Summary
Description
A large area of undulating hilly terrain that runs east west from Cowbridge, around the top of the Upper Waycock Valley towards the unitary authority boundary at Culverhouse Cross and including the Wenvoe area, and down to the confluence of the Thaw and Waycock at Llancadle. It forms an important ridgeline across the central Vale landscape, largely agricultural in land use. It affords long distance views across the wider Vale landscape. The LCA is dissected by the A48(T) road which follows the ridgeline across the area. The ridge crest was previously designated as a separate LCA but it has now been combined within this LCA as it is part of a larger geological feature and was not sufficiently significant visually to justify a separate landscape character area.
Geological Landscapes
An area of undulating Lias plateau (aspect area GL942) dissected by the Thaw-Waycock lowland river system. The area rises to 115-125m AOD and forms the background context to the wider river system.
Landscape Habitats
A largely agricultural area it exhibits a range of dry terrestrial habitats, with areas of arable cultivation and grassland, bounded by hedgerows and hedgerow trees. Woodland areas, mostly deciduous, found on the higher ground to the north.
Visually and Sensory Landscapes
The LCA is an area of lowland plateau with a series of enclosed valleys created by the Thaw - Waycock river system. Its northern portion (aspect area VS271) forms a visually important ridgeline in the Bonvilston/St Nicholas area which rises to 137m AOD at Pantylladron between Cowbridge and Bonvilston. This affords extensive views across the Vale. The area is a mixture of arable and pastoral farming within a matrix of hedgerows with hedgerow trees. Field sizes are medium to large, giving an extensive open feel to the area.
There are a number of scattered settlements and farms, with the main settlements straddling the A48 corridor. The eastern edge of the LCA which follows the authority boundary includes the developed commercial area at Culverhouse Cross, below Tumbledown. There are some prominent woodland blocks along the northern edge of the LCA eg: Cottrell Wood, Coedarhydyglyn, and Coed Mynydd Coch.
Historic and Cultural Landscapes
Falls within the extensive rural Vale cultural aspect area (CL039), which reflects the agricultural development of the area and its resultant effects upon the landscape.
The A48(T) follows the course of an important Roman road route across South Wales. Llantrithyd Park, which forms a remarkable example of an unaltered sixteenth century garden and seventeenth century deer park lies within the LCA and is included on the Register of Landscapes, Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales. Association with public entertainment with the location of the Wenvoe TV transmitter, near Downs.
Key Policy and Management Issues
• Retention of the integrity of the agricultural landscape character through management of its principal elements.
• Longer term management of woodlands.
• Integration of settlement edge / new development.
• Management of historic landscape features.
St Nicholas and Bonvilston Ridge Crest - Mosaic Rolling Lowland - Agricultural management generally good. Maintain tree cover on ridge line to integrate development. Broadleaf tree cover is old and deteriorating. Develop woodland cover and hedgerows for better integration.
Special Landscape Areas
A Special Landscape Area is a non-statutory conservation designation used by local government in some parts of the United Kingdom to categorise sensitive landscapes which are, either legally or as a matter of policy, protected from development or other man-made influences. Some are protected sites where conservation is backed up by law, others – which often overlap the statutory ones – have been earmarked for sensitive management as fine examples of natural sites. Although the definitive map needs to be checked, the site MG 2 (43) appears to be within the Special Landscape Area, Ely Valley & Ridge Slopes. In 2007, the Special Landscape Areas north and south of St Nicholas were both extended.
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