River Main Valley Landscape

Key Characteristics

• Large scale, flat landscape.
• Robust hedgerows and treelines are prominent on the skyline.
• Appearance of a well wooded landscape, especially to south.
• Areas of moss are often utilised for peat cutting.
• Vertical features such as pylons and telegraph poles particularly prominent.
• Large farm buildings prominent; occasional isolated commercial development.
• Flat valley floor is densely settled.

Landscape Description

The relatively flat, broad floodplain of the southern part of the River Main lies between the Long Mountain Ridge to the west and the Ballymena Farmland to the east. It is bordered to the north by the Cullybackey and Clogh Mills Drumlins character area where there is a more constrained river corridor, with drumlins and glacial deposits masking the flat river course. The flat valley varies from about 4km wide in the south to about 2km wide in the north. It is almost uniformly flat and is set within, and is quite distinct from, the undulating ridges that rise either side of it. The landscape supports a mix of farmland and moss. The former is predominantly pasture, with generally large open fields and a distinct hedgerow structure which emphasises any variations in landform. The floodplain appears well treed.

There are small fragmented areas of moss and wetland to the south, but moss is predominant in the far north of the valley. Although a semi-natural cover of heather, birch scrub and marshy grassland prevails in some areas (for example west of the A26) extensive tracts have been lost to commercial peat cutting, leaving a sodden black expanse over vast areas. The valley floor is densely settled, with numerous farmhouses and small dwellings prominent in the flat terrain. Pylons are particularly prominent across the skyline in the south.

Landscape Condition and Sensitivity to Change

The valley floor suffered considerable degradation through peat cutting; those areas of moss that remain are particularly vulnerable, as continuance of this practice which will remove this delicate and important landscape element which is of considerable ecological interest. The pattern of hedgerows and trees which enclose most fields provide an important landscape structure; they are vulnerable to removal and under management. Woodland is also a vulnerable landscape features, although it has an important role in helping to screen new development. Overall, the landscape is relatively sensitive owing to its flat, open character and the remaining fragmented areas of moss.

Principles for Landscape Management

• The remaining tracts of moss may be preserved by implementing management practices which enhance this habitat type.
• Management of the remaining hedgerows and hedgerow trees will result in enhancement of the landscape structure.
• Woodland management will be important in maintaining the wooded character of the valley farmland and its contrast with the open areas of moss.
• The river corridor itself should be considered a priority for management action; it is important as a visual focus in the landscape and also as a wildlife habitat. All riparian vegetation should be conserved and buffer zones created to ensure that the river corridor has some protection from fertiliser/pesticide runoff from adjacent farmland.

Principles for Accommodating New Development

• The woodland structure of the flat valley farmland may be increased to create more local interest, break up views and provide greater screening of existing development.
• An integrated approach to new development, following simple vernacular architectural designs and patterns, will avoid the proliferation of different housing styles across the valley and eradication of local character.