Lough Foyle Alluvial Plain Landscape

Key Characteristics

• Flat, alluvial plain backed by a low bench of more resistant rocks.
• Parts of coastal plain are reclaimed land, drained by straight drainage channels and enclosed by coastal embankments.
• Farmland patchwork with geometric, structured character.
• Large arable fields on coastal margins of reclaimed land; elsewhere smaller pastures enclosed by low hedgerows.
• Few scattered hedgerow trees; most mature trees are clustered around farms for shelter.
• Narrow straight roads on alluvial plain; principal routes are on the elevated bench backing the alluvial plain.
• Evenly spaced farms and linear suburban development; extensive industrial development on the eastern fringes of Londonderry.

Landscape Description

The Lough Foyle Alluvial Plain stretches along the shores of Loyle Foyle from Enagh, on the eastern fringes of Londonderry, to the mouth of the River Roe. The sands and gravels of the alluvial plain originated as glacial outwash from the melting glaciers inland. As the land rose following the ice melt, earlier platforms cut by the waves were exposed as raised beaches and the alluvial plain is therefore backed by a steep, low bench of more resistant rock. Parts of the coastal plain are reclaimed land, protected by steep embankments.

The pattern of the landscape on the alluvial plains varies from a geometric, large-scale arable mosaic to a small-scale patchwork of rough pastures. Large arable fields are found on areas of reclaimed land, to the north of Eglinton and towards the mouth of the River Roe. The fields are bordered with straight drainage ditches and often have no hedgerows or trees. Farms in these areas are large, with groups of trees and shelterbelts protecting the farm buildings from the prevailing wind.

Elsewhere, there is a relatively small-scale patchwork of pastures. Fields are enclosed by low, scruffy hedgerows with scattered hedgerow trees. Gorse is the dominant hedgerow species on the coastal plain. There are a few blocks of broadleaved woodlands, but generally the area has an open character, particularly when overlooked from higher terrain. The coastal plain is backed by a low ridge the A2 and a railway runs along the coastline, raised on a steep embankment. The area is therefore extremely accessible and has been under considerable pressure for industrial and residential development.

The coastal wartime airport bases have become major industrial sites and the vast plant at Maydown, near Londonderry, is visible for miles around. The City of Derry Airport at Longfield, is also a major local land use. Development pressures are most intense on the edges of Londonderry, but much of the road along the edge of the coastal plain is fringed with strip development. The alluvial plain itself has narrow, fairly straight lanes, leading to farms and their isolated barns. Parts of the coastal plain have linear suburban development along the lanes. There are typically many dead-end lanes, leading out onto the farmland beside the water.

Landscape Condition and Sensitivity to Change

The condition of the landscape varies, depending on the extent to which it has been drained and improved as farmland. Areas which are farmed intensively often have had hedgerows removed and watercourses diverted or artificially controlled, while those with poorer quality farmland have a more natural character, but a less intensively maintained landscape.The coastal plain in particular is under intense pressure for built development and is visually sensitive as it is overlooked from the coastal road. At present, this does not extend right along the coast and it will be important to conserve the remaining area of tranquillity to the west of Limavady.

Principles for Landscape Management

• Management of hedgerows will conserve the distinctive landscape pattern and provide an attractive margin to Lough Foyle.
• Provision of formal picnic areas and viewpoints across Lough Foyle from the A2 will enhance perceptions of the area.

Principles for Accommodating New Development

• Industrial development which is designed to be relatively low, with horizontal forms, is best accommodated in the open plain.
• The Lough shores should remain open and free from development to allow views to the water's edge.
• There is a risk that continued ribbon development along the A2 might form a continuous band, linking the separate settlements of Eglinton, Greysteel and Ballykelly and blurring their distinctive identities.