Physical Influences
Geology
7.16.1 The plateau tops and highest parts of this area are
formed from greater Oolitic Limestone. Below this lies the Fuller’s
Earth beds which include clays and cover the greater part of the
area. These are inherently unstable giving rise to the locally
undulating landform associated with the slopes. These beds are in
turn underlain by the lower Oolitic Limestones which cover the
lowest parts of the area.
Landform and Drainage Pattern
7.16.2 The sides of the Avon valley rise abruptly to Bathampton
Down. The steep north and west facing slopes have a level change of
90m.
7.16.3 There are frequent springs along the valley sides at the
junction of the porous limestone and the Fuller’s Earth Clays.
Land Use and Buildings
Land Use
7.16.4 The area is either in agricultural use as grazing land,
largely on the lower parts, or is woodland.
Influence of Vegetation and Open Space
Trees and Shrubs
7.16.5 The fields on the steeper slopes are usually enclosed by
hedges which are often untrimmed and gappy. Trees are common within
the hedges. Woodlands are an important feature of this landscape
and are most common on the steeper slopes especially on the upper
slopes. They are mainly broadleaf and in particular beech is
common.
Open Space
7.16.6 The fields are small to medium in size and quite
irregular and are typical of the piecemeal clearance of wooded
landscape that occurred from the Bronze Age through to Saxon
times.
Features, Landmarks and Views
7.16.7
Trees, woodland and hedges are the main features of the area. The
combination of open undeveloped slopes and woodland is particularly
significant in views from Bath, Batheaston and the open landscape
from the north.
7.16.8 The area affords extensive views as far as the church
tower at Colerne and more local landmarks such as Little Solsbury
Hill and Batheaston including St John the Baptist’s Church tower
and the Old Mill Hotel.
Cultural Influences
Historic Uses
7.16.9 The use of this area as agricultural land and woodland
has changed little since at least C19.
