Iveagh Slopes Landscape

Key Characteristics

• Steep slopes leading to the summit of Knockiveagh at 230m.
• Distinctive, undulating upland plateau textured with rocky outcrops and patches of bog.
• Marginal pastures, with patches of gorse.
• Strong horizontal field pattern on upper slopes.Sparsely settled.Attractive stone buildings.
• Long views to distant mountains (Sperrins to north west and the Mournes to the south east).

Landscape Description

The Iveagh Slopes are the northern slopes of Knockiveagh. They support marginal pasture which is grazed by sheep and some cattle; scattered patches of gorse add texture to the landscape. The upper plateau is undulating, with areas of bog within the numerous shallow depressions. These hollows are often emphasised by the hedgerow pattern, which radiates from the centre of the depression. The upper slopes of Knockiveagh are littered with rocky outcrops. There is a distinctive elongated field pattern, with hedgerows running parallel to the slope contours. The landscape is relatively open, with scattered hedgerow trees, particularly on lower slopes. However, many of the narrow roads have a more sheltered character and are bounded by hedgerows with hedgerow trees. The settlement pattern is a regular scattering of farmsteads and their outbuildings; villages are rare, although small clusters have grown up at the main road junctions. The farms are often situated at the end of long, straight lanes which sets them back from the road. There are long views across Northern Ireland to the Sperrins and the Mournes when visibility is clear.

Landscape Condition and Sensitivity to Change

The condition of the landscape varies with altitude; the plateau areas are often poorly drained and have lower quality farmland than the upper slopes, where the fields and hedgerows are in good order. In general, this is a high quality landscape, with attractive stone buildings and well-managed, unspoilt farmland. The upland, open character and remote, unspoilt qualities of the landscape results in its relatively high sensitivity to change.

Principles for Landscape Management

• Conservation and management of hedgerows will reinforce and conserve the distinctive pattern and character of the landscape.
• Management of existing hedgerow trees and planting of new trees to replace dead or dying specimens on lower slopes will conserve the contrast in character between the treed lower slopes and open upper slopes.
• The introduction of conifer plantations on upper slopes would detract from the open, remote character of the landscape.
• The presence of gorse on upper slopes adds to the textural quality of the landscape; however, uncontrolled gorse invasion into pasture will result in degradation of farmland quality.

Principles for Accommodating New Development

• The siting of built development at the end of long driveways, set back from the road, is appropriate to the character of the area.
• Siting new development on the lower slopes will ensure that the wild rocky character of the upland areas is conserved.
• The use of natural stone for built development and farm outbuildings is characteristic of this upland area.
• Small clusters of dwellings are sited at road junctions; ribbon development spreading out from these junctions is not typical of the area.