Special Qualities

The special qualities of the AONB are the important characteristics of the area that underpin its designation as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

These qualities relate to the area's landscape and scenery, its wildlife, its cultual heritage and the interaction of these features and attributes.

Its scenic qualities include the rarity and distinctiveness of its Carboniferous limestone that shows clear evidence of glacial erosion and depositional processes that led to the development of limestone pavement, the mosaic of contrasting landscape types present and the estuarine setting of the AONB, which affords dramatic views over Morecambe Bay.

An outstanding range of internationally valued and protected wildlife resources also makes an important contribution to the AONB's special qualities. It includes a variety of limestone habitats, such as lowland mixed ash woodland, species-rich
lowland limestone grassland and limestone heath. Extensive areas of estuarine habitat support large populations of wildfowl and wintering wading birds and the mosses of the AONB are wetlands that support habitats representing truly natural successions.

The intimate scale and tranquillity of the area give the AONB a particular sense of place which is highly valued by local people who live and work in the area and by those who come to visit.

 

Culture, Heritage and Time-depth

Other special qualities include the cultural, archaeological and historic heritage of the AONB, which are integral to its character and quality, with many features including individual buildings, settlements and field systems demonstrating "time-depth" within the landscape.

The small-scale but complex nature of the landforms within the AONB give rise to a range of feelings and impressions, from being hidden and enclosed within the valleys to being in expansive scenery and exposed to the elements from higher ground and the coast. The landscape character of the coastal area, in particular, is dynamic and continually changing. The area is dominated by open skies that create an ever-changing backdrop to the landscape and the tidal influence within the estuary provides a further twice daily dynamic, significantly altering the outward views across Morecambe Bay. The coastal area can be windswept and invigorating, the views and physical experience highly influenced by the weather.

From the higher ground, there are also open and dramatic views over the Bay and of the outstanding scenery within the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales and the Forest of Bowland. In contrast, the small scale, undulating and often wooded hills and valleys create a more enclosed, intimate environment with a range of textures and patterns attracting the eye.

 

    SSSI and Limestone Pavements

    Within the AONB there are more than 4,000 hectares of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and 121 hectares of National Nature Reserve which together make up more than half of the total area. Many of the SSSIs are also of international importance and designated Special Protection Areas and/or Special Areas of Conservation under European directives.

    Sixteen sites are protected by Limestone Pavement Orders. These sites are recognised as being among the best examples of lowland limestone pavement anywhere. Limestone Pavement Orders provide legal protection, preventing owners removing or damaging the karst features on their property.

    With some one-third of the AONB covered in woodland - at least as far as the land above the high tide line is concerned - everywhere you go, there are trees. Some of these woodlands have their origins back in the medieval period or earlier, with a total of 45 Ancient Woodland sites across the AONB, covering 623 hectares overall.
     
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