The Arney Lowlands Landscape

Key Characteristics

• Broad flat glacial trough between the hills of west Fermanagh.
• Farms with small fields are grouped on low hills above surrounding damp lowland bog.
• Varied pattern of land holdings: intensive grassland on large improved fields; rough grazing on small rush-infested fields and bog margins; hay meadows.
• Important raised bogs and mixed habitats.
• Small mixed woods around farm houses, birch and willow on cut -over bogs and small conifer plantations.
• Scattered traditional farmhouses with replacement buildings along roads.
• Archaeological sites.

Landscape Description

The Arney River meanders through a wide, flat glacial trough between the uplands of Fermanagh, Belmore and the Cuilcagh Mountains. The steep sided drumlins of the Sillees Valley are to the north and the wetlands of Upper Lough Erne lie to the east.

The valley is characterised by wide flat lowlands enclosed by low hills. Much of this lowland has damp peaty soils and is farmed or covered with scrub woodland and raised bogs. The shallow hills form islands of small rushy fields and hay meadows surrounded by thick overgrown hedgerows.

Each hill accommodates a dispersed group of small farmhouses linked by straight roads which are often raised above the level of the surrounding wetland. Communities are small and the hills typically represent a separate townland. The tiny hamlets of Arney and Macken are the principal settlements; most housing is concentrated at crossroads or dispersed as ribbon development. More remote sites, up lanes away from the roads, are often unmodernised or derelict.

Viewed from higher ground the valley appears as a dense mosaic of greens speckled with white houses. The pattern of hedgerows give the impression of a wooded countryside.

Landscape Condition and Sensitivity to Change

Overall, the landscape is in reasonable condition. The low, undulating landform and dense vegetation cover contribute to a landscape structure which has the capacity to accept change. Bushy overgrown hedgerows are characteristic, along with mature hedgerow trees, although fencing is increasingly being used to replace hedges.

The remaining raised bog is often over-cut but some still provides excellent habitats. The patchwork of small hay meadows, improved fields, bog and woodland gives the landscape an attractive, intricate pattern and a relatively well wooded appearance.

Derelict and sub-standard accommodation is common throughout the area, particularly in remoter locations. Restored old cottages and railway buildings provide historic interest but new roadside bungalows are often out of character with the traditional buildings.

Principles for Landscape Management

• It would be beneficial to retain the existing varied pattern of land use, with low lying wetlands separating areas of better drained farmland.
• Changes in land use which are small in scale and contained within the existing field boundaries may be accommodated with relative ease.
• The laying, pruning and replanting of hedgerows would ensure their long term retention.
• The replacement of hedgerow trees, allowing new saplings to grow to maturity would help conserve the well vegetated character of the area.
• The remaining raised bog habitats would benefit from conservation.

Principles for Accommodating New Development

• The re-use of former housing sites for new development and the restoration of traditional stone and thatch cottages is preferable to the use of new sites.
• Small scale white painted 1-2 storey cottages are characteristic; these are scattered throughout the area, along roadsides and at junctions.
• Houses characteristically occupy the higher ground above the bog.
• New development may be integrated within the landscape if it is accommodated within existing hedgerows and in sites in sheltered, undulating locations.