Section 1: Physical and human influences
Section 2: Visual character of the landscape
Section 3: Landscape evolution and change
Section 4: Landscape strategies and key recommendations
Section 5: Landscape guidelines

Section 1: Physical and human influences

Introduction

The Nottinghamshire Wolds region derives its name from its eastern areas, which are defined by a low boulder clay plateau. These areas have traditionally been referred to as “wolds”,1 a term applied to elevated tracts of open land. The region, however, also includes a broad area of low hilly country which extends westwards from this plateau to the juncture with the Soar Valley. The region has a strong physical unity arising from its raised relief and the series of steeply inclined escarpments and hills extending along its northern and western edges. The region, dominated by mixed farming, has a generally strong and robust rural character.

The shape of the land
The “wolds” straddle the boundary between Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire and are closely associated with a dissected glacial plateau, comprising a variable thickness of chalky boulder clay overlying lower lias and Rhaetic beds.The boulder clay, which is often accompanied by small pockets of sand and gravel, is a northern spur of the great mantle of glacial drift that covers much of the East Midlands between the Chilterns and the Trent Valley. These deposits contain an abundance of flint, chalk and other Jurassic rock debris, together with older rocks from Charnwood and the Pennines. The underlying lias and Rhaetic beds comprise a series of mudstones and clays which outcrop along valley bottoms and on sloping ground around the edge of the plateau. Mercia mudstone is also exposed in the valleys and lower-lying ground that occur along the western fringe of the region.

The “wolds” reach a maximum height of just under 150 metres to the east of Six Hills in Leicestershire. From this point the glacial drift thins out northwards and westwards, forming a roughly triangular-shaped plateau-like feature. The surface of this plateau, which also dips in the same general direction, becomes increasingly dissected towards the north and west, until beyond East Leake it is no more than a series of isolated hills. The most prominent are the West Leake and Gotham Hills, which separate the Soar Valley from the low lying basin of Ruddington Moor. A third, slightly less prominent hill overlooks the River Trent at Thrumpton. The former retain a gently rolling cap of lower lias clay, underlain by Rhaetic beds which outcrop on the steeply sloping flanks of both hills. These beds also give rise to the low, but often steeply inclined, escarpment that defines the northern boundary of the region. This escarpment runs more or less continuously to the north-eastern tip of the “wolds” above Cropwell Bishop. It is broken only by the valley of the Fairham Brook and a number of other minor streams to the east of Keyworth.

The eastern edge of the “wolds”, between Cropwell Bishop and Old Dalby, is also defined by a steep scarp slope. In this case it is an outcrop of lower lias clay beneath the mantle of glacial drift that defines the boundary. This escarpment, which overlooks the Vale of Belvoir to the east, becomes more prominent towards Old Dalby, where it rises by more than 40 metres above the adjoining clay vale.

Most of the streams that drain the “wolds” flow in a westerly direction into the River Soar. The Fairham Brook, however, which drains the northern part of the plateau, flows directly into the Trent. Erosion by these streams has partially stripped away the covering of glacial drift and cut a series of deepening valleys into the underlying clays and mudstones. These valleys are typically separated by ridges of higher ground, which for the most part retain their covering of glacial drift. One of the largest and most well-developed of these valleys is that of the Kingston Brook. This has a narrow alluvial corridor, flanked in places by steeply ascending hills. The Fairham Brook is also flanked by a thin strip of alluvium, which extends into the heart of the “wolds” at Widmerpool.

Soils

The soils of the “wolds” area are for the most part developed in till which has a strong clayey matrix containing chalk stones and lenses of fine loamy material. Soils are dark greyish brown and clay or clay loam in texture. Slowly permeable horizons make the soils notoriously difficult to cultivate. Better quality loamy and coarse loamy brown earth soils occur extensively over the Triassic mudstones to the west of the region. Calcareous clay soils with slowly permeable subsoils have developed on the Jurassic and Cretaceous clay shales of the Lias. Clay loam and clay soils also occur on the lower slopes of the Rhaetic escarpment.

Landscape history

The landscape of the Nottinghamshire Wolds is superficially a product of the enclosure movement, begun in the late Middle Ages but predominantly of the 18th century, modified to meet the requirement of the post-1945 economy and modern farming techniques. Behind this, however, stands over 4,000 years of settlement and land use, the influences of which can still be read in the late 20th century countryside. With the exception, perhaps, of the highest “wolds”, this region was consistently part of the most densely settled and economically strong area of pre-industrial Nottinghamshire.

In general, the soils and crops of this region have not been productive of cropmarks - the effects of differential crop growth over buried ditches and pits. Aerial reconnaissance, therefore, has provided only a little information about prehistoric and Roman land use. However, tools and fabrication debris found on the surface of ploughed fields show that early prehistoric activity was widespread throughout the region. There is no significant distinction in the pattern of discovery to suggest that the Nottinghamshire Wolds were any less favoured at this time than any other area. Indeed, it is at Stanton-on-the-Wolds that we have a very rare example of early prehistoric settlement with structural remains. At present it is not possible to make meaningful statements about the effect this activity had upon the forest landscape which will have developed after the end of the Ice Age, although it is reasonable to assume that the grazing of domesticated livestock and cultivation will have affected the flora of the woodland and produced localised thinnings and clearings. The composition of this woodland will have varied with soil conditions, and was probably largely lime well mixed with oak, with ash and alder in the river valleys.

Large-scale landscape change came in the first millennium BC and the early centuries AD. As elsewhere in South Nottinghamshire, the region became extensively occupied with farms and fields. When the Romans arrived in the middle of the 1st century AD they found an already well-settled and developed landscape. In the initial conquest period they built the Fosse Way through the east of the region, probably replicating an existing line of communication. To judge from other Roman “small towns” on the Fosse Way in Nottinghamshire, it is likely that they also built a military fort at Vernemetum, which probably was already a major settlement and a focus for commerce and routeways. Vernemetum was near Willoughby-on-the-Wolds but its precise site has not been identified, although Roman buildings have been identified at the Broughton Lodge crossroads on the A46. The fort will have been given up after a short period as the focus of military and political activity moved north, but the importance of Vernemetum as a market centre, a point of tax collection (especially of corn tribute) and as a seat of local government remained. Several routeways running through the region from Vernemetum to the Soar and Trent valleys can be surmised, although physical proof is lacking. One of these is likely to have led to the confluence of the Trent and the Soar, an area where there appear to have been important river crossings at a number of dates. Overlooking this area, a Romano-Celtic temple complex with an associated villa-like building was developed on Red Hill, in Ratcliffe on Soar. This temple, unique in Nottinghamshire and rare in the East Midlands, replaced an earlier Iron Age settlement and probable sacred site.

The late prehistoric and Roman economy of the Nottinghamshire Wolds will have linked to that of the Trent Valley where settlement was most dense. Doubtless, the estate of the Roman villa at Barton in Fabis ran up into the hills to its south. Other villas are known at Stanford on Soar, Flawford and Willoughby-on-the-Wolds; interestingly, all these are the sites of later churches. These villas do not stand alone, but must be set against a background of extensive Roman settlement demonstrated by a number of coin hoards, and other finds of Roman coins, brooches and pottery from throughout the region. In some localities these indicate sites of significant wealth and importance.

The result of this history was the clearance of most of the natural woodland and the development of an agricultural landscape of arable and pasture fields. Direct evidence about this landscape comes from a site at Bunny, where grain and seeds indicate the cultivation of wheat and other crops, and the presence of grassland and possibly hedgerows, while bones demonstrate the keeping of sheep and some pigs. This evidence points towards a mixed agricultural regime, utilising the range of land resources available in the region.

What happened at the end of the Roman period is unclear. The region probably shared in the general decline in population during the 4th and 5th centuries and saw social and economic change as Roman institutions and organisations withered. However, along with the Trent Valley and most of South Nottinghamshire, there is no reason to believe other than that the communities of the Nottinghamshire Wolds substantially maintained their economic viability and survived to become the progenitors of those of the later Saxon and mediaeval periods. The region was certainly part of the South Nottinghamshire area which was most attractive to incoming Anglo Saxons from the end of the 5th century AD. The presence of these incomers is shown by cremation cemeteries at Kingston on Soar and Sutton Bonington, and the large inhumation cemetery at Willoughby-on- the-Wolds, together with a group of burials on the Fosse Way in Cotgrave, a possible cemetery in Rempstone and, from just outside the region, the inhumation cemetery at Windmill Hill, Cotgrave. No structural remains of Anglo-Saxon settlement have been found as yet, and it must be assumed that these lie beneath modern villages.

Current models of early and middle Saxon settlement patterns are of dispersed farms and some larger settlements, not dissimilar to the basic pattern of later prehistory and the Roman period. The landscape of the region up to the 8th or 9th centuries, then, is likely to have been little different from that of preceding generations, although it is possible that woodland may have temporarily increased somewhat and that some arable may have been converted to pasture, as population diminished and pressure on land use relaxed. The Willoughby-on-the-Wolds cemetery certainly suggests that the “wolds” remained occupied during at least the first two centuries after the Romans.

By the 9th century and more particularly from the 10th century, after the Scandinavian invasions and settlement of the East Midlands, substantial changes in the countryside appeared. Under the pressures of a rising population and the growing powers of local landlords, the dispersed settlement pattern began to be replaced by one of nucleated villages, with people grouping around the farm of the local lord or at other geographically favoured sites. This was probably accompanied by reorganisation of landholdings to create early forms of open fields, farmed in common. Thus the typical village pattern of the English Midlands and of Nottinghamshire began to be created. It was a gradual process and took many generations to complete; there is evidence that the nucleation of some Nottinghamshire villages was still in progress in the 12th century. In the Nottinghamshire Wolds however, it is likely that village formation was well advanced by 1086 when Domesday Book was drawn up. The foundation of the modern landscape, then, was substantially laid by the end of the 11th century.

By 1086, as Domesday Book shows, this region was part of the most densely settled and cultivated areas of Nottinghamshire. Calculations of the areas of land use nominally represented in Domesday Book imply that in every community the land was totally taken up with farming. With a few dubious exceptions, there was extensive arable throughout the region. In common with the Vale of Belvoir and in contrast to elsewhere, every community possessed areas of meadow, some of which were considerable. Woodland was rare, being recorded in five entries referring to only four communities. Of those five entries, four are for underwood, or coppice wood, generally little mentioned in Domesday Book, and the largest was of 100 acres at Bunny, very large by the standards of recorded underwood elsewhere. Almost certainly this is the same woodland which is referred to in later documents both as Bunny “Rice” (which also implies coppice wood) and as Bunny Wood, and which is still with us today as Bunny Old Wood. Similarly the 32.5 acres of underwood recorded at Cotgrave may be involved in the Cotgrave Wood mentioned in the late 12th century. Although it is possible that other pieces of woodland were not recorded, the overall lack of woodland in 1086 in this region is striking and conforms with the substantial absence of woodland elsewhere in South Nottinghamshire.

The overall impression of the Nottinghamshire Wolds in 1086 is of an ancient and well-developed landscape. This is to some extent at variance with the place name “wolds”. This name derives separately from two Old English terms, wald implying forest or woodland, and weald which was applied to high tracts of open land. The link, or progression in areas like the Nottinghamshire Wolds, where there is little evidence for woodland in 1086 or later, is suggested to be that wald was applied first to describe the wooded nature of the region in the Early Saxon period, and that it then became transmuted into weald as it became appropriate to the cleared open character of the Late Saxon landscape cleared of woodland.

However, as has been discussed above, there is reason to believe that the Roman landscape of the Nottinghamshire Wolds will have been largely cleared of woodland. While woodland could have regenerated subsequently, the presence of large Anglo-Saxon cemeteries at Willoughby-on-the-Wolds, adjacent to the Roman town of Vernemetum, indicates that settlement and land use in this area are unlikely to have been less intensive before the 7th century. Settlement and its accompanying arable may have retracted on the “wolds” in the 7th and 8th centuries, for the distribution of settlements with English names generally respects the higher areas of the region. Settlements bearing Scandinavian-influenced place names also appear in the higher areas, perhaps implying that there was space to be reoccupied in the later 9th and 10th centuries. Nevertheless, it is probable that the surrounding regions and at least the lower parts of the Nottinghamshire Wolds continued to be well-populated in the Anglo-Saxon period and that the higher “wolds” are unlikely to have been abandoned, but were given over to common grazing, which will have limited the regeneration of the woodland. Several 12th century references at Cotgrave and Wysall to meadow on the “wolds” may support this inference.

The landscape of 1086 remained the basic pattern for the Nottinghamshire Wolds during the early Middle Ages. Increasing population growth saw most villages expanding in size and continuing development in field organisation to create a landscape of open fields, cropped on a three or four course rotation, which extended into the “wolds”. Meadows and grazing were to be found in valley bottoms, on the higher areas of the “wolds”, and on the steeper slopes of the hills overlooking the Trent Valley where ploughing was difficult or not possible. There will have been some hedgerows along lanes and parish boundaries as well as around villages and open fields. These would, however, have been comparatively few in number. By the late 13th century when the mediaeval population reached its zenith, the agricultural regime had become heavily weighted towards arable production and cultivation extended into pastures and marginal land.

It was in the 14th century that the movement towards the modern landscape of the region began to develop, The Black Death in 1349 and repeated subsequent visitations of plague reduced the national population by over one third. The documentary record is insufficient to permit an accurate estimate of the effects of these epidemics in the Nottinghamshire Wolds, but there is no reason to believe that the area suffered any less than elsewhere. However, it appears that outbreaks of disease in Nottinghamshire were not consistent from one place to another and while one community might be struck badly, another might escape almost completely. Contrary to common belief, there is no evidence that any community in this region disappeared as a direct consequence of plague. The 14th century epidemics, however, did usher in a period of protracted change in society and economy, which had its effect on the countryside. With reduced population and social change there was a swing away from arable production. Marginal ploughlands and pastures were restored to grassland and open field rotations reorganised to allow for longer fallows, temporary grass and the creation of closes of permanent grass. Vacant tenancies were engrossed into occupied farms, creating more differential between large and small farms. With land exchanges, the tendency grew for the larger farms to be made up of consolidated blocks of land in the open fields, and for the boundaries of these to become fixed. Overall, the 15th and 16th centuries saw the establishment of convertible husbandry, with a more balanced, mixed farming regime.

The vast majority of communities in the Nottinghamshire Wolds were able to respond to the changing circumstances in the later Middle Ages, although not necessarily without difficulties, as is suggested by the record in 1431 of four ruined houses in Gotham. Communities in the “wolds” however faced severe problems. Worsening climatic conditions from the late 13th century onwards increased the labour in tilling the heavy clays here and probably reduced grain yields, which placed strains upon a declining population. In consequence, some of these communities are found to be reorganising their fields in the first half of the 15th century and landlords began renting land out for sheep grazing. For Stanton-on-the-Wolds and Thorpe-in-the-Glebe the decline was effectively terminal. In both villages, land was progressively put down to grass and enclosed for sheep. In 1491 there were only perhaps 90 acres of arable remaining to be enclosed in Thorpe-in-the-Glebe and no significant population. It is a measure of the difficulties experienced by the smaller “wolds” villages that out of eight parishes involved with the region which were enclosed before 1700, four were in the “wolds”.

Interestingly, the other four of the eight early enclosed parishes were at the other end of the region and incorporated lands in the Soar and Trent Valleys. Here, in places such as Ratcliffe on Soar or Thrumpton, landlord policy following the market and economic trends may have been a stronger factor than difficult soils and insufficient population. The latter may not be ruled out entirely, however; a 1558 reference to 1,000 acres of furze and heath in Stanford on Soar, if it does not represent some ancient common, may indicate a considerable portion of the parish taken out of arable and left unenclosed with little management other than rough grazing. A much reduced population could be one explanation for this.

Despite a quantity of small-scale piecemeal enclosure, particularly close to the villages, most of the Nottinghamshire Wolds were able to adapt their open field systems towards regimes of convertible husbandry and avoid enclosure until the second half of the 18th or early 19th centuries. This was an age of agricultural improvement, when open fields were seen as anachronistic and an impediment to progress. No fewer than 17 of the region’s 30 parishes were enclosed between 1742 and 1799, and a further five between 1800 and 1805. Even more striking is that in only four out of these 22 was the area enclosed less than 50%, and three of these are peripheral to the region with much of their land lying outside it. Generally, between 75% and 95% of parishes remained to be enclosed during these 63 years. Laid out by surveyors, the field systems thus created tend to be larger and more regular than those of the preceding centuries.

Generally the 18th and 19th centuries were a period when country houses, both large and small, were improved and embellished with often extensive ornamental gardens or larger parks which might serve both pleasure and husbandry. The Nottinghamshire Wolds had comparatively few parks, the two most notable being Thrumpton and Stanford Hall which in its present form has later 18th century origins. Important additions to the landscape as these and more minor examples were, more significant to the overall character of the landscape was the rebuilding of villages in brick. Beginning with the houses of the gentry in the 16th and 17th centuries, by the 18th century it was usual for the humblest of new dwellings to be built in brick. Gradually, during the 18th and 19th centuries, the old style of buildings in the region, with timber frames or of mud and stud construction with thatched roofs, were replaced or encased in brick with tiled roofs. Local clay pits and brick kilns were often the source of the bricks.

Extraction of clay and gypsum has been the principal industrial enterprise of this region. Gypsum or rather alabaster was quarried at Red Hill from the Middle Ages, when its product supplied an important school of carvers. Significantly, large pieces of alabaster were still being produced from Red Hill in the later 18th century. The Red Hill area remained the principal source of gypsum plaster until the 1850s, producing from quarries and pits. By 1880, mining into the face of the Gotham and West Leake Hills had begun. Thereafter, the industry moved progressively eastwards and deeper. The landscape effects of this are local to the areas of production, ranging from the remains of quarries, mine entrances, and tramways to ranges of pithead buildings and other plant. The other notable industrial additions to the landscape have been communications, especially the Nottingham - Leicester railway line of 1840 with its castellated entrance to Red Hill Tunnel and, from the 20th century, Ratcliffe on Soar Power Station.

The historical pattern of mixed farming in this region was increasingly weighted towards animal husbandry in the economic climate of the later 19th century and much of the first half of the 20th century. This weighting has been reversed under post World War II farming policies. Nevertheless the fundamental characteristics of the long history of the Nottinghamshire Wolds is still traceable in much of its countryside.

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Section 2: Visual character of the landscape

Introduction

The character of the Nottinghamshire Wolds is strongly influenced by the underlying geology and historical development of the region. This is reflected in its sparsely settled character and the tradition of livestock farming. Overall the region has a robust and distinctive character which is influenced by the presence of extensive areas of continuous pastoral and mixed agricultural land. A variety of historical and cultural associations emphasise the unity of the landscape.

These include small red brick villages and farmsteads, narrow winding country lanes, extensive ridge and furrow grasslands, deserted mediaeval village sites, permanent pastures with grazing animals, historic parklands, and speciesrich hedgerows. This unity is further emphasised by the presence of steep hills and scarps which mark its northern and eastern extent. These visually dominant features also contain an area of slightly lower-lying ground to the west, which descends into the valley of the Soar. A small number of villages to the north have grown into sizable commuter settlements but have not disrupted the general feeling of remoteness and space that exists throughout most of the region.

The Nottinghamshire Wolds can be sub-divided into four distinct landscape types. These have been classified generically which means that, theoretically, the landscape types could occur at any location within the country where there are similar physical resources and historical patterns of land use. In reality the landscape types possess a distinctively local character, because they share the broad characteristics of the regional character area, or represent a particular aspect of that character.

Wooded clay wolds

A distinctively rolling, locally well-wooded landscape, with a sparsley settled rural character

Characterstic features Mildly dissected rolling plateau Well-defined pattern of hedged fields Filtered views created by hedgerow trees Field sized plantations and larger blocks of mixed woodland Pockets of permanent pasture associated with settlement Isolated farmsteads and small rural villages Vernacular red brick and pantile buildings

Landscape description

Covering the larger part of the region, these enclosed farmlands are distinctive for their markedly rolling landform and intact rural character. A history of mixed farming has allowed the development of a relatively diverse and interesting enclosure landscape, although arable farming is now dominant. The other main elements that influence the character of the Wooded Clay Wolds are the well-defined pattern of hedged fields and the woodland plantations.

The Wooded Clay Wolds are a sparsely settled landscape where, historically, the small red brick villages have been established at the margins of the boulder clay deposits and along stream lines where the underlying Lias clay has been re-exposed. The vernacular style of red brick and pantile buildings within these villages is an important aspect of the area’s distinctive rural character. This is also the case for the isolated farmsteads that are distributed across the remainder of the plateau, although modern farm buildings are now associated with many. The village settlements are interlinked by a network of narrow country lanes. These are lined by hedgerows which often contain mature ash and oak trees. Keyworth and Cotgrave lie along the foot of the Upper Triassic (Rhaetic) escarpment to the north and have grown into large commuter villages. Modern housing estates with straight residential edges have locally altered the character, imparting a suburban feel to otherwise strongly rural areas. Higher populations within these dormitory settlements have led to increased use of the road network.

The basic structure of the landscape is formed by a well defined pattern of medium to large-scale, regular and semiirregular hedged fields. The older and more irregular-shaped hedgerow patterns tend to be found adjacent to settlement. In these areas hedgerows tend to be more species-rich and support higher densities of mature hedgerow trees than the arable areas. The majority of the unimproved permanent grasslands also tend to be found in these areas, often on the more steeply sloping land, and sometimes with ridge and furrow. Sense of place and landscape unity is generally greatest in areas adjacent to the smaller settlements. The more improved grasslands tend to be located away from settlement and exhibit a larger scale.

Hedgerows in the arable areas are generally strong and well-managed with hedgerow trees forming important features. Many small streams drain the plateau, with fringing willows and riparian shrubs a notable feature of the landscape. Hedgerow trees also form an important component of the landscape’s overall tree cover, producing filtered views across the rolling farmlands. The strong hedgerows, rolling landform and variable pattern of tree cover create an impression of a robust farmland landscape of some continuity and strength.

The variable pattern of woodland cover is an important component of the landscape, although the overall level of woodland cover is not high. Numerous small and medium-scale woodlands are distributed throughout the landscape, helping to create a sense of wooded enclosure locally. The woodlands are predominantly broad-leaved and of similar scale to the pattern of field enclosure. A number of broad-leaved woodlands lying along the steeply sloping escarpments to the north and east of the plateau add to the impression of a locally well-wooded landscape, as does the pocket of mature wooded parkland at Widmerpool. The substantial blocks of mature coniferous and mixed woodland at Cotgrave Forest and Borders Wood are the only exceptions to the small to medium-scale of woodland planting. No hardwood belts have been established along coniferous edges and rides and consequently they appear as quite harsh, straight-edged features.

Clay wolds

An open, distinctively rolling pastoral landscape characterised by a well defined pattern of hedged fields and rural lanes

Characteristic features Mildly dissected rolling plateau Steep scarp slopes Well-defined small-scale pattern of hedged fields Species-rich permanent grasslands Ridge and furrow Small rural villages Vernacular red brick and pantile buildings

Landscape description

These landscapes are located towards the southern edge of the Nottinghamshire Wolds, adjoining the county boundary with Leicestershire. The landscapes have a distinctive pastoral character and are unique within Nottinghamshire because of the abundance of ridge and furrow. The principal landscape elements are the well-defined pattern of small to medium-scale irregular fields and the undulating, sometimes steeply rolling landform.

These combine with the permanent grasslands to create landscapes with an intimate and unified character. Views are of varying distance. In many areas they are confined by the dense pattern of strong hedgerows, in others the rolling landform enables medium and long-distance views over the hedgerow lines.

Many of the grasslands are relatively unimproved in agricultural terms. This produces a greater diversity of species, colours, and textures than commonly found in more intensively managed grassland areas. Species-rich hedgerows are also an important component of this diversity, serving to reinforce the impression of landscape unity. The hedgerow pattern is formed from a combination of strong well-managed stock-proof hedgerows and more neglected overgrown gappy hedgerows which are often back-fenced. Ridge and furrow features are a very distinctive component, giving the area a character and sense of place that is rare within the County. The landscape has a tranquil pastoral character that is reinforced by the presence of grazing animals in many areas.

Woodland is not an important component, with only the occasional small-scale broad-leaved woodlands being found. Hedgerow trees form the main tree cover element with ash, oak and willow the principal species. A large proportion of the hedgerow trees have now reached an advanced stage of growth; their height and stature adds to the impression of a mature and unified farmland landscape. Few hedgerow trees have been planted to replace the over-mature trees, although a number of younger trees are growing out of the undermanaged hedgerows. The occasional willow pollard can be found along minor stream lines and ditches, along with other riparian tree and shrub species.

The settlement pattern is formed from a number of small red brick villages and farmhouses interlinked by a network narrow country lanes. The vernacular building style is an important component of these landscapes, helping to consolidate the already harmonious landscape structure.

A notable feature within this landscape is the wide grassed verges that flank the country lanes. These unimproved strips of grassland are often species-rich and serve to reinforce pastoral character. The verges also mean that field hedgerows are set back from the carriageway, allowing greater visual penetration of surrounding landscapes.

The rolling landform is a marked feature throughout the Clay Wolds. Topographical influences are particularly dominant between Upper Broughton and Hickling Standard, along the steeply inclined Liassic escarpment. This enables panoramic views down steep grass-sided hills and out over the Vale of Belvoir. Landscape character is very harmonious in this area with intricate field patterns, narrow lanes, species-rich hedgerows, mature hedgerow trees and extensive ridge and furrow grasslands combining with the steep relief to produce an attractive and unified rural character.

Wooded hills and scarps A distinctive and well-wooded landscape formed from a series of steeply sloping hills and scarp slopes, characterised by an alternating pattern of pasture and woodland. Characteristic features Steeply sloping hills and scarps Numerous broad-leaved woodlands, typically on hill tops and scarp slopes Unimproved permanent pastures, often with patches of scrub Thick, often overgrown mixed hedges Well-defined regular pattern of hedged fields on lower slopes

Landscape description

This landscape consists of a series of well-wooded hills and scarp slopes that stretch in a broad arc between Red Hill and Windmill Hill. The features are formed by the Upper Triassic (Rhaetic) escarpment. When viewed from surrounding landscapes, the wood-capped hills and scarps appear as very distinctive and prominent features, particularly when observed from the open landscapes of the Ruddington Moor area.

The broad landscape pattern is formed from alternating areas of small to medium-scale woodland and unimproved permanent pastures and rough grassland set within an irregular smallscale field pattern. Landscape character tends to be stronger on the steeper slopes where strong hedgerows and the many woodland edges produce sinuous lines that sweep downhill.

On the lower slopes arable cultivation with its more regular field patterns becomes the dominant land use. In these areas the character merges gradually and becomes similar to that of surrounding arable landscapes. Hedgerows are less species-rich than those found on the steeper slopes.

Woodlands are largely broad-leaved with only the very occasional mixed or coniferous plantation. Many of the woodlands are reaching maturity and contain ash and oak species, along with sycamore, hawthorn and lime. The steep topography of the hills has ensured a continued patchwork of woodland cover for many centuries, with semi-natural ancient woodlands still a feature today. A number of woodlands are being allowed to regenerate naturally, currently being at the successional stage of tall scrub. In these areas the principal species are hawthorn and elder. The lower scrub canopy provides a contrast to the more widespread mature woodlands within the landscape.

The wooded hills also form prominent features when viewed from the south with the West Leake Hills rising above the estate farmlands in the vicinity of Kingston Park. In this area, long sinuous woodland edges and wooded skylines add interest and complexity to adjacent arable lands. From Bunny Hill to Windmill Hill the landscape type narrows to form a steeply wooded scarp slope, upon which ancient coppiced woodland is a feature. Viewed from the north this scarp slope acts as a frame for adjacent landscapes.

Overall the landscape has a strong, unified and intact character. The only industrial influences are found along the northern slopes where cement workings have a localised impact.

Village farmlands

A rolling agricultural landscape characterised by a traditional pattern of mixed farming and small rural villages

Characteristic features Low hills and markedly rolling landform Well-defined pattern of medium sized hedged fields Traditional pattern of mixed farms Localised areas of well-wooded landscape Pockets of pasture with mixed hedgerows around settlement Narrow valleys with unimproved pastures and wet meadows Historic pattern of small red brick villages and farmsteads

Landscape description

This is a landscape of low hilly country lying between the Soar Valley and the boulder clay plateau. The northern boundary abuts the extensive alluvial levels of Ruddington Moor. A strong rural character, markedly rolling to hilly landform and mixed farming regimes are the principal components of the Village Farmlands landscape.

Tributary streams feeding westwards from the boulder clay lands to the Soar have accentuated the prominence of the landform, with the Kingston Brook a particularly well-developed feature. The western boundary of the Village Farmlands is marked by a moderately inclined slope that drops down into the valley of the Soar.

Although the Village Farmlands have retained their traditional rural character, the expansion of East Leake has introduced suburban influences locally and built development accounts for around 7.5% of the total area. This represents the highest level of urban land in the region. Industrial influences associated with the gypsum mining industry at East Leake and Gotham also impact upon the rural character of the landscape. The power station at Ratcliffe on Soar is highly visible over large tracts of land to the west. The historic settlement pattern has been established at the head of the tributary streams departing from the boulder clay lands, and along the margins of the Soar Valley. The limited number of small red brick villages and hamlets are well integrated with adjacent areas of intimate pastoral landscape. The villages contain a range of more modern building styles but, overall, the traditional character has been retained. The numerous farmsteads are constructed in the same vernacular style, adding to the strong sense of rural character.

A well-defined pattern of medium to large-scale hedged fields is typical over much of the Village Farmlands. Smaller-scale and more irregular patterns are associated with the pastoral landscapes that occur in open countryside, but are more characteristic along settlement edges and along the Kingston Brook. Overall the landscape has a mixed farming character, although there are relatively large tracts of arable cultivation. The most extensive areas of grassland coincide with areas of steeper relief, with arable farming dominating the productive mudstone soils elsewhere: 60% of the area’s farmland is set to arable with slightly over 30% to grassland.

Field patterns are mostly intact, with hedgerows more overmanaged, low and gappy in the intensively cultivated landscapes. Hedgerows are dominated by hawthorn with a more diverse mix of species found in roadside hedgerows and the pastoral landscapes. Well-managed stock-proof hedgerows are closely associated with the grassland areas. Much of this grassland has been agriculturally improved with the more ecologically diverse grasslands now confined to the narrow valley of the Kingston Brook and settlement edges. Landscape unity is strongest in areas of prominent landform and pastoral character. Hedgerow trees are an important component of the landscape’s overall tree cover, with greater densities found in the pastoral landscapes. Oak and ash are the principal hedgerow tree species.

The Village Farmlands have a relatively low level of woodland cover, with a scattered distribution of small-scale predominantly broad-leaved woodlands. They are mostly located on hill tops from where they assume greater visual prominence than their area would suggest. A sizable proportion of the woodland cover is concentrated within the parkland landscape of Stanford Hall and the surrounding area, where many small blocks of deciduous woodland have been established both internally and along the margins of the park. These restrict views out to surrounding areas and produce an intimate, wellwooded landscape of great character. The other main landscape features are the permanent pastures and tall parkland trees, providing an ornamental setting to the large hall. Much of the grassland is relatively unimproved, and grazing livestock reinforce the pastoral character and help strengthen the “sense of place”.

The character of the northern sections of the Village Farmlands is greatly influenced by the Upper Triassic (Rhaetic) escarpment and the estate lands at Kingston on Soar. Long sinuous woodland edges and raised wooded hills create an impression of a well- wooded enclosure landscape. Lines of willow and riparian scrub are a feature along many minor stream lines within the landscape and old willow pollards are also sometimes found.

The Kingston Brook is a prominent feature of the Village Farmlands landscape. It flows in a westerly direction from Windyridge before discharging into the River Soar close to Kingston on Soar. The narrow valley floor is flanked by steeply ascending hills with a series of unimproved and improved pastures and wet meadows lying along its course. Although arable cultivation has encroached to the brook side in certain areas, the landscape has retained a strong and distinctly pastoral character overall. As a linear feature the brook is noticeable for the fringing lines of mature willow and riparian scrub. Willow pollards are a particular feature of this landscape. These are well-managed along certain reaches of the brook, but have become neglected in places. Field patterns are generally small-scale and irregular with mixed and sometimes species-rich hedgerows. Ridge and furrow features are evident in some of the pastures. Landscape unity and character is strongest in pastoral areas, particularly where there are willow pollards and grazing livestock. Urban influences affect the landscape in the vicinity of East Leake, but over the remainder of the brook’s course a very strong rural character is retained.

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Section 3: Landscape evolution and change

Introduction

This section examines the main forces that have brought about change and evolution within the Nottinghamshire Wolds over recent decades. It does this by discussing how the current structure and pattern of land use has developed, paying particular regard to agriculture, woodland, transport, industrial/residential development and mineral extraction. It also considers the trends and pressures that may produce landscape change in the future.

Agriculture

Important differences exist between the agricultural structure of the poorer quality lands of the boulder clay plateau and the more versatile soils developed on the Triassic mudstone. The boulder clay areas have traditionally been used for grazing, with a high proportion of farmland set to permanent pasture. In the 1930s around 60% of the land was under permanent grassland. This figure was much higher for the parishes lying along the County boundary, especially Willoughby-on-the-Wolds where 90% of the farmland was under pasture. Beef and dairy operations were the mainstay of the rural economy, principally supplying the Nottingham market.

The dense clay soils of the “wolds” have always been difficult to cultivate. Vertical soil water movement is restricted by the slowly permeable subsoils, making the land highly susceptible to seasonal waterlogging. Efficient drainage is therefore a management priority. Attempts to cultivate the land under wet conditions run the risk of causing structural damage to the soils, exacerbating the waterlogging problems.

In recent decades, advances in agricultural technique have allowed new areas to be brought under cultivation, with the ploughing up of a high proportion of the former pasture lands. Direct drilling and minimum cultivation allow winter cereals to be grown with oil seed rape as a break crop. Soil compaction problems can occur under continual arable cropping and grass leys are therefore used as a method of restoring soil structure. Spring cultivation is a hazardous proposition due to soil wetness. These developments have led to an alteration in the agricultural structure of the region and a change in rural character. Arable and mixed farming now predominate with one third of the area set to grassland, the majority of which is now agriculturally improved. This represents a fall of 44% in the total area of grassland from the pre-war situation. The southern parishes of the wolds have, however, retained a very strong pastoral character.

The Village Farmlands lying on the Mercia mudstone to the west of the boulder clay deposits are mostly classified as high quality agricultural land. The soils are radically different from those of the “wolds” in terms of both their flexibility of use and the range of crops that can be grown. This has historically been a mixed farming area, but today arable cultivation dominates, taking advantage of the good quality soils. Grassland does still form a significant component of the area, especially along the Kingston Brook and to the south of East Leake. Brown earth soils are found on the gently sloping and level lower ground, and on this higher quality agricultural land spring cultivation is possible in all but the wettest of years. Reddish clayey soils that are susceptible to seasonal waterlogging are found on the moderate to steeply sloping land. The lower slopes are cultivated with cereals whilst the steeper slopes are more likely to be under permanent pasture. This is evident on the broad arc of hills and escarpment slopes stretching between Thrumpton and Windmill Hill; slope angle acts as a barrier to cultivation with the land left to pasture, woodland and thicket scrub.

Changes in national and European agricultural policies have focused on farm diversification and measures to reduce the overall level of agricultural production. It is unlikely, therefore, that further agricultural expansion will take place in the near future, although there may be an intensification of production on existing land. Incentives that encourage more environmentally friendly forms of farming offer the opportunity to enhance the traditional character of the region by introducing more woodland and improving ecological diversity.

Trees and woodland

The pattern and extent of woodland within the region is closely related to its geology and historical development. The overall woodland cover is relatively low at 6.5% with 74% of it made up of broad-leaved species. The distribution of woodland and the level of cover is variable. This produces areas of well-wooded countryside locally, as well as landscapes more devoid of tree cover.

On the boulder clay plateau woodland is largely confined to the arable and mixed farming areas, with scattered small-scale broad-leaved woodlands predominating. An exception to this is the relatively large coniferous and mixed plantation of Cotgrave Forest. There are very few woodlands within the larger tracts of pastoral landscape to the south. Broad-leaved woodlands are also the principal type on the Triassic mudstones; these again display a scattered distribution pattern and are small in scale. The highest levels of woodland cover occur along the Rhaetic outcrop where the series of wood-capped hills and escarpments commands the local landscape. The woodland cover of the Liassic escarpment is significantly lower, with the exception of the area adjacent to Owthorpe. Pockets of wooded parkland occur at Widmerpool and Stanton.

Dutch elm disease had a major impact upon the landscape during the period 1960-1980, leading to the loss of virtually all hedge and roadside elms. Despite this loss, hedgerow trees still form the principal component of the region’s tree cover, with ash, oak and willow the dominant species.

Transportation

Three major roads run through the region, the A606, A60 and A46. A network of country roads feeds into these routes and serves the villages and settlements of the area. The enlarged commuter settlements of East Leake, Keyworth and Cotgrave lie along the northern edge of the region. The road network is heavily used in these areas. Three railway lines run north-south. The main line to London runs along the edge of the Soar Valley. The Loughborough line is now disused, whilst the Melton line is now severed from Nottingham and only used for experimental purposes.

Urban and industrial development

The Nottinghamshire Wolds are a relatively remote and sparsely settled region of small rural villages and isolated farmsteads. The villages in the north of the region gravitate strongly towards Nottingham, with some developing into commuter settlements. This area falls within the remit of the Nottinghamshire Green Belt Local Plan. Elsewhere, large-scale new development has been well controlled so that the region’s rural character and historic settlement pattern are still intact. There are no proposals for major housing development within existing or forthcoming local plans, with the exception of an area adjacent to East Leake.

In the countryside, local plan policies allow for limited small-scale residential development within villages, as long as the existing form and character of the settlement is not adversely affected. In the wider countryside, development is strictly controlled with planning permission only available for agricultural workers’ dwellings and the conversion of traditional agricultural buildings. It is likely that the demand for rural housing will continue to grow, driven by the increasing number of people who want to live in a rural location. The rehabilitation and conversion of old farm buildings to high quality residential dwellings is now widespread. The occupiers of these buildings are largely from the affluent service classes and their arrival has caused shifts in the economic and social structure of the countryside.

Planning permission will not be granted for employment development within the region unless associated with the agricultural or mineral sectors, or for the expansion of an existing business. There are no allocations for employment development within existing local plans. Local plan policies allow for the granting of planning permission for the conversion of agricultural and other rural buildings in the countryside to small-scale employment uses, provided that they help to diversify the rural economy. Continued uncertainty in the agricultural sector and declining incomes will ensure that rural tourism and farm diversification play an increasing role in the economy of the area. This is likely to result in the conversion of existing agricultural buildings and, in some cases, demands for new built development.

Mineral extraction

Gypsum mining has a localised impact upon the region with an active mine and manufacturing centre at East Leake and a manufacturing centre at Gotham. These works exploit the Tutbury gypsum resource which extends from the Soar Valley across to Bunny and on into Leicestershire. The gypsum seam dips south-eastwards below the Rhaetic rocks. The gypsum works are therefore located at the base of the Rhaetic escarpment. The deposits are mined underground without the need for extensive surface development. Visual impact is limited to the local landscape as the escarpment shields many of the views from the south.

Clay is worked at a site close to Bunny, again located at the escarpment base. The site produces bricks, concrete blocks and small quantities of gypsum. A scheme is under way to reclaim much of the site back to agriculture, which involves the importation of inert waste.

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Section 4: Landscape strategies and key recommendations

Introduction

When applied to the landscape, the notion of “character” is not a concept that merely concerns itself with aspects of scenic quality. The character of the landscape derives from a complex interaction of a wide range of physiological and historical phenomena. These include geology, topography, soils, ecology, archaeology, architecture, and local customs and culture, as well as the pattern of land use, settlement and fields. It is the varied interaction between these factors which produces the local and regional variations in character for which the English landscape is famous. The diversity of that character is a central part of our landscape heritage and vital to people’s appreciation and enjoyment of the countryside.

The landscape that we see today is a product of its historical evolution, reflecting the underlying physical resource and the changing nature of human exploitation of the land. The landscape will, of course, continue to change and evolve, reflecting the changing priorities and demands that society places on it. Over recent decades, however, these priorities and demands have often degraded rather than improved the fabric of the landscape. There is now a general consensus that positive action is needed to reverse this trend, and that this should place a high value on conserving and enhancing the inherent character and diversity of our landscapes.

A series of Landscape Strategies and Key Recommendations is set out in this section for each of the landscape types within the region. These should be read in conjunction with the Landscape Guidelines that appear in section 5. Collectively, these will provide the framework for conserving and strengthening the distinctive character and features of the Nottinghamshire Wolds. They will help to ensure that landscape character is reflected in the many decisions and actions that affect its continuing evolution. The intention is not to fossilise change, but to provide a context that will enable policy making, planning and landscape management decisions to be made which respect and sustain the diversity and character of our countryside.

Landscape strategies
These recognise the forces acting upon the landscape and set the broad vision for its future management. The Strategies provide the framework for conserving and enhancing the character and distinctiveness of the landscape. The Landscape Strategies are given in the form of a short summary title, followed by a reasoned justification of why it has been chosen. The strategy options defined for each landscape type generally relate to one, or more than one, of the following four courses of action:
A: Conservation, where the traditional landscape character and “sense of place” are strong, or where many landscape features are notable for their landscape,ecological or historical value. The Landscape Strategy will encourage the good management of the key features which characterise the landscape and recommend the avoidance of out-of-character development.
B: Enhancement, where landscape character is still reasonably strong, but the overall structure and individual features are in decline. The Landscape Strategy will relate to areas where landscape character is perceived to be under threat, and where positive action is required to strengthen the overall character and structure of the landscape.
C: Restoration, where landscape character or individual features have suffered significant decline or damage, but the underlying character and patterns within the landscape are still evident. The Landscape Strategy will seek to replace characteristic features and rebuild the character of the landscape.
D: Creation, where little of the original landscape character or landscape features remain. The Landscape Strategy will set a vision for a new landscape. This will either relate to the characteristics of a former landscape through a process of reconstruction, or aim to create a new and different landscape.

Key recommendations

The Landscape Strategies are supported by a series of Key Recommendations. These develop and focus the overall strategy further by identifying the main actions and priorities for each landscape type. The Key Recommendations are presented as a series of aims, each followed by a justification describing the recommended course of action. The Landscape Strategies and Key Recommendations are summarised at the beginning of the description of each landscape type.

Wooded clay wolds
Landscape strategy

Conserve and enhance the sparsely settled and enclosed character of the landscape

Key recommendations Conserve and strengthen the pattern of field hedgerows and associated tree cover Consider options for enhancing the broad-leaved character of existing woodlands Identify opportunities for new woodland planting on suitable sites Conserve the sparsely settled rural character of the landscape

Landscape strategy

• Conserve and enhance the sparsely settled and enclosed character of the landscape

The traditional pattern of land use and settlement within the Wooded Clay Wolds is closely related to the physical properties of the heavy clay soils that cover its surface, particularly the susceptibility of the land to seasonal waterlogging. This led the area to develop as a grazing region, with the small red brick villages located to the margins of the boulder clay deposits, where a wider variety of soils could be exploited. This sparsely settled character is one of the key features of the landscape along with the well-defined pattern of hedged fields, rolling landform and the distribution of small to medium-scale woodlands. The area has a solid and relatively remote rural character with the exception of the northern edge, which is influenced by the commuter settlements of Cotgrave and Keyworth. The greatest force for change within the landscape has been associated with agriculture rather than development, particularly the arable conversion of large areas of grassland. This has eroded the traditional pastoral character of the landscape so that only 26% of the land now remains under grassland. There has also been some loss of hedgerows locally, although this is not widespread. The landscape has an enclosed character, with its overall structure being defined by a relatively well-maintained pattern of hedged fields, trees and woodlands. The approach advocated in the landscape strategy is therefore to conserve and enhance the features of enclosure, along with the sparsely settled and undeveloped character of the landscape.

Key Recommendations

• Conserve and strengthen the pattern of field hedgerows and associated tree cover

The medium to large-scale pattern of hedged fields forms the principal visual element of the Wooded Clay Wolds. Although there has been some rationalisation of the field pattern, most hedgerows are still intact and generally well-maintained. The conservation and continued management of hedgerows is one of the key priorities for achieving the landscape strategy. In the localised areas where field pattern has become fragmented, it is especially important to conserve primary hedgerows, particularly along roadsides, footpaths, bridleways and parish boundaries.

Hedgerow reinstatement initiatives should initially focus on replacing primary hedgerows, and restoring the basic structure of the landscape in the more open areas. Many hedgerows are thin and gappy and would benefit from being allowed to grow thicker and taller. Measures to conserve and enhance the structure of hedged fields should also focus on strengthening the level of hedgerow tree cover. Variations in the density of hedgerow trees occur throughout the area and this has implications for the character and diversity of the landscape. Greater densities of hedgerow trees occur within the smaller-scale pastoral landscapes adjacent to the village settlements. Variations also occur within the arable dominated farmlands where certain areas are characterised by quite a high density of trees whilst others are relatively devoid of tree cover. Ash, oak and willow are the principal species. The establishment of more hedgerow trees will help to emphasise the enclosure pattern and allow filtered views across the rolling landscape. Hedgerow tree establishment should therefore form an important part of the overall strategy to increase the tree cover, along with small to medium-scale woodland planting initiatives.

• Consider options for enhancing the broad-leaved character of existing woodlands

The broad-leaved character of existing woodlands is an important feature of the Wooded Clay Wolds. This is despite the fact that slightly over half of the existing woodland is planted with conifers and non-native deciduous species. The bulk of this is confined to Cotgrave Forest and Borders Wood so that, in the wider landscape, broad-leaved woodlands predominate. Out of the total woodland cover of 6%, 48% is broad-leaved. It is important that broad-leaved species predominate and that measures are taken to enhance the broad-leaved character of existing woodland when considering replacement planting schemes. Restocking with appropriate native trees and shrubs should be the management priority, but it is possible to include a proportion of conifers to increase the diversity of shape, colour and texture.

In line with the above and Forestry Commission policy, commercial conifer plantations should not be developed at the expense of remaining areas of deciduous woodland. Their ecological and landscape value should be enhanced by improving structural diversity through appropriate long-term felling programmes. Plantation edges should be contoured to produce irregular, rather than rectangular shapes. Edges should be “softened” by the establishment of native tree and shrub species along boundaries and rides.

• Identify opportunities for new woodland planting on suitable sites

Woodland forms an important component of the overall landscape structure of the Wooded Clay Wolds. The woodland pattern, leaving aside the main blocks of coniferous and mixed plantation, is set by a variable distribution of small to medium-scale, predominantly broad-leaved woodland. This variable pattern produces areas of well-wooded landscape locally, along with more open areas of enclosure landscape. The more wooded areas introduce diversity and complexity, helping to mitigate any sense of uniformity. Tree and woodland planting can often be used to good effect to enhance the structure and unity of farmed landscapes. Measures to increase the existing level of tree cover should therefore form a priority for enhancing the interest and diversity of the Wooded Clay Wolds, principally through the planting of broad-leaved woodland using native tree and shrub species. Woodlands should be small to medium in size and sited where possible on hilltops and rising ground, to a maximum of the general enclosure scale. New woodlands should be carefully sited and designed to emphasise the field pattern and retain medium distance views across the landscape. Planting on areas of unimproved grassland should be avoided. There is also the opportunity for some mixed woodland planting, as long as attention is paid to edges and skylines.

Woodland planting programmes should be combined with other initiatives to strengthen tree cover. These should focus on rural settlement, individual farmsteads and rural dwellings, and measures to increase the number of hedgerow trees.

• Conserve the sparsely settled rural character of the landscape

The Wooded Clay Wolds have a sparsely settled and relatively undeveloped rural character. Isolated farmsteads and individual rural dwellings are the main settlement type with the small rural villages confined to the margins of the boulder clay plateau. It is important that planning policies should seek to protect the sparsely settled, undeveloped character of the landscape by the restriction of major new built development. It is important that new development is small in scale and located, as far as possible, within existing villages and in a manner which will conserve the historic settlement pattern.

Clay wolds
Landscape strategy

Conserve the historic features and the sparsely settled, traditional pastoral character of the landscape

Key Recommendations Conserve the traditional character and pattern of rural settlement Conserve all areas of permanent pasture and seek opportunities for restoring pastoral character Promote measures for conserving and enhancing the historic features and ecological diversity of grassland habitats Conserve the historic pattern and features of hedgerows and rural lanes

Landscape Strategy

• Conserve the historic features and the sparsely settled, pastoral character of the landscape

The traditional pattern of land use within the Clay Wolds has remained largely unchanged since enclosure. These mature and rolling landscapes have a distinct and undeveloped rural character with a strong sense of historic continuity. Remnants of a mediaeval system of farming are widely imprinted upon the landscape and are reflected in the widespread occurrence of ridge and furrow and deserted village sites. The steep relief of the Liassic escarpment and the heavy clay soils have contributed towards the survival of these important pastoral landscapes. The principal features are the irregular pattern of hedged fields, permanent pastures, mature hedgerow trees, narrow country lanes and small red brick villages. The landscape is free from urban and industrial influences and exhibits a unified rural character. The antiquity of many of the features has ensured that this is an ecologically as well as visually diverse landscape with an abundance of species-rich grasslands, hedgerows and roadside verges. The approach advocated in the landscape strategy is therefore to conserve the historic features and the sparsely settled, traditional pastoral character of the landscape.

Key Recommendations

• Conserve the traditional character and pattern of rural settlement

The historic settlement pattern of red brick villages is an important part of the character and overall landscape structure of the Clay Wolds. Willoughby-on-the Wolds and Wysall are located at the centre of their parishes on the boulder clay deposits, whilst Upper Broughton is situated immediately to the east of the clay mantle, on the Liassic escarpment. The only other form of settlement is the isolated farmsteads. Built development accounts for just over 3% of the total land area. In order to conserve the landscape’s historic settlement pattern and rural integrity, it is vital that new development in open countryside is avoided. The villages have retained their distinctive vernacular character, with buildings of red brick and pantile roofed construction. A limited amount of more recent development is to be found within the villages, introducing buildings that do not harmonise with the vernacular style. Local planning policies should seek to balance the scale and layout of any further development with measures to conserve the integrity and distinctive character of rural settlement. It is also important that new development is directed, as far as possible, towards existing villages in order to conserve the nucleated settlement pattern.

• Conserve all areas of permanent pasture and seek opportunities for restoring pastoral character

The Clay Wolds have traditionally been a predominantly pastoral landscape. This tradition has endured to the present day with around 80% of the farmland still set to grassland. The Clay Wolds contain the most extensive and continuous area of pastoral landscape within the County and have a unique and highly valued character. The permanent grasslands are often relatively unimproved and are associated with small-scale field pattern, old mixed hedgerows, ridge and furrow and village edges. These peaceful and aesthetically pleasing landscapes provide a vital link with the traditional character of the Clay Wolds. It is crucial that they are conserved if the historic character of the landscape is not to be lost. Changes to non-agricultural uses such as golf courses, theme parks and caravan parks should be resisted. These would introduce a suburban influence that would fracture the rural unity of the landscape. The conservation of the intimate and historic character of the landscape forms a management priority and any proposals for the alternative use of land should therefore be subject to close examination.

The main force for change within the Nottinghamshire Wolds over recent decades has been associated with agricultural intensification, particularly the ploughing up of grassland and conversion to arable cropping. This has led to a loss of landscape features and a fragmentation of pastoral character in some areas. Opportunities to restore pastoral character should therefore be sought. This may be achieved through the application of government grants and incentives that seek to promote environmentally friendly farming.

• Promote measures for conserving and enhancing the historic features and ecological diversity of grassland habitats

Many of the permanent pastures within the Clay Wolds are floristically diverse habitats of high historic and nature conservation interest, supporting a wide variety of insect and animal life. The Clay Wolds contain the most extensive areas of ridge and furrow in the County. The ridge and furrow grasslands are remnants of mediaeval landscapes that were enclosed and set to pasture. Today they are of great archaeological and visual interest and an integral element of the landscape’s distinctive pastoral character. Since enclosure the grasslands have traditionally been used for haymaking and summer grazing using low input forms of management which have ensured the survival of the ridge and furrow as well as creating grasslands with high aesthetic and ecological value. This value has declined in more recent times with the introduction of intensive management. Managing permanent pastures sensitively, using traditional low input methods, will help to maintain and improve their conservation value whilst protecting the historic interest of the ridge and furrow. The agricultural improvement of grassland should therefore be avoided. Landowners are now eligible to enter a range of schemes that promote sensitive and unintensive forms of grassland management.

• Conserve the historic pattern and features of hedgerows and rural lanes

The historic and intricate enclosure pattern of small-scale irregular hedged fields and rural lanes forms the principal visual element of the Clay Wolds. The historic pattern of hedged fields has been preserved almost entirely intact, with little evidence of field rationalisation. Many of the hedgerows are species-rich. The retention of this field pattern is crucial if the distinctive and historic character of the landscape is to be maintained. The grubbing out of hedgerows should therefore be avoided. The field pattern is formed by a combination of strong, well-managed, stock-proof hedgerows and more neglected, overgrown gappy hedgerows which are often back-fenced. In order to enhance the overall field pattern, hedgerows should be managed positively, with laying, coppicing and trimming being encouraged as appropriate. Hedgerow trees are an important feature of the enclosure pattern and also contribute greatly to the distinctive character of the Clay Wolds. These are the most important component of the landscape’s tree cover, with woodland accounting for only 1% of the area. A significant proportion of the trees have now reached an advanced stage of growth with their height and stature adding to the impression of being within a mature pastoral landscape. Ash, oak and willow are the main species. The existing hedgerow tree cover should be maintained and enhanced and over-mature trees replaced. New woodland planting is not appropriate unless very small in scale and limited in extent, avoiding the areas of unimproved pasture and ridge and furrow.

Special features of many of the rural lanes are the wide grass verges and strong intact hedgerows that flank the narrow carriageways. These lanes, once used for cattle droving, are an important component of the overall character and structure of the landscape, reinforcing the area’s strong pastoral character. They are important for both their historical and ecological interest. It is essential that these features are conserved, both through sympathetic management and the avoidance of inappropriate highway improvement schemes.

Wooded hills and scarps
Landscape strategy

Conserve and restore the distinctive pastoral and heavily wooded character of the landscape

Key Recommendations Restore the traditional pastoral character and diversity of scarp grasslands Promote measures to enhance the semi-natural appearance and ecological diversity of scarp woodland Identify opportunities for new woodland planting on suitable sites

Landscape strategy

• Conserve and restore the distinctive pastoral and heavily wooded character of the landscape

The character and pattern of land use of the Wooded Hills and Scarps has traditionally been one of woodland and pasture. Limitations placed on the use of this land by the steep slopes are reflected in the mix of unimproved pasture, rough grassland, semi-natural ancient woodland and scrub habitats. Mature plantation woodlands are also common. The Wooded Hills and Scarps are prominent and visually appealing features, particularly when viewed from the agricultural landscapes to the north. They also help soften and mask medium to long-distance views of Ratcliffe on Soar power station. The main force for change has been agricultural, with many of the lower slopes now used for arable cropping. This has fragmented the traditional alternating pattern of woodland and pasture in some areas. The approach advocated by the landscape strategy is therefore to conserve and restore the distinctive pastoral and heavily wooded character of the landscape. This broad strategy will ensure a sense of continuity within landscapes that have historically been well-wooded.

Key Recommendations

• Restore the traditional pastoral character and diversity of scarp grasslands

The landscape of the Wooded Hills and Scarps has historically been a mixture of woodland, pasture and rough grassland. Grassland uses now cover 30% of the area. The area of arable cultivation has increased in recent decades, principally on the gentler lower slopes. The pastures and rough grasslands are now largely confined to the steeper sloping land. The grasslands provide a vital link with the traditional character of the area and it is crucial that they are conserved if the historic character of the landscape is to be maintained. The neutral and calcareous conditions have led to the development of grasslands that support a wide variety of insect and animal life. Many of the permanent pastures and rough grasslands are floristically diverse habitats of high nature conservation interest. Managing permanent pastures sensitively, using traditional low input methods, will help to maintain and improve their conservation value. Agricultural improvement should be avoided. Where grasslands have been ploughed up and used for arable cropping, landscape features are often lost, with a subsequent fragmentation in the character of the landscape. Opportunities to restore pastoral character should therefore be sought, particularly on the steeper sloping areas between existing woodlands. This may be achieved through the application of government grants and incentives that seek to promote environmentally friendly farming.

• Promote measures to enhance the semi-natural appearance and ecological diversity of scarp woodland

The prominence of the hills and scarps is greatly enhanced by the presence of woodland. The semi-natural character of this woodland is a key feature of the landscape, with three scarp woodlands classified as ancient. Bunny Old Wood, an ancient coppice, lies on the steep escarpment to the south of Bunny. Two smaller woodlands are found on the hills to the south and west of Gotham. Whilst the priority is the conservation and management of all ancient woodland sites, attention must also be given to enhancing the semi-natural appearance and ecological diversity of other broad-leaved woodlands.

• Identify opportunities for new tree and woodland planting on suitable sites

The Wooded Hills and Scarps have a woodland cover of 26% formed by small to medium-scale woodlands capping many of the hills and dense woodlands along the escarpments. There are opportunities to enhance landscape character through the planting of additional woodlands using locally native trees and shrubs. The management priority is to maintain the structure of alternating areas of unimproved pasture and woodland. Planting in the pastoral areas should therefore be avoided. Careful attention should be paid to the scale and form of such woodlands so that the effect created by irregular and sinuous wooded edges flowing downslope from wood-capped hill summits is strengthened. There are a small number of woodlands regenerating naturally which have currently reached the successional stage of tall scrub. These should be allowed to reach maturity. The opportunities to establish new areas of woodland through natural regeneration should also be explored. Hedgerow trees occur mainly within the more neglected hedgerows enclosing the pastoral areas on the steeper slopes. The field boundaries are strengthened by the presence of these mature trees, although some are now over-mature and in need of replacement. The existing hedgerow tree cover should therefore be maintained and enhanced, either through selection and natural regeneration, or the planting of individual hedgerow trees in gaps.

Village farmlands
Landscape strategy

Conserve and strengthen the traditional agricultural character of the landscape

Key recommendations Conserve and strengthen the traditional pattern of hedged fields Identify opportunities to strengthen the existing level of woodland and hedgerow tree cover Conserve and strengthen the visual and ecological continuity of stream corridors Conserve the character and setting of village settlement Conserve the character of village side pastoral landscapes Promote measures for achieving a better integration of new and existing development in the countryside

Landscape strategy

• Conserve and strengthen the traditional agricultural character of the landscape

The traditional pattern of land use and settlement is closely related to the physiographic features in this part of the region. The productive brown earth soils have historically supported a more diverse agriculture than in other parts of the region, with mixed farming dominating. The key features of the landscape are the markedly rolling to hilly landform, the well-defined pattern of hedged fields and the layout of farms and rural settlement. Some of these features are now in decline due to agricultural intensification. This has led to the localised loss of field pattern and to hedgerows that are gappy and dying out at the base. The layout, setting and character of rural settlement is an important part of the landscape fabric of the Village Farmlands. This has been affected, to some degree, by inappropriate “suburban style” development. This is particularly pronounced in East Leake, which has developed into a large commuter settlement. The Village Farmlands themselves have a comparatively low level of woodland cover, although adjacent areas of well-wooded landscape have a strong impact locally. The mixed farmland character is set by alternating areas of arable land, smaller-scale pastoral areas next to settlement, and damp pastures along the Kingston Brook. These areas create much of the diversity and sense of place within the landscape. The overall approach advocated by the management strategy is therefore to conserve and strengthen the traditional agricultural character of the landscape. The management priorities are to conserve the traditional character and setting of rural settlement, strengthen the pattern of hedgerows and woodlands, and enhance the mixed farmland character of the landscape.

Key Recommendations

• Conserve and strengthen the traditional pattern of hedged fields

A key to achieving the overall strategy for the Village Farmlands is to conserve and, where necessary, restore those features that form the essential fabric of the landscape. The medium to large-scale enclosure pattern is an important and distinctive feature and the priority should be to maintain and strengthen the traditional pattern of hedged fields. The field pattern has remained largely intact, although there are tracts of countryside in the more intensively farmed arable areas where field pattern has become fragmented or lost. It is especially important in these areas to conserve primary hedgerows, particularly along roadsides, footpaths, bridleways and parish boundaries. Hedgerow reinstatement initiatives are necessary in some areas to restore the basic structure of the landscape. Many hedgerows are thin and gappy and would benefit from being allowed to grow thicker and taller.

• Identify opportunities to strengthen the existing level of woodland and hedgerow tree cover

Tree and woodland planting can often be used to good effect to enhance the structure and unity of farmed landscapes. The Village Farmlands have a low level of woodland cover, accounting for approximately 3.5% of the area, formed from a light distribution of small-scale woodlands on hill tops and sloping ground. The woodlands are almost entirely (95%) broad-leaved in character. A significant proportion is concentrated within the parkland landscape at Stanford Hall. There is scope to enhance the interest and diversity of the Village Farmlands by increasing the overall level of woodland cover. New planting should be small to medium in scale and preferably targeted on hill tops and rising ground. The aim should be to frame views across the enclosed farmlands rather than restrict them completely. New woodlands should not impede medium distance views across the landscape and should be shaped and positioned to accord with the existing field pattern. Planting should be to a larger scale in the areas where the field pattern has broken down, with care given to the relationship between local landform and the shape of new woodlands. New woodlands should use broad-leaved native tree and shrub species. There is, however, scope for some mixed woodland planting, as long as attention is paid to edges and skylines. Planting above field corner scale should be avoided in pastoral landscapes adjacent to the smaller village settlements.

Woodland planting programmes should be combined with other initiatives to strengthen tree cover, focusing on rural settlements, the urban fringe and individual farmsteads and rural dwellings. Traditionally, hedgerow trees were the most important element of the landscape’s overall tree cover. The distribution of hedgerow trees is now highly variable with greater concentrations found in the pastoral landscapes than in the arable dominated areas. Ash and oak are the principal species. The enclosure pattern in the Village Farmlands has suffered some fragmentation but is generally strong and well-defined. The establishment of more hedgerow trees will help to emphasise this further and allow filtered views across the landscape.

• Conserve and strengthen the visual and ecological continuity of stream corridors

Waterside trees and shrubs are important features of the Village Farmlands, found along the Kingston Brook and the tributary streams that feed into it. These irregularly shaped linear features add variety and interest to the landscape, often forming historic boundaries. Riparian tree and shrub-lined features should therefore be conserved and managed to retain their interest. The visual prominence and ecological diversity of these features should also be strengthened by encouraging natural regeneration or through new planting. Willow pollards are a feature along a number of the streams and adjacent hedgerows, adding to the diversity of the landscape. The traditional practice of pollarding should be encouraged to maintain these attractive and historic features.

Unimproved pastures and wet meadows have traditionally been characteristic features of the Kingston Brook. In places, arable agriculture has encroached to the channel edge and disrupted the visual and ecological continuity of the valley. All areas of alluvial grassland should therefore be conserved with unintensive forms of management promoted to improve their ecological value. Opportunities should also be sought to convert arable farmland to pasture where this will enhance the traditional riparian character.

• Conserve the character and setting of village settlement

There is a close relationship between settlement and water supply within the Village Farmlands, with villages located along stream lines and to the margins of the Soar Valley. The traditional character of villages and farmsteads is set by the vernacular red brick and pantile roofed buildings. This character is also found within the heart of the enlarged commuter settlement at East Leake, marking the historic extent of the former village. Although the villages have largely retained their traditional rural character, recent infill developments have weakened the overall character and integrity of individual settlements by introducing buildings with a suburban character, as well as affecting the traditional relationship between buildings, areas of open space and the historic bond with small-scale pastoral landscapes fringing the village edges. This is particularly evident at East Leake, where suburban-style residential development has engulfed the old village centre. Local planning policies should seek to balance the scale and layout of new development with measures to conserve the integrity, setting and distinctive character of rural settlement. It is important that new development is located, as far as possible, within existing settlement in order to conserve the historic settlement pattern.

• Conserve the character of village side pastoral landscapes

The Village Farmlands have traditionally been a mixed farming area. The high quality agricultural soils have ensured that arable cultivation has become dominant, although 30% of the area is still under grassland. Of this, almost 60% is now agriculturally improved grassland. The traditional mixed farming character is therefore still evident. The permanent pastures are, for the most part, linked with village edges. They are often relatively unimproved and associated with small-scale field pattern, old mixed hedgerows, and occasional areas of ridge and furrow. These peaceful, undisturbed and aesthetically pleasing landscapes provide an important contrast to the more uniform arable and improved grassland areas. The intimate pastoral areas provide much of the diversity within the Village Farmlands, introducing varieties of scale, colour, and texture to the wider landscape pattern. It is vital that this diversity is maintained by conserving all areas of pastoral landscape.

• Promote measures for achieving a better integration of new and existing development in the countryside

A small number of settlements within the Village Farmlands have expanded over recent decades into sizable commuter villages. These settlements have imposed a suburban character on surrounding areas of countryside; this is particularly the case for East Leake, and to a lesser extent Sutton Bonington. Residential edges can appear harsh and abrupt with little effort expended on integrating built developments into the landscape. New tree and woodland planting provides the best method of softening the impact of hard built edges. This should aim to produce filtered views of the built edges, rather than attempt to mask the settlement altogether. It is important for local residents that views out from settlement are retained. Off-site woodland planting increases the opportunity to integrate modern development into the surrounding countryside, and to tie in with the wider landscape structure. Only locally native tree and shrub species should be used. New developments should be carefully designed to avoid straight and densely built edges, allowing open green breaks and areas of new tree planting to run into them. Existing tree and woodland features should be retained and incorporated into the design.

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Section 5:  Landscape guidelines

Introduction

The Landscape Guidelines that follow act as the mechanism for implementing the aims of the Landscape Strategies and Key Recommendations by indicating how specific aspects of landscape character can be conserved, enhanced or restored. The Guidelines are design-based and relate to the management of all the individual features and components of the landscape, highlighting possible courses of action and mechanisms for implementation. The Guidelines provide the framework to place wider landscape considerations at the heart of the conception and design process for individual projects. They also recommend appropriate courses of action for integrating nature conservation measures into the process of change.

The Landscape Guidelines are presented in the form of a summary statement, followed by a justification for that course of action. The Guidelines are grouped under a number of topic headings, rather than by landscape type, as this better reflects the specific management issues and range of potential users of this manual. To aid clarity each topic area has been assigned a stylised symbol as follows.

	Rural villages		Parkland and ornamental grounds
	Farmsteads and rural dwellings		Historic features
	Urban development		Farmland
	Woodland		Recreational land
	Hedgerow trees		Highways and rural lanes
	Hedgerows		Utilities and industrial sites
	Meadowland and pasture		Develpment mitigation
	Rivers and stream lines

Conserve and enhance the local vernacular character of village settlement

The traditional character of villages within the region is set by the vernacular style of red brick and pantile roofed buildings. The bricks and tiles were made from local clay and sit naturally within the landscape. A range of other building styles is also found, including newer developments that do not harmonise with the vernacular style. These buildings can appear out o fplace, introducing a suburban influence that sometimes disrupts the overall sense of rural unity. The conservation of the distinctive vernacular style is a priority. All new developments should seek to complement and harmonise with the local vernacular style.

Conserve the traditional settlement pattern of small red brick villages by avoiding new development in open areas of countryside

The historic settlement pattern of farms and red brick villages is an important component of the rural character of the Nottinghamshire Wolds. For the most part the region has a remote, sparsely settled and undeveloped rural character. Over the last few decades the region has been affected by the expansion of Greater Nottingham and the growth of the villages of Cotgrave, Keyworth and East Leake into large commuter settlements. Built development now accounts for 6% of the total land area of the region. Although the size and character of these villages has altered radically, the traditional settlement pattern is still intact elsewhere. Any new development in open countryside that could adversely affect the historic settlement pattern or rural character of the region should therefore be avoided. New built development should be restricted, as far as possible, to existing settlements. Where new housing is necessary in the wider countryside, it should reflect the dispersed pattern of isolated farmsteads and other buildings that lie outside the village envelopes. Single dwellings rather than groups of dwellings should be preferred. This will maintain the traditional pattern of settlement, as long as attention is given to the scale, siting and design of new buildings, which should incorporate features which reflect the local vernacular character.

Protect and enhance the internal open space and irregular outline of village settlements

Many of the villages in the region contain areas of open green land. These are found internally within the village centres or as open green breaks running into the villages from the surrounding countryside. These open spaces typically comprise permanent pastures and horse paddocks, allotments, gardens, village greens, commons, small parks and play areas, and other areas of amenity land and open space. The many open breaks between buildings create village forms that are essentially irregular in outline. These village outlines harmonise well with adjacent farmed landscapes, which are usually intimate pastoral landscapes with small-scale irregular field pattern. The village side landscapes provide much of the diversity and “sense of place” within the region. Infill developments that would significantly disrupt or destroy their regular pattern of village outlines should be resisted. New development should be designed and sited sympathetically to complement and reinforce their regular nature of settlement edges, with adequate provision for internal open space and direct green linkages to surrounding farmlands.

Conserve the character of rural villages by retaining farmsteads within settlements

Farmsteads are an integral feature of certain village settlements within the Nottinghamshire Wolds, contributing greatly to the rural character of the immediate village landscape.The working farms are an important part of the agricultural economy and serve to reinforce the impression of a working agricultural landscape.They also emphasise the historic and economic bonds between the villages and the land. There has been a recent trend toward converting old farmhouses and associated buildings to residential use when farms are sold. The buildings are often sold separately from the rest of the agricultural holding. This weakens the historic ties between the village and the agricultural economy and leads to changes in the character of the village settlements. Local planning policies should therefore seek to encourage the use of these buildings for employment and agricultural diversification purposes, rather than residential conversion.

Conserve and enhance tree cover in and around rural settlements

The attractiveness of rural settlements within the Nottinghamshire Wolds is often enhanced by the presence of trees. These introduce colour, shape, texture and height variations into the angular built environment. They provide wildlife habitat and cultural and historical links for the village dwellers and help tie the built landscape and wider farmed landscape together. Many of the villages are fringed by small-scale pastoral landscapes with mature hedgerow trees. In these are as the landscape of the village edge exhibits a particularly strong and unified character. There tention of existing trees and there placement of lost trees is therefore essential to the maintenance of the distinctive rural character of these settlements. Garden trees play an important role in linking settlement edges into the wider landscape. Property owners should therefore be encouraged to plant appropriate longer-lived trees rather thanquick-growing non-native species. Newplanting should also beundertaken to soften the hard edges of more recent development and consolidate the well-treed character of the villages.

Conserve the character of village side pastoral landscapes

Many of the permanent pastures within the region are now linked with village edges. They are often relatively unimproved and associated with small-scale field pattern, old mixed hedgerows, ridge and furrow and irregular settlement edges. These peaceful, undisturbed and aesthetically pleasing landscapes provide an important contrast to the more uniform arable and improved grassland areas. The intimate pastoral areas provide a vital link with the traditional character of the region, introducing varieties of scale, colour, and texture to the wider landscape pattern. It is vital that this diversity is maintained by conserving the pastoral character of village edges.

Conserve and enhance tree cover around farmsteads and rural dwellings

Clumps of trees are an important feature around farmsteads and rural dwellings where they provide shelter and give a sense of proportion and balance to the built environment. Mature trees are particularly valuable as local landmarks where their presence often produces a strong sense of place. Trees can soften the hard edges of new buildings and help to link the new development into the wider farmed landscape. Tree planting, using locally occurring species, should be encouraged around farmsteads and rural dwellings. The intention is not to hide the buildings, but rather to integrate them into the landscape. Ornamental species planted as quick growing screens, particularly Leylandii, should be avoided.

Agricultural buildings should be sited, designed and landscaped to blend with the surrounding farmed landscape

Farmsteads have traditionally been constructed using materials that conform with the vernacular style. The red brick and pantile roofed buildings are an important feature of the landscape fabric, contributing greatly to local sense of place. The older farmsteads are often surrounded by small pasture fields, hedgerows and mature trees. These features ensure that the red brick buildings are well integrated within the wider farmed landscape. At many locations new farm buildings have been built which are large and constructed from materials that do not complement or fit in with the vernacular style. When considering the siting and design of new agricultural buildings, careful consideration should be given to positioning and choice of building materials. Existing features such as hedgerows, woodlands and trees can be used in conjunction with landform to reduce the visual impact of large buildings. Darker colours will be less obtrusive and will harmonise better with the vernacular style. New landscape features can be created using locally characteristic species, to help blend agricultural buildings into the landscape. These should form an important part of the design process and not be used as a means of simply screening unsightly buildings.

Enhance the appearance of commuter settlement edges with new tree and woodland planting

The character of the Nottinghamshire Wolds has been affected by urban development along the northern edge of the region, with the growth of East Leake, Keyworth and Cotgrave into large commuter settlements. The edges of these settlements sometimes appear harsh and abrupt with little effort expended on integrating built development into the wider countryside. In some areas large-scale, intensively managed arable farmlands directly abut the settlements, increasing the harshness and visibility of the development. New tree and woodland planting around existing development provides the best method of softening the impact of hard built edges. This can be best achieved by allowing established trees to run into a built-up area and by new planting. The aim should be to produce filtered views of the built edges, rather than attempt to mask the settlement altogether. It is important for local residents that views out from settlement are retained. Off-site woodland planting increases the opportunity to integrate modern developments with the surrounding countryside and tie in with the wider landscape structure. Only locally native tree and shrub species should be used. New developments should be carefully designed to avoid straight and densely built edges, allowing open green breaks and areas of new tree planting to run into developments.

Enhance landscape character through the planting of appropriately designed and located new woodlands

Woodland planting can be used to good effect to enhance the visual, amenity and ecological diversity of the region, as long as the location and scale of new woodland planting reflect the scale and character of the surrounding landscape. Planting in the region should generally be small to medium in size to a maximum of field scale. In the Wooded Clay Wolds and Village Farmlands it should be located on hilltops and rising ground, following the advice given in the Key Recommendations for each landscape type. New woodland planting should avoid closing down open medium distance views over the rolling landform and should go hand in hand with measures to increase hedgerow tree cover, where this is practicable. New woodland planting in the Clay Wolds is not appropriate unless very small in scale. New planting within the Wooded Hills and Scarps should aim to maintain the balance between the open areas of unimproved pasture and woodland.

Conserve all ancient and native deciduous woodland sites

Three woodlands are classified as being of ancient origin within the region. These occur on the steep Rhaetic escarpment. The highest priority must be afforded to the conservation of all ancient woodland sites. In nature conservation terms, native deciduous woodlands provide habitat for a much wider range of flora and fauna than do non-native woods. Ancient woodlands in particular accommodate vast ranges of species, including invertebrates, fungi and wildflowers which can only survive in the specialised conditions provided therein. Some woodlands have been planted with conifers and non-native deciduous species. The wildlife value of such woodlands is often less than that of native deciduous woodlands. Further use of non-native species in native woodlands should be avoided and, wherever possible, restocking with appropriate native trees and shrubs should be the management priority.

Consider options for restocking mixed and non-native broad-leaved woodlands to increase the proportion of native tree and shrub species

Slightly over one quarter of all woodland within the region consists of non-native broad-leaved and conifer species. The use of appropriate species in well-designed mixes is important in determining how well tree planting will fit into the landscape. The selection of species will need to reflect a wide range of considerations, including the balance to be struck between nature conservation, landscape enhancement and timber production. It is important however that broad-leaved species predominate if the traditional appearance of the landscape is to be enhanced. Restocking with appropriate native trees and shrubs should be the management priority.

Conserve and enhance tree cover through the replanting and regeneration of hedgerow trees

The small and medium-scale enclosure pattern of hedgerows and associated hedgerow trees forms a dominant feature of the Nottinghamshire Wolds. Variations in the density of hedgerow trees occur throughout the region and this has implications for the character and diversity of the landscape. Greater densities of hedgerow trees occur within the smaller-scale pastoral landscapes adjacent to the village settlements, and in the Clay Wolds landscapes which have historically had a low level of woodland cover. Hedgerow trees help to define and emphasise the pattern of hedged fields, enabling filtered views across the rolling farmland and hills. The establishment of more hedgerow trees should be a priority for increasing tree cover, along with appropriate small to medium-scale woodland planting. Hedgerow tree cover should therefore be maintained and enhanced, through either selection and natural regeneration, or the planting of individual hedgerow trees in gaps. Ash, oak and willow are the principal species.

Encourage the continuing practice of pollarding to maintain the traditional pollarded willows as features of the riparian landscape

Many of the willows which line the Kingston Brook have been pollarded in the past. Pollarded willows are historic and attractive riparian features. Although the original reasons for pollarding willows are no longer strictly relevant, it is important that the practice of pollarding is continued if these traditional waterside trees are to be maintained. Neglecting to pollard/repollard the willows means that in time the top-heavy branches break off, sometimes splitting the main bole and thus threatening the life of the tree. Some of the willows of the Kingston Brook are repollarded on a regular basis but many are neglected. To retain these attractive trees as part of the traditional waterside landscape, pollarding is crucial.

Conserve the traditional pattern of hedged fields

The pattern of hedged fields is an important and distinctive feature of the Nottinghamshire Wolds. The retention of field pattern is crucial if the character of these landscapes is to be maintained. Although there has been some rationalisation, the field pattern has remained largely intact. In thelocalised areas where field pattern has become fragmented it is especially important to conserve primary hedgerows, particularly along roadsides, footpaths, bridleways and parish boundaries.

Promote the positive management of hedgerows to maximise their visual and nature conservation value

The condition of hedgerows in the landscape is variable. In the pastoral areas they are often well-managed and stock-proof. There are, however, many hedgerows in the pastoral areas where under-management is a problem, leading to overgrown and gappy hedgerows with potential long-term health problems. In the arable areas hedgerows have been intensively managed to maximise the cropping potential of the land. These hedges are typically low, gappy and in a poor state of health. In order to enhance the overall field pattern, hedgerows should be managed positively as landscape features. This should involve laying, coppicing and trimming as appropriate. The aim should be to achieve “fuller” and thicker hedgerows. Excessively gappy hedgerows should be gapped up to maintain and enhance the field pattern.

New or replacement hedgerow planting should complement the existing structure and traditional pattern of hedged fields

New hedgerow planting should be encouraged in areas where the traditional pattern of hedged fields has become fragmented or lost. Priority should be given, where practicable, to the reinstatement of primary hedgerows such as those along parish boundaries, roads and public footpaths. New or replacement planting should complement the existing pattern of hedged fields. Variations in the species composition of hedgerows occur throughout the landscape. Hedgerows are overwhelmingly dominated by hawthorn, particularly within the broad areas of arable farmland. A high proportion of hedgerows are species-rich in the Clay Wolds areas and small-scale pastoral areas  adjacent to settlement. The gapping up or reinstatement of hedgerows should seek to mimic the original species composition wherever possible. This will generally involve hawthorn and a mix of other locally characteristic species; however in the Clay Wolds and smaller-scale pastoral landscapes the proportion of hawthorn can be reduced.

Conserve the mixed farmland and pastoral character of the landscape

The areas of the Nottinghamshire Wolds located on the boulder clay plateau have traditionally been used for grazing. Prior to the Second World War around 60% of farmland was set to permanent pasture. The total area of land currently under grassland now stands at 26%. Although the pastoral character of the Clay Wolds has remained intact, arable cultivation has become the dominant land use elsewhere. The end result has been a significant erosion of the region’s traditionally mixed farmland character, with pastoral landscape now mostly confined to the more steeply sloping land and settlement edges. It is crucial that these areas are conserved if the traditional character is not to be lost altogether.

Manage grasslands in a traditional manner and consider opportunities for converting arable land back to pasture

Although there has been a significant reduction in the area set to permanent pasture, there are still many floristically diverse habitats to be found. These are of high nature conservation interest, supporting a wide variety of insect and animal life. Managing permanent pastures sensitively, using traditional low input methods, will help to maintain and improve their conservation value. The agricultural improvement of grassland should be avoided. Where grasslands have been ploughed up and converted to arable, landscape features are often lost with a subsequent fragmentation of character. Opportunities to restore pastoral character should therefore be sought, particularly within the Clay Wolds and along settlement edges. This may be achieved through the application of government grants and incentives that seek to promote environmentally friendly farming.

Conserve and enhance tree cover through the replanting and regeneration of stream-line trees

Numerous stream lines drain the boulder clay mantle. These feed into the Kingston Brook or drain westwards directly to the Soar. These irregularly shaped linear features add variety and interest to the landscape, often forming historic boundaries. This variety is especially important in landscapes where there is a more regular field pattern. Riparian tree and shrub-lined features should be conserved and managed to retain their interest. Their linear nature should also be strengthened by encouraging natural regeneration or through new planting. Willow is the principal tree species along with ash and a range of riparian shrubs.

Conserve all areas of permanent pasture along the Kingston Brook.  Manage grasslands traditionally and consider opportunities to convert arable land to pasture, especially where it will enhance the continuity of the riparian corridor

The narrow valley floor of the Kingston Brook contains significant areas of permanent pasture and wet meadows, which, in combination with other riparian features, give rise to a strong, traditional sense of place. Ecologically the grass swards are often diverse, harbouring a range of floristic and invertebrate species. Arable agriculture has encroached on to the valley bottom in certain areas, which has led to a diminished sense of place and a fragmentation in the visual continuity of the riparian corridor. For landscape, historical and ecological reasons it is vital that all remaining areas of permanent pasture are conserved. Converting arable farmland to pasture would help to enhance the traditional sense of place in the Kingston Brook landscape. The aesthetic and ecological value of permanent pasture depends largely on the way it is managed. If management is intensive its aesthetic and ecological appeal will tend to decline. If managed unintensively then these values should increase. It is possible to create old-fashioned species rich pastures if the correct techniques and an appropriate seed mixture are used. Once such pastures are created, sensitive, unintensive management will lead to a long-term increase in this aesthetic and wildlife value.

Enhance the character of the Kingston Brook by the planting and regeneration of appropriate riparian tree and shrub species

An essential element of the riparian character of the Kingston Brook landscape is the presence of waterside trees and shrubs, notably willow, ash and hawthorn. The trees define the meandering watercourse and give it visual significance. The trees and shrubs also offer valuable habitat to a range of wildlife. There are stretches of the brook where the trees and shrubs have been removed. Here visual continuity breaks down, the watercourses enjoy less landscape significance and the wildlife value decreases. In order to enhance these important aspects it is vital that natural regeneration and the planting and maintenance of riparian trees is encouraged.

All areas of ridge and furrow should be managed to retain their historic interest

Grasslands containing ridge and furrow are found at various locations, particularly on steeper sloping land and in small pastures close to settlement. The ridge and furrow grasslands are remnants of mediaeval landscapes that were enclosed and set to pasture. Many ridge and furrow grasslands have been lost over recent decades with the ploughing up and arable conversion of land. This has increased the historic importance and rarity of the remaining features. Where ridge and furrow survives, its very antiquity is an indicator that the grassland sward has never been ploughed and reseeded, and it is often floristically diverse. Ridge and furrow grasslands therefore have high historic, landscape and nature conservation interest, and all surviving areas should be conserved. This is especially important within the Clay Wolds where these features have survived over relatively large areas.

Conserve and enhance all ornamental parkland planting and individual parkland trees

A large area of mature wooded parkland landscape is centred around Stanford Hall. A smaller pocket also exists at StAnne’s Manor, close to Cropwell Butler. The ornamental plantings and specimen trees create localised areas of well-wooded landscape. The parklands add diversity, are visually appealing, offer historic interest and often provide homes to a variety of wildlife. The conservation of the parkland plantings and specimen trees should form a priority. Measures should be taken, via appropriate management, to enhance the interest of the parkland, taking full account of the original design intentions of individual parks.

Conserve the pastoral character of traditional parkland landscapes

The parkland landscapes at Stanford Halland StAnne’s Manor have great visual appeal, much of which arises from the permanent grasslands which have traditionally been grazed by a range of parkland animals. Parkland grasslands often contain a diversity o fwild flora and fauna due to the antiquity of the parklands and because the grasslands have tended to be managed in a traditional manner. The grasslands therefore are of historic, landscape and nature conservation importance, and should be conserved and, where possible, managed in a traditional manner.

Set-aside land should be managed positively to enhance its landscape and wildlife interest

A variety of options is now available to farmers within the current set-aside scheme. These range from short-term rotations through to longer-term schemes where the same piece of land can be set aside over several years. Land managed under habitat and forestry schemes can now count as part of the set-aside obligation under the Arable Area Payments Scheme. There is now considerable scope for land to be managed positively in order to enhance landscape and wildlife interest. Both wildlife and landscape features can be restored or created at the field scale, or as conservation headlands, wildlife margins and grass margins. Such areas are of greatest value where they provide linkages between existing features such as woodlands, hedgerows, streams and ponds. The longer-term options allow the restoration and creation of a range of features such as wildflower meadows. Woodland establishment schemes offer significant opportunities to enhance landscape character.

Conserve rural character by retaining existing features in all development schemes

The suburbanising influences associated with new development are an increasing pressure on the rural character of the countryside. These influences are having a subtle, but cumulative impact, especially on all matters of design. Examples include: the external modernisation of buildings; the erection of corporate roadside signs; the replacement of roadside hedges with quick growing ornamental screens; the increased use of security fencing; and even standardised landscaping schemes. Much more discretion is needed when applying design standards in rural landscapes. In particular, original features such as walls, traditional gates and pillars, roadside hedges and mature trees should be retained if at all possible. Where this is not possible, consideration should be given to moving or replacing such features.

Diversify roadside character through the management and creation of flower-rich grasslands on highway verges

The settlements of the Nottinghamshire Wolds are linked by a network of narrow country lanes. These lanes are an important component of the overall character and structure of the region, particularly within the Clay Wolds. The lanes contain many special features including species-rich verges, thick roadside hedgerows, hedgebanks and mature roadside trees. These are important features in their own right and a central component of the region’s rural character. They should be conserved and managed to retain their historic, visual and ecological interest. Any improvements to the road network should respect local landscape diversity by avoiding uniformity and standardised treatments and by replacing any lost features.

Diversify roadside character through the management and creation of flower-rich grasslands on highway verges

Special features of many of the lanes are the grass verges and strong intact hedgerows that flank the narrow carriageways. These lanes are an important component of the overall character and structure of the landscape. Roadside verges serve a number of practical purposes, including acting as a buffer between the road and the ditch/hedge, a safe place for walkers and riders, and a convenient place to locate services. As well as these practical functions, roadside verges also perform an aesthetic and ecological function. Many of the road verges are species-rich, similar in species composition to remnant hay meadows that have never been ploughed, reseeded or agriculturally improved. They still contain a wide range of wildflowers and grasses which in turn support a wealth of invertebrate life, birds and small mammals. The conservation interest of the verges should be maintained and, where possible, enhanced through appropriate management. The creation of flower-rich verges containing native, slow-growing grass species would add to the visual appeal and diversity of the landscape, offer greater habitat potential for wildlife and require less management than many of the existing verges.

All road improvement schemes should include a landscape impact assessment

The construction of new roads and the widening or realignment of existing roads can have a major impact on the character of the landscape. The visual impact of new roads can often be reduced by careful route selection. It is important therefore that landscape considerations are carefully assessed at the start of all such schemes, as no amount of landscaping will compensate for the impact of a badly chosen route. Where improvements to existing roads are necessary, a nearly assessment should also be undertaken to identify locally important features that need to be retained or replaced.

Conserve rural character by limiting standardised treatments during highway improvement schemes

The improvement of rural roads and lanes to meet modern highway standards invariably results in the removal of existing features and the introduction of new suburban influences into the countryside. Traffic calming measures should therefore be considered as an alternative option in rural areas. Where improvements are necessary, standardised treatments such as concrete kerbing, galvanised crash barriers, new or replacement street lighting and the erection of modern road signs should be used only where absolutely necessary. Such features are not only visually intrusive but also look out of place in the countryside. As an alternative, consideration should be given to the use of more traditional materials and locally distinctive designs for such things as kerbing, street lighting and road signs.

The design of recreational and sporting facilities, such as golf courses, should reflect the character of the local landscape

The Nottinghamshire Wolds have a generally strong rural character, with suburban influences limited to the northern areas where there has been a growth in commuter settlement. The introduction of large numbers of ornamental or coniferous trees, the removal of hedgerow or stream-line trees, or the erection of modern buildings using introduced materials would fracture their unity of the landscape. To minimise intrusion, recreational facilities should be designed sensitively to retain and enhance the traditional character, features of interest and local sense of place. Any developments should make a positive contribution to the quality of the landscape, with a comprehensive assessment of the potential impact of any recreational or sporting development on the landscape character of the area.

Landscaping around utilities and other rural devlopment shoud be better integrated into the wider countryside

Landscaping around utilities and other development in the countryside usually involves screen planting in geometric blocks, or on raised bunds, to hide new development. While these mitigation measures are better than nothing at all, the effect is often lost because the contrast between the landscaped area and surrounding farmland is just as obvious. In rural areas the success of landscaping around sites, such as sewage works, will depend to a large extent on how well they have been integrated into the wider landscape. Particular attention should be given to the treatment of the site perimeter to ensure that it is tied strongly into the adjoining field pattern. Similarly, tree planting within the site should be linked to new or existing trees beyond the perimeter of the site. Better siting and design of new buildings should also be considered in addition to landscaping works. It is better to soften a well-designed building with a few trees than hide an ugly building with screen planting.

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Species list
Nottinghamshire Wolds

Dominant Species
Other Species Present

The following list includes native tree and shrub species that are commonly found within the Nottinghamshire Wolds region and are suitable for inclusion in planting schemes. These are important for determining the area’s regional character. A range of other native species may also be appropriate to particular locations or sites. In these cases professional advice should be sought. A list of organisations able to provide such advice has been included in the section 'Further Information'.

TREES	Woodlands	Hedges	Hedgerow Trees	Wet Areas/Streamsides
Ash
Beech
Cherry (Wild)
Elm (Wych)
Lime (Small Leaved)
Lime (Large Leaved and Hybrid)
Maple (Field)
Oak (Common)
Willow (Crack)
Willow (White)
Yew

SHRUBS	Woodlands	Hedges	Hedgerow Trees	Wet Areas/Streamsides
Blackthorn
Buckthorn (Purging)
Dogwood (Common)
Guelder Rose
Hawthorn
Hazel
Holly
Privet (Wild)
Rosa Spp.
Willow (Goat)
Willow (Grey)