Fair Head Landscape

Key Characteristics

Narrow coastal strip on the northern slopes of the Antrim Plateau.

Dramatic cliffs with igneous intrusions giving rise to prominent headlands and sheltered bays.

Small scale rough pastures and rocky moorland cling to the steep coastal edge.

Degraded round stoned walls and derelict stone farmhouses.

Historic features are important on Fair Head.

Coastal road winds precariously along the cliff edge linking, small stone cottages with dramatic seaward views.

Landscape Description

Fair Head comprises a narrow coastal strip between the Antrim Plateau and the sea and includes the lower slopes of Greenanmore, Carnanmore and Carnaneigh. The interesting topography of the area results from its complex underlying geology of schists and basalts with igneous intrusions giving rise to prominent cliffs and headlands. The various geological strata have led to the development of cliffs of striking contrasts in colour and form. Short steep streams drop from the plateau to small secluded bays such as Murlough Bay. Land use is predominantly small scale rough pasture and moorland on the steep coastal edge, separated by degraded stone walls. Small loughs are attractive features.

Vegetation on the exposed cliff-tops is sparse with a few wind sculptured trees. Below the cliffs, attractive deciduous woodland and flowery meadows provide a stark contrast to the rocks and exposed pastures above. The coastal road winds precariously along the cliff edge linking small white stone cottages and farms with green and red roofs. Attractive fushia hedges enclose the narrow coastal roads and there are dramatic seaward views. Historic features are important along this coastal fringe; crannogs, cairns and chambered graves are all associated with Fair Head.

Landscape Condition and Sensitivity to Change

The coastal fringe is in natural pristine condition, with its attractive combination of cliffs of varying geological strata, native woodlands, flowery pastures, headlands and secluded bays. It would be very sensitive to change of any sort. The plateau above the cliffs is more degraded with exposed pastures, broken walls and derelict stone farms. Again the area would be sensitive to change owing to its open, exposed character, and the large number of historic features present.

Principles for Landscape Management

• The coastline would benefit from minimal intervention, apart from the control of grazing to ensure the long term preservation of the native woodlands and rich grasslands. The settings to landmarks and historic features should be protected.
• On the cliff-top plateau, the restoration of dry stone walls and the removal of untidy wire fences would be beneficial.
• Maintenance of the hedgerows on the farmed slopes by replanting and laying will help ensure their preservation. The inclusion of fuchsia in mixes would retain this special feature.
• A coastal path along this edge would be beneficial in helping in the appreciation of the landscape.

Principles for Accommodating New Development

• The management of tourism related pressure such as the erosion of roadsides and paths, and the demand for car parking is important to ensure that it does not detract from the quality of the area. Local stone or chippings should be used for construction and surfacing and the character of development should be rough and naturalistic rather than suburban.
• The widening or lining of local roads would seriously damage the character of the area.
• The restoration of stone farmhouses would be preferable to new development. New development would be very out of character and highly visible in this landscape, although there may be some opportunities in more sheltered hollows or within the trees along the winding coastal road so long as the traditional white and grey materials are used.