National Character Area 43 - Lincolnshire Wolds : Key Facts & Data

National Character Area 43

Lincolnshire Wolds - Key Facts & Data

Landscape and nature conservation designations section contains a map

Note that numbers and figures in the body of the text are based on the 2014 profiles, unless otherwise stated. The maps contain live frequently updated datasets.

There is one Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in this NCA, the Lincolnshire Wolds, which covers 52,092 ha or 62 per cent of the area (Natural England, 2011).

National Landscape (AONB) Management Plans

National Landscapes (legally known as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty – AONBs) are nationally important landscapes, designated under the 1949 National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act. Their primary purpose is to ‘conserve and enhance natural beauty’. Clicking on the relevant National Landscape in the below map will also take you to that specific National Landscape website.
 
The following National Landscapes can be found within this NCA:

 

People walking a path over the coastal headlands

Designated nature conservation sites

The NCA includes the following statutory nature conservation designations (Natural England, Special Protection Areas; Special Area of Conservation; Ramsars; National Nature Reserves; Sites of Special Scientific Interest and Local Nature Reserves, 2021):

Please note: (i) Designated areas may overlap (ii) all figures are cut to Mean High Water Line, designations that span coastal/marine areas below this line will not be included.

Condition of designated sites
All designated sites within England are covered by Sites of Scientific Interest (SSSI) units. The condition to these SSSI units within the NCA are as follows (Natural England, Sites of Special Scientific Interest Units, 2021; 2023):

MAGiC Interactive Mapping Tool

Maps showing locations of statutory sites can be found on Defra’s MAGiC Interactive Mapping Tool by referring selecting Designations/Land-Based Designations/Statutory.

Map

Natural England Designated Sites View

Details of individual designated sites and their condition can be found on the Natural England website. To view the condition of a site, selects a site, then select the SSSI that legally underpins this, then select “View summary unit condition”.

A group of bushes in a field

Natural Capital Atlas Profiles

The Natural Capital Atlas Profiles provide an “off the shelf” natural capital evidence base for each county or city region. This includes ecosystem services relating to nature conservation designations, such as biodiversity. Clicking on the relevant County in the below map will also take you to that specific Natural Capital Atlas Profile.
 
The following Natural Capital Atlas Profiles cover counties within this NCA:

  • 11: East Riding of Yorkshire, Hull and the Humber

 

Background pattern

Landscape and nature conservation designations map for NCA43

View Landscape and nature conservation designations map for NCA43 full screen in a new tab
View Interactive Map Help

Landform, geology and soils section contains a map

Note that numbers and figures in the body of the text are based on the 2014 profiles, unless otherwise stated. The maps contain live frequently updated datasets.

Elevation

Elevation ranges from a minimum of 3m above sea level to a maximum of 167m. The mean average elevation is 77m (Natural England, 2010).

Landform and process

The Lincolnshire Wolds is dominated by a west-facing Chalk escarpment some 50m high. The Wolds comprise a high open, arable plateau stretching from the Humber past Louth to a ‘bluff’ above the Lincolnshire fens at East Keal. Within this upland rolling plain are a series of inward facing valleys. Between the villages of Donington-on-Bain and Tetford, an internal escarpment faces southwest overlooking ridges of glacial drift and valleys cut into sandstone. To the south-east the Chalk ridge is masked by clay till which creates more rounded forms as the Wolds fall down to the Middle Marsh of the adjacent Lincolnshire Coast and Marshes NCA around Alford (Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Character Area Description).

Bedrock geology

Underlying Lower Cretaceous strata are revealed in the bottom of the valleys and at the foot of the scarp slope in the Wolds. The Lincolnshire Wolds is dominated by a west-facing Chalk escarpment some 50m high. These strata include ironstone, limestone and sandstone. Within the valleys of the rivers Bain and Lymn, Jurassic Kimmeridge Clay creates marshy poorly drained vales. The bedrock Now extensively moulded by glacial and periglacial action during the last ice age, when the drainage pattern Now altered by the deposition of sands, gravels and clay till (Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Character Area Description).

Superficial deposits

In the south-east the overlying glacial till creates a rounded edge broken by deep valleys at Louth and Calceby (Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Character Area Description)

Designated geological sites

The NCA includes the following geological sites (Natural England, Geological and Mixed Sites of Special Scientific Interest, 2021):

wdt_ID NCA_ID NAME NCAAreaHa Interest type Area (ha) 2021 Percent of NCA (2021) Count
2361NORTH NORTHUMBERLAND COASTAL PLAIN37,669.6Geological6.80.01
2371NORTH NORTHUMBERLAND COASTAL PLAIN37,669.6Mixed1,029.52.75
2382NORTHUMBERLAND SANDSTONE HILLS72,694.6Geological45.40.14
2393CHEVIOT FRINGE51,591.3Geological17.10.02
2404CHEVIOTS36,487.9Geological165.00.52
2414CHEVIOTS36,487.9Mixed3,488.99.61
2425BORDER MOORS AND FORESTS127,155.9Geological85.70.18
2435BORDER MOORS AND FORESTS127,155.9Mixed35.80.01
2446SOLWAY BASIN98,350.4Geological7.20.02
2456SOLWAY BASIN98,350.4Mixed5,569.25.74

Natural England Designated Geological Sites View

Details of individual designated geological sites and their condition can be found on the Natural England website. To view the condition of a site, selects a site, then select the SSSI that legally underpins this, then select “View summary unit condition”.

A close up of layers of limestone on exposed rock face

Soils and Agriculture Classification

In the northern Wolds along the plateau tops are light chalky soils. On the valley sides, rivers have cut through to the underlying Red Chalk and Lower Cretaceous series. In the south-east from Louth to Candlesby, chalky boulder clays produce a heavy seasonally waterlogged soil giving rise to a gentle rounded landform. The Lymn valley has cut through to the Lower Cretaceous Spilsby Sandstone that provides parent material for well-drained, acidic loams. Along the river valleys of the Bain, Waring and Lymn glacial sands and gravels have produced deep, course and generally permeable loams. The presence of Upper Jurassic Kimmeridge Clay gives rise to localised areas of impermeable soil which is seasonally waterlogged (Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Character Area Description).

The main grades of agricultural land in the NCA are broken down as follows (as a proportion of total land area) (Natural England, Provisional Agricultural Land Classification, 2019):

MAGiC Interactive Mapping Tool

Maps showing locations of statutory sites, soils and ALC can be found on Defra’s MAGiC Interactive Mapping Tool by selecting Designations/Land-Based Designations/Statutory and Landscape.

Map

Natural Capital Atlas Profiles

The Natural Capital Atlas Profiles provide an “off the shelf” natural capital evidence base for each county or city region. This includes ecosystem services relating to landform, geology and soils, such as geodiversity services and erosion control. Clicking on the relevant County in the below map will also take you to that specific Natural Capital Atlas Profile.
 
The following Natural Capital Atlas Profiles cover counties within this NCA:

  • 11: East Riding of Yorkshire, Hull and the Humber

 

Background pattern

Building Stones of England Database

The Building Stones of England Database was created by Historic England in conjunction with the British Geological Survey. It is a interactive map that allows users to explore building stones and their sources throughout England, as well as the bedrock and superficial geology. You can browse the geological map, as well as search for a building stone, stone source or structure, or search by postcode, address or place name.

Old brick buildings with straw roofs

Landform, geology and soils map for NCA43

View Landform, geology and soils map for NCA43 full screen in a new tab
View Interactive Map Help

Key waterbodies and catchments section contains a map

Note that numbers and figures in the body of the text are based on the 2014 profiles, unless otherwise stated. The maps contain live frequently updated datasets.

Major rivers/canals

The following major rivers/canals (by length) have been identified in this NCA (Natural England, data informing the 2014 National Character Area Profiles, 2010):

wdt_ID REF_CODE NAME_1 Name Length (km) SumOfShape_Length
11NORTH NORTHUMBERLAND COASTAL PLAINRiver Aln7.67,587.2
21NORTH NORTHUMBERLAND COASTAL PLAINRiver Coquet5.55,516.0
31NORTH NORTHUMBERLAND COASTAL PLAINWhiteadder Water2.92,904.9
410NORTH PENNINESBlack Burn11.911,853.4
510NORTH PENNINESCroglin Water10.010,042.3
610NORTH PENNINESCrowdundle Beck4.34,337.4
710NORTH PENNINESDevil's Water20.520,464.6
810NORTH PENNINESHarwood Beck9.79,740.2
910NORTH PENNINESRiver Allen4.94,889.0
1010NORTH PENNINESRiver Derwent15.315,268.4

Please note: other significant rivers (by volume) may also occur. Tidal stretches of rivers are not included, which may include some major rivers.

The Bain, Waring and Lymn drain southwards through the valleys to the southeast of the Wolds (Natural England, 2010).

Water quality

Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs) are areas designated as being at risk from agricultural nitrate pollution. These can impact surface water (waterbodies and waterways located above ground) and groundwater (water bodies and waterways located below ground).

Waterbodies such as lakes can also be designated as “eutrophic waters” if the enrichment of the waterbody by nitrate pollution causes accelerated growth of algae, impacting the quality of the water and the balance of organisms within it.

The following NVZs are located within the NCA (Environment Agency, Nitrate Vulnerable Zones Designations, 2021):

Water framework directive

River basin management plans cover river basin districts and describe the challenges that threaten the water environment and how these challenges can be managed and funded. The plans include the classification of water quality of surface waters and ground waters.

Draft River Basin Management Plan

The current state of water quality within the NCA can be viewed via the Draft River Basin Management Plan map.

A bridge over a body of water surrounded by trees

Natural Capital Atlas Profiles

The Natural Capital Atlas Profiles provide an “off the shelf” natural capital evidence base for each county or city region. This includes ecosystem services relating to waterbodies and catchments, such as water provision and water quality regulation. Clicking on the relevant County in the below map will also take you to that specific Natural Capital Atlas Profile.
 
The following Natural Capital Atlas Profiles cover counties within this NCA:

  • 11: East Riding of Yorkshire, Hull and the Humber

 

Background pattern

Green Infrastructure Interactive Map

Defra and Natural England’s Green Infrastructure (GI) interactive map can be used to understand access to existing green infrastructure within each NCA.
 

Graphical user interface, application, map

Catchment Based Approach Data Hub

The Catchment Based Approach Data Hub is a webmap displaying a variety of data layers suitable for supporting integrated  catchment management planning. These data layers cover an array of themes including opportunities, issues, characteristics, causes, actions and monitoring. These data layers can be use to help understand the state of waterbodies and associated habitats within the NCAs and the identified issues and opportunities within these.

A sunset over a body of water

Click on the Water Framework Directive layers on the below map to view the corresponding river names.

Key waterbodies and catchments map for NCA43

View Key waterbodies and catchments map for NCA43 full screen in a new tab
View Interactive Map Help

Trees and woodlands section contains a map

Note that numbers and figures in the body of the text are based on the 2014 profiles, unless otherwise stated. The maps contain live frequently updated datasets.

Total woodland cover

Ancient woodland is any area that has been wooded continuously since at least 1600 AD. National Forest Inventory (NFI) woodland includes all forests and woodlands (0.5 hectares and over). The total woodland cover within the NCA is as follows (Forestry Commission, National Forest Inventory, 2020; 2023; Natural England, Ancient Woodland, 2021; 2024; this does not consider Natural England’s ‘Ancient Woodland – Revised (England) – Completed Counties’ data as this is being updated in tranches and no full dataset is yet available):

Distribution and size of woodland and trees in the landscape

It is estimated that only 5 per cent woodland cover remains in this NCA compared with the national average of 8 per cent. A variety of woodland is present, although there is only one ancient semi-natural woodland on the chalk, which can be seen at Tetford Hill. This occurs on the scarp slope and consists of hazel, ash and wych elm with sycamore. Wet woodlands can be found on heavy soils in the valleys; particularly in the north around Stainton le Vale and in the south along the Bain and Lymn. In the north, oak-ash stands are most common, while in the south, alder carr frequently lines the streams. The most extensive woodlands occur on the calcareous clay soils in the south-east and largely consist of oak-ash-hazel woodlands (Lincolnshire Wolds Natural Area Profile, Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Character Area Description).

Woodland types

A statistical breakdown of the area and type of woodland found across the NCA is detailed below (Forestry Commission, National Forest Inventory, 2020; 2023):

Area and proportion of ancient woodland and planted ancient woodland sites (PAWS) within the NCA (Natural England, Ancient Woodland, 2021; 2024):

Natural Capital Atlas Profiles

The Natural Capital Atlas Profiles provide an “off the shelf” natural capital evidence base for each county or city region. This includes ecosystem services relating to trees and woodland, such as timber and plant-based energy provision, air pollution and climate regulation. Clicking on the relevant County in the below map will also take you to that specific Natural Capital Atlas Profile.
 
The following Natural Capital Atlas Profiles cover counties within this NCA:

  • 11: East Riding of Yorkshire, Hull and the Humber

 

Background pattern

Green Infrastructure Interactive Map

Defra and Natural England’s Green Infrastructure (GI) interactive map can be used to understand access to existing woodland access within each NCA.
 

Graphical user interface, application, map

Catchment Based Approach Data Hub

The Catchment Based Approach Data Hub is a webmap displaying a variety of data layers suitable for supporting integrated  catchment management planning. These data layers cover an array of themes including opportunities, issues, characteristics, causes, actions and monitoring. These can be use to help understand the state of waterbodies and associated habitats within the NCAs and the identified issues and opportunities within these, including woodland planting.

A sunset over a body of water

Trees and woodlands map for NCA43

View Trees and woodlands map for NCA43 full screen in a new tab
View Interactive Map Help

Boundary features and patterns

Note that numbers and figures in the body of the text are based on the 2014 profiles, unless otherwise stated.

Boundary features

Large rectilinear fields with clipped and degraded hedgerows date from late enclosure. Occasional shelter belts, concentrated on steeper sided valley and scarp slopes, emphasise the landform. The broad verges to some roads and tracks provide valuable herb-rich habitats (Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Character Area Description, Countryside Quality Counts, 2003).

Field patterns

Land cover is predominantly arable with large rectilinear fields on the rolling plateau that are enclosed by clipped and ‘gappy’ hawthorn hedgerows. To the south-west there is a more complex pattern of medium-sized irregular fields where grazing combines with crop cultivation (Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Character Area Description, Countryside Quality Counts, 2003).

Agriculture section contains a map

Note that numbers and figures in the body of the text are based on the 2014 profiles, unless otherwise stated. The maps contain live frequently updated datasets.

The following tables provide the most recently available statistics from Defra on agriculture within the NCA.

Farm type

The following farm types are located within this NCA (Defra, Structure of the agricultural industry in England and the UK at June, 2025):

Farm size

The following table outlines the sizes of farms within the NCA (Defra, Structure of the agricultural industry in England and the UK at June, 2025):

Farm ownership

The following table outlines the ownership of farms within the NCA (Defra, Structure of the agricultural industry in England and the UK at June, 2025):

Land use

The following table outlines the types of agricultural land use within the NCA (Defra, Structure of the agricultural industry in England and the UK at June, 2025):

Livestock numbers

The following livestock are farmed within the NCA (Defra, Structure of the agricultural industry in England and the UK at June, 2025):

Farm labour

The following table outlines the types of farm labour within the NCA (Defra, Structure of the agricultural industry in England and the UK at June, 2025):

Please note: (i) Some of the Census data are estimated by Defra so may not present a precise assessment of agriculture within this area (ii) Data refers to commercial holdings only (iii) Data includes land outside of the NCA where it belongs to holdings whose centre point is recorded as being within the NCA.

NCA43 Farmsteads Character Statement

The Historic England Farmstead & Landscape Statement summarises evidence on farmsteads and buildings in their landscape and settlement context, as well as the historic character, significance and foresight issues for the NCA.

A lush green field with an old farm building

Natural Capital Atlas Profiles

The Natural Capital Atlas Profiles provide an “off the shelf” natural capital evidence base for each county or city region. This includes ecosystem services relating to agriculture, such as livestock, cultivated crops and plant-based energy provision. Clicking on the relevant County in the below map will also take you to that specific Natural Capital Atlas Profile.
 
The following Natural Capital Atlas Profiles cover counties within this NCA:

  • 11: East Riding of Yorkshire, Hull and the Humber

 

Background pattern

NCA43 Countryside Stewardship statement of priorities

Defra have produced Countryside Stewardship statements of priorities and associated maps for each NCA. These are designed for applicants for Countryside Stewardship funding to identify the priority features and issues being targeted in their NCA and help choose which options to include as part of an application.
 
Further information about Countryside Stewardship is provided by the Rural Payments Agency, Defra, Natural England and the Forestry Commission.

A herd of cattle grazing on a lush green field

Note that the below map only shows agri-environment scheme coverage, and not other schemes.

Agriculture map for NCA43

View Agriculture map for NCA43 full screen in a new tab
View Interactive Map Help

Key habitats and species section contains a map

Note that numbers and figures in the body of the text are based on the 2014 profiles, unless otherwise stated. The maps contain live frequently updated datasets.

Habitat distribution/coverage

Calcareous, acidic and neutral grasslands are all present in this NCA. Calcareous grasslands are particularly important as they are species rich; only 44ha of this grassland type remains, the rest has been ‘improved’ or ploughed.

Nationally scarce plants include the fine-leaved sandwort. Road verges have some of the best surviving grassland habitats, particularly along ancient trackways and drove roads.

River headwaters and chalk streams constitute the main aquatic and riparian habitats. The River Bain contains particularly varied freshwater and riparian habitats. Notable species include otter, kingfisher, many invertebrates and locally scarce plants such as the southern and early marsh orchards. Another rare aquatic plant in the Wolds is the arrowhead.

Little woodland remains in the Wolds. Most large woods are found on the clay soils of the south-east scarp of the Wolds where they overlap with the Lincolnshire Coast and Marshes NCA.

Tetford Wood is a rare example of an ancient semi-natural wood on chalk soil. A number of important alder carr woods occur on spring lines and valley bottoms.

The white satin moth, along with the common fan-foot and the hook-tip are important moths that visit the woodlands. The 1960s saw the loss of all the woodland fritillary butterflies, but the numbers of white admiral and speckled wood butterflies are showing signs of recovery.

In addition the NCA contains important arable habitats. These support nationally important assemblages of farmland and arable birds (Lincolnshire Wolds Natural Area Profile, Natural England, 2011)

Key Habitats

The NCA contains the following areas of key main habitats, as mapped by the national Priority Habitat Inventory (Natural England, Priority Habitats Inventory, 2021; 2024; Natural England, Wood Pasture and Parkland, 2020). Note: lakes and ponds were not included in 2021 data:

MAGiC Interactive Mapping Tool

Maps showing locations of priority habitats and some key species can be found on Defra’s MAGiC Interactive Mapping Tool by selecting Habitats and Species/Habitats and Habitats and Species/Species, including priority species for Countryside Stewardship targeting.

Map

National Biodiversity Network Atlas

The National Biodiversity Network Atlas is an online tool that provides a platform to engage, educate and inform people about the natural world. This includes maps showing locations of S41 species.

A butterfly sitting on a flower.

Natural Capital Atlas Profiles

The Natural Capital Atlas Profiles provide an “off the shelf” natural capital evidence base for each county or city region. This includes ecosystem services relating to key habitats and species, such as biodiversity and pollination. Clicking on the relevant County in the below map will also take you to that specific Natural Capital Atlas Profile.
 
The following Natural Capital Atlas Profiles cover counties within this NCA:

  • 11: East Riding of Yorkshire, Hull and the Humber

 

Background pattern

Defining Favourable Conservation Status Reports

Favourable Conservation Status definitions describe an England scale ambition for habitats and species. They provide context for decision making and actions to achieve and sustain thriving wildlife for each habitat type. This can inform actions for each of the relevant habitats within the NCA.

Broadleaf woodland in autumn

Carbon Storage by Habitat Reports

Terrestrial and marine managers can mitigate climate change by adopting practices which promote carbon storage and reduce emissions while enhancing the biodiversity value of ecosystems. The Carbon Storage by Habitat report examines how different management options may impact on sequestration or loss of carbon by habitat, and can inform actions for each of the relevant habitats within the NCA.

Body of water on marsh landscape

National Biodiversity Climate Change Vulnerability Model Report

Natural England has developed a GIS model that provides an assessment of the vulnerability of priority habitats to climate change based on principles of adaptation for biodiversity. It identifies why areas are vulnerable and which possible interventions can have the biggest impact in increasing resilience to the changing climate. This will inform prioritisation of adaptation action and assist in the development of adaptation strategies for biodiversity within the NCA.

Houses on a white coastal cliff edge

Catchment Based Approach Data Hub

The Catchment Based Approach Data Hub is a webmap displaying a variety of data layers suitable for supporting integrated  catchment management planning. These data layers cover an array of themes including opportunities, issues, characteristics, causes, actions and monitoring. These data layers can be use to help understand the state of waterbodies and associated habitats within the NCAs and the identified issues and opportunities within these.

A sunset over a body of water

Key habitats and species map for NCA43

View Key habitats and species map for NCA43 full screen in a new tab
View Interactive Map Help

Settlement and development patterns section contains a map

Note that numbers and figures in the body of the text are based on the 2014 profiles, unless otherwise stated. The maps contain live frequently updated datasets.

Settlement patterns

The Wolds has maintained a very sparse and dispersed settlement pattern over the last few centuries. Population density is marginally higher in the south-west river valleys while on parts of the high Wold there is no settlement at all. In the north villages are simple and nucleated while in the south a rectangular plan is often found with lanes enclosing a central area of cottages, farmhouses and paddocks, such as the village of Old Bolingbroke. Settlements tend to follow the physical features found within the NCA, such as the foot of the north-west scarp as at Tealby and Claxby, or the deep valleys within the chalk uplands as at Rothwell. To the south-west, villages such as Hemingby and Tetford are located in the river valleys. There are no major urban areas within the Wolds, but a series of small market towns, such as Louth in the east and Spilsby in the south lie at the foot of the hills (Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Character Area Description, Countryside Quality Counts, 2003).

Main settlements

The main settlements are; Spilsby, Caistor, Binbrook and Barnetby le Wold and the fringes of Louth, Horncastle and Barton-upon-Humber. The total estimated population for this NCA (derived from ONS 2001 census data) is: 29,368 (Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Character Area Description, Countryside Quality Counts, 2003, Natural England, 2012).

Local vernacular and building materials

The Wolds is not distinguished by a unified pattern of building materials or styles. The local chalk is generally a poor building material being crumbly and weak but Now used in medieval buildings however later, brick or other types of stone have been preferred. In the north-west the locally quarried Tealby Limestone and Claxby Ironstone can be seen. To the south the distinctive green or brown Spilsby Sandstone is used in the more ornate 14th- and 15th-century churches. Domestic buildings on the other hand are commonly built with brick and render walls, with pantile roofs (Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Character Area Description, Countryside Quality Counts, 2003).

NCA43 Farmsteads Character Statement

The Historic England Farmstead & Landscape Statement summarises evidence on farmsteads and buildings in their landscape and settlement context, as well as the historic character, significance and foresight issues for the NCA.

A lush green field with an old farm building

Building Stones of England Database

The Building Stones of England Database was created by Historic England in conjunction with the British Geological Survey. It is a interactive map that allows users to explore building stones and their sources throughout England, as well as the bedrock and superficial geology. You can browse the geological map, as well as search for a building stone, stone source or structure, or search by postcode, address or place name.

Old brick buildings with straw roofs

Settlement and development patterns map for NCA43

View Settlement and development patterns map for NCA43 full screen in a new tab
View Interactive Map Help

Key historic sites and features section contains a map

Note that numbers and figures in the body of the text are based on the 2014 profiles, unless otherwise stated. The maps contain live frequently updated datasets.

Origin of historic features

The Lincolnshire Wolds has produced evidence of some of the oldest human remains in Britain. Visible archaeology is strong with many barrows capping the hill tops, such as Six Barrows at Tathwell. From the Iron Age the chalk uplands had a well established network of trackways, an example of which is High Street and Bluestone Heath Road. The Romans built east-west roads to access the coastal salt industry. Village names withham orton are evidence of the permanent and extensive settlement undertaken in the Saxon period. Those with names ending in -by or -thorpe are likely to be of Danish origin. Deserted village locations have been identified, such as Calcethorpe, thought to be related to the Black Death and the growth of the wool industry. Post-medieval ironwork sites are also found as at Claxby (Draft Historic Profile, Countryside Quality Counts, Countryside Character Area Description).

Designated historic assets

The NCA includes the following designated historic assets (Historic England, National Heritage List for England, 2021; 2024):

Listed buildings

The NCA includes the following listed buildings (Historic England, National Heritage List for England, 2021; 2024):

Heritage at Risk Register

The NCA includes the following designated historic assets listed within the Heritage at Risk Register (Historic England, Heritage at Risk Register, 2021; 2023):


NCA43 Farmsteads Character Statement

The Historic England Farmstead & Landscape Statement summarises evidence on farmsteads and buildings in their landscape and settlement context, as well as the historic character, significance and foresight issues for the NCA.

A lush green field with an old farm building

Aerial Archaeology Mapping Explorer

The Aerial Archaeology Mapping Explorer is a tool that displays archaeology that has been identified, mapped and recorded using aerial photographs and other aerial sources across England, including within the NCA over time.

Archaeologists excavating a site near the coast.

Key historic sites and features map for NCA43

View Key historic sites and features map for NCA43 full screen in a new tab
View Interactive Map Help

Recreation and access section contains a map

Note that numbers and figures in the body of the text are based on the 2014 profiles, unless otherwise stated. The maps contain live frequently updated datasets.

Public access

The following areas of public access for recreation are located within this NCA (Natural England, 2021; National Trust, 2021):


Please note: Public access areas may overlap.
The following linear routes or public access for recreation are located within this NCA (Natural England, 2021; Sustrans; 2021):

Green Infrastructure Interactive Map

Defra and Natural England’s Green Infrastructure (GI) interactive map can be used to understand access to existing public rights of way within each NCA.
 

Graphical user interface, application, map

Recreation and access map for NCA43

View Recreation and access map for NCA43 full screen in a new tab
View Interactive Map Help

Experiential qualities

Note that numbers and figures in the body of the text are based on the 2014 profiles, unless otherwise stated.

Tranquillity

Based on the CPRE map of tranquillity (2006) the least tranquil areas in the NCA are around the main settlements such as Louth. The most tranquil areas can be found on the high, open Wolds.

A breakdown of tranquillity values for this NCA are detailed in the table below (CPRE, Tranquillity Map, 2006):

Dark skies

Light pollution is a generic term referring to artificial light that shines where it is neither wanted nor needed, and can impact on people’s experience of the countryside within the NCAs. CPRE host an interactive map, depicting the light pollution and dark skies within the NCA.

Dark Skies Interactive Map

CPRE commissioned LUC to create maps of Great Britain’s light pollution and dark skies. Using satellite data, the map shows the amount of light spilling up into the night sky. By turning on the National Character Areas layer on the map, the light pollution and dark skies within England’s NCAs can be viewed. By clicking on the individual NCA and selecting PDF Map/More information, more detailed mapping and information for this NCA can be viewed.

Intrusion

The 2007 Intrusion Map (CPRE) shows the extent to which rural landscapes are ‘intruded on’ from urban development, noise (primarily traffic noise), and other sources of visual and auditory intrusion. This shows a similar picture to the tranquillity data with a fairly low rate of disturbance in the more rural isolated areas with greater disturbance around settlements and the road network. A breakdown of intrusion values for this NCA is detailed in the table overleaf

A breakdown of intrusion values for this NCA is detailed in the table below (CPRE, Intrusion Map, 2007):

The notable trend from the 1960s to 2007 is a very small increase in the percentage of undisturbed land in this NCA.

NCA Home Page
View glossary of terms