Wooded Chalk Valleys

Wooded Chalk Valleys - Looking E along Gaddesden Row, Hertfordshire (© HCC Landscape)

Summary

Overall description:

Steep sided, wooded valleys which penetrate the surrounding upland plateau, becoming shallower with only seasonal watercourses in their upper parts. Larger valleys have permanent watercourses, often associated with river meadows.

Location:

A widespread landscape type within South Bedfordshire and Northwest Hertfordshire

Physical environment

Landform:

Characterised by steep sided, sometimes narrow valleys, with tributaries that often form deep hollows, or combes, with a distinctive 'open downland' character extending into surrounding plateau areas.

Natural / water features:

Many of the valleys contain only seasonal watercourses, while others are associated with a permanent water channel

Vegetation and land use

Ecological character:

Mostly mixed woodland, some of which is ancient, with localised patches of calcareous grassland on steeper slopes and along roadside verges. The survival of primary habitats is relatively high (>7%).

Primary land use :

Mixed landuse comprising arable (often on the upper slopes) with some commercial forestry and pasture along the valley floor.

Tree cover:

Interlocking pattern of ancient woods scattered throughout the area, particularly on the steepest slopes, making a significant visual contribution and creating a well wooded, intimate character

Cultural pattern

Historic features:

Sunken lanes.

Enclosure pattern:

Varied enclosure pattern defined by mature hedgerows which are often species rich.

Settlement pattern:

Settled character with a clustered pattern of historic villages/hamlets. Larger settlements remain contained and well defined although their urban fringes may impinge on the surrounding landscape.

To be completed at a later date.

Historic development :

Fieldscapes are highly varied, including Early Enclosures with a pocket of co-axial fields around Hemel Hempstead, while to the East of Stevenage, most of the fields comprise Late Enclosures from common field.

Perceptions

Tranquility:

Valleys often form road and rail transport corridors

Views:

Views across elevated valley sides onto the adjoining areas of plateau landscape and also down the wooded valleys.