East Lough Neagh Points Landscape

Key Characteristics

• Rolling, relatively small-scale farmland landscape on the fringes of Lough Neagh.
• Linear development along straight roads on higher land.
• Overgrown, dense hedgerows, containing stands of willow.
• Larger-scale farmland with arable fields and a more open character on the flatter land towards the shores of the Lough.
• Rushes, partially abandoned pastures and marshy areas on the shoreline
• Sand and gravel extraction on or near the Lough shore.

Landscape Description

A rolling agricultural landscape with relatively small fields and overgrown hedgerows on an area underlain by Lough Neagh Clays on the eastern fringes of Lough Neagh. There is a strong contrast in the scale and pattern of the farmland between the rolling margins of the basalt plateau and the flat clay landscape on the fringes of Lough Neagh. In the latter, there are long views across a completely flat landscape, with prominent large farmsteads on small `islands'. Many farms are associated with stands of mature trees. Linear shelterbelts subdivide the farmland and mature hedgerow oaks and willows line the roads in this flat clay landscape. The large arable fields are drained by straight ditches and enclosed by gappy hedgerows.

The rolling farmland to the east is mostly small in scale, with overgrown hedgerows and numerous small-holdings. There is a linear pattern of settlement, with some derelict farm buildings and tiny cottages along the ridgetop roads, as well as much new development. Settlements are concentrated along roads and are always sited on rising land.

The fringes of Lough Neagh are renowned for their wildlife and habitat value. Extensive areas are designated as ASSI for fen/marsh and moss habitats which support many rare examples of flora and fauna. The entire fringe of Lough Neagh is also designated as a Special Protection Area (recognising its importance as a habitat for breeding birds). Sand and gravel extracted from Lough Neagh is sought on the shores of Lough Neagh.

Landscape Condition and Sensitivity to Change

Many of the fields have a scruffy character, with patches of rushes and hedgerows with dense stands of willow. However, the condition of the landscape deteriorates towards the margins of the Portmore Lough Fringe, where the field patchwork begins to break down. The condition and viability of the larger scale farmland on the flatter margins of Lough Neagh is much better, although here many hedgerows have been removed. The rolling farmland to the north and east varies in condition; most hedgerows are intact, although unmanaged and there are many derelict farm buildings. The landscape becomes more sensitive to change along the ridge-top roads between Aghalee and Ballymacrevan, where pressure for linear development is most intense and where there is relatively little tree cover. The shores of Lough Neagh are also extremely sensitive and are classified as an `Area of Scenic Quality'. Sand and gravel extraction has led to the erosion of the character of narrow roads by heavy lorries.

Principles for Landscape Management

• Hedgerow restoration and management will enhance the character of the homogeneous farmed landscape on the fringes of Lough Neagh.
• Introduction of planting along the ridge-top roads, particularly close to recent development, will replace the many hedgerow trees which have been lost in this relatively prominent location and will help to integrate the new buildings into the wider landscape.
• Coppicing may be an appropriate method for the long-term management of the broad, willow-dominated hedgerows and the planting of a new generation of hedgerow oak trees would have a positive impact. Trees could be sited at junctions, on curves in the roads and at entrances to farm tracks so that they grow up to become future focal points in the landscape.
• The wet meadows on the shores of the Lough should be managed in accordance with the Draft Management Plan for the Lough Neagh/Lough Beg SPA (and the ASSI Schedules) to maximise their nature conservation value.
• The restoration of abandoned sand and gravel extraction sites as farmland or as nature reserves, may provide opportunities for future public access to the Lough shore.

Principles for Accommodating New Development

• Restriction of linear development along the ridge-top roads will prevent the development of a continuous ribbon of houses; development which is clustered in form and sited at the principal cross-roads will ensure that some open countryside is retained between settlements.
• Restricted routes for sand and gravel lorries and restoration of abandoned extraction sites will ensure such developments have minimal impact.