Analysis: Landscape Attributes & Opportunities - National Character Area Profiles

Salisbury Plain and West Wiltshire Downs - Analysis: Landscape Attributes & Opportunities

The following analysis section focuses on the landscape attributes and opportunities for this NCA.

Further analysis on ecosytem services for this NCA is contained in the Analysis: Ecosytem Services section.

Extensive open chalk plateau with large arable fields and some remaining or reinstated areas of chalk grassland.

Justification for selection:

The emptiness of the chalk plain is a strong characteristic of the NCA.
The Plain has a clear sense of identity and distinctiveness contributing much to the sense of place.
Big skies accompany the wide open spaces with uninterrupted panoramas over a broad horizon and distant views from elevated areas.
Few hedgerows and generally inconspicuous boundary features accentuate the chalk landform.
Rectilinear field patterns, many reflecting 19th enclosure, and current land use result in a rich tapestry of colours.
Locally bright colours are found as a result of the profusion of flowering plants associated with chalk grassland.

Sheltered river valleys with narrow flood plains and some settlement.

Justification for selection:

Contrast between valleys and chalk plateau heightens the sense of isolation and remoteness found on the plateau.
Intimate, secluded, fertile, wooded valley sides with wet woodland along watercourses, floated water meadows, more marked boundary features and a greater sense of enclosure.
Settlements and transport routes are associated with the more settled river valleys.

Extensive prehistoric ritual landscape.

Justification for selection:

Stonehenge is often seen as synonymous with Salisbury Plain, providing a foundation for the internationally important sense of history created by the wider prehistoric landscape.
Multiple, and often associated, earthworks occupy skyline and focal point locations within the landscape; a constant reminder of the long history of human occupation.
For many, the cultural connections with past ritual landscapes have a lasting resonance and act as a foil to modern society. This is embodied in the character of the area.
The World Heritage Site plays a major role in NCA economy.

Sparsely settled away from the scarp foot and valley villages.

Justification for selection:

The pattern and extent of settlement across the plateau and plain is largely unaffected by the 21st century and contributes much to a sense of isolation.
Where settlement occurs it often has clear historical connections, for example the military settlements and few farmsteads.
Settlement often relates to the availability of resources; water, more fertile farmland and transport routes.

Abundant use of local stone, for example Chilmark limestone, adding to a distinctive local vernacular architecture.

Justification for selection:

The local vernacular architecture reinforces the sense of place creating unity between the underlying geology and human occupation.
In contrast more recent military development and utilitarian structures reflect the remote, unpopulated landscape.

Long history of human occupation and agriculture.

Justification for selection:

Visible signs of habitation and cultivation since the Neolithic era cover the landscape, from barrows to strip lynchets, villages to stately homes, and military housing.
The area remains fundamentally agricultural in character.

Military presence.

Justification for selection:

The close association with the military and defence uses of the Plain are a distinguishing feature of NCA for many.
Military use has a major impact on landscape even outside the restricted area.
Military and defence uses within the landscape are both prominent and historical.

Evocative species associated with chalk and chalk river habitats.

Justification for selection:

Stone curlew and lapwing are characteristic and charismatic species of chalk plain landscape.
Floristically diverse chalk grasslands bring seasonal colour and scientific interest to parts of the landscape.
The quality and flow of chalk rivers support important and diverse species, providing interest for a range of communities including the scientific and game fishing communities.

Semi-natural habitats and natural beauty.

Justification for selection:

Over a third of the NCA is covered by landscape designations, within one of two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, reflecting the outstanding scenic and natural beauty.
Over 2,000 ha have been designated as SPA, SAC and SSSI for the diversity of wild species present; the range of bird and plant species and the chalk grassland of international significance.
River Avon and its system is designated as an SAC as one of Britain’s most diverse rivers, supporting internationally important chalk rivers and wetland habitats and species.
The range and presence of rare, scarce and common plants and animals adds interest and distinctiveness to the area.

Preserve connections to the cultural heritage of all ages, from the Neolithic to the First World War, and build on the foundation of the World Heritage Site.
Foster partnership working to explore and exploit any scope for developing areas of species-rich chalk grassland.
Enhance and develop traditional flood management systems.
Collaborate with Environment Agency and others on a variety of projects on the River Avon system to enhance water quality and the other ecosystems services that the river provides.
Work to maintain levels of tranquillity to enhance the valued sense of remoteness in the NCA.
Maintain the woodlands on the valley sides and support traditional management practices such as coppicing in the interests of the landscape while encouraging economic development.