LCA10A East Dean Chalk Downland

General Description

East Dean Chalk Downland is the smallest Landscape Character Area of this Landscape Character Type, extending westwards into Wiltshire.

The landform includes a number of dry valleys flowing in a north easterly direction towards the River Dun. The highest areas are at around 130m which are located to the west where the Chalk is capped with Clay and Flints creating a softer ridgeline before dramatically sloping down Dean Hill, a wooded scarp with some areas of grassland. The lowest areas of this LCA are found adjacent the River Dun where the LCA abuts LCA5D.

The area is predominantly arable, with few hedgerow boundaries, resulting in large expansive areas. Fields of grassland and pasture can be found adjacent to the settlements of Lockerly and Critchell’s Green, however the hedgerows enclosing these smaller fields are of poor quality. Other areas of grassland are found on the less dramatic Scarp face, located south west of Curlew’s Farm. Small isolated woodland copses exist within this open arable landscape.

Location

East Dean Chalk Downland lies on the western boundary of the Borough, south of the River Dun. To the east the boundary extends from the edge of Critchell’s Green, in a south westerly direction towards the southern side of Bryce’s Farm.

Local Physical Influences

Geology and soils: Upper Chalk with small areas of Clay with Flints in the west.

Landform: A much steeper landform than is typical of the type, with a north facing escarpment. Slopes fall northwards to the River Dun from the eastern end of Dean Hill.

Drainage: A well drained area, draining to the River Dun.

Local Biodiversity and Vegetation Pattern

In addition to the main vegetation types there are also several areas of parkland with scattered trees and areas of unimproved grassland.

Local Historical Influences

A series of 19th century Parliamentary field systems can be observed occupying the lower ground around the two spurs of downland which extend from west to east through this area.

The earthworks of what is thought to be a prehistoric settlement survive within the fields to the north east of School Farm.

Settlement Pattern

The parliamentary enclosure continues into the heart of Lockerley which is a highly dispersed settlement in part bordering upon the River Dun. The portion of Lockerley village within the bounds of this Landscape Character Area is largely 19th century in makeup with the historic core further to the east focused around Lockerley Manor.

Farmsteads tend to be located towards the eastern end of this character area on the lower slopes and below the downland areas to the west. Those with the parliamentary field system landscape are relatively close together presumably taking advantage the lower slopes. . In the southern portion of this Landscape Character Area farmsteads associated with smaller regular fields with wavy boundaries are located closer together suggesting smaller and more compact farming ‘territories’. At the very south of the Landscape Character Area the rapid industrialisation of agriculture (indicated in this instance by the presence of prairie fields) has led to fewer farms controlling larger areas of land and a more dispersed pattern of farmsteads.

Settlements are located towards the edge of this LCA, with East Dean and Lockerley located adjacent the River Dun, and Critchell’s Green associated with the more densely settled Landscape Character Type of the adjoining Mixed Farmland and Woodland. Farmsteads can be found located on the edge of these settlements,eg Dean Gate Farm and also located on higher ground towards the ridge, for example Painshill Farm.

Roads within this Landscape Character Area are limited to the road leading up to Painshill Farm. However the landscape is well serviced with Public Rights of Way located within the valleys and across the ridges, providing access to the top of the Scarps.

Local Settlements and Features of Built Form

East Dean: Chalk River Valley Settlement Type

Lockerley (NW portion) Clay Lowland Settlement Type

Traditional building style includes brick and white rendered walls with clay tile roofs.

Community Perceptions

Shooting is seen as a significant factor in this area. Local residents also recognise a conflict between modern agricultural methods in the area and the desire to replace lost hedgerows.

Remoteness and Tranquillity

Due to the lack of roads, this is a tranquil, remote but accessible landscape.

Key Characteristics

Typical open chalk downland, dominated by arable farming

Poor hedgerow structure

A series of isolated dry river valleys

Settlements limited to the edge of this Landscape Character Area

Dramatic wooded and grassed scarp of Dean Hill

Small isolated woodland copses

A remote and tranquil area

Extensive 19th century parliamentary field systems

No evidence of prehistoric features surviving upon the downland.

Local Issues

Closure of the MOD Munitions Depot at Dean hill and the effect on the SSSI.

Designations

Nature conservation

SSSI

Brickworth Down & Dean Hill (<50% of SSSI) - Broadleaved woodland, mixed plantation woodland and calcareous grassland

SINC

13 SINCs including agriculturally unimproved grassland and ancient semi-natural woodland

Volume 2: LCA10A Strategies and Guidelines