Strangford Drumlins and Islands Landscape

Key Characteristics

• Scenic landscape of drumlins, wooded estates and islands leading to the shores of Strangford Lough.
• Stands of beeches and pines, often with stone walls.
• White finished houses are prominent features.
• Stone bridges and causeways cross water and link islands.
• Dense network of winding roads.
• Castles, mottes, chambered graves and other archaeological sites.
• Views across the Lough with its numerous islands and inlets.

Landscape Description

This waterside landscape of drumlins and loughs, islands and inlets, occupies the southern and western shores of Strangford Lough. The influence of glacial action has produced a complex, convoluted coastline with rocky islets or `pladdies' which is a haven for wildlife and provides a variety of experiences, including long sweeping views, colourful quays, isolated islands and tranquil inlets. The drumlins form a dense pattern and many of the hills are unusually high. Inland, drumlin farmland with a robust network of stone walls predominates. The hollows between the drumlins contain marshy pasture or loughs, which often have well wooded margins. The many small wooded estates make a significant contribution to the wooded character of the area. White-finished farm houses, some large and complex in form, stand out as features in the landscape. Farm outbuildings are often painted red and contrast attractively with the subdued colours of the landscape.

Towards the shores of Strangford Lough the pattern is reversed, with water dominating and the drowned drumlins rising out of the water as small round islands. Their isolated and tranquil character has made them favoured sites for churches, castles and chambered graves, as well as the restored monastic site on Mahee Island. Small settlements lie clustered around local quays and small vernacular white-finished cottages may still be seen in their original form. Sheep grazing dominates, particularly at the edge of the lough. Numerous small roads wind around and across the drumlins, linking small farms and coastal settlements. However, the main A22 cuts directly SE/SW across the landscape, traversing and cutting through drumlins, rather than winding around them. Stone walls and stands of pine and beech are familiar features which enhance the experience of the rolling farmland and water's edge.

Landscape Condition and Sensitivity to Change

The landscape is in extremely good condition with well maintained stone walls, restored castles, churches and traditional dwellings. The restored monastic site on Mahee Island is a good example of a site which has been sensitively restored with improved access, which provides a source of interest and unique experience to the visitor. This landscape is particularly vulnerable to changes which may have an impact on its small scale, tranquil character. Strangford Lough is one of the largest sea loughs in Northern Ireland and its inter-tidal mudflats are recognised for their nature conservation and earth science value by their designation as an ASSI and SPA. The eastern area falls within Strangford Lough AONB and the Lough is a Marine Nature Reserve, the only one in Northern Ireland to date.

Principles for Landscape Management

• Tourist facilities should be kept in scale with the landscape; rough surfaced, small parking spots are most suitable in quayside locations. Local materials and features such as stone walls, gorse, pine and beech should be used to construct and integrate any new development.
• The settings of historical features may be conserved and enhanced by providing views and access to monuments. Information boards may assist visitors in experiencing them to their full potential.
• Landscape management of areas close to the shores of Strangford Lough should be in accordance with the guidelines set out in the relevant DOE publications.

Principles for Accommodating New Development

• Traditional cottages should be restored or converted before building new dwellings; new houses should be of a small scale, especially along the lough edge and should incorporate traditional features, materials and colours such as simple shapes and white-rendered finishes.
• The potential for views across the lough from high points should be maximised by providing viewing places and by ensuring built development is not intrusive.