Ravarnet Valley Landscape

Key Characteristics

• Lowland landscape of small drumlins, with a variety of irregular, elongated landforms.
• Shallow slopes and broad, marshy valleys with a meandering river and areas of moss and regenerating willow and birch.
• Few woodlands but numerous scattered hedgerow trees.
• Large pastures and small paddocks on the valley floor; more consistent patchwork of mixed farmland on neighbouring drumlin slopes.
• Numerous, traditional small farmsteads on the mid-slopes of drumlins, often with stands of mature trees.
• Scattered linear development along winding narrow roads, which follow minor ridge-lines.

Landscape Description

The Ravarnet Valley landscape is found to the south of Lisburn, in the broad valley of the Ravarnet River and its tributaries. The lowland has an undulating landform, with numerous shallow drumlins and elongated, rounded hills. Many of the drumlins have a rather amorphous form and are separated by shallow hollows; the inter-drumlin hollows are often poorly drained, with patches of marsh and a hummocky, uneven terrain. The broader floodplains have a more remote, tranquil character and the relatively long views in these areas contrast with the enclosure of the surrounding drumlin landscapes. The neat patchwork of fields and hedgerows on the drumlins is less predictable in the floodplains and is sometimes interrupted by patches of dense carr woodland, rushes and gorse. There are some loughs on parts of the valley floor, particularly in areas where the valley floor has a slightly undulating landform. The group of loughs to the north of Magheraknock are particularly attractive. The area has a fairly homogeneous character, with a patchwork of farmland and hedgerows, interspersed with numerous small farmsteads.

The farms are always sited on the midslopes of the drumlins and are linked by winding, narrow roads which follow the higher ground. Recent development has been concentrated along these roads and forms a broadly linear pattern. Hedgerow trees are scattered thinly throughout the landscape and have an important visual presence. Stands of mature trees are concentrated around farmsteads and patches of damp woodland thrive in waterlogged areas. A larger area of woodland persists at Larchfield estate, on the eastern slopes of Windmill Hill, although it is largely hidden behind the high stone walls which surround the estate.

Landscape Condition and Sensitivity to Change

This agricultural landscape is in moderately good condition, although many of the hedgerows are neglected and gappy and there are occasional pockets of derelict land. The river floodplains are the most sensitive part of this landscape and an obvious constraint for development, as there are long, enclosed views across unspoilt, tranquil countryside. The `Area of Scenic Quality' to the north of Magheraknock is also extremely sensitive to change. Elsewhere, amongst the drumlins, views are quite enclosed and the landscape as a whole could possibly accommodate some development without destroying its character.

However, when development is concentrated in a continuous linear pattern along local roads, it is likely to dominate and local landscape character may be threatened. Such development may be particularly visually intrusive when it is sited along minor ridges and since most roads follow relatively elevated land, much recent development is unduly prominent.

Principles for Landscape Management

• The identity and distinctiveness of the local landscape may be enhanced by replanting hedgerows and hedgerow trees whenever they are removed as part of road improvement schemes at junctions.
• Long views across the floodplains may be conserved by restricting built development, particularly within the `Area of Scenic Quality'.

Principles for Accommodating New Development

• New development should avoid local skylines and maintain extensive gaps of open countryside between groups of buildings along the roads.
• Buildings on drumlin slopes adjacent to broader floodplains will be particularly prominent in views; the siting, design and landscape treatment of these buildings will be particularly important.
• Siting new buildings at an angle to roads is preferable to linear, ribbon development where all buildings are set-back at the same distance from the road.
• New development which is concentrated along the lower slopes of drumlins can be integrated more easily within the wider landscape and screened by new planting.