Moorland Hills

Moorland Hills Character Areas 2a   West Pennine Moors 2b   Central Bowland Fells 2c   Longridge Fell 2d   Waddington Fell 2e   Pendle Hill 2f    White Moor/Burn Moor 2g   Beacon Fell

Key Environmental Features

      Exposed upland rolling landform affords long distance views across the valleys and to distant hill sides.

      A sparse settlement pattern of isolated stone farmsteads (and rarely, clustered upland valley hamlets) contributes to the characteristic sense of remoteness.

      Rushy and waterlogged marginal pastures provide valuable habitats for breeding wading birds.

      Dry stone walls of roughly hewn blocks with through stones reflect the exposed, upland setting and provide distinctive, memorable landscape patterns.

      Heather-clad hillsides produce dramatic swathes of colour in the autumn.

      Semi-natural clough woodlands reflect the topography and are important wildlife habitats.

      Large woodland blocks, both deciduous and coniferous, provide shelter and habitats for wildlife.

      Streams and brooks create the distinctive deeply incised, narrow gullies on the smooth fell sides.

      Wealth of historical and archaeological interest reflects the historic evolution of the area and exploitation of its elevated profile eg Bronze Age tumuli on Waddington Fell.

Local Forces for Change and their Landscape Implications

      Pressure for expansion of settlement and the conversion of existing vernacular dwellings and farm buildings on the Moorland Hills may dramatically reduce the characteristic sense of exposure and isolation. Such development may also impinge on the historic setting of traditional vernacular buildings and walls, which are focal points in many views. Any associated ornamental garden planting of trees, shrubs would be prominent in this open, sweeping landscape and the requirements for further communication and service lines may also have a suburbanising influence.

      Restructuring of commercial forestry plantations may influence the shape of prominent plantations - in most cases new Forest Plans will promote positive landscape change; the outlines of existing plantations will become softer, with increased use of more broadleaved species and a more organic shape which reflects the local topography.

      Pressures for wind turbine developments and communication masts are likely to continue. Such developments can be intrusive if they create a cluttered skyline, particularly where the Moorland Hills form a backdrop to local views. In some cases the presence of existing vertical structures has the potential to create a cumulative impact which would be detrimental to the landscape character. Such developments and the infrastructure associated with them can be damaging to blanket bog habitat in particular.

      Increasing pressures for recreation, particularly along the ridges, may damage the character and ecological value of the Moorland Hills. Eroded footpaths and parking adjacent to viewpoints are particular concerns, as it may be intrusive in isolated rural moorland areas. The impacts of fly-tipping and litter may also be intrusive.

      Loss of stone walls and field patterns, which are gradually falling into disrepair due to the poor agricultural economy and their lack of practical use. In time, this will lead to the erosion of traditional and attractive field patterns.

Landscape Strategy for the Moorland Hills

Strategy	Recommendations
Conserve the distinctive, historic character of the open moor	avoid further construction of dwellings away from existing clusters of buildings in isolated hamlets and farmsteads and encourage a built form and landscape design which respects the inherent vernacular character associated with the exposed Moorland Hills        encourage the sympathetic renovation of derelict moorland farm buildings , giving particular emphasis to the potential impacts of new tracks and services. Consider whether such buildings might best be conserved in a derelict state        restrict ribbon development and retain characteristic open spaces and mature trees within settlements        buildings and walls should be of local stone (or the nearest match possible)        ensure proposals for woodland creation are appropriate in terms of species, scale and shape        restrict the approval of further communication masts - there may be scope to amalgamate services onto a single mast        visitor facilities and access routes require careful siting and design - using local materials - in these sensitive landscapes
Conserve the wealth of archaeological landscapes in the Moorland Hills	avoid damage to archaeological sites through recreation, agriculture and forestry archaeological assessment prior to all forms of development should be carried out where appropriate        consider the wider setting of historic or archaeological sites in all land management and site development schemes
Retain the characteristic pattern of gritstone walls	restore walls, respecting local differences in style and construction        give priority to stone walls which form prominent patterns in long distance views, historic boundary walls and walls alongside footpaths/roads and near farms/settlements
Enhance the existing valuable mosaic of moorland habitats	reverse drainage of blanket bog by blocking existing drainage grips        encourage extensive forms of agriculture, particularly in relation to grazing
Improve the shape and structure of existing forestry plantations	encourage softer plantation outlines with shapes designed to integrate with local topography and with a relatively high proportion of broadleaves - this can be achieved through the Forest Plans process        incorporate biodiversity objectives into the design of plantations        give priority to planting which develops links to other existing woodlands
Restore characteristic clough woodlands	manage existing ancient semi-natural woodlands        encourage stockproofing of woodlands to allow regeneration        gradually remove invasive exotic species        plant new woodlands within cloughs to link existing fragmented woods and improve habitats, shelter and scenic value, avoiding valuable existing grassland habitats or flushes

Potential Local Indicators for Monitoring Landscape Change on the Moorland Hills