LCA4A Sherfield English

Landscape Strategy and Guidelines

The characteristic intimate scale of the landscape of much of this area comes from the small woodlands and tree belts. Around Woodington this has been lost for some time but further loss would significantly erode the landscape character. The overall strategy is therefore to enhance the wooded seclusion of Sherfield English.

Land Management

Landscape Distinctiveness

Encourage restoration of small scale landscape features in the area around Woodington

Protect existing levels of tranquillity

Agriculture

Encourage restoration of small scale fields and reversion to pasture

Maintain system of back up grazing

Hedgerows

Encourage the replanting of former hedgerow boundaries and the better management of existing hedgerows

Woodland and Trees

Maintain existing woodland pattern and encourage the planting of new copses on open farmland

Encourage the regeneration of young hedgerow trees

Biodiversity

Conserve and enhance remnant heathland and unimproved grassland

Protect watercourses and associated mires and ponds

Historic Landscapes

Maintain the historic practice of commoning and continue to manage this intimate assarted landscape so that it maintains its connection with the New Forest environment

Land Use and Development

Built Developments

Maintain enclosure of settlements within a wooded setting

Built form to reflect local pattern and materials

Control linear development along the A27

Ensure that the introduction of any modern farming or horticultural practices (eg. polytunnels) do not undermine the enhancement of the local landscape qualities

Infrastructure

Avoid suburbanisation arising from introduction of inappropriate highway measures

Maintain existing landscape character of shady, leafy lanes

Seek opportunity to place overhead power lines underground

Recreation, Tourism and Access

Seek opportunities to improve facilities for quiet recreation

Minerals and Waste

Ensure that the restoration of minerals and waste sites is in keeping with local landscape character requirements

Volume 1: LCA4A Landscape Character Types and Areas