Magherafelt Farmland Landscape

Key Characteristics

• Relatively elevated farmland, with some deep, narrow river valleys and a rolling landform.
• Individual drumlins and broken ridges are local landscape features.
• Ribbons of woodland and lines of mature trees follow most water courses.
• Open, often exposed farmland, with sparse hedgerow network, but prominent groups of mature trees on drumlins and sheltering farmsteads.
• Large farmsteads are prominent local features.
• Long views across farmland plateau, and particularly down into the river valleys to the west.
• Straight, often unenclosed roads.

Landscape Description

Magherafelt Farmland is a relatively elevated area adjacent to the West Lough Neagh Shores. The drumlin landform is generally not as well-defined as in the surrounding lowlands, but individual small drumlins are important landscape features which are often up-standing from the farmland plateau. Killowen Hill, to the south of Magherafelt is a prominent example. The summits of Mullaghboy Hill, to the west of Magherafelt and Spring Hill, overlooking Moneymore are the highest points of a broken ridge line which provides long views over the deep river valley to the west.

The valley landscapes contrast with the relatively windswept, open farmland. Most are narrow, with ribbons of woodland and tall riverbank trees following rivers and streams. On higher land, stands of mature trees often draw attention to individual drumlins and any sharp breaks of slope. The hedgerow network is relatively sparse in places and the landscape often seems open, with long views. Most roads are extremely straight and some are un-enclosed. There are long views to Slieve Gallion, to the west. Large farmsteads are traditionally set back from the road and are reached by tracks; smaller farm cottages are sited along roads. This historic settlement pattern is disrupted by recent development near Magherafelt, but there is relatively little ribbon development. The large farmsteads, and their associated stands of mature trees, are prominent landscape features.

Landscape Condition and Sensitivity to Change

Landscape condition is variable, with the field pattern in some areas being disrupted by loss of hedgerows. The most sensitive landscapes are often relatively small in scale. For instance, the narrow stream corridors, small drumlins (such as Killowen Hill) and local ridgetops (such as Mullaghby Hill) are all important local features which would be extremely vulnerable to the impact of any form of development.

Principles for Landscape Management

• Management of existing deciduous trees and woodlands will conserve important local landscape features.
• Conserve the narrow strips of riparian woodland along small watercourses.
• Replanting of lost hedgerows will enhance landscape structure and pattern.

Principles for Accommodating New Development

• The use of stands of trees to integrate new buildings will help to reinforce and enhance local field patterns.
• Siting new development near to existing hamlets will extend the traditional settlement pattern and avoid uncharacteristic ribbon development.
• The wider landscape setting of individual features such as drumlins and farmsteads may be retained if new development is directed to less sensitive sites.
• Two storey houses, whitewash finishes and red roofed barns are characteristic of the built landscape in this area.