Dungannon Drumlins and Hills Landscape

Key Characteristics

• Drumlins form steep, rounded ridges with typical rounded profiles.
• In elevated areas, drumlins are separated by pasture, marsh or rounded loughs; elsewhere, by gently rolling mixed farmland.
• Diverse landscape pattern; fields are irregular in shape and size, becoming smaller and more angular on steep slopes.
• Most fields enclosed by hedgerows with many hedgerow trees.
• Small broadleaf woodlands and angular conifer plantations.
• Farms and settlements sited in sheltered locations on lower slopes of drumlins, often associated with avenues and parkland trees.
• Narrow winding lanes form dense network.

Landscape Description

This is a drumlin landscape, but with an unusually large scale landform. The drumlins form steep, rounded hills, some of which are linked together to form groups of hills with distinctive, rounded summits. They show no particular alignment. In more elevated areas, the low-lying land between the drumlins is marshy, often with rounded loughs which help to accentuate the height of the drumlins. Aghnahoe Hill, Ivy Hill and The Burnt Hill reach an elevation above the surrounding drumlins and offer welcome long views. There is a diverse and well maintained landscape pattern. Fields are predominantly pasture and are of irregular shapes and sizes, becoming smaller and more angular on steep slopes. Most fields are enclosed by dense hedgerows and there are numerous hedgerow trees.

The landscape has a sheltered, enclosed character, although the steep slopes and scenic loughs add a note of drama. Loughs are often fringed by patches of marsh and alder/willow scrub; many are overlooked by houses whose gardens are often a significant influence, with lawns and ornamental planting. To the south and west, towards Augher and Caledon, there are areas of low-lying land. Here the high drumlins are separated by a gently rolling lowland plain. In places there are areas of marsh, but most of this area has been drained to produce good agricultural land and arable fields are interspersed with pastures. The fields are on a larger scale than those on the drumlins to the north and many sweep up onto the slopes of the smaller drumlins from the surrounding lowlands. Areas of relatively small-scale pasture and patches of marsh remain on steeper slopes. There are some remnant orchards in flat areas near to the larger farms. Fields are surrounded by hedgerows and hedgerow trees are concentrated around farms and along the narrow lanes.

Throughout the area there are small conifer plantations, with angular shapes, and a scattering of small broadleaf woodlands and copses, although hedgerow trees are the predominant influence. Avenues of mature trees are occasional surprise features along some of the lanes. Farms are sited in sheltered locations on the lower slopes of the drumlins and there are typically groups of farm cottages along the narrow lanes. The lanes wind tortuously in areas where the drumlins are separated by loughs and marsh and become gently winding elsewhere.

Landscape Condition and Sensitivity to Change

The landscape is generally in good condition, particularly in areas of low-lying land, to the south, where the farmland is well-drained, with a neat, managed character. However, there is much evidence of hedgerow removal and in some areas three or four fields have been amalgamated. Areas with a relatively shallow landform are most vulnerable. To the north the most important pressure is from built development, particularly on the edges of the loughs and near to the motorway. Away from the loughs, the undulating landform and relatively dense tree cover ensure that the landscape can accommodate some built development, as long as it is sensitively sited and associated with native planting.

Principles for Landscape Management

• The removal of hedgerows in areas of intensive agriculture threatens the characteristic pattern of the landscape; further loss of field boundaries and their associated trees should be avoided;
• Inter drumlin wetlands and loughs are particularly vulnerable to pressures from drainage, pollution and waste disposal; the use of fertilisers and other toxic substances from agriculture or industrial plant should be avoided and the wetlands should be monitored to conserve their important habitat.
• Small woodlands and copses should be conserved or replanted to retain and extend this important characteristic feature.

Principles for Accommodating New Development

• Existing lough-side development with a suburban character is inappropriate in this scenic and very sensitive landscape; further development on the edges of loughs should be avoided.
• The small-scale, winding character of the rural roads between drumlins should be conserved by replacing trees and hedgerows lost to sightlines and ensuring that buildings do not front directly onto roads.