National Character Area 41 - Humber Estuary : Key Characteristics

Expansive, flat, low-lying estuarine landscape dominated by the open water of the Humber, with an ever-changing character due to the weather and tides.

Underlying bedrock of Cretaceous Chalk exposed as cliffs where the estuary cuts through between the Yorkshire and Lincolnshire Wolds.

A predominantly reclaimed, formerly inter-tidal landscape with high-quality soils giving rise to productive arable farming, within large rectilinear fields with boundaries formed by dykes, drains and embankments, and with very little tree cover.

Large, dispersed farmsteads and small villages on higher land are set within a quiet rural landscape.

Internationally important estuarine, intertidal and coastal habitats, influenced by the constant processes of accretion and deposition forming mudflats, salt marsh, saline lagoons, sand flats and sand dunes, which support large numbers of breeding and overwintering birds, grey seals and lampreys.

The unique peninsula of Spurn Point, with its mudflats and sand dunes constantly responding to dynamic coastal processes, provides birdwatching of international interest within a wild and remote landscape.

Big skies and open views over the estuary, mudflats and salt marshes, where flood embankments allow, with views of extensive industrial installations especially on the south bank.

Quiet rural areas and the estuary itself contrast distinctly with urban and industrial influences around Hull and around the major ports, especially on the south bank.