Dromore Lowlands Landscape

Key Characteristics

• Small rounded drumlins surrounded by extensive, low-lying areas of moss and regenerating scrub.
• Principal roads and farm tracks follow low ridge-lines.
• Numerous small-holdings and cottages along local roads, often concentrated at junctions.
• Hedgerows, blocks of woodland and shelterbelts form strong lines in the landscape.
• Scattered hedgerow trees.
• Contrasts in texture between smooth pastures on low hills and scrubby areas of bog.

Landscape Description

The Dromore Lowlands is a relatively low-lying landscape to the south of the Kilwarlin Plateau. This is an area of small, rounded drumlins surrounded by low-lying rough pastures, moss and regenerating scrub. The largest of these, Big Bog, is an extensive, waterlogged area of low scrub. The network of narrow roads connects tracts of higher ground and their associated farms and settlements. The low hills are dominated by a smooth patchwork of pastures, bounded by straight hedgerows. This pasture contrasts with the rough texture of the moss. There are many small groups of farm and residential buildings along roads on higher land, with clusters of houses at the intersection of roads. Views open and close as roads skirt around the larger areas of moss. There are many hedgerow trees and stands of trees associated with farmsteads.

Landscape Condition and Sensitivity to Change

The condition of the landscape is generally good on the higher land, with a transition to scrub and moss in low-lying areas. The many hedgerow trees are in good condition and provide structure and a sense of scale. The landscape has a relatively low sensitivity to change and could accommodate further development if it is carefully integrated with the landform and existing hedgerow and tree patterns; linear development along roads tends to predominate. However, vertical elements, such as transmission lines, would have a major visual impact.

Principles for Landscape Management

• Management of the remaining areas of moss will conserve their open character and ensure they do not become a neglected `waste ground'.
• The siting and design of conifer plantations will be particularly important to ensure that bog habitats are not eliminated and that views are not obscured. Locally occurring deciduous species may be used to create an edge which is more characteristic of the area.

Principles for Accommodating New Development

• Planting extensive mixed woodlands in association with any future building development will help to reinforce the distinctive character and quality of this landscape.
• Clustered forms of development are appropriate to the area and can be more easily integrated with the landscape than linear, ribbon development.
• The re-use of existing stone buildings will ensure their contribution to landscape character is conserved; this is preferable to the introduction of suburban styles into a rural area.