National Character Area 77
North Norfolk Coast
The flat, low-lying, open and remote coastal plain dominates the North Norfolk Coast landscape. The muted, changing colours of the salt marsh and the marram grass amid the sand dunes and the shallow channels of glistening mudflats, tidal flats, shingle banks and sea defence banks provide a variety of texture and detail, behind which the sea meets the sky providing long, sweeping views out to sea where recently installed wind turbines can be seen up to wide open skies. From the coastal plain the land becomes gradually more undulating as it rises up towards the coastal road and the higher ground behind. On the eastern part of the coast, from Weybourne, soft cliffs of glacial and pre-glacial material deposited on chalk extend towards Sheringham and form a prominent feature. This is a dynamic coast, comprising habitats of coastal salt marsh, coastal sand dunes, intertidal mudflats and sand flats, coastal vegetated shingle, reedbeds, saline lagoons and coastal and flood plain grazing marsh which are shaped by the coastal processes that act upon them and by human intervention: management and development, which both shape these fragile habitats. The profusion of marine and bird life and abundance of flora which these habitats support, such as grey and common seals, marine invertebrates, seagrass, little tern, Sandwich tern, common scoter, Brent and pink-footed geese, sea lavender, sea wormwood and rare natterjack toad provides an extraordinary environment and makes the area a special place for locals and visitors alike.
Summary and Headline Statements of Environmental Opportunity
Summary of the National Character Area, including a general description of the landscape, and headline Statements of Environmental Opportunity (SEOs).
Context Map
Interactive map that provides context to the National Character Area and its surrounds.
Key Characteristics
A list of the key characteristics of the National Character Area, which includes both natural and human influences on the landscape.
Description
Overview of how this NCA links to others, a description of the landscape today, and a summary of how the landscape has changed over time.
Key Facts & Data
Detail on the spatial distribution, type and quantity of components and features of the National Character Area.
Natural Capital and Key Ecosystem Services
Overview of Natural Capital, and the benefits to society this NCA provides, linking to the Natural England Natural Capital Atlas.
Landscape Change
Monitored landscape change within the NCA, derived from the Outcome Indicator Framework for the 25 Year Environment Plan. Additional information is also provided on the changes and trends within the landscape as reported in 2014.
Detailed Statements of Environmental Opportunity
Detailed lists of how each Statement of Environmental Opportunity could be achieved.
Analysis: Landscape Attributes & Opportunities
This analysis section focuses on the landscape attributes and opportunities for this National Character Area.
Analysis: Ecosystem Services
This analysis section focuses on a selection of the key provisioning, regulating and cultural ecosystem goods and services for this National Character Area.
Other Information
Below are links to external data sources that are relevant to National Character Area 77 - North Norfolk Coast
Natural Capital Atlas Profile
The Natural Capital Atlas Profiles provide an "off the shelf" natural capital evidence base for each county or city region. Understanding the state of our natural environment is the essential first step to improving it. Natural England's Natural Capital Indicators (Lusardi et al., 2018) are designed to inform our understanding of the state of our natural assets. The indicators highlight the importance of our natural assets for delivering which ecosystem service and the benefits they provide for society. Understanding the state of natural capital is essential to enable the sustainable provision of multiple benefits, now and into the future. The best available and nationally consistent evidence is used to map out indicators showing asset quality, quantity and location. Indicators for some flows of ecosystem services are also mapped. These atlases provide an "off the shelf" natural capital evidence base for the relevant county or city regions within this NCA. They have a wide variety of uses with more information in the How to Start Using Your Natural Capital Atlas.
NCA77 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. Historic farmsteads, comprising the farmhouse and working farm buildings, make a fundamental contribution to landscape character, local distinctiveness and a sense of place. They are also assets which, through agricultural or new uses, can make an important contribution to the rural economy and communities. The Farmstead and Landscape Statement is supported by advice on farm buildings, which provides links to the National Farmsteads Character Statement, national guidance on Farm Building Types and a fully-sourced summary in the regional Historic Farmsteads: Preliminary Character Statements.