Feature Assessment: Cultural landscapes / Lowland pastoral landscapes
# Lowland pastoral landscapes
Overall vulnerability |
# Feature(s) assessed:
- Lowland pastoral landscapes Special qualities:
- Beautiful views created by contrasting landscapes and dramatic geology
- Undeveloped places of tranquillity and dark night skies within reach of millions
# Feature description:
Much of the landscape of the White Peak and into the South West Peak can be classed as lowland pasture. In 2013, it was found that around 52% of the PDNP was permanent grass farmland. The limestone dales of the White Peak have an exceptional biodiversity value and are home to many rare plants. See ‘Limestone grassland’ for the vulnerability assessment of these. However, the majority of White Peak pastureland is classed as ‘improved’ grassland and has a low diversity of plants and wildlife. Its main values are economic, cultural and aesthetic. The landscape provides grazing for livestock, and silage fields for dairy and beef cattle. In 2009 there were 65,974 dairy and beef cattle and 151,298 sheep present in the White Peak. Much of the White Peak area is enclosed by dry stone walls, which are a prominent feature of the landscape.
# How vulnerable are lowland pastoral landscapes?
Lowland pastoral landscapes in the PDNP have been rated ‘high’ on our vulnerability scale. This score is due to high sensitivity and exposure to climate change variables, coupled with a vulnerable current condition and moderate adaptive capacity. Lowland pastoral landscapes in the PNDP are vulnerable to changes in economic and political conditions, with agricultural intensification already affecting the historical character of many farms. One of the key potential impacts of climate change is a change in land use, particularly a turn to more arable usage with fields ploughed and remaining flower rich grasslands lost. Many small dairy farms have already been lost and been replaced by larger holdings with an increased demand for larger buildings and fields, together with fewer meadows and more fodder crops. However, sustainable and sensitive farming techniques could be implemented more widely to help offset some climate change impacts.
Overall potential impact rating | |
Overall adaptive capacity rating |
# Current condition:
The pressures of modern land management and changes to the economics of farming in the UK has affected PDNP pastoral landscapes. In many cases this has driven intensification and consolidation of existing holdings.
Results from The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) 2010 census indicated that there had been significant changes within the dairy industry in the White Peak. The number of holdings had fallen from 242 in 2000 to 159 in 2009. Many small dairy farms that have gone out of business are now used for beef or sheep production, or have become part of larger dairy holdings.
Larger herds and flocks have led to an increase in the size of new agricultural buildings and an intensification of grassland management. The number of hay meadows has fallen, the number of silage fields has risen, and cultivation of land for fodder crops has increased.
This intensification has seen traditional buildings and boundaries removed to create larger fields. These features are key elements of the historic landscape character.