National Character Area 124 - Pevensey Levels : Key Characteristics

Low-lying tract of largely reclaimed wetland, actively maintained by purpose-built drainage systems and river flood plain improvements, with long views to the dramatic and distinctive backdrop of the South Downs and out over the sea. A predominantly open landscape with extensive grazed wet meadows and some arable fields with characteristic dykes, wetlands and wide skies. The open, windswept feel is further enhanced by the scarcity of trees and hedges in the landscape.

Low density of dispersed settlement, mostly farmsteads on medieval sites, away from main centres of population.

Local landscape diversity is added by ‘eyes’ – islands of higher ground, many with farmsteads – and also by reed-fringed ditches, scattered willows and patches of standing water with adjacent rushy pasture. Ditches of high biodiversity value, particularly for invertebrates and aquatic plants, typically fringed with reeds, and with patches of standing water and rushy pasture reinforcing the wetland character.

Pevensey Castle overlooks the Levels near the coast, dominating the landscape and adding to the historic interest of the area along with Martello towers and Eastbourne Pier.

Numerous salt works where seawater was evaporated to form salt crystals, resulting in distinctive low mounds.

Shingle beaches with views along the coast dominated in the west by the Victorian seafront at Eastbourne and the Sovereign Harbour complex.

Widely spaced roads and isolated settlements combine with the overall open character to provide a sense of remoteness. Roads tend to be slightly raised above the surrounding land, forming visual divisions in the landscape.

Electricity transmission lines and pylons form vertical features in the flat and open landscape.