National Character Area 126 - South Coast Plain : Key Facts & Data

National Character Area 126

South Coast Plain - 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.

Eight per cent (4,186 ha) of the NCA falls within the Chichester Harbour Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) (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

National Park Management Plans

National Parks are nationally designated landscapes with two statutory purposes: 1) to conserve and enhance their natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage; and 2) to promote opportunities for public enjoyment and understanding of their special qualities. Clicking on the relevant National Park in the below map will also take you to that specific National Park website.
 
The following National Parks can be found within this NCA:

 

A group of people in a park

Relationship with the coast

The adjacent coastline is covered by the following Shoreline Management Plans:

  • Beachy Head to Selsey Bill
  • Selsey Bill to Hurst Spit

The adjacent coastline includes the following Marine Plan – Marine Character Areas (MCAs):

  • The Solent
  • Selsey Bill to Seaford Head

Beachy Head to Selsey Bill Shoreline Management Plan

Shoreline Management Plans are developed by Coastal Groups with members mainly from local authorities and the Environment Agency. They identify the most sustainable approach to managing the flood and coastal erosion risks to the coastline in the short, medium and long term. This could inform actions within the NCA.

Fields running alongside the sea

Selsey Bill to Hurst Spit Shoreline Management Plan

Shoreline Management Plans are developed by Coastal Groups with members mainly from local authorities and the Environment Agency. They identify the most sustainable approach to managing the flood and coastal erosion risks to the coastline in the short, medium and long term. This could inform actions within the NCA.

Fields running alongside the sea

Description for the The Solent Marine Character Area

Seascape Character Assessments have been produced for all marine plan areas in England, extending along the coast to the High Water Mark. Information in the Seascape Character Assessments could inform actions along the coastline of the NCA.
 

A cove

Description for the Selsey Bill to Seaford Head Marine Character Area

Seascape Character Assessments have been produced for all marine plan areas in England, extending along the coast to the High Water Mark. Information in the Seascape Character Assessments could inform actions along the coastline of the NCA.
 

A cove

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:

  • 12: East Sussex
  • 17: Hampshire and the Isle of Wight
  • 41: West Sussex

 

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Landscape and nature conservation designations map for NCA126

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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

Elevation ranges from below sea level (areas by the coast) to a maximum of 99m across the plain slopes. The average elevation of the landscape is 12m above sea level (Natural England, 2010, South Coast Plain Countryside Character Area description).

Landform and process

Landform is dominated by the low relief of Tertiary sands, silts and clays that overlie the Chalk. The east-west fold of Chalk known as the Littlehampton anticline forms an isolated ridge to the north of Portsmouth known as Portsdown Hill. This rises from near sea level to over 100m and creates a dramatic backdrop to Portsmouth Harbour (South Coast Plain Countryside Character Area description).

Bedrock geology

Structurally, the South Coast Plain is part of the larger Hampshire Basin which Now formed when the underlying chalk rocks were folded and faulted by the Alpine Orogeny (mountain-building episode). The Littlehampton anticline, an east-west fold of chalk, forms an isolated ridge called Portsdown Hill to the north of Portsmouth.

During the Tertiary, sediments of the Thanet Sands Formation and Lambeth Group sands and clays were deposited onto the Chalk in a shallow marine setting. As sea levels rose and the sea deepened, the fossiliferous London Clay Now laid down. Subsequently, as the sea became shallower again, the Bracklesham Group of clays, silts and sands were deposited in an intertidal and offshore environment on a large coastal plain. Bracklesham Bay is the type locality for these deposits, and together with the foreshore deposits of this type near Gosport they have yielded fossil fish, bird and plant remains (South Coast Plain and Hampshire Lowlands Natural Area Profile, South Coast Plain Countryside Character Area description, British Geological Survey maps).

Superficial deposits

Terrace gravels marking the historic shore of the Solent River contain vertebrate remains associated with warmer phases between ice ages, known as interglacials, during the Pleistocene period, 350,000 to 125,000 years ago. These gravels, exposed on the coast at Lee-on-the-Solent, Bracklesham Bay and Selsey contain important Pleistocene vertebrate remains and Palaeolithic (Early Stone Age) artefacts.

The entrances to Chichester, Langstone and Pagham Harbours and the Hamble estuary are guarded by classic sand dune and shingle spit features. At Browndown, west of Gosport, and at other points along the coast, shingle deposits form well developed shingle features, those at Browndown showing clearly defined apposition ridges that have been deposited over many centuries. Further sand dune formations occur at Climping, west of Bognor Regis, where the dunes have formed at the mouth of the River Arun. The estuaries within the area also contain many important examples of salt marshes of differing age and state of evolution. The area provides classic examples of coastal features and valuable opportunities to study modern coastal processes at work (South Coast Plain and Hampshire Lowlands Natural Area Profile, South Coast Plain Countryside Character Area description, British Geological Survey maps).

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

Over the superficial gravel lie deep and well-drained brown earths which occur widely over much of the area. Chalky thinner soils have formed over the chalk outlier of Highdown Hill. The range of fertile soils throughout the area combined with the flat terrain and favourable climatic conditions result in high quality agricultural land. Grade 1 land is found predominantly through a central strip, east of Chichester Harbour. Grade 2 is found predominantly east of Chichester Harbour. Grade 3 and 4 land is found in patches mainly to the east of the NCA (South Coast Plain and Hampshire Lowlands Natural Area Profile, South Coast Plain
Countryside Character Area description).

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:

  • 12: East Sussex
  • 17: Hampshire and the Isle of Wight
  • 41: West Sussex

 

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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 NCA126

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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.

The rivers crossing the plain locally form wide alluvial flood plains. Southward facing streams, that are locally referred to as ‘rifes’, cut through the lower plain. Flooded gravel pits comprise some of the largest areas of freshwater in the region.

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:

  • 12: East Sussex
  • 17: Hampshire and the Isle of Wight
  • 41: West Sussex

 

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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 NCA126

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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

There is a strong network of small and medium sized broadleaf woodlands throughout the upper coastal plain. The landscape pattern comprises some ancient woodland, coniferous plantations and small fields, hedgerows and woods. In contrast, the lower coastal plain is relatively treeless and entails a typically homogenous landscape of large fields with few hedgerows or trees. Small areas of wind-sculpted woodland persist on some coastal fringes, particularly around the sheltered inlets (Natural England, 2010)

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:

  • 12: East Sussex
  • 17: Hampshire and the Isle of Wight
  • 41: West Sussex

 

Background pattern

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 NCA126

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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

The lower coastal plain has few trees or hedgerows and drainage ditches, wire fences or low banks are more usual as field boundaries. In contrast the upper coastal plain is more wooded and well linked by hedgerows (South Coast Plain Countryside Character Area description; Countryside Quality Counts, 2003).

Field patterns

Fields throughout the lower coastal plain tend to be large and arable. In contrast, the upper coastal plain typically has smaller fields. The fields largely appear to have been created through a process of enclosure by agreement, with some small areas of more regular enclosure. Typically the fields surrounding settlements are small (South Coast Plain Countryside Character Area description; Countryside Quality Counts, 2003)

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.

NCA126 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:

  • 12: East Sussex
  • 17: Hampshire and the Isle of Wight
  • 41: West Sussex

 

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NCA126 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 NCA126

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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

There is a scanty covering of low growing, saline tolerant plants along the coastline. Sand dunes and shingle beaches are found along the shoreline. The most extensive and well developed occur at the mouths of the main harbours such as shingle beaches at Pagham Harbour and sand dunes at East Head at the entrance of Chichester Harbour.

Saline lagoons are found in areas along the coast, including within Pagham Harbour, Birdham Pool in the north-eastern edge of Chichester Harbour and the entrance of Portsmouth Harbour. Salt marshes occur along the harbours and estuaries, particularly within Chichester Harbour. Scrub and small areas of wind-sculpted woodland occur on some coastal fringes. There are a small number of isolated coastal heaths and woodlands on the open plain. A network of broadleaved woodlands, including ancient woodland, is present in the upper coastal plain. Areas of medium quality agricultural land support good quality grassland such as in the Arun flood plain. In addition the NCA contains important arable habitats. These support nationally important assemblages of arable birds (South Coast Plain and Hampshire Lowlands Natural Area Profile).

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:

  • 12: East Sussex
  • 17: Hampshire and the Isle of Wight
  • 41: West Sussex

 

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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 NCA126

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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

The lower coastal plain is dominated by suburban villages and extensive seaside towns between Brighton and the edge of Southampton. Smallholdings and bungalows are scattered along Southampton Water, but merge with the suburban outreaches of Fareham towards the Solent. East of Chichester numerous villages form a fairly continuous sprawl, including some farm buildings and traditional flint hamlets. Settlement is more dispersed to the north of the chalk dip slope (South Coast Plain Countryside Character Area description; Countryside Quality Counts, 2003).

Main settlements

Main towns/cities within and adjacent to the NCA (with populations recorded in 2001) are; Southampton (304,400), Fareham/Portchester (56,160), Gosport (69,348), Havant (45,435), Portsmouth (187,056), Chichester (27,477), Bognor Regis (62,141), Littlehampton (55,716), Worthing (96,964), Brighton (134,293), and Hove (72,335). The total estimated population for this NCA (derived from ONS 2001 census data) is: 505,822 (ONS 2001 Census, Natural England, 2012).

Local vernacular and building materials

Building materials within the coastal margins traditionally reflect the proximity of the sea for importing raw materials, such as timber frames, thatch, flint and cob. Timber framing Now widely used for houses until after the 17th century, after which brick Now a more common option. The medieval churches around the harbours are made of flint and stone. Many of the villages have retained their medieval core and are often arranged round a market or green area. The varied vernacular architecture reflects strong ties with its region (South Coast Plain Countryside Character Area description; Countryside Quality Counts, 2003)

NCA126 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 NCA126

View Settlement and development patterns map for NCA126 full screen in a new tab
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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

Evidence of Mesolithic people has been discovered from the mud of areas such as Langstone Harbour. Settlements, such as the palace at Fishbourne and civitas capital of Chichester, reflect that the coastal landscape Now well occupied in the Roman period. There are still some existing examples of Anglo-Saxon work, such as in Portchester and Titchfield church. The strategic importance of the area has resulted in significant defence works along the coast. Portchester Castle dates from the Roman period but from the 14th century onwards measures to defend the important naval base of Portsmouth have been constructed, most visibly the 19th century ring of forts that extend onto Portsdown in the South Hampshire Lowlands character area. Other military features include several hospitals and First and Second World War airfields at Tangmere and Shoreham (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):


NCA126 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 NCA126

View Key historic sites and features map for NCA126 full screen in a new tab
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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 NCA126

View Recreation and access map for NCA126 full screen in a new tab
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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) it appears that the lowest scores for tranquillity are associated with the major urban areas, particularly along the coast from Portsmouth and Southampton to Brighton. The highest scores for tranquillity are associated with land north of Selsey.

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 there is very little undisturbed land within the NCA as it covers the large urban areas of Southampton and Portsmouth and the arterial route of the A/M27 runs the length of it. A breakdown of intrusion values for this NCA is detailed in the following table:

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 dramatic loss of undisturbed areas (a loss of 21 per cent).

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