Area 5 - The Dundry Plateau

Context

Introduction

The Dundry Plateau character area covers an area of 18sq km. of higher ground. It extends from the south-western edge of Keynsham westwards to the district boundary near Chew Hill north of Chew Magna. It rises to a number of significant hills including Maes Knoll at 197m. and Dundry Hill, beyond the district boundary, at 202m. The boundary generally follows the top of the distinct scarp slopes. This typically marks the junction between the Lias Limestone of the plateau and the Mercia Mudstones typical of the lower lying Chew Valley to the south. The character area of Stockwood Vale and Charlton Bottom abuts to the north at the eastern end.

Description

Landform and Drainage Pattern

The most characteristic feature of the landscape is Dundry Hill which forms the highest ground surrounded by a steep scarp leading to a lower shelf or plateau. The land is generally flat or gently sloping except for the more dramatic steeply sloping scarp slopes at the edge of the Oolitic Limestone Dundry Hill and the edge of the Lias Limestone lower plateau. The landscape is sculpted by a series of watercourses which arise from this area including those occupying Charlton Bottom, the valley at Queen Charlton and numerous tributaries of the River Chew such as those through Norton Hawkfield and Norton Malreward. These provide the characteristically indented edge to the character area. The evocative names of Publow Hill, Hursley Hill, Settle Hill, Guy’s Hill, Chew Hill and Limeburn Hill reflect the significance of the landform where routes have been created through this landscape often becoming eroded over time resulting in dramatic sunken lanes.

Land-uses

The land is used both for pasture and cereal production. Arable predominates in areas such as to the west of Maes Knoll while pasture predominates further east in the area north of Gibbet Lane.

There are remnants of a significant park at Norton Court including a number of giant redwood trees. Many of the parkland trees shown on the 1^st Edition OS map have been lost, however, the park appears to be fairly well preserved around the buildings of Norton Malreward Court.

Fields, Boundaries and Trees

Fields are mainly enclosed by well-trimmed hedges with high species diversity; some appear quite wide and are trimmed to an A-shape. Less frequently hedges are unclipped such as to the south of Whitchurch. Fields are predominantly medium in size, with small and large fields also, the large ones concentrated in the western part of the area. The fields feature few trees. The landscape is open in appearance with only occasional but very significant trees within the hedges. There are also occasional scattered small woods and tree belts. The most significant are located within the valleys such as around Norton Hawkfield, Norton Malreward and North Wick. Other wooded parts include Queen Charlton and Queen Charlton Lane, beside the old railway near New Barn Farm and the steeper slopes north of Maes Knoll.

Settlement and Communications

A network of minor roads follow the indented valleys such as the roads through Norton Malreward, Norton Hawkfield and North Wick or follow higher ground avoiding the steepest slopes. Settlement generally takes the form of isolated farms or cottages or ribbon development such as along Gibbet Lane and at Lypiatt. It generally avoids the highest ground though East Dundry just outside the district exceptionally is located on higher ground on Dundry Hill. Villages are typically located around the boundaries of the area on or at the foot of the surrounding scarp slopes.

Local buildings are traditionally constructed of Lias Limestone, some with a painted or rendered finish, with slate or clay tiled roofs. More recent post-war ribbon development such as in Lypiatt and Gibbet Lane has an assortment of materials including brick, reconstituted stone and rendering.

Landscape Characteristics

The landscape is open and windswept. The elevated character of the area gives extensive views taking in the settlements of Bristol, Keynsham, Saltford and Bath as well as the Chew valley and Mendip Hills. Conversely the hills of the Dundry plateau are visible over a wide area forming a backdrop to many views.

The outline of isolated trees, and more rarely small woods or tree belts, on the skyline are typical of the area. Two of the most significant historical features within the area are the Iron Age hill fort at Maes Knoll and the Wansdyke which is a later linear earthwork which starts at the hill fort and runs to Horsecombe Vale to the south-west of Bath. The fort is triangular in shape taking advantage of the natural topography of the hill. The existing scarp slopes were steepened and a large rampart and ditch were built on the north-west side. There are also remnants of medieval strip lynchets on the slopes around Maes Knoll. There is no clear evidence on the origin or purpose of the Wansdyke however it forms a significant feature consisting of a substantial bank and ditch on its northern side. This section from Maes Knoll to Cottles within the Chew Valley character area is well preserved.

The now disused North Somerset Railway passed through this area south of Whitchurch. Its course is evident through remaining earthworks and surviving hedge boundaries. Other landmarks include the church tower at Norton Malreward.

In the northern part of the character area, along Whitchurch Lane, typical urban fringe problems of damage to gates and fences, tipping and car burning are evident in gateways, lay-bys and passing places – the appearance markedly contrasting with the otherwise well cared for appearance of the character area.