Ards Farmlands and Estates Landscape

Key Characteristics

• Smooth, undulating drumlins, with both pasture and arable farmland.
• Good hedgerow network but relatively few hedgerow trees.
• Waterlogged hollows between drumlins.
• Straight roads cross the peninsula, linking to the sinuous coastal road.
• Estates provide wooded backdrop to the Lough in some areas.
• Stands of trees, often seen in silhouette.
• Scattered houses of varying sizes and styles; traditional dwellings are small scale and clustered in form.
• Historic and archaeological features are often prominent local features.

Landscape Description

The Ards Farmlands and Estates extends across much of the Ards peninsula. The area has a gently undulating landform, with shallow drumlins and there is a scattering of farms on the higher, drier land. The relatively large scale of many landholdings contributes to a consistent landscape pattern with a broad, even grain. The farmland extends to the edge of Strangford Lough, where large, wooded estates, such as Mount Stewart and Rosemount at Greyabbey, have an important influence on landscape character and pattern. They provide a woodland backdrop along parts of the Lough edge and may often be visible from one side of the peninsula to the other. The A20 passes close to the water's edge, allowing attractive views to a rural loughside landscape studded with estates. Inland, an evenly distributed network of small roads and lanes connects the scattered farmsteads and houses. These are of a variety of styles, although small vernacular buildings may still be seen in their original form or, more usually, as part of a more extensive complex of farm buildings. There are scattered areas of heathland along the central spine of the peninsula, with clumps of gorse and prominent stands of Scots pine.

Landscape Condition and Sensitivity to Change

The landscape is generally in a good condition, although some field boundaries have been lost through neglect. Recent built development sometimes detracts from the rural character of the landscape, particularly in the more open parts of the farmland and where it is out of scale with the small clustered settlements which are typical of the area. However, the many estates and large farm holdings contribute to a relatively high quality landscape in areas where they have an influence. The topography of this landscape allows the accommodation of some development but its rural character limits the type and scale of development which may be appropriate.

The relative lack of trees in some farmland areas makes them more sensitive to change, although these areas are generally less sensitive than the coastal edge. The Ards Farmland and Estates landscape has a variety of archaeological and historic sites, including castles, churches, mottes, abbeys and raths. The area is also known for its windmills, which are unique in Northern Ireland. Strangford Lough is one of the largest sea loughs in Northern Ireland and its inter-tidal mudflats are recognised for their nature conservation and earth science value by their designation as an ASSI; the waters are a Marine Nature Reserve. The Lough and shoreline areas are also designated as an AONB.

Principles for Landscape Management

• Hedgerows should be maintained and hedgerow trees replanted to prevent loss of field structure and to create the impression of a well maintained landscape.
• Replanting of trees will replace existing trees as they mature and ensure that silhouetted stands of trees are conserved as features of the landscape.
• ASSIs and Nature Reserves along areas close to the shores of Strangford Lough should be managed in accordance with the guidelines set out in the relevant DoE publications.

Principles for Accommodating New Development

• Unity of architectural style and use of materials are important in designing new housing to avoid detracting from the rural character of the landscape; simple styles with a relatively small scale and local materials are most appropriate. The planting of native trees within gardens and the avoidance of prominent 'suburban' garden fences, rockeries and walls will also help to integrate buildings within this farmland landscape.
• The roofs of farm outbuildings may integrate more easily with the landscape if they are painted in traditional colours, typically red or green.
• Traditional dwellings should be renovated or converted in preference to new houses; this will avoid the dereliction of properties and loss of vernacular styles. It will also help to maintain the characteristic small-scale, clustered pattern of houses and barns in a rural setting.