Eastern Binevenagh Slopes Landscape

Key Characteristics

• low rolling plateau, falling gradually from basalt uplands eastwards towards the River Bann
• fairly steep, narrow glens; gullies on higher land to west
• poor quality pastures with patches of gleyed soils, partially infested with scrub and rushes
• gappy hedgerows and broken stone walls
• fields have angular geometric shapes; size varies with terrain and elevation
• numerous scattered dwellings and farms; many derelict buildings
• few woodlands; mostly in steep valleys on higher land on margins of basalt upland
• dense network of straight, narrow lanes and tracks

Landscape Description

The Eastern Binevenagh Slopes character area is the sloping basalt plateau to the east of Binevenagh. The area is drained by numerous branching streams flowing within narrow, well-defined valleys or in steep gullies on higher land. The surface of the basalt plateau is rolling, with a series of broad ridges aligned north-west to south-east. They have an irregular, slightly crumpled surface.

This is an area of relatively poor quality farmland; mostly rough pastures with acidic soils and patches of gleyed and marshy soils. Fields are generally small on steeper land and have geometric, angular shapes. They are enclosed by a mixture of stone walls, wire fencing and rough, gappy hedgerows. Conical gateposts, with pointed capstones are a regular feature at field entrances throughout the area. There are in general few woodlands; the largest deciduous woodlands are associated with the historic estate of Downhill, near Castlerock. However, there are many hedgerow trees and small copses scattered throughout the area, giving the landscape a relatively well-treed character, albeit with no coherent pattern. Tracts of scrubby woodland are established on the steeper slopes of the valleys to the west and elsewhere tree cover increases around farmsteads. The settlement pattern is very scattered.

There are numerous small farms and smallholdings, many in poor condition, as well as areas of new development. The latter is typically linear in pattern and suburban in style. There are also many derelict and partially ruined buildings. They are built of the local dark grey basalt, often with partially white-washed walls. The numerous tracks and roads form a straight, angular pattern with staggered cross-roads. Roads tend to follow the ridgetops and therefore emphasise the alignment of the terrain.

Landscape Condition and Sensitivity to Change

The landscape is generally in poor condition, with incomplete field boundaries and many areas of partially derelict pasture. Wire fencing and makeshift gates are gradually becoming the norm and special features, such as the stone gateposts, are rapidly falling into disrepair. The few woodlands seem well-managed, but small copses and hedgerow trees show a low diversity of species and poor structure.

The area is under pressure for built development but at the same time has many derelict and under-used buildings. Generally the many examples of new built development have had a detrimental influence, particularly where buildings are aligned along roads, rather than following the characteristic clustered, scattered settlement pattern. Landscape sensitivity increases towards higher land, where there are long views to the east. Quarrying is a pressure in some areas, but has a relatively local influence and the associated scrubby vegetation seems to screen most sites.

Principles for Landscape Management

• management and extension of valley woodlands would extend and enhance their visual influence and ecological value
• the improvement of field boundaries, particularly in the vicinity of farms and settlements, would help to reduce the impact of ribbon development on a rather unstructured, open landscape, while reinforcing local landscape patterns and improving landscape quality
• a programme for the restoration of the distinctive conical stone gateposts and their associated hedgerows and stone walls would ensure that this valuable landscape feature will be preserved

Principles for Accommodating New Development

• there is much scope to restore many existing traditional buildings and for more widespread use of the local grey basalt as a building material
• the rolling landform and scattered tree cover allow scope for accommodating development provided it is carefully sited and associated with mass planting of native trees