Larne Basalt Moorland Landscape

Key Characteristics

• Exposed broad, rounded summits reaching between 300 and 400m.
• Bare of vegetation except a covering of tussocky moorland grasses and some scrub.
• Windswept gorse in field boundaries and roadside verges.
• Derelict pastures on the edge of the moor invaded by rushes and gorse and many derelict stone walls reinforced by post and wire fencing.
• Small, isolated stone dwellings.
• Small scale peat cutting.
• Windfarms and radio masts are prominent vertical elements.
• Commercial forestry.

Landscape Description

This open and windswept landscape lies across the Ballymena and Larne district boundary. It includes the upland summits of Slemish, Douglas Top, Agnew's Hill, as well as Black Hill and Robin Youngs Hill which overlook the rocky coastline to the north east of Larne. The exposed rounded summits reach a height of between 300 and 400m and the simplicity of the landform draws the eye to their smooth summits. The hills form prominent landmarks in views from the lowlands and valleys surrounding Ballymena and Larne, particularly the Glenwhirry Valley. Especially prominent is the volcanic plug known as Slemish. This is a large dome of lava which, at a height of 437m, is the highest point in the region and forms a distinctive landmark. The dramatic rounded cliff of Sallagh Braes to the north west of Larne is the product of a massive landslip and is a notable landscape feature and viewpoint.

The exposed summits are covered by tussocky moorland grasses and, in places, bracken which adds a warm colour to the winter landscape. The highest summits support peat bog with heather cover and there are rough and waterlogged marginal pastures divided by stone walls on the lower slopes. Sheep grazing dominates as the major land use with small scale peat cutting and forestry on the higher ground. Narrow roads cross the moorland and wind around the edges of the summits, allowing good views into the surrounding low-lying farmland. The presence of radio masts on some summits serves to make them even more prominent as landmarks in the landscape.

Landscape Condition and Sensitivity to Change

The moorland landscape is simple in character and in good condition. Derelict pastures and stone walls on the edges of the moor are in a slightly poorer condition. The landscape around Slemish is well maintained; it falls within the Antrim Coast and Glens AONB and is designated as an ASI and an Earth Science Conservation Review Site. The prominent ridge of the Sallagh Braes landslip is designated as an ASI. The open character and high visibility of the moorland summits renders them highly sensitive to changes in landuse pattern, landcover or vegetation structure. Scenic quality, AONB status and the popularity of the landscape with visitors also contribute to its sensitivity. The small moorland roads are of a suitable scale and fit with landform; changes in alignment or status could destroy the wild moorland character of this landscape.

Principles for Landscape Management

• The maintenance of existing grazing pressure will retain the open and expansive moorland character and the condition of marginal pastures.
• The natural moorland habitat may be preserved by avoidance of excessive forestry cover.
• Re-building and maintenance of stone walls will enhance the landscape condition.

Principles for Accommodating New Development

• Built development is unsuitable in this exposed moorland landscape; however, restoration of small stone cottages may enhance landscape condition.
• The elevated position and exposed character of the basalt summits makes them susceptible to radio masts and wind turbine developments.
• Siting radio masts singly, or in close groups, will avoid visual confusion and clutter.
• Sites for windfarms should be carefully located to reduce visual confusion; a well placed site on an uncluttered summit or ridge may act as a positive landmark in the landscape .