Upper Bann Floodplain Landscape

Key Characteristics

• River terraces and floodplain of the River Bann.
• Extensive areas of flat pasture and moss with scattered, irregular tree cover.
• Long river landscape views.
• Steep embankments contain the river valley to the south.
• The river itself is often remote and inconspicuous.

Landscape Description

The Upper Bann Floodplain LCA follows the course of the Upper Bann between Scarva and Portadown. The area includes the extensive areas of moss on the river floodplain at Terryhoogan Moss, Park Bog and Brackagh Bog. A railway line follows the course of the river between Scarva and Portadown. The landscape consists of well defined, broad river terraces containing large pastures above Dynes Bridge and extensive areas of moss on former river meanders.

At Portadown, built development is a dominant local influence. The river floodplain is the most attractive landscape feature in the area and is an important focus for views and recreation. The River Bann has been constrained by flood embankments (often 6m high) and many smaller banks and straight drainage ditches run laterally towards the river across the adjacent pastures. The embankments prevent views of the river channel from the surrounding roads but its position is reinforced by riverside woodlands, overgrown hawthorn scrub and gorse. Settlement is close to roads on slightly raised land and expanses of flat, marshy land adjacent to the river are free from development. In the lower floodplain, there are many large-scale agricultural and factory buildings.

Landscape Condition and Sensitivity to Change

The condition of the River Bann floodplain landscape is good, with the exception of the area immediately to the south of Portadown, between Dynes Bridge and the town bridge. The Brackagh Moss Nature Reserve is well managed but adjacent areas of farmland appear to be in decline, with overgrown hedgerows and invasive weeds. Some extensive tree/scrub cover allows opportunities for visual screening. The landscape is moderately sensitive to change as a result of its open floodplain character which allows long views. Brackagh Bog, on the fringes of the floodplain, is one of the largest single blocks of lowland peat left in Armagh. It is recognised for its nature conservation importance by its designation as a Nature Reserve. The site's complex mosaic of wetland communities is particularly sensitive to changes in water quality and runoff and is therefore vulnerable to agricultural change or built development in the wider landscape.

Principles for Landscape Management

• Incorporation of a small part of the farmland surrounding Brackagh Bog into the management of the bog would be beneficial. Extensive planting of fringing farmland with mixed broadleaf species would enhance its development as a nature reserve.

Principles for Accommodating New Development

• The remote character of the river valley may be conserved by restricting major access proposals and the careful siting and design of new infrastructure. New built development to the west of the road would restrict and detract from river views and would adversely affect the distinctive landscape character.
• The establishment of a limit to built development to 200m (min) within either side of the river channel in the Portadown area will help conserve the open character of the landscape for the future.