Larne Ridgeland Landscape

Key Characteristics

• Gently undulating landform, dominated by long south west to north east ridges.
• Gradual transition from lush pastures to upland with smaller, scrubby, wall-enclosed fields.
• Well structured pastoral farmland of large geometric fields bound by ample hedgerows.
• Communications and services corridor; prominent pylons and roads.
• Sparse settlement; farm buildings and occasional isolated bungalows and houses.
• Long views bounded by skyline moorland ridges.

Landscape Description

In common with the hills overlooking Larne Lough, the Larne Ridgeland is dominated by long ridges on which are superimposed a more complex relief of low hills and shallow hollows. The Six Mile Water Fault traverses the area, extending from Lough Neagh to Larne; the south west to north east alignment of the fault is reflected by that of the long basalt ridges. To the south west of the area, the fault is constricted between the uplands of Spennin Hill and Carninard, forming a distinct valley with a more tightly rolling topography. Pasture predominates; regular fields are bound by robust hedges and small thickets of woodland add to the diversity of landcover. However this pattern frequently forms a transition to more marginal upland areas where there are smaller fields, numerous stone walls, greater encroachment from scrub and rushes and a more exposed feel.

Strips of dense woodland on upper valley slopes, such as Glenoe, enhance the strong sense of enclosure and the steep woodlands on the slopes of Carnduff and Glynn Hill provide a strong setting for the settlement of Glynn. The massive Mageramorne quarry on the steep slopes overlooking Larne Lough is prominent in views from Island Magee and the Lough shore road. The long trough-like valleys provide a natural corridor for roads and services which converge to the south west. Housing pressure is concentrated within these valleys, but built development is generally sparse elsewhere. Views, although locally constrained, are generally extensive and are bounded by the skyline ridges of moorland that enclose the area.

Landscape Condition and Sensitivity to Change

The field structure is robust although it has been subject to decline from lack of management. Roads and pylons have become visually intrusive, although they generally follow natural contours. The area to the north west of the A8 to Larne falls within the Antrim Coast and Glens Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The pattern of fields and woodlands on the valley slopes and the ridgetops are particularly sensitive to change and the shores of Larne Lough are protected as part of the Lough Shores ASSI and Special Protection Area (for birds).

Principles for Landscape Management

• The structure of the landscape may be enhanced by managing hedgerows, replanting and by maintaining stone walls in a good state of repair.

Principles for Accommodating New Development

• Focusing new development around existing clustered settlements will avoid sporadic, ad hoc housing development in rural areas which would lead to erosion of countryside character.
• Development may best be accommodated within natural landform undulations and sheltered by woodland planting.
• Continuous linear development along the strongly aligned transport corridors will lead to an impression of dense housing development and should be avoided.