Area 1 - Thrubwell Farm Plateau
Summary of Landscape Character
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Clipped hedges which are often ‘gappy’ and
supplemented by sheep netting
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Late 18th and early
19th century rectilinear field layout at north of
area
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Occasional groups of trees
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Geologically complex
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Well drained soils
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Flat or very gently undulating
plateau
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A disused quarry
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Parkland at Butcombe Court straddling the
western boundary
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Minor roads set out on a grid
pattern
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Settlement within the area consists of
isolated farms and houses
Context
Introduction
The character area consists of a little over 1sq. km. of high
plateau to the far west of the district. The plateau extends beyond
the district boundary into North Somerset and includes Felton Hill
to the north and Bristol airport to the west. The southern boundary
is marked by the top of the scarp adjoining the undulating and
generally lower lying Chew Valley to the south.
Geology, Soils and Drainage
Geologically the area is complex though on the ground this is
not immediately apparent. The larger part to the north of the area
consists of the Harptree Beds which incorporate silicified clay,
shale and Lias Limestone. Clifton Down Limestone, which includes
Calcite and Dolomitic Mudstones of the Carboniferous period, is
found in the adjoining central band and Dolomitic Conglomerate of
the Triassic period occupies a band across the southern part of the
area.There are two main soil types, both generally well-drained.
The northern part has silty soils that are typical of the Mendips
and broadly coincide with the Harptree Beds. The southern part has
a loamy soil.
Major planning designations
The whole of the developed area is within the Bristol / Bath
Green Belt.
Description
Landform and Drainage Pattern
The landscape consists of a relatively flat or very gently
undulating plateau above 150 metres. The flat topography has been
taken advantage of in the location of Bristol airport on the
plateau outside the district to the west.
Land-uses
The land is mainly under pasture and is also used for silage
making. There is some arable land towards the north of the area.
Part of Butcombe Court parkland falls within the area to the west
of Thrubwell Lane.
Fields, Boundaries and Trees
Fields are enclosed by hedges that are generally trimmed and
often contain few trees. Tall untrimmed hedges are less common.
Hedges are typically ‘gappy’ and of low species diversity and are
often supplemented with sheep-netting where fields are used for
sheep grazing. Some hedges are more diverse such as along the north
side of Green Lane. The fields are mainly rectangular in shape, the
predominant field size medium with some small. The area to the
north has a rectilinear field pattern that is typical of late
18th and early 19th century parliamentary enclosure.
There are localised groups of trees particularly around
Thrubwell Farm and along Thrubwell Lane, New Road and Green
Lane.
Settlement and Communications
There are only minor roads within the immediate area, which are
set out on a grid pattern. Settlement within the area consists of
isolated farms and houses. Domestic buildings are generally of
local Lias Limestone or render with clay-tiled roofs whilst
agricultural barns are generally of modern industrial
materials.
Landscape Characteristics
The landscape is open in appearance with views to the Mendip
scarp. Clipped hedges generally contain near views.
The landscape has few detractors that are generally restricted
to minor elements such as telegraph poles and overhead cables.
Other features of the landscape include a small disused quarry and
occasional ponds usually marked by a small group of willow
trees.
Landscape Change and Condition
The landscape is generally in good condition. The principal
change has resulted from the requirements of modern agriculture
leading to amalgamation of fields, loss of hedges and associated
features, reliance on mechanical trimming of hedges and less
dependence on farm ponds. Many hedges are now 'gappy' and ponds are
generally becoming neglected.
