South Dorset Downs
The South Dorset Downs is an expansive, agricultural area of open chalk upland running from the Black Down in the west to Winfrith Newburgh in the east.
The South Dorset Downs is an expansive, agricultural area of open chalk upland running from the Black Down in the west to Winfrith Newburgh in the east.
The South Dorset Downs is an expansive, agricultural area of open chalk upland running from the Black Down in the west to Winfrith Newburgh in the east. Although large areas retain a rural character, parts have a more developed and complex character than the Chaldon Downs, due to the proximity of main roads, National Grid power lines and larger scale urban developments. It drains into the rivers South Winterborne and Frome rising to the South Dorset Escarpment to the south. It is dominated by broad, open and rolling downland, with gentle convex slopes and small-broad valleys. A simple pattern of regular dense hedgerows enhance the sense of structure with occasional broad-leaved woodlands set within a mixed pastoral and arable landscape. It has a textured appearance due to agricultural patterns of arable cultivation on gentle slopes, some rough grazing on the deeper valley sides and largely pastures on the broad valley floors. Small nucleated and linear villages dispersed within the landscape have a strong association with the agricultural estate character.
Land shape and structure
The area has a structure of undulating topography with the open chalk uplands rising to a series of summits up to 237m at Blackdown, the location of the Hardy Monument. The uniformity of the landform with rolling, convex hills, gentle slopes and shallow valleys defines much of the open, large scale character of the South Dorset Downs.
Soils and vegetation
Calcareous soils are developed directly on chalk becoming thinner on steeper ground with relic calcareous grassland on slopes with patches of rough pasture towards the valley bottoms. Occasional semi-natural broadleaved woodlands are found on higher ground, often taking the form of hanger copses. Smaller hazel coppice stands can be observed on the gentler slopes. Towards the east the soils are more clay based. In the west, at Black Down, superficial geological deposits provide acidic conditions, supporting vegetation that contrasts with the wider character area.
Settlement and land cover
Small nucleated and linear villages with brick and flint cottages are found on the lower ground with occasional parklands and country houses. Large agricultural estates consist of mainly arable cover on the higher open uplands with estate plantations. A significant and increasing area of heathland is found at Blackdown, where conifer plantations have been reduced in recent years. A significant area of upland has recently been planted with native woodland species north of the A35 in west of the area. Toward the lower ground, land cover becomes more pastoral in character. Settlements in the setting of the National Landscape, at Dorchester and Poundbury, generate a notable degree of urban influence. The latter is particularly influential due to its elevation, density and the juvenility of its planted mitigation measures. The recent construction of the Weymouth Relief Road, connecting Dorchester and Weymouth, has affected landscape character, particularly towards Ridgeway Hill, where significant engineering works were undertaken.
Historic character
Today’s landscape is primarily of recent geometric shaped enclosures, mostly planned with some parliamentary enclosure. Areas of downland and open ground are found on the higher ground. Villages retain a strong association with the medieval field systems on the lower ground with piecemeal enclosures and paddocks found close to settlements. Geometric plantations tend to be post war. Field boundaries and footpaths often reflect the tracks that bought the livestock to and from the chalk downland during prehistoric times. The area’s rich time depth is reflected in the significant scattering of prehistoric barrows located on the higher ground.
Visual character and perceptions
The broad chalk uplands have traditionally possessed a remote and open character, contrasting with small intimate valleys. The textured appearance of patchworks of large fields gives the area an overriding structured agricultural appearance. There is pressure to increase the scale and intensity of farming enterprises across the area, resulting in proposals to enlarge buildings and associated development, such as silage clamps. Accommodating such expansion within elevated and visually exposed locations is particularly challenging and there is a risk that the cumulative effects of such growth may erode the undeveloped rural character of the area.
Strength of character
The area is judged to have a moderate-weak strength of character. The open character of the broad landform and agricultural patterns provides a continuity of characteristic features. However, the overall the combination and patterns appear less consistent and therefore less distinct than Chaldon Downs, for example. Furthermore, the physical presence and wider influence of notable modern development, including urban areas, road and electrical infrastructure and large-scale agricultural buildings and structures has eroded the undeveloped and historic character to a notable degree in some parts of the character area. Few sites of characteristic habitats remain compared to other chalk landscapes of the National Landscape, although the abundance of visible archaeology strengthens the cultural character of the landscape. Settlement patterns have remained along the dip slopes of the valleys. Along the major road corridors, strength of character is weaker with loss of hedgerows and changing land uses.
Condition
Post war intensive farming practices have resulted in the decline of some landscape features with fragmented hedgerows and stone walls often replaced by post and wire. Towards the dip slopes, the area is in better management due to parkland estates. Settlements maintain a consistent use of materials with defined village edges. However, along the major road corridors, the landscape is often in comparatively poor condition. Pylons and communications infrastructure have a significant impact, particularly toward the higher ground. The late enclosure of downland has resulted in the survival of some prehistoric features although these have been obscured by post war farming practices. Overall landscape condition is moderate-weak and declining.
Overall, we should aim to conserve the undeveloped character of the downland landscape. There should be an emphasis on restoring the condition of features and habitats that have declined due to changes in farming practice and other development/infrastructure pressures. To maintain undeveloped rural character, careful consideration should be given to the design of developments such as settlement extensions and large agricultural barns. Sensitive siting and tailored landscaping measure should be pursued. Indirect effects arising from farm diversification and intensification should be considered, particularly where widespread changes to landscape management may arise.
Planning guidelines
Management guidelines