Cullybackey and Clogh Mills Drumlins Landscape

Key Characteristics

• Distinctive rounded drumlins on the valley floor and surrounding low ridges, aligned in a north west to south east direction
• Hedgerows and open stone walls along field boundaries emphasise the undulating landform. Mature hedgerow trees stand out as silhouettes on top of the mounds
• Small-scale field pattern varies according to the scale of the local landform; the scale generally increases to the edges of the valley
• Farms display a variety of building styles and are scattered randomly across the hills
• Roads follow landform, rising smoothly over and winding around the drumlins
• Archaeological remains, including raths and mottes.

Landscape Description

This drumlin landscape forms a wide band within the lowlands to the east of Long Mountain Ridge, traversing the steep River Main valley and extending south to Ballymena. The drumlins are distinctive amongst areas of undulating land alongside the River Main. Steep sided ridges, small hills and numerous troughs and hollows typify the landform in these areas, with the land falling gradually towards the river valley. Pastures on the drumlins respond to the shape and scale of the landform.

They are enclosed by a mixture of hedgerows and low, often partially broken, stone walls. The land between drumlins is often poorly drained and rushy and there are areas where years of localised peat-cutting has produced a hummocky, ridged landform. The Clogh River meanders between the drumlins in an attractive small scale valley and the distinctive landforms, mottes and stone bridges in this area contribute to a particularly scenic landscape. Place names such as Drumnacross Hill emphasise the part these drumlins play in creating a distinctive landscape character. Scattered farmsteads are evenly distributed throughout the landscape and exhibit a variety of architectural styles including large houses.

Many of the traditional farmhouses are built from dark grey basalt edged with distinctive red brickwork. Red brick mills with chimneys are also characteristic along the River Main. The undulating landform accommodates the buildings well, providing sheltered sites. The A26 cuts directly across the landscape from north west to south east, but numerous roads wind around the area, their curved alignments responding to the shape of the landform. Beech woods are a feature of the ridges to the west which overlook the Main Valley. Lisanoure Castle is set within wooded historic parkland.

Landscape Condition and Sensitivity to Change

Landscape condition improves to the north east, away from Ballymena, where the scale of farmland increases and field boundaries tend to be more continuous and better maintained. Hedgerow neglect has led to overgrown, gappy or leggy hedgerows in places. The relatively degraded character of the land around Ballymena is due to housing pressure, quarry workings and road improvements. The landscape is able to accommodate a degree of change owing to its undulating landform and tree cover which reduces opportunities for long views. However, the area's distinctive character is vulnerable to activities which may disguise this asset such as quarrying, large scale development, road straightening or excessive housing in the countryside. The scenic quality of the small scale landscape around the Clogh River is particularly sensitive to change.

Principles for Landscape Management

• The strong landscape and landform pattern may be enhanced by maintaining hedgerows and other field boundaries.
• The regeneration of hedgerow trees will enhance the wooded network within the valley and maintain these characteristic features.
• The pattern of roads in the landscape contributes to the experience of the drumlins; straightening would lead to loss of character.
• The restoration and management of historic park landscapes would be of benefit in order to conserve them as features in the landscape.
• The riparian vegetation and meadows alongside the river are valuable as landscape features and habitats; they should be a priority for conservation.

Principles for Accommodating New Development

• Control of multiple building styles will avoid the proliferation of buildings which are out of character or scale with the landscape.
• The undulating landform may provide opportunities to accommodate new development, particularly in areas with a robust network of hedgegrows.
• Avoidance of sensitive historic and riverside locations will ensure that the setting of the Clogh River and its landscape features are conserved.