Long Mountain Ridge Landscape

Key Characteristics

• Distinct rounded ridge orientated north-south with undulating side slopes and a broad rounded crest.
• Pastoral farmland with strong hedgeline geometry and numerous trees; patches of moss on the exposed ridge top, especially towards the north.
• Wooded estates, with distinctive buildings, designed landscapes and avenues of beech on lower slopes overlooking the River Main valley.
• Settlements and houses frequent and regularly distributed, often on raised areas; more numerous on ridge sides, but rarely a dominant feature.
• Scale varies considerably; large at bottom in flat, open terrain, medium to small on intricate, undulating sides and vast at the top.
• Distant elevated views into lowlands and across to other ridges.

Landscape Description

This landscape character area comprises a long ridge of land, known as the `Long Mountain', that runs from Ballymoney in the north to Randalstown in the south. It has been created by the relative lowering of softer bands of Lower Basalt on either side of it which are now occupied by the Lower Bann and River Main valleys to the west and east respectively. Despite variations in topography and character, the ridge reads as a single feature in the landscape and forms a distinctive skyline. In common with most of Ballymena and Antrim, this area is dominated by pasture, supported by the fertile Antrim lavas which underlie it. Field size and structure varies with landform; on the undulating side slopes fields are smaller and hedges more extensive, their curving lines emphasising the landform; the flatter terrain on the ridge top permits larger fields. Trees are prevalent in hedges and shelterbelts and as small isolated stands, but woodland in the south is uncommon. To the north, on the higher slopes that cross into Ballymoney, pasture gives way to patches of moorland scrub which intermix with farmland to create a diverse landcover, including Craigs Wood, a large straight-edged conifer plantation. In this area there are craggy outcrops at the heads of stream valleys and a large number of interesting archaeological features on the slopes of Long Mountain above Finvoy.

Settlement is widespread on the sheltered side slopes; it comprises small settlements, such as Rasharkin and Dunloy, and small groups of dwellings. The church spire of Moneyglass is a particular landmark. A complex network of roads with telegraph poles adds to the impression of a well settled landscape, and the tall mast at Tully is a prominent feature. The many small wooded estates on the lower slopes overlooking the River Main valley are associated with stone walls, designed landscapes and avenues of beech trees. There are often attractive outbuildings or small groups of estate cottages. Despite the predominance of farmland, this is a landscape of diverse scales and landforms. On its complex rolling sides, views constantly vary and the ridgeline commands some exceptional views into the valleys; for example, from Battery Hill on the B18 looking east and from Glenvale on the B64 looking north east.

Landscape Condition and Sensitivity to Change

This landscape is intensively used as an agricultural resource, for housing and for roads. Moderate increases in these will not substantially alter its character, although proliferation of housing could threaten landscape character. The moorland is quite fragmented and substantially undermanaged; its conservation is paramount to local landscape character on the upland ridge top. Peat cutting, windfarms, pylons and telecommunication masts are pressures for change in this moorland area. The estate woodlands on the eastern slopes of the ridge are particularly prominent in views from the River Main valley and are relatively sensitive to change. There are signs that some of the woodlands are undermanaged and that prominent stands of trees may be in the early stages of decline.

Principles for Landscape Management

• Avoidance of peat cutting and management of moorland habitats would ensure their visual and nature conservation interest is maintained.
• The structure of the landscape may be strengthened by managing hedgerows, particularly on the prominent side slopes.
• The settings to archaeological features require protection. Specific viewpoints with interpretation boards would add to visitor interest.

Principles for Accommodating New Development

• Houses in promontory locations may provide a focus for views but should be carefully designed; sheltered locations are more appropriate.
• Development should be concentrated in small clusters on the ridge top to establish a community identity and retain its open, undeveloped character.
• Use of tree shelter will help to blend houses with the landscape and enhance the woodland structure of the landscape.
• Large windfarms are inappropriate in this landscape, but small groups of turbines may create visual interest on the ridge tops. Occasional telecommunication masts may also be accommodated.