National Character Area 95 - Northamptonshire Uplands : Key Facts & Data

National Character Area 95

Northamptonshire Uplands - 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.

Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) intrudes into the south-western corner of the Northamptonshire Uplands NCA. 1,094 ha of the AONB covers 1 per cent of the NCA (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:

  • 22: Leicestershire and Rutland
  • 29: Northamptonshire
  • 31: Oxfordshire
  • 38: Warwickshire

 

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Landscape and nature conservation designations map for NCA95

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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

In the central section, the NCA rises to the high points of Arbury Hill, Charwelton Hill and Naseby, all at or slightly above 200 m. Land to the south of Daventry is noted as being hilly, the undulations are sharper and more frequent (Natural England, 2010).

Landform and process

Rounded undulating hills with many long, low ridgelines. Great variety of landform with distinctive local features, such as Hemplow Hills (Northamptonshire Uplands Countryside Character Area Description, Midlands Clay Pastures Natural Area Profile).

Bedrock geology

The area is mainly underlain by middle Jurassic limestones and clays of the Lias, capped locally by the iron-stone bearing Marlstone and Northampton Sands. Rocks exposed include clays, silts, iron-rich limestones and oolitic limestones of the Inferior Oolite. Physically, the area is dominated by the Jurassic scarp slope. The area Now not glaciated during Pleistocene times but Now affected by extreme periglacial erosion influencing the local drainage of rivers such as the Cherwell. Mineral exploitation of ironstone, limestone and gravel has produced many man made exposures, but many of these have subsequently been filled as part of Nowte disposal schemes. The Whitby Mudstone formation clays (Upper Lias) form the second most extensive geology in the county and are exposed on the uplands. An area of Great Oolitic Limestone outcrops at south-west of the NCA (Northamptonshire Uplands Countryside Character Area, Midlands Clay Pastures Natural Area Profile).

Superficial deposits

Glacial boulder clay dominates much of the central area. The dominant drift geology is the glacially deposited boulder clay. Large sheets of this generally chalk till remain from the Wolstonian glaciations and cover the earlier solid geologies. Further drift geologies include the sand and gravels laid down during the periglacial activity. Clays of the Lias are capped locally by the iron stone bearing Marlstone and Northampton Sands, and with a thick mantle of boulder clay (glacial till) (Northamptonshire Uplands Countryside Character Area).

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

The soils that have developed are closely related to the underlying solid geology and superficial deposits. Iron-rich sandy limestones have been worked for use in the Northamptonshire and Banbury iron and steel industry until recent times (Northamptonshire Uplands Countryside Character Area Description, Midlands Clay Pastures).

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:

  • 22: Leicestershire and Rutland
  • 29: Northamptonshire
  • 31: Oxfordshire
  • 38: Warwickshire

 

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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 NCA95

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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.

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:

  • 22: Leicestershire and Rutland
  • 29: Northamptonshire
  • 31: Oxfordshire
  • 38: Warwickshire

 

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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 NCA95

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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

Woodland cover in this NCA is sparse, but there are some prominent woods in the south in an arc from Badby to Woodend. The few blocks of ancient woodland like Badby are particularly important in a locality where there are few areas of semi-natural vegetation and limited wildlife interest. Most of the tree and shrub cover, other than the hedgerows, is given by the spinneys dotted across the landscape, often on the higher ground. The greatest variety of land cover, from the uniform pattern of pasture and arable within Tudor and parliamentary enclosure hedges, is given by the landscape parks. Small broadleaf woodlands, copses and shelterbelts, combined with hedgerow trees create an impression of a well-treed landscape, although overall woodland cover is relatively limited. Woodlands are concentrated along streams and steeper slopes, with many prominent hilltop copses (Midlands Clay Pastures Natural Area Profile).

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:

  • 22: Leicestershire and Rutland
  • 29: Northamptonshire
  • 31: Oxfordshire
  • 38: Warwickshire

 

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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 NCA95

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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

In the central section, there is a regular pattern of hedgerows with frequent ash trees. Arable cultivation has led to the reduction in size and number of hedges and the loss of hedgerow trees. Open arable contrasts with pasture enclosed by good hedges with frequent hedgerow trees. To the south of Daventry the fields are generally smaller. Intensification on the land most appropriate for arable has led to removal and reduction of hedges and loss of hedgerow trees (Northamptonshire Uplands Countryside Character Area Description; Countryside Quality Counts, 2003).

Field patterns

The predominant field pattern is that of parliamentary enclosure imposed on an ‘up and down’ landscape, where the rectilinear pattern is frequently strongly visible. The straight, wide enclosure roads which often follow ridges are also part of this planned character. The area is of outstanding interest for its ridge and furrow and deserted settlements. Intensification for arable in areas where this is appropriate, has led to removal and reduction of hedges and loss of hedgerow trees. To the south of Daventry the fields are generally smaller and settlement is more frequent. Arable cultivation has led to the reduction in size and number of hedges and the loss of hedgerow trees. In the central area, the fields are generally smaller and settlement more frequent (Northamptonshire Uplands Countryside Character Area Descrip

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.

NCA95 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:

  • 22: Leicestershire and Rutland
  • 29: Northamptonshire
  • 31: Oxfordshire
  • 38: Warwickshire

 

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NCA95 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 NCA95

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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

Woodland is generally sparse but there are some prominent woods in the south. The few blocks of ancient woodland like Badby take on a special value and interest in a locality where there are few areas of semi-natural vegetation and limited wildlife interest. Broadleaved woodland on acid soil typically have a canopy of pedunculate oak, silver birch, downy birch and ash with a shrub layer dominated by hazel with smaller amounts of hawthorn, holly and Midland hawthorn. Very locally small-leaved lime and sessile oak dominate the canopy. Woodlands on base rich soils typically have a canopy of pedunculate oak and ash, with smaller amounts of field maple, small-leaved lime and elm over a shrub layer dominated by hazel and hawthorn. Around the edges of the area, reservoirs are a significant element within the land cover but the greatest variety, from the uniform pattern of pasture and arable within Tudor and parliamentary enclosure hedges, is given by the landscape parks. The flood plain grazing marsh is located primarily in the south of the NCA around Banbury. The small, fragmented sites with lowland meadow and calcareous grassland are scattered throughout the NCA (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:

  • 22: Leicestershire and Rutland
  • 29: Northamptonshire
  • 31: Oxfordshire
  • 38: Warwickshire

 

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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 NCA95

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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

Many of the villages are small, clustered around an ironstone church, some with the earthworks of abandoned dwellings at their edges. Some are on prominent hilltop sites while others lie in sheltered situations at the heads of minor valleys. Around the edges of the NCA, along the Cherwell valley and to the north between Rugby and Daventry, the villages have become significantly enlarged by 20th century development. Settlements close to the urban areas of Daventry and Rugby and along strategic routes such as the M1, the A14 and the A425 have significant commuter development. There has been pressure for sand and gravel extraction along the area of the M1 corridor (Northamptonshire Uplands Countryside Character Area Description; Countryside Quality Counts, 2003).

Main settlements

The main settlements within the Northamptonshire Uplands NCA are Banbury and Daventry. The total estimated population for this NCA (derived from ONS 2001 census data) is 154,775 (Northamptonshire Uplands Countryside Character Area Description; Countryside Quality Counts, 2003).

Local vernacular and building materials

The main settlements of the area are small villages with red brick or ironstone buildings clustered around an ironstone church, although creamy-grey limestone is used in the north. The local ironstone has a distinctive orangeybrown colour and is used in combination with red brick, creamy-grey limestone and cob in traditional buildings throughout the area. There are scattered buildings in cob, which Now largely replaced by brick in the 19th century. Pantile and tile roofs predominate throughout the area. Some of the country houses are buildings of great character. For example, Cottesbrooke is famed for its gracious proportions. There are also fine buildings on a smaller scale, almost always in local stone, such as the manor houses at Ashby St Ledge and Sulgrave. In some cases the estate character of the landscape is emphasised by estate villages and lodges (Northamptonshire Uplands Countryside Character Area Description; Countryside Quality Counts, 2003).

NCA95 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 NCA95

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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

Deserted settlements and ridge and furrow, overlaid by a mixture of Tudor and parliamentary enclosure hedges, with much of the tree cover lost. The area is of outstanding interest for its ridge and furrow and deserted settlements and these are vulnerable to damage throughout this area. The landscape parks and country houses were laid out as the population shrunk, for example, Althorp, Canons Ashby, Cottesbrooke, Harlestone and Holdenby, some by major designers such as Repton and Brown. In the 18th and 19th centuries the remaining open land Now enclosed. In the 20th century the main changes have been the development of the major transport corridors of the M1, A14 and M40 which cross the area as well as the expansion of arable cultivation and modern farm buildings. The historic parklands are vulnerable, and loss to arable intensification and recreational uses remains a concern (Countryside Quality Counts Draft Historic Profile, 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):


NCA95 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 NCA95

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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 NCA95

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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 correspond with the settlements and in particular the larger towns and cities in the NCA such as Leicester.

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 that particularly around the city of Leicester areas are increasingly disturbed whereas in the more rural areas and villages they experience less intrusion. A breakdown of intrusion values for this NCA is detailed in the table below.

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

Notable trends from the 1960s to 2007 are the increase in the degree of disturbance as fewer areas are categorised as ‘undisturbed’ over the same timescale.

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