Fareham Borough Landscape Assessment

May 1996

Landscape Character Area 10

Forest of Bere

Summary Description

The Forest of Bere character area lies in the extreme north of the Borough beyond the North Fareham Downs. It forms a distinctive area of large-scale, wooded farmland on clay soils that forms part of the wider landscape of the Forest of Bere that extends northwards across the Borough boundary into Winchester District.

The essential characteristics of the Forest of Bere are: * a distinctive and attractive, enclosed character formed by large blocks of mixed woodland connected by mature hedgerows, including important remnants of ancient woodland; * the woodland blocks form the southern edge of a much larger character area that extends to the north beyond the Borough boundary; * the woodland edge is continuous and forms an attractive backdrop to the open arable farmland of the North Fareham Downs; * the woodland blocks contains a matrix of medium scale farmland with a strong sense of enclosure.

Enhancement Priorities

This is an area of unspoilt and attractive landscape with extensive areas of valuable woodland, some of ancient origin. The emphasis should be on the conservation and management of this resource and on maintaining the rural qualities of the area.

The priorities for enhancement are: * to maintain a quiet, remote and rural character to the area; * to protect and manage the extensive areas of woodland, particularly those of ancient origin which are of the highest landscape and ecological value.