Binevenagh Landscape

Key Characteristics

• sloping upland basalt plateau ending at a dramatic, cliff-like escarpment
• escarpment summits have a distinctive profile and form a sequence of local landmarks
• large-scale mosaic of upland moor and extensive conifer plantations
• open, exposed upland moors, with few native trees or field boundaries
• rocky outcrops and scree slopes reveal grey basalt rock
• patchy, textured pattern of moorland grass, heather, rushes and stunted scrubby bushes

Landscape Description

The escarpment of Binevenagh is a dominant feature of the landscape to the east of the Roe Basin. It is a high cliff, with a sequence of steep summits which form striking local landmarks with distinctive slope profiles. Typically, a steep, even slope leads up to a near vertical cliff face of grey basalt. The summits average 400m and are close to the cliff face, emphasising the massive scale of the plateau and the structure of its broken edge. The basalt has acted as a protective cap to the softer Cretaceous, Jurassic and Triassic rocks which lie below and these are exposed towards the foot of the escarpment at the fringe of the plateau. The surface of the upper plateau is gently rolling, with numerous tiny burns and ditches. Landslips along the scarp, as at Binevenagh, sometimes create a more complex, craggy slope profile and there are deep gullies on the steep escarpment slopes.

The basalt plateau gradually decreases in height towards the east, where there is a gradual transition from moorland to farmland. This is an expansive moorland landscape, dominated by a large-scale mosaic of rough pasture, bog and conifer plantations. Rocky outcrops and patches of stunted scrub contribute to a wild, unstructured landscape character, although extensive dark conifer plantations introduce a more regimented element; they generally have hard, geometric edges which cut across the grain of the landform, subdividing the otherwise open moorland. There is no deciduous woodland, apart from occasional windblown specimens of hawthorn, ash and rowan. There are important seasonal variations in colour; splashes of yellow and purple when the gorse and heather are in bloom and the striking crimson of fuchsia bushes scattered alongside the moorland roads on the lower slopes. The ancient townland boundaries are often visible as straight, linear earthbanks and ditches, subtly subdividing the moorland into elongated, rectilinear areas.

There are very few enclosed fields, but stone walls occur on lower slopes and sheep are controlled by wire fencing. There are no farms on the higher parts of the moorland, but some isolated barns provide shelter for sheep. On the lower slopes, the historic field and settlement pattern is often retained, with stone buildings clustered in traditional 'clachans' in sheltered sites following the natural grain of the slope. The wind farm on Temain Hill is prominent on this broad, open ridgetop.

Landscape Condition and Sensitivity to Change

The most significant pressure on this upland moorland is from conifer plantations, most of which have hard edges and shapes which seem unsympathetic in relation to views and landform. The distinctive slope profiles of the escarpment summits are landmarks for miles around and any development or conifer planting in these areas would detract from their scenic quality. The historic field pattern of the marginal upland pastures on the western fringes of the ridge are also particularly sensitive to change and mass planting, new built development or poor quality conversions could all have a detrimental impact on these highly visible slopes.

The open upland plateau is also an extremely sensitive landscape where any built development would represent an intrusion. The conifer plantations are a temporary landscape element and could therefore not act as an effective screen. Wind farms and transmission masts may have a detrimental influence, particularly if they are sited close to escarpment summits.

Principles for Landscape Management

• The stark geometric shapes of conifer plantations can conflict with the natural edges of the landform and the use of broadleaf trees on the fringes of compartments would help to soften and integrate the plantation edges.
• Quarrying within sheltered and enclosed locations will minimise visual impact and new planting may be designed to screen active workings.

Principles for Accommodating New Development

• New built development requires careful siting and design to integrate with the historic settlement pattern on lower slopes; it cannot be accommodated on upper slopes, where it might be visible on local skylines.
• The use of local stone will ensure that new buildings are in harmony with the existing historic farmsteads and cottages on the fringes of the ridge.
• There may be scope for conversion of derelict cottages on the eastern slopes of the basalt plateau and for more planting to integrate recent development on prominent slopes in this area.