LCA5J Lower River Anton Valley Floor

General Description

The Lower River Anton Valley Floor is a relatively narrow valley that joins the River Test at Fullerton through which the River Anton meanders and braids through woodland copses and well hedged fields, before joining the River Test. It has an intimate and pastoral character throughout, with some detracters causing local impact.

Earthworks from the dismantled railway and old canal create a series of linear features along the southern edge.

Location

The Lower River Anton Valley Floor follows the River Anton from its confluence with Pillhill Brook on the southern edge of Andover to where it joins the River Test at Cottonworth.

Local Physical Influences

Geology and soils: Alluvium with Valley Gravels to the immediate south of Andover.

Landform: Flat valley bottom with adjacent broad slopes of the chalk downlands.

Drainage: Braided stream with numerous small streams and ditches. The valley contains the confluence of the River Anton with Pillhill Brook and a number of ponds and lakes within former gravel pits.

Local Biodiversity and Vegetation Pattern

The dominant pattern in this area is permanent pasture with few patches of woodland. Overall the area is a continuation of the downs with quite dry pastureland reaching the river. The meadows in general have been improved for agriculture in some way and there are only a few that are typical traditional grazed hay meadows. Although they still support fine-leaved grasses such as Red Fescue, Crested Dogs-tail and Velvet Bent, coarser grasses such as Yorkshire Fog are more frequent and the variety of flowering plants is reduced. Other notable habitats include areas of wet carr woodland, which with hedgerows, link to patches of ancient and semi-natural woodland and provide an important resource. The native White-clawed crayfish is also found in this section (a nationally important BAP species).

Local Historical Influences

A series of bedwork water meadows (Type 4) extend through the valley of the River Anton and, combined with miscellaneous valley floor enclosures, form the major historic landscape of the valley floor. A single catchwork water meadow (Type 1) is present to the south of Upper Clatford. Extensive areas of 19th century parliamentary field systems flank the valley floor.

Settlement Pattern

The settlements of Goodworth Clatford and Upper Clatford cross the valley floor of the river Anton and their historic cores are both focused upon the bridging points across the Anton. There is little later development during the later post-medieval period in the valley floor close to these small settlements.

Very few farms occupy the valley floor of this character area and are generally located upon the first river terrace.

Goodworth Clatford originally straddled the river Anton with historic elements to be found on both banks. Later post-medieval settlement has developed along the three approach roads, creating a more linear form dispersing up the valley sides.

Upper Clatford also straddles the river Anton and has developed in a westward direction along Philhill Brook, creating a linear settlement, linking to the A343.

The road network is predominantly confined to the southern valley side, starting at Goodworth Clatford. There are only two crossing points, these are located on the two settlements.

Local Settlements and Features of Built Form

Goodworth Clatford (Eastern portion): Chalk River Valley Settlement Type

Upper Clatford (Eastern portion); Chalk River Valley Settlement Type

Older properties are commonly half-timbered and thatched but the most widespread materials are brick and flint. Clay tiles and chalk cob are also common features.

Community Perceptions

No specific comments were made for this area.

Remoteness and Tranquillity

Away from the A303 and settlement the area is secluded and quiet. The northern end of the area is significantly affected by modern development but is vulnerable to further visual intrusion.

Key Characteristics

River gravels and alluvium over chalk

Braided river, with the main tributary meandering across the valley floor

Open valley floor dominated by pasture creating a strong rural character

Land use predominantly pasture or meadow grassland

Watercress cultivation

Poplar, willow and alder lined watercourses

Settlements centred on crossing points as at Goodworth Clatford

Detractors include the sewage works, the overhead pylons and the A303(T). The visual impact is however partly mitigated by screen planting

Local change in character due to new housing development at Upper Clatford

Survival of valley floor enclosures and water meadows

Presence of historic village cores straddling the River Anton.

Local Natural and Cultural Landscape Issues

Valley floor housing developments associated with Andover and attached to Goodworth Clatford and Upper Clatford

Risk of damage to surviving earthwork evidence for water meadow activity along the upper reaches of the River Anton

Pollution of the river and its tributaries through fertiliser and road run off and aqua culture ventures (fish farms, water cress beds)

Visual and acoustic impact of the A303.

Designations

Nature Conservation

SINC

3 SINCs, including agriculturally unimproved grassland and reedbed

Volume 2: LCA5J Strategies and Guidelines