National Character Area 38 - Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Yorkshire Coalfield : Key Characteristics

A low-lying landscape of rolling ridges with rounded sandstone escarpments and large rivers running through broad valleys, underlain by Pennine Coal Measures.

Local variations in landscape character reflecting variations in underlying geology.

Several major rivers flow through the rural and urban areas of the NCA, generally from west to east in broad valleys.

A mixed pattern of built-up areas, industrial land, pockets of dereliction and farmed open country.

Small, fragmented remnants of pre-industrial landscapes and more recent creation of semi-natural vegetation, including woodlands, river valley habitats and subsidence flashes, with field boundaries of clipped hedges or fences.

Many areas affected by urban fringe pressures creating fragmented landscapes, some with a dilapidated character, separated by substantial stretches of intact agricultural land in both arable and pastoral use.

A strong cultural identity arising from a history of coal mining, steel making and other heavy industry which resulted from the close relationship between underlying geology and resource availability, notably water power, iron ore and coal.

Features of industrial heritage such as mills, goits, tips, old railway lines, canals and bridges are evident, along with former mining villages.

Many large country houses and estates established by wealthy industrialists in the 18th and 19th centuries and ancient monuments create focal points and important recreational opportunities within the landscape, such as Bretton Hall, Wentworth, Woodhouse, Temple Newsam, Nostell Priory, Bolsover Castle and the ruins of Codnor Castle.

Extensive urbanisation, such as in the major cities of Leeds and Sheffield, with terraced and back-to-back housing and grand 19th-century municipal buildings and churches at their centres, now surrounded by extensive housing and industrial development.

Widespread influence of transport routes, including canals, roads and railways, with ribbon developments emphasising the urban influence in the landscape.

An extensive network of multi-user trails on former railway lines and canal towpaths, such as the Trans Pennine Trail and the Ebor Way.

Continuing development pressure including land renewal and regeneration projects, especially along river corridors and around towns.