Moyle Glens Landscape

Key Characteristics

• Dramatic steep glacial valleys within the Antrim Plateau.
• The northern glens (Glendun, Glenaan) have a v-shaped form with undulating sides, whereas those further south (Glenballyemon and Glenariff) have sweeping u-shaped profiles with dramatic basalt cliffs.
• Prominent hedgerows and trees in field boundaries, and ancient broadleaf woodlands give the glens a well wooded appearance.
• Long straight gorse hedgerows and degraded stone walls run perpendicular to the slopes along historic townland boundaries.
• Roads follow the contours along valley sides, linking distinctive white-washed stone cottages; settlement concentrated at bays.
• Extremely scenic and distinctive valleys, with long coastal views and a backdrop of wild moorland.

Landscape Description

The Moyle Glens, which include the famous Glenariff, are a series of steep sided valleys carved out of the schists and basalt of the Antrim Plateau by glacial activity. The northern glens (within the Moyle Moorlands and Forests) have a v-shaped form with undulating sides, whereas the glens further south, including Glenariff, have sweeping u-shaped profiles with dramatic basalt cliffs. The valleys fall towards the sea, with the rocky mountain streams and waterfalls becoming meandering streams as they reach the flat floodplains near the coast. Distinctive peaks and hills such as Tieverah, Tievebulliagh, and Lurigethan are dominant in this landscape. Fields with prominent hedges and trees, and broadleaved woodland are concentrated on lower slopes, with gorse hedgerows and stone walls following the former townland boundaries on the higher valley sides.

These rise perpendicular to the slopes reflecting the striking historic landscape pattern of the 'ladder farms'. Roads follow the glen sides linking distinctive scattered white-washed cottages and farms. The flat valley floors and the steep upper slopes typically lack development. Attractive white painted villages are clustered at coastal bays, where there is a concentration of campsites, car parks and other tourist related infrastructure. The principal settlements of Cushendun and Cushendall have dramatic landscape settings at the coastal gateways to the Glens.

Landscape Condition and Sensitivity to Change

The entire landscape of the Glens is extremely sensitive to change and their scenic quality is recognised in their designation as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The steep upper slopes have a wild, remote character and any form of landscape change would be prominent against the backdrop of the high, open moorlands. At lower elevations, the landscape structure provided by existing vegetation is more robust, although the long open seaward views would result in any significant change being highly visible. The landscape is generally in excellent condition, although small plantations on the upper slopes sometimes mask landscape boundaries and stone wall boundaries are suffering degradation. Towards the coast, some new development occupies insensitive sites and lacks continuity with traditional design. Caravan sites (at Cushendun, Cushendall and Waterfoot) are often prominent

Principles for Landscape Management

• The restoration and repair of stone walls relating to townland boundaries would conserve these valuable historic landscape features.
• Management of hedgerows and trees, through planting and laying, on the lower slopes of the valleys will maintain a robust landscape structure, while also screening any development of buildings or infrastructure.
• The promotion of less intensive land uses along water courses will form a buffer to the run off of agricultural chemicals, and provide corridors of rich visual and ecological interest which run from the mountains to the sea.
• Broadleaf woodlands are of particular importance (many are classified as 'ancient') and should be managed by replanting and thinning as required; forestry is only appropriate in small irregular patches in association with deciduous planting.

Principles for Accommodating New Development

• Careful visual analysis is required to ensure that new development in coastal villages does not block dramatic views to the sea. The sensitive use of traditional materials is recommended (white two storey houses with grey roofs are characteristic) and the restoration of derelict houses and farms of traditional stone construction would help retain historic interest.
• The location of campsites and car parks in places where they are not visually prominent, such as behind coastal bluffs and within trees is preferable. Planting of deciduous trees around existing tourist developments may be beneficial.
• Scattered new development in the glens should avoid the floodplains and steep slopes, be in character with the existing white cottages, and be carried out in association with planting. Large scale development would be inappropriate in this scenic and sensitive landscape.