Lower Slieve Croob Foothills Landscape

Key Characteristics

• Smooth rolling ridges on the fringes of the Slieve Croob uplands.
• Pattern of gently incised glens and ridges aligned SW-NE.
• Strong geometric field pattern of pastures and hedgerows invaded by gorse.
• Stands of beeches.
• Large stone farmhouses and outbuildings, often painted bright colours.
• Roads follow glen sides and ridge-tops.
• Attractive views across glens and into adjacent landscapes.

Landscape Description

The Lower Slieve Croob Foothills form a smooth, rolling, rural area of high ground (reaching approximately 200m) to the west of the craggy, pointed Slieve Croob Summits. It comprises rolling ridges and gently incised glens which are mostly aligned in a SW-NE direction. Pasture is the predominant land use and the strong geometric field pattern is an important and prominent feature of the landscape. Farms are relatively large and most have numerous outbuildings. They are often well integrated by a unified style or colour scheme. Those on the floor of the glen are often associated with stands of beech trees. The brightly coloured roofs of farm buildings are attractive, contrasting with the landscape and relating the outbuildings to their farms. Farms are evenly distributed and there are no major settlements within the area.

Landscape Condition and Sensitivity to Change

The landscape is generally in good condition, with well maintained farm buildings and strong intact field boundaries. However, there are signs of degradation in places where hedgerows have been replaced by post and wire fencing and where hedgerow trees have been lost. This landscape is relatively sensitive to change. The small scale, rural landscape on the floor of the glens is sensitive to changes which may alter its tranquil character and the strong field patterns on the open glen side slopes are also vulnerable to change. The attractive long views throughout this landscape also increase its overall sensitivity to change, although the undulating landform and stands of mature beeches do create some local opportunities for screening.

Principles for Landscape Management

• The strong field pattern, which emphasises the smooth landform, may be conserved by enhancing and managing field boundaries and replacing hedgerow trees.
• The manicured character of the valley bottom may be retained by maintaining the traditional stone bridges and conserving the clumps of mature beeches which are characteristic of this area.
• The tranquil nature of the glens should be conserved by avoiding inappropriate modern housing styles, ranch style fencing or ornamental planting schemes.

Principles for Accommodating New Development

• Colours and finishes applied to farm outbuildings may create a sense of unity between buildings. Traditional colours such as reds are common in this area.
• Inappropriate building styles and ornamental gardens associated with new housing could be intrusive within the tranquil rural landscape of the glens.