5 - Border Moors and Forests : Summary and Headline Statements of Environmental Opportunity

Summary

The Border Moors and Forests National Character Area (NCA) consists of an extensive, sparsely populated upland plateau, with long-distance views and a strong sense of remoteness and tranquillity. The rivers North Tyne and Rede form wide valleys through the uplands, while the rivers Lyne and Irthing flow south-west to the Solway Firth. The underlying geology consists of Carboniferous deposits which have weathered differentially to form craggy outcrops, with subsequent glacial and fluvial deposition. The high altitude and climatic conditions led to the build-up of peat deposits and the formation of a large expanse of upland mire habitats, much of which is internationally designated as Border Mires, Kielder Butterburn Special Area of Conservation. The extent of these habitats has been reduced by widespread conifer afforestation, particularly at Kielder Forest which occupies the slopes around Kielder Water, a large, winding reservoir at the head of the North Tyne Valley which also forms a prominent feature in the landscape. The uplands are drained by small rivers in enclosed valleys, with the larger valleys sheltering upland hay meadows, scattered farmsteads and copses of broadleaved woodland. Much of the south-eastern area lies within Northumberland National Park. Military training areas also occupy large tracts of land.

The underlying geodiversity of this NCA retains evidence of climatic changes and landscape evolution. There is also widespread archaeological and historical evidence indicating the strategic importance of this border area, most notably Roman marching camps and later defensible farmhouses. The peatlands and their associated habitats, together with the extensive woodland cover, play a very important role in storing carbon and regulating water supply downstream. Afforestation had the most significant impact on the upland landscape during the 20th century.

Overgrazing and drainage have previously posed threats to upland habitats, but grazing pressure has now been reduced and moorland management has improved, partly through agri-environment schemes. It will be important to ensure that appropriate management of these upland ecosystems continues. Another key challenge will be to improve access and recreational opportunities in order to enable people to enjoy the inspirational upland landscape while preventing damage to valuable habitats.

Headline Statements of Environmental Opportunity (SEO)

See the Statements of Environmental Opportunity section for more details on the headlines listed below.

SEO 1

Protect the range of internationally important blanket bog habitats in the Border Mires, increasing the ability of the landscape to store carbon and enhancing the biological value of the many streams and rivers, and their role in regulating water supply, flow and quality.

SEO 2

Work with the farming community to retain the character of the upland farmed landscape and increase the value of local produce, while employing sustainable land management practices to increase biodiversity value associated with a range of grassland habitats.

SEO 3

Enhance broadleaved and coniferous woodlands for their biodiversity and landscape value, their role in regulating climate change and soil erosion, and for the provision of timber and biomass, and ensure that planting occurs in appropriate locations.

SEO 4

Protect, and provide opportunities to access and enjoy, the inspirational qualities of the uplands including the wide views, dramatic landscape features such as Kielder Water, and the sense of remoteness and tranquillity.