Mourne Foothills Landscape

Key Characteristics

• Undulating foothills on the fringes of Slieve Croob and the Mourne Mountains.
• Strong geometric field pattern reinforced by stone walls.
• Sheep grazing dominates.
• Stands of beeches.
• Patches of gorse and stands of wind-sculpted pines.
• Small farms and traditional stone or whitewashed cottages.
• Roads form strong lines in the landscape.

Landscape Description

The Mourne Foothills landscape wraps around the northern fringes of the massive summits of Slieve Croob and the Mourne Mountains. The area includes the town of Castlewellan which lies between these two major upland areas at a height of 100 m above sea level. The characteristic rugged scenery, which includes some distinctive hill summits, rocky outcrops and patches of gorse, has been moulded from intrusive igneous rocks, primarily granites. A strong landscape pattern of geometric pastures is reinforced by sturdy stone walls and well maintained hedgerows, which are often boosted by gorse; stands of wind-blown pines add further texture to the landscape. Sheep grazing dominates, especially on upper slopes. The scattered whitewashed dwellings and farms and red painted outbuildings stand out clearly against the greens and browns of the landscape. The traditional buildings are small in scale and are well integrated within the upland landscape.

Settlement is distributed densely across the valley sides, linked by a network of small roads, which follow local ridge-lines and valleys. Large conifer plantations clothe the lower slopes of the Mournes in this area. They include the Castlewellan and Tollymore Forest Parks and the plantations on the slopes above Newcastle. Quarries are present, both working and disused and archaeological remains are commonplace including cashels, raths, forts and the famous Legananny Dolmen. Elevated points, such as White Hill, give dramatic views over the surrounding lowland landscapes of the Newcastle Valleys and the Quoile Valley Lowlands.

Landscape Condition and Sensitivity to Change

The landscape is in particularly good condition and much of it is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in recognition of its scenic importance. Stone walls are in good repair and most small stone cottages are occupied. However, the proliferation of large modern dwellings and abandonment of traditional cottages poses a threat to landscape character. The Forest Parks absorb many visitors but there is increasing pressure on roads, pedestrian routes, car parks, hostels, educational centres and caravan sites. Landscape sensitivity is high as the area is exposed to views from the surrounding lowlands. Field boundaries are a critical component of the landscape pattern and merit conservation. Sensitivity increases with altitude; the upper slopes are particularly vulnerable at the transition to the open grassland of the Slieve Croob Summits and Mourne Mountains.

Principles for Landscape Management

• The continued maintenance of stone walls and management of hedgerows will ensure the robust landscape pattern is conserved.
• Commercial forestry should be carefully designed to avoid obliterating distinctive field patterns and to conserve the sensitive transition between pasture and upland moorland.
• Regulation of grazing pressure will maintain the diversity of landcover, including patches of gorse which add texture to the landscape.

Principles for Accommodating New Development

• Traditional stone cottages should act as a reference for modern styles of housing in this area; simple designs using local materials and incorporating vernacular features are most appropriate.
• Features such as stands of pine should be conserved; they may be used to shelter dwellings in exposed positions or as a means for integrating new development.