Somerset Landscape Character Assessment

The Dunes and Beaches LCT is located along the north-western coast of Somerset, extending between Burnham-on-Sea in the south and Brean Down in the north. The LCT forms the edge of the lower-lying coastal landscape, also partially formed by the Levels (LCT 10) and Peat and Clay Moors (LCT 11). It has a strong relationship with the Salt Marsh and Mudflats (LCT 8), located within intertidal areas to the west of the LCT, as well as with the Bristol Channel located beyond.

The Dunes and Beaches LCT is strongly influenced by settlement, the pattern of which is related to the underlying linear nature of the strip of dunes between the intertidal landscape to the west and the Levels (LCT 10) landscape to the east. Undeveloped areas of dunes near Berrow in the centre of the LCT and Brean Down in the north of the LCT form unique and valued habitats within the LCT. The semi-natural character of these areas contrasts with the predominant settled character found elsewhere within the LCT. The coastal nature of the LCT results in wide and open views, focused west overlooking Bridgwater Bay and the Bristol Channel beyond.

Landscape Character Areas

The Dunes and Beaches LCT is divided into two landscape character areas (LCAs):

• LCA 9a: located in the north of the LCT across the cliffs and promontory of Brean Down, with a more isolated character that contrasts with the settled character across other parts of the LCT.
• LCA 9b: extending across the majority of the beaches, dunes and settled coastline of the LCT south of Brean Down, and strongly influenced by settlement.

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

Key Characteristics

• Sandy soils located along the coast with some areas of loamy and clayey soils in the east of the LCT, overlying mudstone rock, result in a low-lying coastal landscape of beaches and dunes.
• Brean Down forms an elevated promontory in the north of the LCT, sheltering part of Bridgwater Bay. Multi-period Scheduled Monuments at Brean Down highlight the significance of this landform feature above Bridgwater Bay.
• Dominated by linear settlement extending along the coastline, including holiday parks and tourism-related development connected by the network of minor roads.
• Predominantly of 20th century character, which contrasts with the Victorian sea front of Burnham-on-Sea (designated as a Conservation Area).
• Small areas of arable cultivation in the north with pastoral fields lining the eastern edges of settlements.
• Limited tree cover, with vegetation mainly comprising low-growing grasses, flowering plants and scrub. Ornamental trees and shrubs are associated with the developed areas.
• Grassland and dune habitats are concentrated within Brean Down in the north and Berrow Dunes in the centre, with habitat connectivity to the wider Severn Estuary.
• Open landscape with views focused across the Bristol Channel, contrasting with more enclosed views within settlements.
• The King Charles III England Coastal Path, network of local footpaths and the beach are popular for recreation and the experience of the surrounding landscape.

Natural Influences

This LCT forms a relatively low-lying and flat area of coastline, with dunes rising slightly from the lower-lying Salt Marsh and Mudflats (LCT 8) to the west. Cliffs and raised landform at Brean Down in the north of the LCT (LCA 9a) form a high point within the LCT at 97 metres Above Ordnance Datum (AOD), with dunes in the centre of the LCT near Berrow also forming localised high points at 20m AOD, though most of the LCT lies below 10m AOD. Brean Down forms a promontory, extending into the Bristol Channel from the coastline and partially sheltering the northern edge of Bridgwater Bay.

Sand dune soils are located along the coast with some areas of loamy and clayey soils in the east of the LCT, overlying mudstone rock of the Jurassic period (Charmouth Mudstone Formation). Brean Down comprises a limestone outcrop (Pembroke Limestone and High Tor Limestone Formation) with chalky soils, formed during the Carboniferous period and similar to the underlying geology of the Wooded Limestone Slopes (LCT 2) and Limestone Plateau (LCT 3) that are associated with the Mendip Hills.

The majority of the LCT (LCA 9b) is strongly characterised by settlement with some arable fields in the north and pastures located along the eastern edges of settlement. Given the presence of settlement, semi-natural habitats are mainly focused in the north of the LCT (LCA 9a) at Brean Down, which hosts calcareous grassland (a priority habitat), forming part of the Mendip Limestone Grasslands Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Brean Down is also designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its unique geology, including fossiliferous deposits, and plant species, including White Rock-Rose (Helianthemum appenninum) and other limestone grassland species. Proximity to the Severn Estuary also makes Brean Down an attractive and unique habitat for birds. The low-growing grasses and scrub found on Brean Down contribute to the windswept and relatively isolated character of this area, which contrasts with the simple landscape pattern of grazing marsh and sandy beaches nearby.

Areas of sand dunes (a priority habitat) in the centre of the LCT (LCA 9b) at Berrow Dunes (designated as a SSSI) form a unique geomorphological feature, and a more natural coastal barrier than is found in more developed parts of the LCT. Whilst these dunes are influenced by the golf course of Burnham & Berrow Golf Club, they support a variety of flowering plant species, invertebrates and birds, particularly breeding and wintering birds.

Trees and woodland within the LCT are mainly focused along settlement edges and comprise ornamental species, with some smaller areas of semi-natural mixed deciduous woodland located along the eastern edges of the Berrow Dunes.

Cultural Influences

Evidence of a rich multi-period history is present at Brean Down (designated as a Scheduled Monument), with archaeological remains dating back to the Neolithic and Bronze Age. Throughout history, Brean Down has hosted funerary and ritual sites, defensive sites (ranging from the Iron Age to World War II) and settlement. Many of these remains survive underground or as earthworks, however monuments from more recent history (from the Victorian era onwards) still form an influence in the landscape. This includes ruins of the Victorian era fort, which was re-armed during World War II, in the west and a concrete arrow in the east that acted as a directional marker for trainee bomber pilots during World War II and points in the direction of the bombing range that was located off the coast of Brean Down.

Settlement within the LCT extends in a relatively dense linear pattern along the coast, occupying the higher strip of land formed by the dunes between the intertidal landscape of the Salt Marsh and Mudflats (LCT 8) to the west and the lower-lying floodplain grazing marsh landscape of the Levels (LCT 10) to the east. Settlement extends across a majority of LCA 9b with a high degree of coalescence between the villages of Brean, Berrow, Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge. Numerous holiday or caravan parks and other associated tourism development are located across the LCT, though particularly concentrated at Brean. Settlement is less dense in the north of the LCT and results in a more isolated and tranquil character for this part of the LCT, particularly around Brean Down (LCA 9a). Roads also cross the LCT in a linear pattern. The main roads connect settlements and broadly run on a north to south alignment along the coastline, and are connected to other roads that extend to and from the Levels (LCT 10). Sand dunes form the coastal barrier across much of the LCT, however a sea wall extends along the western edge of Burnham-on-Sea in the south (LCA 9b) and forms a linear human influence in views from this section of the beach. A number of groynes are located across the coastline, though these form a lower-profile human intervention in views from the beach.

Whilst the LCT is strongly characterised by 20th century settlement, part of the seafront at Burnham-on-Sea (designated as a Conservation Area) reflects the history of the settlement as a Victorian holiday resort. Historically the settlement was centred around the esplanade and a row of Victorian terraces, with growth and popularity aided by the arrival of the railway in the mid-19th century. The strong relationship between the historic core and the open outward views west across Bridgwater Bay remain characteristic of this part of the LCT today. Traditional building materials within the Conservation Area include local lias stone, render and slate roofs.

Perceptual Influences

Views experienced from the LCT are very open and expansive in character, and focused west across Bridgwater Bay, the Bristol Channel and towards South Wales. Some views within areas of dense settlement within LCA 9b are more enclosed, where surrounding buildings and ornamental landscaping screen and filter outward distant views. More distant hills including the Quantock Hills, Exmoor and Mendip Hills form skyline features in views looking east and south. The presence of water and changing tides contribute to the dynamic visual character of the landscape.

The King Charles III England Coastal Path follows the coastline in the west of the LCT and forms a loop around Brean Down before crossing east towards the River Axe. National Cycle Network (NCN) Route 33 also follows the coastline, passing between Burnham-on-Sea and Brean before crossing the LCT towards Bleadon Levels (in North Somerset). Brean Down (LCA 9a) is a National Trust property and forms a popular recreational destination. The network of local public rights of way (PRoWs) generally provide access to the beach, which is a popular area for recreational visitors. Other recreational areas include the golf course of Burnham & Berrow Golf Club in the centre of the LCT, and leisure areas associated with holiday parks.

The presence of settlement across the LCT adversely influences the experience of rural tranquillity and contributes to light pollution particularly within LCA 9b, though a sense of tranquillity can be experienced within the landscape in the north of the LCT near Brean Down (LCA 9a). The rural character of the landscape in the north of the LCT contributes to the setting of Brean Down, and the wind-swept and isolated character experienced from the promontory.

Key Sensitivities and Valued Features

• The contrast resulting from the rising landform and isolated character of Brean Down, which forms a landmark in views above the lower-lying landscape. The presence of multi-period Scheduled Monuments at Brean Down add time depth and further contribute to sense of place.
• Ecologically and geologically important habitats at Brean Down support important bird and limestone grassland plant species and provides habitat connectivity to the wider Severn Estuary.
• The Victorian character of the Burnham-on-Sea Conservation Area adds time depth to the seafront and contributes to sense of place.
• Ecologically and geomorphologically important dune habitats support important invertebrate and bird species and flowering plants, enhancing biodiversity, connectivity to the wider Severn Estuary and sense of place by creating a more natural coastal barrier.
• Open and expansive views across Bridgwater Bay, the Bristol Channel and towards South Wales contribute to sense of place.
• Recreational value provided by the King Charles III England Coastal Path, network of local PRoWs, the beach and network of paths and visitor facilities at Brean Down.

The Changing Landscape

The following section sets out the changes and pressures to the Dunes and Beaches LCT.

• Past expansion of holiday and caravan parks, particularly in the north of the LCT, has influenced the rural character and sense of place. Additional expansion of settlement, holiday and caravan sites, particularly in the north of the LCT, may increase the human influence within the LCT, further impacting views and the sense of place.
• Rising sea levels and more frequent storm surges associated with climate change could accelerate cliff erosion and degradation of historic features (particularly at Brean Down) and may damage the structure and landscape pattern of dunes, whilst impacting bird nesting and feeding sites.
• Changes in sea level as a result of climate change may increase the frequency and severity of tidal inundation, requiring enhancement or creation of additional flood barrier defences. The strategy within the Shoreline Management Plan (SMP2) is to “hold the line” by maintaining, replacing and upgrading flood defence structures. It is noted that the seawall at Burnham-on-Sea will likely need replaced by a much larger structure in the long-term. Construction of hard flood defence structures will change the visual character and sense of place within the LCT.
• The strategy within the Shoreline Management Plan (SMP2) for the Berrow to Brean Down area also involves active dune management in the short-term, with potential for coastal realignment in the medium to long-term. This may require the moving of properties to facilitate more active and effective management of the dunes as a natural flood defence system. Coastal realignment would change the settled character of parts of the LCT.
• Increased sedimentation and run-off associated with more frequent and intense rainfall, as a result of climate change, may change the edge conditions of the coastline and species composition of intertidal habitats, changing the landscape pattern and visual character of the LCT.
• Increased visitor pressure at Brean Down, near Berrow Dunes and on the footpath network may result in erosion of footpaths or walkways and increased traffic congestion.
• Potential inshore development within the Bristol Channel, such as wind farms, would affect the seascapes visible from the area.

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 nature-based solutions for flood management and coastal defence, such as restoration and expansion of coastal and wetland habitats, managed coastal realignment to create new areas of coastal habitat (in line with the Shoreline Management Plan (SMP2)), the use of vegetated buffer zones and the incorporation of green infrastructure elements within hard flood defences. This would change the visual character of parts of the coastal edge within the LCT, particularly along the sea wall in the south of the LCT.
• Manage and protect bird nesting and feeding habitats, ensuring recreational opportunities located near these areas do not result in habitat degradation or loss. This may change the influence and pattern of recreational infrastructure in the LCT, particularly near Berrow Dunes.
• Monitor and mitigate risks to fossil-rich deposits at Brean Down from rising sea levels and storm surges by implementing erosion control measures, managing access to sensitive areas, and facilitating scientific research and educational programs to raise awareness of the site’s geological significance.
• Conserve and enhance dune habitats at Berrow from damage associated with storm surges and use natural techniques to encourage the process of dune formation along the edges of foredunes, in line with the Shoreline Management Plan (SMP2). This may result in an increased influence of dunes on the landscape pattern near Berrow.
• Conserve and enhance the vegetative pattern of dune habitats, managing areas of Sea Buckthorn scrub to promote expansion of areas of species-rich grassland, which may change the vegetation pattern in the centre of the LCT.
• Manage visitor access to dunes using signage, barriers and screening to minimise harm to sensitive ecological areas. This may change the influence and pattern of recreational infrastructure in the LCT.
• Conserve and improve access along recreational routes, including the King Charles III England Coast Path, while addressing path erosion, littering, and disturbance to habitats.

Development Management

• Retain the isolated character of Brean Down, avoiding development of a vertical scale which competes with the skyline formed by this landmark feature in views from the lower-lying areas of the coastline. Conserve the rural setting of Brean Down formed by the landscape of the north of the LCT.
• Avoid visually intrusive tall structures, overhead lines, or large-scale developments that could disrupt the open, expansive views and skylines, particularly those looking across the Bristol Channel.
• Protect the multi-period Scheduled Monuments at Brean Down from coastal erosion and extreme weather events by implementing adaptive strategies, such as erosion monitoring, protective structures where feasible, and climate-resilient conservation practices.
• Avoid development which is not in keeping with the historic Victorian character of the Burnham-on-Sea Conservation Area.
• New development including buildings and other structures along the seafront at Burnham-on-Sea should use locally appropriate materials (such as locally sourced lias stone and slate roofs) of the appropriate colour and texture that respect and enhances local distinctiveness and the traditional character of the Conservation Area.
• Where inshore developments such as wind farms are proposed, ensure they are sited to minimise visual intrusion on the coastline and its seascapes.