Lowland Settled Claylands

Summary

Overall description:

Low lying, rolling coastal farmland forming a hinterland between the Coastal Levels and the Wooded Hills further inland.

Location:

Located mainly in the southern parts of Essex.

Physical environment

Landform:

Low-lying, gently rolling topography, associated with London clay.

Natural / water features:

Land is drained by a criss-cross pattern of drainage ditches.

Vegetation and land use

Ecological character:

The predominantly low lying nature and clay character of the substrate indicate the potential presence of wetland habitats, a few fragments of which survive. These are relatively well protected, with a high proportion of designated sites.

Primary land use :

Arable land use. Some areas of peri-urban landscape.

Tree cover:

Sparse woodland cover, but some copses and shelter belts.

Cultural pattern

Historic features:

Right angled bends in lanes reflecting an ancient field pattern and churches in historic settlements which act as local landmarks.

Enclosure pattern:

An irregular/ sinuous field pattern, in places defined by a mixture of field sizes. Field boundaries mostly comprise well trimmed low hedges, or ditches.

Settlement pattern:

A densely dispersed settlement pattern comprising scattered farmsteads, hamlets and clusters of dwellings, with occasional towns. There is a strong urban influence, with many new housing developments and some vastly expanded historic settlements.

To be completed at a later date.

Historic development :

An early enclosed landscape dominated by co-axial fieldscapes. Late Enclosure is rare and usually associated with enclosure of commons.

Perceptions

Tranquility:

Urban development and road infrastructure undermine the tranquillity of the area as a whole.

Views:

An open farmed landscape, with long distance views over adjoining coastal levels and marshes.