Somerset Landscape Character Assessment

The River Valley LCT is located in the north-east of Somerset, broadly following the River Frome and its associated tributaries from Rode in the north to Witham Friary in the south. It is bounded by Wiltshire to the north and north-east. The LCT extends east from the Sandstone Slopes and Valley Heads (LCT 4) across the gently rolling River Frome valley. The River Valley landscape transitions to the steeper Wooded Greensand Ridge (LCT 7) to the south-east and rises in elevation towards the boundary with the Wooded Ridges and Valleys (LCT 6) to the south.

The River Valley LCT forms a wide shallow valley along the River Frome, becoming more incised in the north where the river joins with the Mells River. Areas of arable cultivation with linear, regular fields (typically in the north) contrast with large areas of pastoral land use with small-scale fields and irregular boundaries (in the south). The town of Frome and other smaller settlements within this LCT (many of which are designated as Conservation Areas) are located at key crossing points or former mill sites along the River Frome.

Landscape Character Areas

The River Valley LCT is divided into two landscape character areas (LCAs):

• LCA 5a: Including and extending north from Frome and is strongly characterised by a steep incised landform surrounding the river channel rising to areas of gentle plateau. The predominant land use is arable with a more regular and linear field pattern.
• LCA 5b: Located to the south of Frome, and is more strongly characterised by heavy clay soils, pastoral land use and a more irregular smaller-scale field pattern with wooded slopes.

Differences or specific characteristics that are more relevant to one of the LCAs above are noted in the profile below.

Key Characteristics

• A wide shallow valley centred around the upper River Frome, transitioning to an incised valley around the lower River Frome. The valley is contained by gently rolling plateau in the north and rolling ridges in the south.
• Clayey, chalky and loamy soils overlie a mudstone, siltstone and sandstone bedrock. The soft lias geology underlying this LCT creates a relatively simple valley landform.
• Fertile soils and gentle slopes across the centre and north of the LCT are favourable for arable cultivation, reflected in the field pattern of rectilinear medium-sized fields with some influence of field amalgamation.
• Heavier clay soils in the south of the LCT give rise to pastoral land use with smaller-scale irregular fields reflecting an early parliamentary or ancient enclosure pattern.
• Field boundaries typically comprise low hedgerows, with some hedgerow trees. A stronger pattern of ditches, mature hedgerows and a greater concentration of woodland is more common in areas of pastoral land use in the south or on areas of steep slopes.
• Areas of wood pasture and parkland on the western valley sides are associated with historic Registered Parks and Gardens (RPG). However, recent land use change including the golf course at Orchardleigh House has altered areas of parkland.
• Areas of floodplain grazing marsh and riparian woodland surrounding the River Frome and its tributaries (in the north of the LCT) contribute to the landscape pattern and provide habitat connectivity.
• Towns, villages and hamlets mainly focused along the River Frome, and historically linked to the wool industry centred around the river and its floodplain. Frome forms a key settlement with modern expansion extending into the surrounding rural landscape. Settlements are linked by a well-established road pattern.
• A dense concentration of historic settlements (Conservation Areas) and listed buildings, along with the Devil’s Bed and Bolster long barrow (Scheduled Monument) in the north of the LCT reflect the rich history of settlement.
• Views are often directed across the simple valley landform and contained by the wooded escarpment of the Cranborne Chase National Landscape to the east. Open views across the valley landscape are available from the valley sides and the adjacent elevated wooded escarpment (within the Cranborne Chase National Landscape) to the east.

Natural Influences

The River Frome valley can be divided into two parts – the river valley to the north of Frome (LCA 5a) and the shallow upper valley to the south of Frome (LCA 5b). To the south of Frome (within LCA 5b), the wide and shallow vale is contained by the steep wooded escarpment (within LCT 7: Wooded Greensand Ridge and the Cranborne Chase National Landscape) to the east and rolling ridgelines to the west (within LCT 4: Sandstone Slopes and Valley Heads) resulting in a relatively linear north to south landform. The valley transitions from its shallow upper reaches in the south of the LCT to an incised river corridor in the north. The valley becomes more pronounced and is contained by steep-sided slopes, rising to areas of gently rolling plateau.

Small ditches, streams and occasional ponds form notable features in the north of the LCT (LCA 5b). Topography within the LCT ranges from approximately 45-50 metres Above Ordnance Datum (AOD), along lower-lying reaches of stream valleys, with hills and elevated ridges on either side of Frome reaching high points of approximately 120-135m AOD. The River Frome is prone to periodic flooding and becomes wider along its confluence with the Mells River (north of Frome, within LCA 5a). Areas of Flood Zones 2 and 3 are located along the floodplain of the river, which is wider in the north of the LCT (LCA 5a).

Clayey, chalky and loamy soils overlie a mudstone, siltstone and sandstone bedrock from the Jurassic period. The soft underlying lias geology in conjunction with the drainage pattern of the River Frome has produced a relatively simple and gentle valley landform. The presence of heavier clay soils gives rise to pastoral land use across most of the south of the LCT (LCA 5b), which is mainly located within areas of Grade 3 and 4 Agricultural Land Classification (ALC), and on steeper slopes to the north of Frome. Alternatively, more freely draining soils surrounding the River Frome in the north of the LCT (LCA 5a) give rise to areas of arable cultivation, mainly within areas of Grade 3 ALC with some smaller areas of Grade 1 and Grade 2 ALC.

Areas of woodland (some of which are ancient) are mainly focused on the steeper sloping sides along the edges of the LCT, or form part of the network of dense field boundaries within the south of the LCT (LCA 5b). Postlebury Wood (Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)) includes a mix of oak, ash, hazel and alder with well-developed ground flora, including a significant population of primroses. Elsewhere within the LCT, ribbons of riparian woodland, occasional field trees, hedgerow trees and mature hedgerows provide important semi-natural habitat connectivity, particularly in the south of the LCT (LCA 5b). Blocks of conifer plantation in the south of LCT (including near Higher Bitcombe Wood, Lower Bitcombe Wood and Fry’s Wood) form distinctive dark and hard-edged features in the landscape. The backcloth formed by the densely wooded steep slopes of the adjacent Wooded Greensand Ridge (within LCT 7 and the Cranborne Chase National Landscape) to the south-east contrasts with the patchwork pattern of agricultural fields within the LCT.

An area of wood pasture and parkland is associated with the designed landscape of Orchardleigh House (designated as a Grade II* RPG) in the north-west of this LCT (LCA 5a). Most of the park is now a golf course, though small pockets of broadleaved woodland, parkland trees, the lake and areas of rough pasture contribute to habitat value. Areas of ancient woodland and parkland are also associated with Marston House (Grade II RPG) in the west of the LCT, south of Frome.

Areas surrounding the River Frome in the north of the LCT (LCA 5a) include floodplain grazing marsh (priority habitat). Additionally, small ditches, streams and occasional ponds (notably in the south of the LCT (LCA 5b)) provide other important wetland habitats.

Cultural Influences

Villages and the towns within the LCT developed mainly around historic agricultural estates located near key crossing points of the River Frome as early as the Saxon era. Historic villages and hamlets have a long association with milling for cloth production along the river. The legacy of the wool industry survives in a number of placenames and historic buildings within the LCT, including Rode Mill (Grade II listed building). The historic settlement pattern of small hamlets and villages located along the course of the river survives in part across the LCT. However, the scale and extent of 20th and 21st century expansion of Frome deviates from the smaller-scale historic pattern. Most villages and the historic town centre of Frome have designated Conservation Areas with a notable concentration of listed buildings. Traditional building materials include limestones such as Forest Marble (grey to buff in colour) and Bath Stone (cream coloured). Typical roofing materials include orange or buff clay tiles.

The large historic estates and villas within the LCT reflect the wealth generated, historically, from cloth production. The eastern half of Marston House (Grade II RPG) is located in the west of the LCT, south of Frome. The west of the RPG extends across a ridgeline (within LCT 4: Sandstone Slopes and Valley Heads), where Marston House (a Grade II* listed building) is perched above the valley. Views across the RPG are focused south-east overlooking Marston Pond and the gently sloping parkland landscape, which descends to the River Frome. Underground remains of a former medieval settlement are located within the south-east of the RPG and are designated as a Scheduled Monument, though these are not discernible in the wider landscape. A smaller moated house (Marston Moat Scheduled Monument), is believed to be the site of a former manor house, located to the south of Marston House RPG. Surviving earthworks associated with the designated site, as well as the woodland which covers it, form a locally distinctive feature within the surrounding pastoral landscape.

Orchardleigh (Grade II* RPG, Lullington and Orchardleigh Conservation Area) is centred around Orchardleigh House (Grade II* listed building) and extends across a containing ridgeline above the Mells and Frome Rivers (extending into LCT 4: Sandstone Slopes and Valley Heads). The parkland character of the estate largely reflects renovations undertaken in the 18th century, though a 13th century church is a surviving remnant of earlier settlement. Whilst a golf course exerts a modern influence, the parkland character has largely been retained.

The remains of Witham Priory (Scheduled Monument) reflect the early history of religious sites within the LCT, however, these survive as buried features and are therefore less discernible in the wider landscape. Earthworks and a number of upright and recumbent stones associated with the Devil’s Bed and Bolster (Scheduled Monument), in the north of the LCT (LCA 5a), mark what remains of the prehistoric long barrow.

The field pattern in the south of the LCT reflects early parliamentary enclosure and comprises small-scale fields of a relatively linear pattern. Areas of surviving small-scale irregular fields of ancient enclosure are located in the south of the LCT (LCA 5b), mainly on the slopes enclosing the valley. Land use in the south of the LCT is largely pastoral, with a strong pattern of ditches, mature hedgerows and a greater concentration of woodland delineating fields. In the north of the LCT (LCA 5a), fields are of medium to larger scale with a mix of enclosure eras, with more recent post-World War II field amalgamation occurring in central arable areas surrounding Rode and to the south of Frome. Arable cultivation is more prominent in the north of the LCT due to fertile soils and a gentler topography. Arable fields are typically bounded by low hedgerows interspersed with mature trees.

More recent development within the LCT includes the expansion of key settlements, notably Frome. Modern employment and residential development along the settlement edge of Frome contrasts with the historic town centre and traditional rural character of the surrounding landscape. The gentle and relatively linear character of the river valley gives rise to several key transportation routes within the LCT. A well-connected road network crosses the centre and north of the LCT, including the A36 trunk road which crosses broadly west to east through the north of the LCT. Other main roads, including the A361, A362 and the A3098, generally link Frome to surrounding settlements. The mainline railway linking Frome, Bruton and Westbury follows the grain of the valley, passing across most of the LCT. Roads in the south of the LCT (LCA 5a) mainly comprise a winding network of narrow rural lanes. Reminiscent of the historic use of the river for the powering of wool mills, a number of small scale hydroelectric schemes are located within the LCT, typically occupying former mill sites such as Tellisford High Bridge.

Perceptual Influences

Modern development along the settlement edge of Frome detracts from the rural character of the LCT. Large industrial and commercial buildings at Commerce Park, on the north-eastern settlement edge, and the retail park, on the south-western settlement edge, can be seen in views from the surrounding rural landscape, though buildings are partially screened and filtered by surrounding landscaping. The density of development along the settlement edge of Frome exerts an adverse influence on tranquillity and dark night skies. Higher levels of tranquillity and dark night skies can be experienced away from settlements, particularly in the south of the LCT (LCA 5b). The dispersed settlement pattern and lack of main roads within the south of the LCT (LCA 5b) contribute to the sense of rural tranquillity, which also contributes to the “dark night skies and tranquillity” that are experienced within, and special qualities of, the adjacent Cranborne Chase National Landscape. Main roads, including the A36, A361, A362 and the A3098 exert a localised visual and audible influence, though landscaping lining these roads helps with integration into the wider landscape. The mainline railway linking Frome, Bruton and Westbury and the mineral line to Torr Works Quarry, located within the Sandstone Slopes and Valley Heads (LCT 4), generate some occasional noise intrusion. Solar farms and the high voltage overhead electricity line, located to the south-east of Marston Park, exert an occasional adverse influence on the traditional rural quality of views.

Wide and distant views across most of the LCT, particularly from higher elevations on the valley sides, overlook the shallow valley landform. Views to the east are often contained by the Wooded Greensand Ridge (LCT 7) within the Cranborne Chase National Landscape. Views into adjacent LCTs to the west, overlooking the rural landscape of rolling slopes and ridgelines, are more readily available. Views are also contained within large settlements, along incised sections of the river valley and in areas of dense vegetation and woodland, including where mature field boundaries are present.

The Cranbourne Chase National Landscape abuts the eastern boundary of the LCT. The relatively simple landform within the LCT contrasts with the complexity of the adjacent escarpment landform within the Cranbourne Chase National Landscape. The elevated landform within the designated landscape overlooks the LCT, contributing to “unspoilt and panoramic views” that are a special quality of the National Landscape.

Walking routes within the LCT are well-connected and generally cross the LCT in a west-to-east direction. Long-distance footpaths within the LCT include the Macmillan Way (which crosses the north and south of the LCT) and the East Mendip Way (which terminates in Frome). Long-distance routes are supplemented by the local network of public rights of way (PRoWs). Walking routes are particularly dense around Orchardleigh House to the north-west of Frome, which also contains a golf course. National Cycle Network (NCN) Route 24 passes on the minor road network south-east of Frome, towards Wiltshire.

Key Sensitivities and Valued Features

• The contrast between the open valley landform in the south (LCA 5b) and more enclosed areas of incised slopes in the north (LCA 5b) contributes to the landscape pattern, character of views and sense of place.
• Areas of woodland (notably in the south of the LCT), including Postlebury Wood (SSSI), provide habitat connectivity and visual contrast with the more open character elsewhere within the LCT.
• Areas of small-scale historic field pattern in the south of the LCT (LCA 5b), divided by mature hedgerows, occasional ditches and tree-lined tributary streams, contribute to a sense of place and time depth.
• Large country houses set in parkland (within Registered Parks and Gardens) provide a formal element to the landscape as well as time depth. Areas of wood pasture and parkland provide unique habitat and contribute to the landscape pattern.
• Areas of riparian woodland and floodplain grazing marsh surrounding the River Frome (in the north of the LCT) contribute contrast to the landscape pattern and provide habitat connectivity.
• The historic settlement pattern of small towns and villages, associated with the historic mills along the River Frome, contribute to time depth and the character of views.
• The network of PRoWs that emanates from the settlement edge of Frome (including the East Mendip Way), adds to the recreational value of the LCT.
• The wooded and elevated character of the Wooded Greensand Ridge (LCT 7) to the south-east of this LCT, provides a contrasting backcloth to the more open gentle valley landform and patchwork of agricultural fields within the LCT, contributing to a sense of place in the south of the LCT (LCA 5b).
• Wide and distant views across most of the LCT, particularly from the valley sides and elevated landform beyond the LCT, are focused overlooking the course of the river, contributing to a sense of place. Views from the adjacent wooded escarpment within the Cranborne Chase National Landscape contribute to “unspoilt and panoramic views” that are a special quality of the National Landscape.

The Changing Landscape

The following section sets out the changes and pressures to the River Valley LCT.

• Field amalgamation within LCA 5a is resulting in further localised loss of the prevailing field pattern and deterioration or loss of hedgerows.
• Expansion of modern employment, retail and residential development located along the settlement edge of Frome has influenced the rural character of views near Frome and more distant views overlooking the LCT from the adjacent Wooded Greensand Ridge (LCT 7). Additionally, the increase in traffic associated with development has a negative influence on tranquillity.
• Changes in traditional land use within historic parklands has already occurred, such as the introduction of a golf course at Orchardleigh House (Grade II* RPG). This has influenced parts of the parkland landscape and the sense of time depth.
• Damage to veteran trees within the parkland landscapes may occur due to an increased frequency of storms and strong wind events as a result of climate change. This will influence the landscape pattern and character of views.
• Solar farms (located within LCA 5b) have introduced modern features into the landscape. Increased pressure for renewables may result in further land use change in the form of solar farm expansion and associated electrical infrastructure.
• Drier summers, as a result of climate change, may result in the drying out of stream heads, destabilisation of river banks, sedimentation, concentration of pollution, reduction in habitats, and ultimately a reduction in the effectiveness of flood storage services and the loss of freshwater habitats. This may increase the need for flood management infrastructure, especially areas within Flood Zones 2 and 3.
• Increased temperatures, as a consequence of climate change, may result in an increased water demand for livestock, as well as more livestock being housed indoor. This would result in increases in large agricultural barns and water storage tanks, changing the traditional rural character of the landscape and views.
• Loss of trees, as a result of increased storms and high winds, may result lead to gaps in woodland canopy, negatively impacting wildlife as well as changing the visual character and pattern of the landscape, particularly in the south of the LCT (LCA 5b) and where riparian woodland lines the river and its tributaries.
• Increased recreational pressure as a result of population increase and the settlement expansion of Frome may result in erosion of footpaths and increased traffic congestion near promoted recreational routes (such as the East Mendip Way), reducing tranquillity and changing land cover patterns.

These guidelines recommend how the landscape can be managed to ensure future change respects the local character and should be read in conjunction with the overarching management strategy objectives of the Somerset Landscape Character Assessment.

Landscape Management

• Consider the opportunity for woodland planting to stabilise river and stream banks. This will reduce nutrient flows from fertilisers into waterbodies, improve water quality and increase carbon sequestration and storage. This may change the visual character of the landscape locally but will add further contrast to the pattern and texture of the landscape in some parts of the LCT.
• Conserve and enhance the pastoral character in the south of the LCT (LCA 5b), with its framework of smaller-scale fields, mature hedgerows, drainage ditches and tree-lined tributary streams.
• Creation of woodland should be considered in relation to the backcloth provided by the wooded escarpment in the adjacent Wooded Greensand Ridge (LCT 7) to the south-east, seeking opportunity for habitat and visual connectivity.
• Soften hard edges of conifer plantations through creation of mixed or deciduous woodland along the plantation edges. This will improve the character of views and cohesion of the landscape pattern near Higher Bitcombe Wood, Lower Bitcombe Wood and Fry’s Wood.
• Avoid further field amalgamation in central arable areas surrounding Rode within the north of the LCT, in order to preserve and enhance the historic field pattern. Additionally, explore the opportunity for hedgerow creation and restoration where field boundaries are degraded or have been lost.
• Conserve and manage historic parklands, particularly areas of wood pasture and veteran trees. Avoid further expansion or intensification of the golf course within Orchardleigh House (Grade IIPG) so as to avoid further degradation of the historic character of the landscape.
• Conserve and manage historic parkland within Marston House (Grade II RPG) and retain the rural character of key views overlooking the river valley from the manor house.
• Restore and manage drainage ditches within the LCT to ensure that habitat opportunities within these areas are enhanced and preserved.

Development Management

• Respect and conserve historic features within the LCT, including the remains of Witham Priory and Devil’s Bed and Bolster (both Scheduled Monuments)
• Avoid development of a vertical scale which competes with key views towards the rising skylines formed by the wooded escarpment of the Cranborne Chase National Landscape to the east.
• Consider the sensitive siting and design of renewable energy developments (particularly solar farms) and associated electricity infrastructure. Avoid degradation of smaller scale and more irregular field patterns predominantly found within the south of the LCT (LCA 5b) that may result from introduction of solar arrays.
• Conserve the rural character of the panoramic views across the LCT that are experienced from, and a special quality of, the Cranborne Chase National Landscape.
• Manage recreational use around settlements to avoid footpath erosion. Increase and improve signage, ensuring appropriate maintenance, to improve visitor experience.
• Should further settlement expansion of Frome occur, ensure development is sympathetic to the character of the rural landscape and landscape proposals help to screen and filter views towards the settlement edge.
• Conserve the distinct settlement pattern of small historic villages located along the River Frome. New development should use locally-appropriate materials (such as grey, buff and cream limestones, and orange and buff clay tiles) that respect and enhance local distinctiveness and the traditional character of the area.