual Quality Visual prominence judgement High/Moderate-high/Moderate-low/Low Nature of the urban edge judgement No visible urban edge/Soft well vegetated urban edge limited views of principally rooflines/Partially visible urban edge/Hard urban edge with no screening Settlement setting and views of settlement Highly attractive features or views/Some attractive features or views/Few attractive features or views/No attractive features or views judgement Public accessibility Many public views/Some public views/Very limited public views/No public views A4 London Road approach route The southeast approach has a rural character, although hedgerows to the side of the road tend to be quite modest in size, there are a limited number of trees and the route is fronted in places by residential and commercial development. The scale of the fields beyond the approach is quite large, with limited definition to the field boundaries. Views from the road across the landscape tend to be quite expansive. A number of farm developments front the road, providing some enclosure to the road in places. The first view of Chippenham occurs near to the roundabout where London Road meets Pewsham Way. The view is of some residential properties fronting the road. The expansive views possible from this approach are across Strategic Area C and D. Relationship to key approach route

Stanley Lane rural approach route This is a rural road with tall hedgerows which provide enclosure and channel views. Built form along this road is typically isolated farms and some large detached properties set in large grounds. Where views across adjacent farmland are possible they are over long distances across Strategic Area C towards the northern edge of Chippenham and St Paul’s Church. The approach is predominantly rural until close to the settlement edge by Stanley Park Sports Ground and Abbeyfield School where built form becomes more notable in views from the road.

This strategic area is closely associated with the River Avon and River Marden and is on lower lying gently undulating ground. This is an open landscape typically characterised by low hedgerows of varying condition and some hedgerow trees which allows open views across long distances. Trees along the watercourses provide some filtering to views and some enclosure is created by lines of riparian trees through the landscape. However the undulating nature of the landscape and varying condition of hedgerows often allows views beyond riparian trees to adjacent fields and to the higher ground of Derry Hill, Bencroft Hill and Wick Hill which form a wooded backdrop. The landscape is important in providing visual linkage and association with the watercourses and also a rural aspect to the eastern side of Chippenham.

At the northern and eastern peripheries of this strategic area the urban edge of Chippenham is often barely discernible and where visible is well vegetated with trees providing screening or limiting views of the urban edge. Viewsare limited to glimpses of a small cluster of properties with St Paul’s Church visible on the skyline. The lack of visibility of the town helps to reinforce rural character. Development at Pewsham and Hardens Mead is notable across this strategic area from the southern approach into Tytheron Lucas as a line of housing and Abbeyfield School is prominent on the skyline. From field access points on the northern approach into the village there are south westerly views towards Chippenham which include St Visual quality general description Paul’s Church and the rising roofline of properties on the edge of the town nestled in trees.

Along the North Wiltshire Rivers Route the urban edge is prominent in south westerly views although pastoral fields and the riparian trees along the River Avon provide a foreground context to the views. The views across the town are extensive with development extending across the horizon interspersed with woodland and trees. St Paul’s Church forms a prominent feature of the skyline. Trees and woodland along the River Avon provide filtering to the edge of Chippenham to the east of Monkton Park and where visible is seen as a small group of properties with a rising roofline. Trees and woodland also provide a slight break in views of development between this area of Chippenham and development at Pewsham and Hardens Mead which appears as a harsh edge above pasture which slopes down towards the river valley. Pewsham is typically on the higher ground with Abbeyfield School prominent on the highest ground.

From Stanley Lane, Chippenham often appears more distant and set beyond trees along the River Avon. The rooflines of properties are seen on rising ground with St Paul’s Church visible on the skyline. The wooded ridgeline of land to the north of Chippenham is also a prominent element in these views. From high ground along a PRoW to the south of Stanley

4646.001 Lane there are panoramic and long distance views across Chippenham including Hardens Mead, Pewsham, Abbeyfield School and the prominent spire of St Paul’s Church. Hedgerows and trees along foreground fields combine to break up and soften views of the edge.

From London Road views are across open farmland with the urban edge of Chippenham generally not visible. Tree planting along the A4 provides a strong wooded screen to housing. Long views towards the northern edge of Chippenham are possible close to the junction of London Road and the A342 as the land rises at Derry Hill. The edge is seen in the distance with a wooded edge and arable and pastoral farmland and isolated farmsteads in the foreground.

There is relatively limited vehicular access through this Strategic Area, access is primarily along PRoW which link the edge of Chippenham with Tytherton Lucas and another PRoW which links London Road (A4) with Stanley Lane. The North Wiltshire Rivers Route which is a long distance footpath and cycle route is the main route through the Strategic Area where people experience views across the countryside and towards the edge of Chippenham. Landscape Sensitivities/ Qualities to be safeguarded

Key landscape sensitivities that are described within the published landscape character assessments, which are relevant to the strategic area include: Avon Valley Lowland: away from the edge of Chippenham the area has a rural character small scattered settlements and individual dwellings. Around Chippenham the original settlement was along the valley bottom but more recent development has extended onto higher ground resulting in exposed wider views Settlement expansion needs to minimise effects on landscape and visual receptors. Development should include a strong landscape structure to repair urban fringe landscapes, especially harsh urban edges. . Management strategies will need to address the loss of mature hedgerow trees, amalgamation of fields, and expansion of Chippenham. This will need to be achieved through the conservation of hedgerows and mature trees and the establishment of appropriate screening around Chippenham.Avon Open Clay Vale: rural tranquillity with wide open views. Hedgerow pattern, waterbodies and waterways of varied character, streamside willows and other riparian vegetation, remnant hay meadows and nucleated villages with a variety of vernacular buildings. Management objectives include retaining the hedgerow network and nurture new hedgerow trees, maintain areas of unploughed land to field margins, introduce new tree planting along watercourses, minimise small scale incremental change such as signage, fencing or improvements to the rural road network which alters the rural peaceful character. Ensure new development respects the existing character of settlements and ensure screening to views of intrusive urban edges through new woodland planting. Qualities to be safeguarded within this strategic area include:  Remote rural character of the land to the north of the North Wiltshire Rivers Route characterised by large arable fields bounded by tree lined watercourses and onward views over the expansive river floodplain flanked by the wooded limestone ridge to the east; ;  Remote character of Tytherton Lucas with the edge of Chippenham appearing generally distant and wooded;  Setting of listed buildings at Harden’s Farm, Hither Farm and Middle Farm;  Rural wooded valley slopes with housing at Chippenham appearing nestled in woodland and St Paul’s visible on the skyline when viewed from PRoW (BREM39) and crossing point across the River Marden;  Distant views of Chippenham with a wooded edge and appearing on rising ground from Derry Hill, Bencroft Hill and Wick Hill;  Prominence of St Paul’s Church in views of Chippenham from PRoW to the east;  Riparian character to views along the River Avon and River Marden;  Trees and hedgerows which combine with riparian trees along watercourses to provide a strong landscape structure and wooded setting to views across the landscape;  Rural character to Stanley Lane interspersed with isolated properties;  Filtered edge of Chippenham along Riverside Drive with River Avon providing a distinctive setting; and  Rural character of small scattered settlements and with distinctive vernacular using local stone. Strategic site assessment framework Capacity to preserve or enhance landscape See landscape sensitivities (table above) and development capacity (table below) for how development could be integrated to preserve landscape character. characteristics The open character and strong association with the rivers and floodplain are important characteristics to safeguard. The generally remote character to the landscape particularly to the north of the North Wiltshire Rivers Route and at the eastern end of Stanley Lane is important to conserve. Recreation potential The presence of a number of rivers and watercourses through the landscape including the River Avon, River Marden and Pudding Brook with their associated floodplain that could form distinctive naturalistic green fingers through any new development and would link into the centre of Chippenham along the existing green corridor along the River Avon (Monkton Park). Also the North Wiltshire Rivers Route would provide an attractive long distance route for walking and cycling for residents or workers and direct links to Chippenham Railway Station and Monkton Park Attractiveness for housing The rural aspect and views across tree lined watercourses with a backdrop of the wooded limestone ridge would provide attractive aspects for housing. Hedgerows and trees where present would be important to provide a mature setting to development. This is an open landscape and careful design of any development would be required to ensure that residential development does not increase the prominence of the eastern edge of Chippenham, especially along local rolling ridges viewed from distance. However, access to the area is currently very limited so any proposed development would need to be supported by extensive new road infrastructure. Attractiveness for business This is a remote Strategic Area with limited existing road infrastructure. The southernmost part of the strategic area has the best potential links to the A4 (London Road). Through the remainder of this Strategic Area access is via narrow rural lanes or access tracks to farms. The lack of suitable access opportunities may deter businesses from this location, so any development proposals would need to be supported by extensive new road infrastructure. The rural aspect and views towards the River Avon and River Marden would provide an attractive setting for business. However this type of development can include large buildings and car parking which would be difficult to adequately screen through woodland buffers without altering the generally open character of the landscape. This would result in increased urban influences on the surrounding landscape. Encroachment of development This Strategic Area is generally flat with long views possible across the landscape. It is also visually prominent from the limestone ridge at Wick Hill, Bencroft Hill and Derry Hill. There are existing views towards Chippenham from Tytherton Lucas, however at present these are glimpsed and generally the village feels rural and remote. Development in this Strategic Area has the potential to reduce separation between Tytherton Lucas and Chippenham which would reduce its remote and tranquil character. In addition development would be visually prominent from surrounding high ground and could make this edge of Chippenham considerably more notable in the surrounding countryside. Development would require extensive advanced landscape structure to reduce adverse landscape and visual effects on the surrounding landscape. Opportunities to repair urban fringes and The urban edge of Pewsham and Hardens Mead is a hard and prominent edge on high ground which falls to the north towards the River Avon. There is very little planting along this approaches to Chippenham edge which means it is prominent in views from the adjacent footpaths and from the North Wiltshire Rivers Route. In addition it is visible from Tytherton Lucas. Development along this edge could help to provide an improved urban edge provided it was accompanied by a landscape framework which enhanced riparian tree cover and provided areas of woodland that could help to create a softer and greener edge to Chippenham when viewed from the wider landscape to the north and east. The remainder of the urban edge is generally softened by the combination of hedgerows and trees within adjacent farmland and this characteristic is important to safeguard.

4646.001 Impacts on heritage assets Role and function of landscape The landscape of Strategic Area C functions as agricultural land within the parish of Tytherton Lucas and is associated with the post medieval settlement of Tytherton Lucas

Special qualities to be safeguarded Harden’s Farmhouse has 18th century origins. The land that surrounds this grade II listed building provides its setting and contributes to the significance of the asset. Part of the strategic area is also within the setting of Tytherton Lucas Conservation Area. The conservation area is designated for the special architectural and historic interest, in this case a small rural village with a number of historic buildings, set in agricultural land.

Likely effects of development Strategic Area C has a high potential for as yet unknown heritage assets with archaeological interest dating from the prehistoric and medieval periods. The total loss of any non- designated heritage asset of high heritage significance could represent substantial harm. However, mitigation of effects on heritage assets with archaeological interest is achievable; either through preservation in situ of discrete areas of archaeological remains and archaeological recording for more widespread remains. Strategic Area C includes two grade II listed buildings. The open agricultural land of Strategic Area C contributes to the significance of one of these assets (Harden’s Farmhouse). However, the primary reason for designation for the asset derives from its architectural heritage interest and that is not vulnerable to adjacent development. The harm to heritage significance would result from a loss of appreciation and understanding of the landscape setting and context to these buildings. Development Capacity/Scope for mitigation Development Capacity This is a landscape which is strongly associated with the Rivers Avon and Marden. It also provides a rural edge to east Chippenham when viewed from surrounding footpaths in the landscape and from higher ground along the limestone ridge including Wick Hill, Bencroft Hill and Derry Hill. Across much of this Strategic Area development would increase the prominence of the eastern edge of Chippenham and reduce the rural and remote character of the landscape and of Tytherton Lucas as well as being prominent in views from the limestone ridge. Any development that does take place within this landscape would need to seek to avoid the highest ground, retain the rural approach along Stanley Lane and reinforce a wooded and riparian edge to the town. Large scale employment development (such as B8) would not generally be suitable within this landscape, the landscape is generally open with a perceived wooded character created by the combination of hedgerows, hedgerow trees and trees along watercourses in the foreground of views. Large scale woodland is not characteristic of this landscape but would be required to adequately screen large scale employment development. Both the development and any suitable landscape to reduce effects would be out of character in this Strategic Area. This landscape would be more suited to residential development due to the existing presence of housing. Some limited residential development could be accommodated to the north of Hardens Mead provided it utilised the landform which falls to the immediate north of Hardens Mead towards the River Avon and avoided the highest Ground and provided a green edge to development through advanced planting of trees, small linear woodlands and copses.

The area of land in the vicinity of Harden’s Mead has been ascribed a moderate-high development capacity as it marginally less sensitive being located on lower ground next to the eastern edge of Chippenham. The area of land south of the North Wiltshire Rivers Route has been ascribed a moderate-low development capacity as it is located on higher ground that is more visually prominent. The area of land north of the North Wiltshire Rivers Route has been ascribed a low development capacity to maintain separation between Chippenham and Tytherton Lucas and retain the remote and tranquil area around the River Marden. The area of land south of Stanley Lane has been ascribed a low development capacity as it is located on the highest ground in Area C and is prominent from view from the surrounding limestone ridge. The land also maintains separation between Chippenham and Derry Hill. The area of land associated with the floodplain of the River Avon has also been ascribed a low development capacity.

Scope for mitigation:  Ensure that development avoids the highest ground where it would be a particularly prominent feature in the wider landscape;  Retain hedgerows and trees as mature landscape framework in any development proposals;  Enhance the riparian character of the River Avon, River Marden and Pudding Brook;  Enhance the riparian character of the River Avon as part of a naturalistic riverside park through any development;  Ensure that any new development respects the rural character along the approach to Chippenham along Stanley Lane through retention of existing tall hedgerows and trees;  Tree planting and green fingers of wooded open space should be incorporated through any development, not just on the edge to ensure that new rooflines appear nested within trees rather than just surrounded by trees;  Enhance the wooded and riparian edge of Chippenham ensuring that development is not more prominent when viewed from the edge of Tytherton Lucas and adjacent PRoW;  Retain rural views of fields along the North Wiltshire Rivers Route to maintain a connection to the countryside for users of the route and views of Chippenham with Naish Hill a prominent wooded backdrop;  Ensure development does not extend north of the North Wiltshire Rivers Route as it would substantially reduce separation between Chippenham and Tytherton Lucas and would increase the visibility of the town beyond Tytherton Lucas towards East Tytherton. The existing high ground around New Leaze Farm and south of Scott’s Mill would help to reinforce separation provided development does not occur north of the North Wiltshire Rivers Route;  Utilise development and an associated landscape framework to soften the northern edge of Hardens Mead and Abbeyfield School and reduce the prominence of rooflines along this edge of Chippenham from the wider landscape;  Maintain the appearance of woodland on high ground with Chippenham no more than occasional rooflines nestled in trees and St Paul’s Church when viewed from footpath BREM39 at the crossing point with the River Marden;  Ensure that any employment development is not visually prominent within the wider landscape;  Avoid any development beyond high ground south of Stanley Lane as this would make Chippenham considerably more prominent in views from the limestone ridge;  Retain views across arable farmland on the approach into Chippenham along London Road.  Ensure that PRoW through the area are retained within greenspace; and  Any development visible along Stanley Lane should reflect the character of individual properties or clusters of properties using local stone and red tile roofs. Recommendations The management strategy has been devised taking account of the special qualities to be safeguarded and also the management strategies provided in the published landscape character assessments. Key management recommendations include:  Conserve and enhance hedgerows around fields;  Conserve and where appropriate seek to plant hedgerow trees to contribute to the perceived woodland cover across the landscape;  Conserve and where appropriate enhance the riparian and rural character along the Rivers Avon and Marden and along Pudding Brook;  Conserve the distinctive character of crossing points over the watercourses in the landscape;

4646.001 Mature trees create impression of woodland around Kilvert’s Parsonage

Land primarily used as pasture

 Retain areas of unploughed land at field margins particularly close to watercourses;  Enhance existing ditches and watercourses through planting of riparian trees and retaining wetland grass and meadows along their banks;

Naish Hill forms a wooded Abbeyfield School Development at Hardens Poplars in gardens between backdrop to Chippenham prominent on the edge of Mead prominent on higher London Road and Long Close ground St Andrew’s Church Chippenham Housing on rising ground to the west of the River Avon

Harden’s Farm Overhead lines prominent Low hedgerows and infrequent Hedgerows and riparian trees along within the landscape hedgerow trees allow open views the River Avon provide a wooded across Strategic Area setting to this edge of Chippenham

Viewpoint C: View towards Chippenham from the North Wiltshire Rivers Route.

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