Planned Silt Fen

Summary

Overall description:

An engineered, large-scale open landscape which is distinctively flat and uncomplicated in its patterns. Arable land use occurs in large, regular fields and vertical structures appear prominent.

Location:

Occurs in the central seaward part of the Fens, in northern Cambridgeshire, west Norfolk and south Lincolnshire.

Physical environment

Landform:

Open, low-lying landscape with a distinctive flat landform.

Natural / water features:

Area is drained by ditches, but they are often imperceptible unless at close range.

Vegetation and land use

Ecological character:

Although characterised by grazing marsh on marine levels, the low-lying nature and relative fertility of this landscape is reflected in a minimal survival of semi-natural habitat.

Primary land use :

Intensively farmed arable landscape.

Tree cover:

Tree cover restricted to discrete patches of secondary woodland/scrub and groups of trees around dwellings.

Cultural pattern

Historic features:

Farmsteads which often occur at the intersection of reclamation periods and sea defence walls.

Enclosure pattern:

Large sized geometric arable fields defined by drainage ditches and dykes. There is little apparent structural difference between early and recent episodes of field creation.

Settlement pattern:

Settlement and built structures are largely absent except for occasional isolated farmsteads, reflecting the late reclamation of this area for agricultural use.

To be completed at a later date.

Historic development :

This landscape was created by drainage of coastal marshland for farmland from the post-medieval period onwards. Most of the area is occupied by recent (18/19th C) enclosures, although earlier (16/18th C) enclosures occur around the eastern fringes.

Perceptions

Tranquility:

Open skies and long distance views create a strong sense of remoteness.

Views:

Long distance views, open skies and uninterrupted horizons.