Portaferry and North Lecale Landscape

Key Characteristics

• Undulating hills north east of Downpatrick rising to 120m and extending across 'the Narrows' to Portaferry.
• Hills form a 'gateway' entrance to Strangford Lough.
• Gorse scrub, pasture and woodland create a textured mosaic.
• Robust field pattern reinforced by stone walls and gorse hedgerows.
• Small conifer plantations and sheep grazing.
• Wooded estates towards shorelines.
• Numerous archaeological features.

Landscape Description

The North Lecale Hills extend from Downpatrick, along the southern edge of Strangford Lough, to Portaferry on the Ards Peninsula, where they create a `gateway' at the mouth of Strangford Lough. The strong visual connection between Strangford and Portaferry is reinforced by the wooded estates on both shores and the physical link provided by the ferry between the two settlements. The hills form a highly visible undulating ridge of gorse covered hills which create a setting for Downpatrick at one end and settings for both Portaferry and Strangford at the other. The hills rise to over 100m at Castlemahon Mountain and at Slieve Patrick, where the landmark of St Patrick's shrine is visible from the surrounding low ground. The foothills support grazing and well structured farmland with well maintained stone walls and white-rendered buildings. Estates and shoreline parkland are an important influence in the landscape contributing stone walls, deciduous woodland and buildings of stature. The overall effect is that of a well managed landscape and the use of traditional colours such as red painted doors, windows, gates and outbuildings create a sense of continuity throughout.

Landscape Condition and Sensitivity to Change

The landscape is in extremely good condition; stone walls are continuous, woodlands are well managed and traditional buildings are still in use. The area falls within Strangford Lough AONB and the landscape is therefore very sensitive to any change. Although the undulating topography and the presence of woodland provide screening opportunities, sensitivity is increased by the high visibility of the hills from surrounding lowlands and from Strangford Lough.

Principles for Landscape Management

• The continued maintenance of stone walls and the management of woodland will retain the special character of this area.
• Grazing pressure should be maintained to prevent total vegetational succession whilst maintaining the textural element created by gorse scrub.

Principles for Accommodating New Development

• Conversion of traditional vernacular dwellings is preferable to modern housing styles; new buildings which respond to the vernacular style (rural white-rendered buildings) are most appropriate.
• Small scale development of isolated rural dwellings or small clusters of buildings on lower slopes will be most easily accommodated; large scale built development is inappropriate.
• There is much potential for improved public access within the hills and some selective access to shoreline areas. Visitor pressure may be accommodated by providing parking facilities and signed footpaths through more robust areas; small, rough surfaced car parks and lay-bys, which avoid urban elements, are most suitable. These may be sheltered by gorse, stone walls and shelterbelts which are typical of the area.