Beaghmore Moors and Marsh Landscape

Key Characteristics

• Shallow low ridges of glacial moraine separated by extensive peaty marsh
• Numerous winding small rivers and tributary streams flow in open channels with scrubby margins
• Pasture predominates on higher land, with exposed moorland on some ridgetops and extensive conifer plantations on shallow slopes
• Most fields enclosed by wire fences or broken scrubby hedgerows
• Small conifer shelterbelts are prominent around most farmsteads
• Few settlements but many farmsteads on higher land, connected by straight, embanked roads
• Bronze Age sites.

Landscape Description

A relatively elevated, rolling plateau of wide shallow valleys and broad, rounded ridges to the south and east of the Sperrin Mountains. Extensive glacial deposits form irregular ridges and mounds throughout the area. Slopes typically have shallow, smooth profiles, although some quarried outcrops have an irregular skyline. This is an expansive, relatively homogeneous landscape, fragmented in some areas by small conifer shelterbelts protecting the whitewashed farmsteads from the prevailing wind. Despite the conifer woodlands, the area feels exposed. Broad, peaty marsh extends across the shallow valley floors. The pastures on the lower slopes are divided by open, straight drainage channels; in more elevated areas they are often enclosed by low stone walls. Scrubby, stunted hedgerows and wire fences surround fields where stone walls are absent. Extensive conifer plantations on the shallow valley slopes often mask the landform.

The plantations have hard, geometric edges and sometimes form an abrupt transition at the edges of the valley marsh. There are some deciduous woodlands in gullies on valley sides and the incidence of woodland increases towards the slopes of the Sperrins to the north west. Roads crossing the valley marshes are generally straight and raised on embankments, crossing the many streams at stone, hump-backed bridges. There are no large villages, only scattered farmsteads, and occasional groups of cottages on higher land. The buildings are typically white-washed and stand out clearly against the dark green backdrop of the shelterbelts. Farm buildings often have red roofs. The farmsteads are prominent and form a visual focus throughout the area.

Landscape Condition and Sensitivity to Change

Much of the landscape is in poor condition, with broken stone walls and gappy, stunted hedgerows. The area is pitted with sand and gravel quarries. Spoil heaps, quarry scars and hollows often create small-scale, irregular and rather lumpy terrain. Derelict buildings and fly-tipping are commonplace. Scattered built development has a strong visual influence. The most significant pressure for change is from the large, modern sand and gravel quarries, most of which are close to the A505.

The plant, machinery and vast spoil heaps associated with these quarries have a wide visual influence in this relatively expansive, rolling landscape. Conifer plantations are a strong pressure for change and many are newly planted. They form a large-scale, irregular patchwork which fits fairly comfortably with the extensive valley bogs and marshes and forms a backdrop to the scattering of farmsteads and shelterbelts.

Principles for Landscape Management

• The abrupt boundaries of conifer plantations may be softened by forming indented edges and planting some broadleaves as forests are progressively felled and replanted.
• Restoration of the many small derelict quarries and spoil heaps will improve landscape quality and biodiversity.
• The removal of fly-tipping and derelict plant from quarrying activities will improve the quality of the landscape.
• The structure of the landscape would be improved by the restoration of stone walls, particularly near the slopes of the Sperrins to the north.

Principles for Accommodating New Development

• Much of the area is unsuitable for larger scale development as it is low-lying and marshy; such development would also be out of character with the existing scattered farmsteads.
• There are opportunities to restore existing derelict buildings; new development in such locations should be relatively low in height.
• Buildings, and their associated conifer shelterbelts, are generally prominent on low ridges and new buildings could be more carefully integrated using broadleaf trees as well as conifers to form shelter.
• The long term restoration of the large active sand and gravel quarries along the A505 will provide a significant opportunity to reinforce local landscape character and quality.