Lowland Village Farmlands

Lowland Village Farmlands + Whitegate Bridge, Hertfordshire County Boundary north of Ashwell (2004) (© HCC Landscape)

Lowland Village Farmlands + Towards Railway Line from Hitchin Road, Great Wymondley, Hertfordshire (© HCC Landscape)

Lowland Village Farmlands + nr Mobbs Hole, Ashwell, Hertfordshire (© HCC Landscape)

Lowland Village Farmlands + Whitegate Bridge, Hertfordshire County Boundary north of Ashwell (1999) (© HCC Landscape)

Lowland Village Farmlands + Field, Astrope, Hertfordshire (© HCC Landscape)

Summary

Overall description:

This is a well settled, low lying landscape which is often crossed by major river corridors. The high density of settlement, intensive agriculture and major transport infrastructure mean that this is often a busy, rural landscape.

Location:

Located predominately in west Norfolk, south Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire.

Physical environment

Landform:

A generally low lying, gently rolling topography, although some areas adjacent to lower lying levels can appear elevated.

Natural / water features:

This landscape is drained by small streams which are visually indistinct. Occasionally there are gravel extraction lakes (e.g. Hemingfords and Buckden) along the River Great Ouse and within the Ivel valley in Bedfordshire.

Vegetation and land use

Ecological character:

A productive, intensively farmed agricultural landscape, with patches of wet woodland, reedbed and wet grassland along river valleys and in damp, low-lying hollows. Almost 10% of these sites are afforded some degree of designated protection.

Primary land use :

Arable land use predominates with some areas of pasture and orchards. Occasional mineral extraction, lake creation and brickworks.

Tree cover:

Groups of trees, often around farmsteads and occasional small plantations.

Cultural pattern

Historic features:

Medieval moated sites and fine stone churches are a characteristic feature.

Enclosure pattern:

Medium/large scale, regular field pattern, defined by well trimmed hedgerows. Field systems include a mix of rectilinear & sinuous patterns, reflecting the process of planned surveyor enclosure from common fields.

Settlement pattern:

A dense, largely nucleated, rural settlement pattern composed of small towns (eg. Biggleswade), villages and outlying farmsteads. Larger towns (e.g. Bedford) often exert an urbanising influence on this landscape.

Main building materials include Gault clay, brick, clay tile, render and thatch.

Historic development :

A landscape dominated by the late enclosure of common fields. Large pockets of earlier enclosure also exist, also created from common fields. All fieldscapes have experienced significant modification during the 20th century.

Perceptions

Tranquility:

Away from major transport routes this landscape has a greater sense of tranquillity although intensive farming activity and a high density settlement pattern mean that many areas retain a busy feel.

Views:

Sparse woodland cover giving rise to open character and extensive views.