Landscape Character Menu
List of Figures
List of Photographs
1 Introduction
1.1 The Scope and Context for this Study
1.2 Purpose of the Landscape Character Assessment
1.3 Approach and Methodology
1.4 Structure of the Report
2 The Evolution of Lancashire
2.1 Physical Influences
2.2 Human Influences
3 Lancashire's Landscape Character
3.1 Moorland Plateaux
3.2 Moorland Hills
3.3 Enclosed Uplands
3.4 Moorland Fringe
3.5 Undulating Lowland Farmland
3.6 Industrial Foothills and Valleys
3.7 Farmed Ridges
3.8 Settled Valleys
3.9 Reservoir Valleys
3.10 Wooded Rural Valleys
3.11 Valley Floodplains
3.12 Low Coastal Drumlins
3.13 Drumlin Field
3.14 Rolling Upland Farmland
3.15 Coastal Plain
3.16 Mosslands
3.17 Enclosed Coastal Marsh
3.18 Open Coastal Marsh
3.19 Coastal Dunes
3.20 Wooded Limestone Hills and Pavements
3.21 Limestone Fells
4 Lancashire's Urban Landscape Types
4.1 Historic Core (1100-1800)
4.2 Industrial Age (1800-1930)
4.3 Suburban (1930 onwards)
A Landscape Strategy for Lancashire - Landscape Character Assessment
Wooded Rural Valleys
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Wooded Rural Valleys Character Areas 10a Wyre Valley 10b North Bowland Valleys |
Landscape Character
Deeply incised and heavily-wooded valleys radiate out from the central upland core of the Forest of Bowland. Their dramatic valley profiles have been formed from the erosive action of the fast flowing rivers which cascade through rocky gorges and channels within the Millstone Grit. The secluded, humid environment of the Wooded Rural Valleys is in stark contrast to the surrounding open moorland of the fells, providing shelter and cover for a great variety of flora and fauna. Ancient woodland, interspersed with some conifer planting and pasture, clings to the steep valley sides. Small settlements are clustered at river crossings and contained within the steep sided valleys and stone mills and bridges are a testament to the historic use of the rivers for harnessing power; these areas were also managed to supply charcoal and wood for the bobbin mills. Farmed land is confined to the edges, above the level of the wooded valley sides; pastures are sheep grazed and divided by gritstone walls. A few herb-rich pastures and meadows survive and a network of minor winding and undulating lanes dip in and out of the valleys.
Typical view photo 25:
Tarnbrook Wyre
Physical Influences
The Wooded Rural Valleys cut through hard Millstone Grit and radiate out from the central upland core of the Bowland landscape. Some of the valley sides expose sections of the layers of the underlying geology which includes sandstone, shale and silt.
The deeply incised, narrow valleys were formed by fast flowing streams and glacial meltwaters. Local areas of landslip are common on the steep valley sides and create a distinctive hummocky local topography. As the streams cut through sequential layers of Millstone Grit they have created a landform of stepped terraces on the harder geology and steep drops where the softer shales have been eroded away.
The valleys contain substantial areas of ancient woodland which survive as remnants of larger woods cleared for agriculture or habitation. These range from the base rich ash woodlands or alder/willow fringing the streams, to upland oak woodland along elevated parts of the valley sides. Remnant areas of wet meadow along the valley floor are also of considerable interest. This is a shady, humid environment in which ferns, mosses and other specialised plants thrive. These valleys support characteristic riparian birds such as grey wagtail, dipper and common sandpiper.
Human Influences
There is less obvious evidence of human activity in the Wooded Rural Valleys as farms are generally located above the level of the main wooded areas, however the woods are interspersed with rough pasture and narrow riverside meadows. The stone bridges, which often represent ancient crossing points are an interesting feature of the valleys.
The presence of charcoal hearths suggest a past history of woodland management. The swift streams provided water power for early industrial activity and occasional historic mill sites remain. on the valley floors, include traces of mill ponds, races, sluices and weirs. The remaining mill buildings are good examples of the local vernacular and have often been converted into private residences.
Herb-rich flower meadows have fast disappeared since the last war from these valleys due to intensive farming practices. Only a few now remain.
CHARACTER AREAS - WOODED RURAL VALLEYS
The Wooded Rural Valleys landscape type is found on the northern and western gritstone slopes of the Forest of Bowland fells.
Local
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Character Areas |
Description |
| 10a |
Wyre Valley |
The Wyre Valley, which descends the western flanks of the Bowland Fells starting at the Trough of Bowland, is particularly characteristic of this landscape type. In the upper reaches, remnant ancient woodland still clings to the clough sides and mans activity is at a minimum. However, further downstream the result of mans influence begins to affect the character of the landscape. The historic textile village of Dolphinholme clusters in the valley bottom and there is a series of weirs along the course of the river, the first controlling water flows at the Abbeystead reservoir. Further downstream a series of open lakes (resulting from gravel extraction) has produced a unique mosaic of open water and woodland which, although picturesque, is alien to the natural environment. There are many public footpaths and lanes in the area providing access to the valley and potential threats to its seclusion and rural character. Further downstream the M6, mainline railway and parking, picnic and camping sites have eroded the secluded character of the valley. |
| 10b |
North Bowland Valleys |
The North Bowland Valleys of the Artle, Roeburn and Hindburn are relatively rural in character. They form the archetypal examples of this landscape type. The Roeburn and Hindburn have a particularly high proportion of remnant ancient woodland and little settlement. Waterfalls, weirs and fords are all features of this character area. Steep lanes wind their way through the gorges, crossing the river course on stone bridges. The banks of the fast flowing rivers contain evidence of former water powered mill sites. |