Lower Bann Valley Landscape

Key Characteristics

• Relatively flat, expansive landscape on the lower reaches of large rivers and fringes of Lough Neagh and Lough Beg.
• Shallow drumlins form 'islands' surrounded by flat, open pastures; they have a diverse landscape pattern, with farmsteads and mature trees.
• Large open fields on floodplain, often surrounded by straight drainage ditches.
• Some poorly-drained areas within the farmland; large wet woodlands and bog on more extensive low-lying land.
• Extensive ribbon development along straight roads, which often end at farms towards the fringes of Lough Neagh and Lough Beg.
• Mature hedgerow oak trees are prominent features in a well-connected network of hedgerows.
• Belts of mixed woodland are features of the Bann Valley near Portglenone.

Landscape Description

The Lower Bann Valley landscape extends along the wider floodplain of the Lower Bann, from Ballymoney to Castledawson. It includes the lower reaches of the Moyola River and the Clady River, which converge with the Bann. The land is relatively low-lying, with a transition from shallow drumlins on the edges of the floodplains, to extensive flat pastures, bog and wet woodlands on the fringes of Lough Neagh and Lough Beg. Stretches of the rivers are enclosed by embankments and are often hidden from view by extensive woodlands on wet, low-lying land. These woodlands are dominated by willow, alder and birch and they are generally close to the river channel. However Portglenone Forest is dominated by conifer plantations and the valley to the north is characterised by thick belts of mixed woodland.

The landscape is generally secluded, with a prominent network of hedgerows containing numerous hedgerow trees, particularly hedgerow oaks. An exception is the low-lying floodplain to the north of Lough Beg, where the landscape is relatively open, giving long views to the broader ridges enclosing the floodplain. The fringes of Lough Beg are particularly remote, with extensive woodland and reedbeds hiding the shores from view. The spire of the church on Church Island stands out as a landmark above the low woodland in a deeply tranquil and remote wetland fringe landscape. Farms and villages are concentrated on shallow drumlins, which often form prominent 'islands' with a relatively diverse, well treed landscape pattern.

Traditionally, larger properties and villages were sited on higher land, with cottages dispersed in a linear pattern along the embanked floodplain roads. In recent years, this pattern has become increasingly overwhelmed by ribbon development, which includes some prestigious, large properties on the flat lands close to Lough Neagh.

Landscape Condition and Sensitivity to Change

The flat floodplain landscapes are particularly sensitive where they are overlooked by the ridges to the east of Portglenone, and in areas where there is extensive wetland habitat. The open floodplain landscape to the north of Lough Beg typically contains birch scrub, marshy grassland and heather, but much of the bog has been subjected to extensive peat cutting, transforming vast areas into featureless bleak expanses which have a profound impact on the local landscape character. Lough Neagh and Lough Beg are designated as ASSIs and as an SPA. Lough Neagh is also a Ramsar site in recognition of its importance for birds. The extensive wetland fringes of both loughs are particularly sensitive to change. The area around Toome has a particularly degraded character, with extensive loss of hedgerows and poorly sited, prominent industrial development close to the river bank.

Principles for Landscape Management

• The remaining tracts of bog should be conserved and management practices implemented which enhance this habitat type.
• The wet meadows on the Lough shores should be managed in accordance with the Draft Management Plan for the Lough Neagh/Lough Beg SPA and the ASSI Schedules, to maximise their nature conservation value.
• The extension of woodland along the river banks around and north of Portglenone would link adjacent stands and improve visual amenity and wildlife links.

Principles for Accommodating New Development

• Hedgerow trees, shelterbelts or woodlands may help to integrate new development, especially large-scale industrial development on flat land.
• Red-painted barn roofs are characteristic of the area and may be used to ensure new farm buildings 'fit' with local landscape character.
• Siting new development away from the road will ensure that dense ribbon development does not obscure views across the floodplain.