Lough Neagh Peatlands Landscape

Key Characteristics

• A low lying marshy landscape with small, protruding drumlins.
• The old canal, river channels and drainage patterns have a strong visual influence.
• Extensive, varied patchwork of pasture, plantations, regenerating bog areas and small settlements.
• Many scattered smallholdings, villages and new residential areas on higher ground linked by embanked roads.
• High quality water edge landscape and wildlife habitats.

Landscape Description

The Lough Neagh Peatlands landscape is found on the southern shores of Lough Neagh. Much of the area has been previously worked for peat and has been extensively modified through extraction; there are distinct sharp changes of level marking areas where peat extraction has taken place. There are areas of regenerating birch and willow scrub and farmland, wherever drainage permits. The landscape is strongly influenced by the traditional road pattern, which mirrors that of the peat workings - a pronounced backbone down the Lough Guillian peninsular with laterals running off at right angles.

The M1 is the exception and cuts a swathe through the area which is contrary to the general pattern. To the south west (towards Dungannon) the pattern is of meandering roads, reflecting the more pronounced drumlin forms in this area. Pastures are mostly of medium size and are edged with hedgerows and hedgerow trees. Common species are oak, beech and ash, with silver birch, alder, sycamore and ash on wetter land. Scots pines are scattered through the area. Larger pastures are found on the farmland adjacent to the River Bann. Extensive blocks of gorse are common and many hedgerows are gappy, overgrown or have disappeared.

There are small orchards and areas of horticulture (mostly strawberries) on the old peat beds. The scattered traditional farmsteads and small lough edge and drumlin villages have been supplemented by groups of new residential dwellings. The local vernacular is of two storey or one storey buildings with plaster finished and white-washed exteriors; new buildings are often of bright brick and tile construction and recent development often overwhelms the traditional settlement pattern.

Landscape Condition and Sensitivity to Change

Hedgerows are often neglected and some fields suffer from invasion by gorse and bramble, with areas of regenerating scrub. However this is a varied landscape with superb indented shoreline landscapes and a valuable sense of isolation and tranquillity. The wetland and shoreline landscapes on the edge of Lough Neagh are extremely sensitive and highly valued for their scenic quality and wildlife interest. They fall within the 'Lough Neagh Shores Area of Scenic Quality'. Extensive areas are designated as an ASSI and the area is part of the extensive Lough Neagh/Lough Beg Special Protection Area, which recognises its international significance as a habitat for breeding birds. Open, flat areas are particularly sensitive to the visual impact of vertical elements. New development can be sustained in small groupings when contained within existing planted areas.

Principles for Landscape Management

• The natural biodiversity of the water environment and water edge landscapes is sensitive to changes in drainage patterns and runoff. Policies to protect biodiversity and which limit development close to shore edges should be considered.
• Lough Neagh has high scenic quality and there is scope for more view points and footpaths to take advantage of this landscape asset.

Principles for Accommodating New Development

• The continued development of single houses on drumlins is likely to be detrimental to landscape character and the existing settlement pattern should be conserved.
• The architectural style and intensity of development is important in this area of dispersed rural character. Simple architectural forms, using materials with subtle colours which will age with time are most appropriate; developments should be small.
• The visual impact of new development and its associated infrastructure should be considered in relation to long views from higher land to the south.