There has been a geological study
carried out of the local landscape which reveals a series
of landscape types. These are partly derived from the national
landscape typology categorisation.
Alluvium River Terrace farmland:
Low tying, flat river valley landscape dominated by water
in the form of rivers or drainage ditches with associated
riparian vegetation including pollarded willow. Mixed farming
with hedges and mature trees. River terraces form the only
topographical variation. There is limited settlement.
Lowland Clay Farmland:
A gently undulating lowland landscape on heavy clay soils
forming a transition between the valley bottom and higher
ground. Mixed farming and a dispersed settlement pattern enclosed
by hedges with trees. Watercourses influence lower lying areas.
Urban Fringe Scarp:
Rolling lowland hills with a scarp slope and mixed farming.
Influence of settlements which have been significantly extended
in the 20th century and evidence of urban fringe uses.
Lowland Clay Woodland:
Gently undulating lowland dominated by woodland cover on clay.
Larger fields, mixed farming and relatively recent settlement
dispersed pattern.
Settled Farmland Valley:
Distinct valley, enclosed in places, focused on valley floor
and river course. Mixed farming and scattered rural settlement.
Lowland Limestone (Forest Marble)
Farmland: Gently undulating lowland farmland
underlain by limestone. Open landscape with broad low hills
and shallow river valleys. Limestone walls boundaries in places
and stone built settlements.
Wooded Lowland Valley:
Enclosed valley with mosaic of strong woodland cover and pasture.
Scattered settlement. Strong hedgerow cover and riparian vegetation.
Rolling settled lowland:
Rotting lowland farmland with hedges and woodland. Strong
influence of settlement in parts.
Lowland River Farmland:
Low tying mixed farmland centred on river and associated watercourses
and riparian vegetation. Damp meadow and pasture on valley
floor with species such as poplar and willow. Hedges are main
enclosure. Scattered settlement in slightly higher areas.
Wooded Parkland Hill:
Elevated rotting hill landscape of historic parkland, woodland
and enclosed pasture. Small enclosed valleys. Settlement dominated
by estate buildings.
Settled Hill Farmland:
Elevated area of hill and ridge with mixed farming enclosed
by hedgerows and woodland. Visual influence of urban settlement.
Rolling Chalk Farmland:
Undulating chalk downland and scarp dominated by an open arable
and open pasture grassland respectively. Very limited settlement
except at base of slope.
Chalk Scarp Farmland:
Chalk scarp slope dominated by pasture grassland with woodland.
Very limited settlement except at base of slope.
Chalk Plateau Farmland:
Open chalk downland dominated by arable farmland with enclosure
limited to settlement. Occasional beech plantations.
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