Larne Glens Landscape

Key Characteristics

• Incised glens with smooth ridges rising to stepped moorland summits and opening out towards the Larne coast.
• Small to medium scale pastures divided by hedgerows or intact stone walls contribute to a strong and robust field pattern.
• Broadleaf woodland clings to steeper glen slopes.
• Evenly scattered white farm buildings stand out as distinctive features against a green backdrop.
• Blocks of coniferous forest within the glen.
• Old quarry workings.
• Roads along the length of the glens provide long views along the valleys.

Landscape Description

The Larne Glens are the deeply incised valleys of the Glencloy and Glenarm Rivers, which extend inland from the coast. The settlements of Carnlough and Glenarm are situated on the coast at the mouths of the glens. There are dramatic contrasts in colour and landscape character between the lush, diverse glen landscapes and the exposed uplands of the Larne Basalt Moorland. To the north east of the glens, a narrow coastal strip is backed by the dramatic moorland slopes of the Garron Plateau. The undulating topography shelters numerous farmsteads.

They are surrounded by well structured pastures bounded by sturdy stone walls or hedgerows; these 'fit' with the landform and are often triangular in shape. The presence of hedgerow trees as well as deciduous woodland creates a well wooded appearance from within the glens. However, conifer plantations in Glenarm obscure the distinctive field patterns. Old quarry workings produce dramatic features along the steep glen slopes, especially on the slopes above Carnlough where the old quarry scars are a distinctive landmark . They are of earth science interest and have been designated as an ASI. The scenic character of the glens is reinforced by well managed landscape elements which contribute to a high quality landscape worthy of conservation. It is part of the designated Antrim Coast and Glens Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Landscape Condition and Sensitivity to Change

The landscape of the glens is in extremely good condition with robust stone walls and well maintained hedgerows, which give the landscape a strong structure. This contributes to its designation as an AONB. The geometric field pattern is softened by a strong network of deciduous woodland, much of which is classified as `ancient woodland'. The character area holds at least three sites of earth science interest. Sensitivity to change is high due to the existing condition of the landscape and the large number of visitors who come to visit the glens for their scenic beauty and their high visibility, especially where the valley landscapes open out to the coast at Carnlough and Glenarm.

Principles for Landscape Management

• The middle and upper glen slopes are particularly sensitive to the impact of afforestation; the strong field pattern and transition to open moorland in these areas contributes to the character of the glens.

Principles for Accommodating New Development

• New housing, which is designed to reflect the traditional form and finished in white, will enhance existing patterns.
• The expansion of settlements such as Carnlough should be carefully controlled to avoid sprawl and backspill along the valley.
• Distinct fishing villages which are clustered around a harbour form a pattern along the coastal edge; linear coastal development is out of character and should be avoided.