Hummocky Lagan Lowlands Landscape

Key Characteristics

• Lowland landscape on the fringes of the Castlereagh Slopes with an uneven, hummocky landform.
• Irregular low ridges and deep, winding valleys.
• Predominantly pasture but also recreational land and remnants of historic parkland.
• Some areas have a disconnected network of hedgerows and irregular patches of scrub.
• Patches of rush-infested, waterlogged land.
• Diverse range of land uses and landscape patterns, with small settlements and farmsteads scattered along narrow roads.

Landscape Description

This hummocky lowland landscape, at the foot of the Castlereagh Slopes, has an irregular and varied pattern. The area is covered by deep layers of glacial sands and gravels which have been dissected by winding minor streams and shaped into a variety of irregular landforms. Pasture predominates and the patchwork of small fields is divided by overgrown hedgerows. However, in some areas, especially towards the south and west of the lowland, the former field pattern has been eroded to leave only remnant hedgerows and odd clumps of trees. There are areas of waterlogged land and extensive patches of scrub scattered throughout the lowland. The landscape is an assortment of pasture, recreational areas, the remnants of historic estates and private grounds. It has a fairly open character, with views to the city and the many large industrial and institutional buildings on the urban fringe.

Landscape Condition and Sensitivity to Change

This is a relatively degraded landscape, although there are pockets of attractive, prosperous farmland. There are many examples of derelict farm buildings. The Hummocky Lagan Lowlands is a highly accessible landscape, which may be prominent in views from the Castlereagh Slopes to the south and from parts of the Lagan Valley Regional Park to the north. Areas with a more open character, such as the western fringes of the lowlands, are likely to be particularly sensitive to change.

Principles for Landscape Management

• There is scope for a major, creative programme of landscape enhancement to reinforce the visual character and identity of the landscape, encourage public access, increase nature conservation value and strengthen the visual and cultural connections between the Lagan Valley Regional Park and the wider landscape.
• The landscape enhancements should highlight the diversity of landscape uses and patterns in this relatively urban lowland landscape. The landscape could remain predominantly agricultural but a new management plan should include habitat restoration, creative and varied tree planting and the conversion of redundant buildings for cultural and employment uses.
• The natural, irregular character of the landscape should be maintained as a contrast to the more formal designed and recreational landscapes of the Lagan Valley Regional Park.

Principles for Accommodating New Development

• Buildings may be sheltered and integrated within the landscape by retaining the principal existing hedgerows and by planting woodland on local ridgelines and on the prominent upper slopes of development sites.
• Small streams may provide linear public open spaces through new development; adequate space should be reserved to allow for the conservation of all existing riparian vegetation, as well as footpath and cycle routes.