Derry Slopes Landscape

• smooth rounded hill tops with undulating lower slopes
• steep slopes of River Foyle to east; broad, shallow vale of Upper Skeoge River leading to the Republic border to west
• broad geometric patchwork of fields disrupted by extensive built development
• relatively open farmland on slopes of Minkey Hill; smaller fields, with hedgerows and narrow roads to north of Skeoge valley
• bands of broadleaf woodland on the banks of the Foyle
• telecommunication masts dominate open moorland summit of Minkey Hill
• City of Londonderry/Derry dominates the landscape; areas of managed public open space are juxtaposed with relatively neglected fields on the urban fringe
• the historic city has a dramatic, elevated site, with massive defensive walls and a strong, distinctive character

The West Derry Slopes are between the River Foyle and the border with Donegal. They encompass the northern and eastern slopes of Minkey Hill and the southern ridges of Scalp Mountain in Donegal.

The area is dominated by the historic city centre of Londonderry/Derry and the built up areas on the western banks of the Foyle, including the port of Culmore. The headwaters and broad valley of the Skeoge River are directly to the west of the city centre and the built up area is concentrated on the relatively low-lying land. The slopes of the Foyle River are relatively steep, with a stronger field pattern and relatively little built development beyond the limits of the city. There are bands of broadleaf woodland along the water's edge, particularly on the banks leading to Culmore. The broad patchwork of pasture and arable fields becomes gradually more degraded towards the higher land and the rounded summit of Minkey Hill is capped with open moorland.

The farmland is relatively open, with occasional hedgerow trees and an increase in tree cover towards the valley floor. There are broken stone walls as well as hedgerows around many of the fields, particularly to the north of the Skeoge valley. The area is highly influenced by the city of Londonderry/Derry, with a relatively fragmented landscape character; fields and farms are surrounded by housing estates and commercial units. The summits of Minkey and Holywell Hills are dominated by a number of telecommunication masts which are a landmark for the area. The urban fringe is relatively devoid of tree cover and the larger industrial buildings are prominent.

The landscape of the urban fringe is relatively degraded, with much evidence of hedgerow removal and a general neglect of land management. The banks of the River Foyle are the most scenic and sensitive parts of this landscape, together with the steep eastern slopes of Minkey Hill which plummet down to the river. These slopes and the river corridor are prominent in views to Londonderry/Derry from the east bank of the Foyle and contribute to the landscape setting of the city. The summits of Minkey Hill and Holywell Hill are also prominent and sensitive, although the profusion of telecommunication masts on the summits detracts from the quality of the views.

• Strengthening of field boundaries would result in a more robust landscape pattern, particularly in areas where it has become degraded through the influence of built development and infrastructure on the fringes of the city.
• Management and extension of the broadleaf woodlands on the banks of the Foyle would ensure that this important landscape feature is conserved; the woodland helps to 'anchor' the City within its riverside setting in the striking views from the east bank of the Foyle.

• Existing development outside the urban area is poorly integrated within the landscape and extensive woodland planting would help to improve the relationship between built form and the landscape setting. The natural pattern is for woodland on the lower slopes, leading to fields and unenclosed moorland on the summit.