Magilligan Lowlands Landscape

Key Characteristics

• completely flat alluvial plain, dominated by the Binevenagh cliffs
• rugged sand dune ridges shelter Magilligan Strand
• homogeneous landscape of rectangular fields subdivided by a grid of drainage ditches.Isolated farm buildings reached by straight, embanked tracks branching at right angles from the main road
• principal settlements form linear development along main road
• open, with occasional isolated hedgerows and groups of trees; some small shelterbelts near farm buildings
• geometric pattern gives landscape an artificial, engineered character

Landscape Description

The Magilligan Lowlands are found on the eastern shores of Lough Foyle, at the foot of the basalt escarpment of Binevenagh. The lowland originates from deposits of alluvium and blown sand which accumulated to form a large, flat triangle of land in the lee of the long sand-spit leading to Magilligan Point. The dramatic cliffs of Binevenagh form a striking backdrop to this flat coastal plain and the mountains of Donegal are visible as a distant horizon to the west of Lough Foyle. The rugged outline of the sand dunes along the edge of Magilligan Strand stand out clearly as a contrast to the flat, expansive lowland to the south. The lowlands are artificially drained, by a combination of mechanical pumping and drainage ditches and the resultant sandy soils are some of the most productive farmland in the Province.

This is a unique landscape in Northern Ireland. It has an engineered, artificial character, with open fields, ditches and roads forming an abstract pattern of straight lines and right angles. Larger settlements are strung out along the principal roads but the predominantly white farm buildings are focal points in this open, rather uniform landscape and the outlines of their roofs and barns often form the skyline in local views. Farm tracks connect at right-angles to the main road forming an open-ended ladder pattern. Most are on low embankments, bounded on both sides by open ditches. The landscape has an open, windswept character with few trees and hedgerows. Fields are predominantly arable, with smaller pastures concentrated towards the foot of the basalt escarpment.

They are generally bounded by wire fences and all are edged with straight, open drainage ditches which have a scrubby character and form a contrast to the smooth textures and muted colours of the arable fields. Shelterbelts near farmsteads stand out clearly in the open landscape The rugged, natural forms of the sand dunes, which shelter Magilligan Strand, are in strong contrast to the flat, smooth arable fields to the south. The dunes are exposed, with only a few stunted mounds of hawthorn and gorse. There is an extensive rifle range in the dunes, and Benone Caravan Park is close to the road and Binevenagh.

Landscape Condition and Sensitivity to Change

The few hedgerows are unmanaged and in poor condition. They form disconnected blocks rather than a network which might shelter wildlife and encourage species migration. The drainage ditches appear to be in good condition although they are rarely associated with uncultivated buffer zones which might increase their nature conservation value. Some derelict and underused farm buildings are highly visible in this open landscape. It is not possible to screen unsightly development such as waste tips and industrial areas since the whole area is overlooked from viewpoints along the basalt escarpment to the east.

These panoramic views ensure that the landscape is highly sensitive to change; the impact of potential changes should be carefully assessed in relation to views from the basalt escarpment. The sand dune landscapes are valued for their wild, unstructured character. They form a relatively narrow band and are therefore vulnerable to the visual influence of development and intensive agriculture along their margins.

Principles for Landscape Management

• Although hedgerows are not a characteristic feature of this landscape type, some replanting and strengthening of the existing hedgerows near farms to the east of the main road would help to provide a stronger sense of place.
• The groups of mature trees near farm buildings in this area tend to be of the same age and there is a need for new planting in small groups to maintain these important local features.
• If recreational developments are to be integrated within the dune landscape, it is important that the materials and colours used are sympathetic. For instance, golf courses should not have artificially induced "green" fairways and greens and structures should be constructed from dark wood, perhaps using turf roofs where possible.

Principles for Accommodating New Development

• New development, or changes to the landscape pattern, such as the subdivision of farmland into smaller units, may lead to the erosion of its distinctive landscape character.
• The materials, massing and colour of new farm buildings are visually significant since these elements are so prominent in the wider landscape.