Kilwarlin Plateau Landscape

Key Characteristics

• Broad plateau, with rounded summits and an escarpment overlooking the Lagan Valley.
• Neat patchwork of fairly large, geometric fields divided by hedgerows with numerous hedgerow trees.
• Short avenues of mature oak trees along winding roads and farm tracks.
• Mature stands of mixed woodland shelter traditional farmsteads.
• Numerous scattered houses and farms.
• Smooth, consistent landscape pattern, with very few patches of unused land.

Landscape Description

The escarpment slopes of the Kilwarlin Plateau overlook the Lagan Valley and extend from Hillsborough to Moira. The plateau dips very gradually to the west, from a height of 146m at Fort Hill to 122m at Red Hill. It has an undulating surface, with rounded summits echoing the drumlin form. The plateau is an extension of the Hillsborough ridge but the landform is less dissected and has a more tranquil, rural character. The farmland is subdivided into medium-sized fields by neat hedgerows. There are numerous mature hedgerow trees - principally oak, ash and sycamore - scattered throughout the landscape. The hedgerows on more elevated land contain gorse and have a clumpy character, but in general, the landscape pattern is very consistent, with few irregularities. There are numerous scattered farmsteads and houses but relatively little ribbon development. Traditional farms are often sited on low ridges and are sheltered by stands of mature trees, some containing Scots pine. These and the short avenues of mature oak trees along sections of the roads and farm tracks, are striking features in the local landscape. The principal routes run along the ridge-top and at the foot of the escarpment; they have a rural, unspoilt character and link a branching network of narrow roads.

Landscape Condition and Sensitivity to Change

Most field boundaries are in relatively good condition and the presence of hedgerow trees and gorse, in the more upland areas, enables the landscape to accommodate some built development. There is, however, some evidence of hedgerow removal and partially derelict hedgerows. Sensitivity is generally fairly low. However, the broad northern escarpment slopes are particularly sensitive to change as they form the backdrop to views across the Lagan Valley.

Principles for Landscape Management

• Planting a new generation of hedgerow trees and avenues and encouraging regeneration, would ensure that these important landscape features are sustained.
• If the new trees are positioned at bends in the road, junctions, entrances and along farm tracks, they would provide a framework for an attractive sequence of views.
• There are also opportunities for woodland planting in small copses, alongside roads and adjacent to farm buildings, particularly on the brow of local hills. Such planting should be designed so that it does not affect road sightlines.

Principles for Accommodating New Development

• Views from the Lagan Valley should be carefully considered in siting new development, bearing in mind that buildings close to the broad ridge-top may be prominent.
• Built development has a negative impact in this rural area; buildings which are set back from the road and sheltered by trees can be integrated more easily and should ensure that the tranquil, unspoiled character of the countryside is conserved.
• Stands of trees which contain Scots Pine are characteristic of the landscape and may create appropriate settings for built development.