Understanding Landscape - Term Paper Example

Understanding Landscape A. Landscape designations Introduction The evolution of mankind has greatly affected the natural habitat of the earth. Preservation of natural habitat is necessary to prevent extinction of flora & fauna and varieties of native animal species. The natural equilibrium has to be restored to the maximum extent possible for the welfare of the future generation. Natural landscape has been affected through cultural development and civilization of humanity over a period of time. Vast areas of forests have been have been converted into agricultural lands and grazing lands for livestock. Large parcels of lands have been put into use for industrial purposes, especially after industrial revolution. It has resulted into pollution, contamination of soil and water. Landscape designations The decision to bring an area under landscape designation with a view to rejuvenation of the landscape, hinges on various factors such as representativeness, the coverage in terms of area, interdependence in the ecosystem, cost of restoration and sustainability, unique features of the habitat and population of species, biodiversity within the habitat, national and international importance of the ecosystem and its significance in global perspective. Highlands, hills, farmlands, shorelines, creeks and waterfalls and its connections to historic events create unique and powerful identity to the landscape. Historic buildings, ancient monuments reflecting the use of land historically give rise to cultural identity unique to the landscape. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) defines biodiversity as: The variability among living organisms from all sources including terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems, and the ecological complexes of which they are part; this includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems. The objectives of CBD are conservation and sustenance of biodiversity and sharing of its benefits. The conditions of geology, vegetation, climate conditions and the heritage and cultural system of the human settlement create distinct landscape. Destruction of habitat, environmental pollution, natural causes such as floods and storms, other human factors such as over fishing, hunting, harvesting or exploitation of natural resources of the forests, sea and mountains are the major threats to biodiversity. The compatibility of the features of the landscape is important. Fragmentation in quality of the landscape is a prohibitive factor in landscape designations. Clearly identifiable features, tranquil environment and degree of wilderness influence the decisions in this regard. The guidelines are given in respect of criteria for evaluation of landscapes for designations by Countryside Commission (1993). The landscape value criteria according to the Countryside Commission (1993) are, landscape as a resource for reasons of rarity or representativeness, scenic quality such as landscape features and important aesthetic or intangible factors, un-spoilt character, Sense of place with reference to distinctive and common character, conservation interests such as features of historical, wildlife or architectural interest and consensus of both professional and public opinion as to its importance and its evidence in literature and arts. Landscape Character Assessment (LCA), which provides fundamental inputs for decision making, plays a major role in evaluation of landscapes with regard to Landscape features, attributes, un-spoilt appearance, tranquility and Landscape processes for maintaining the character and quality. Range of designations Statutory designations: There are a wide range of national and international statutory designations which can be broadly classified into Sites of scientific interest (SSSI) with rivers, geographical sites inhabited by variety of species of animals and birds, National nature reserves (NNR) with rare species of wildlife with unique geological conditions, initially considered as outdoor laboratories for research, Areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONB)with excellent scenic beauty, rocky coastline, highlands, meadows which need conservation and protection, National parks in huge territory with natural and picturesque landscape providing opportunities for tourism, Local nature reserves (LNR) with wildlife and designed for public sightseeing and educational purposes, and all district and county councils have powers to acquire, declare and manage LNRs, Marine protected areas (MPA) for protection of the ecosystem of zones in sea and coast,. Special areas of conservation (SAC) which provide protection to wild animals and plants in order to conserve the biodiversity of the world, Special protection areas (SPA)which are designated under ‘Birds Directive 1979’ by EU for conservation of species of international importance in respect of breeding, migration or vulnerability to extinction and Ramsar sites with wetlands of international importance. Assessment Criteria: For example an area covered under 64983.13 (ha) in South Penine Moors covering Barnsley; Bradford; Calderdale; Cheshire; Derbyshire; Kirklees; Lancashire; Leeds; North Yorkshire; Oldham; Rochdale; Sheffield; Staffordshire has been designated as SAC. The area has inland water bodies, marshes, grass lands and mixed woodland with orchards, groves and vineyards. Primary reasons for designation are (1) European upland dry heaths, flora and fauna, valleys and moorlands, (2) Blanket bogs which provide diversity with evidence of erosion and (3) Old sessile oak woods with Ilex and Blechnum in the British Isles and woodlands along stream sides and the other qualifying features are Northern Atlantic wet heaths with Erica tetralix and Transistion mires and quaking bogs. Non-statutory designations: These designations include Heritage coasts for conservation and protection of coastline and improving the facilities for the tourists, World heritage sites with international value under the auspices of UNESCO, Biosphere reserves designated under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme with economic and human development as the objective besides conservation, research and education European Geoparks which in England cover geological SSSIs and Local Geological Sites and Local geological sites complementing national and international efforts in conservation considering aesthetic, historical and educational values.. “Natural England: It has a statutory duty under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 to, from time to time, consider which areas in England meet the criteria for designation as a National Park, to consider in which order they should be designated, and to proceed with their designation…” For example “On 12th November 2009 Hilary Benn, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs signed an order confirming the designation of the South Downs National Park. A South Downs National Park authority was established on 1st April 2010 to take forward arrangements for the management of the National Park and deliver its statutory purposes.” Local Landscape Designations The projects of landscape designations are undertaken by the local authorities with participation by public and NGOs, within the guidelines or framework provided. ‘Guidance on local landscape designations’ issued by Scottish Natural Heritage and Historic Scotland (2004) states, “…natural and historic environment are increasingly part and parcel of a modern approach to caring for our landscapes. It is perhaps all too easy to associate landscape with the more beautiful and remote countryside, mountains and coastline for which Scotland is renowned, but the natural heritage is to be equally found and treasured close to, and sometimes within, our towns and settlements”. The landscapes undergo changes on a continuous basis. Landscape planning process enables the changes to take place in the right direction for the overall economic development and welfare of the community. Cultural heritage, consequently ancient archaeological sites and historical monuments, is the fundamental elements in local landscape designations. Landscape qualities are maintained and managed by creating civic amenities and developmental work includes parks, gardens, agriculture, animal husbandry, recreation facilities, playgrounds and tourism development. Repairs and damages caused by the environmental changes such as rain, floods, storms, snow fall etc. affects the quality of the landscape constantly, and proper maintenance system should be in place. The interaction with the other local designations ensures cooperation in dealing with the overlapping areas. Legislative approach in protection of landscape “Statutory designations broadly fall into three categories: nature conservation, landscape conservation and natural heritage conservation, which protects wildlife, landscape and cultural aspects of the countryside. The organisations which look after nature and landscape conservation were, until recently, separate. They have now been combined into the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) and Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) under the 1981 Wildlife and Countryside Act, the 1990 Environmental Protection Act and the 1991 Natural Heritage (Scotland) Act (Rydin, 1993). England retains two organisations: English Nature for conservation interests and the Countryside Commission for landscape interests.” (The Macaulay Land Use Research Institute observed, 2010) England is proud of nine national parks and 34 areas of outstanding natural beauty which are considered to be the nation’s wealth, to be preserved for the posterity. Government recognizes broadly three categories with regard to these designations, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AOBN), National Parks and the Broads in this respect. According to the guide of Natural England (2010}, “…common aim of conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the English landscape, not just for the present, but also for future generations.” It is the onerous responsibility of the present generation to preserve the landscape, maintaining the equilibrium and bequeath it to the future generation. In Part II of the guide, case studies are presented which “illustrate examples of good practice in which local authorities, public bodies and statutory undertakers have taken a positive and proactive approach to their responsibilities towards AONBs and National Parks.” (Appendix II) Economic and voluntary approach Voluntary approach: Subject to the existing laws, treaties and agreements voluntary organizations play an important role in landscaping designations through sponsorship, active participation and creating awareness among the public. Public and NGO’s participation is a prerequisite in the case of Local Landscape Designations for the successful implementation of the project. There are various stakeholders from the field of agriculture, animal husbandry, agro-forestry and tourism with high level of interaction. Priorities of indigenous community groups, NGO’s, educational and research institutions, landowners and the constraints imposed by the projects and perhaps the conflicting viewpoints would influence the decision making process. The support services are harnessed from organizations and private sector groups in respect of knowledge, experience, technology and communication facilities. Economic fundamentals: The cost of the project is expected to be judiciously used for productive purposes, as it is linked to the welfare of the community, especially in the case of Local Landscape Designations. However, there are several types of costs which are incurred for protective purposes considering the nature of the projects. The sound and balanced approach with regard to proper use of land, sustainability of the project, health and welfare of the community are very important from the long term point of view. Some groups are dependent on the process for their livelihood, and equitable sharing of the benefits as in the case of market valuation of the forest goods and marketing facilities are the integral part of the system which ensures sustainable livelihood. The proper investment climate is required in respect of planted forests, which may include direct and indirect incentives, tax concessions and preferential treatment of green marketing of goods of forest origin. It is important to ensure premium for the products emanating from the forest which are free from pesticides or chemical fertilizers and grown in natural habitat. Reforestation measures, soil conservation, bio-security measures, proper use of pesticides and chemicals, proper waste management system and fire protection systems and establishment of training and research facilities would ensure economic viability of the projects in the long run. Creating infrastructural facilities for the tourism development with clear emphasis on communication, transport, lodging and restaurants facilities aiming at employment and economic development of the community as a whole enhances sustainability and growth in the long run. The unique and distinctive identity of the project would be highlighted in this process. Involvement of nonresident community members hailing from this region in the project and their suggestions for improvement and participation would go a long way in successful management of the project. The execution of the projects with public participation ensures success of the project. For example in ‘Lakes to Dales Landscape Designation Project’ it was announced by Natural England that, “With around six weeks left until the deadline for consultation on proposals to extend the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks, Natural England is encouraging people to make their views known…Comments on the proposals can be made on the consultation website http://www.lakestodaleslandscapes.org.uk. The deadline is 17 March 2010.” (Appendix III) B.  Landscape of South Yorkshire  Introduction The landscape of South Yorkshire has undergone dramatic changes in its evolution over generations in the history.  The South Yorkshire is a landlocked region surrounded by other counties, with rich heritage and historic features, such as a large fifteenth century church in Rotherham built in 1483, Conisborough Castle with neighboring chapel featured in Sir Walter Scott’s Ivanhoe, Barnsley’s May Day Green market established in 1249 and a Grammar School established in 1660, Doncaster racecourse, the church with fine architecture in Tickhill to name a few.  The region is also endowed with natural habitats like Barnsdale Forest associated with Robin Hood and Hatfield Chase, moorlands and beautiful rural landscape. Major rivers flowing through the area are the Dearne, Rother and Don. Landscape The ceramics industry flourished in South Yorkshire due to the geology of the landscape which contains good clay with abundant availability of water.  Barnsley has a great and proud history as a centre of coal mining and related industries. Vast area of moorland with broad plateaus and valleys is a part of Peak District National Park and coalfields with urban development around Sheffield. The central district area is rich with coal fields, woodlands, wetlands and open landscape. The habitat in open landscape has undergone significant changes due to agricultural activities. In the east there are areas of peat land and river systems. Mangesian Limestone deposits are lying between Sheffield and Doncaster. Dunlop, E. (2005) wrote “BOSSES at the largest nature reserve in South Yorkshire are hoping it will become a haven for one of Britains rarest birds, the bittern.”  Potteric Carr Nature Reserve is a Yorkshire Wildlife Trust conservation area near Doncaster. In rural areas there are villages dotting the landscape in nucleated settlements, surrounded by vast open field mostly agricultural farms can be seen around Barnsley.  The main occupations of the people are mining, farming or other industries such as woolen weaving and wire making. Mostly these villages were with typical parish churches and residential houses.   Since the 19th century, the buildings were terraced, and estate buildings were constructed. Changing patterns of Industrial development  According to South Yorkshire Archaeology Service (2008), the identification and designation of many historic cores as conservation areas in the 1960s and 1970s has served to preserve the character of these settlements. Outside of conservation areas, or where redevelopment preceded their creation, suburbanisation has frequently reduced the legibility of historic forms.  Many of the settlements within this zone have been subject to expansion, in some cases leading to the historic core being completely surrounded by ‘Industrial Settlements’, ‘Planned Industrial Settlements’, ‘Late 20th Century Private Suburbs’ or other settlement zones. The South Yorkshire is rich with coal fields which were the catalysts for industrial development of the region. Agricultural and farming activities are thriving due to rich and fertile soil in other areas of the region, and people engaged in mining and farming activities side by side in several areas. European Landscape Convention defines landscape as areas, as perceived by people, whose character is the result of the action and interaction of natural and/or human factors. The shifts in the civilization triggered changes in interaction with the nature by mankind constantly due to industrial and cultural developments. Consequently, changes in the landscape during the past 150 years have been phenomenal. South Yorkshire, being a developed region, settlements initially formed as a result of farming/agriculture and mining & manufacturing later as a result of industrial revolution had a profound impact on the landscape, and gave rise to serious environmental issues in the wake of such developments. Evolutionary process and the impact of industrial development on South Yorkshire landscape South Yorkshire Archaeology Service states that from 1850 onward, industrialisation continued to develop, with the growth of the steel and other metal trades. Coal extraction in deep coal mines with dangerous working conditions and explosive gases became an issue with political undercurrent. During 1850’s Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield were linked by navigable canals and the first railways. In 1900’s South Yorkshire became the centre of industrial development with Large collieries are developing on the edge of the Doncaster district and Peat extraction begins on Thorne Moor. Settlements consequently sprung in the suburbs were linked to industrial areas by tramways. Grid iron terraced housing dominated the suburbs and large towns. Later the steel industry dominated the Don valley while coal mining dominated rural life. In 1950’s Downcaster was growing fast and airfields were established at Bawtry, Finningley and Lindholme in World War II. From 1985, municipal housing schemes dominated urban areas, large scale mechanization was introduced in agriculture sector and extraction of peat transformed the remaining wetlands of Hatfield Moor. From the year 2000, commercial and business parks such as Fairfield Park, Wath-Upon-Dearne were developed in a big way on the existing and new industrial sites and private developers have entered and dominating the housing sector which has led to developments in real estate sector. The landscape has undergone dramatic changes during this short period of about 150 years, considering the long history of the land, and several areas have been transformed beyond recognition by the proliferation of industries and industrial settlements. The industrial activities, mining operations, abundant use of fertilizers, chemicals and pesticides in agriculture, transportation facilities such as roads and rail links created for the purpose of developmental activities and markets have impacted the landscape and its conditions, and altered the structure. The quality of the soil and water has deteriorated without proper waste management or water treatment in place. Underground coalmining was developed as an industry after 1850’s in Britain. Yorkshire greatly prospered with coal mining industry during this period. The oil replaced coal in the later part of the twentieth century. Burke, S.P., Potter, H.A.B. and Jarvis, A. cited “After closure of many deep coal mines…groundwater rebound due to the cessation of dewatering in coal mine areas often results in a deterioration of water quality within the worked strata as sulphate minerals formed by pyrite oxidation are rapidly taken into solution (Younger, 1997, 1998)… The data also suggests that while Maltby colliery is operational there is no immediate threat to surface water resources at the present time.” Use of water for industrial purposes and discharging the effluents without treatment into the water ways pollutes the water resources in the ecological system. Indiscriminate use of water without recirculation after treatment results in scarcity of the water which is the most significant factor in any ecological system. Management of water resources calls for assessment, development, conservation and control of the water resources. The effluents discharged into the land affects the quality of the earth. The industrial activities consume water and also affect the quality of the water available from the resources by discharging effluents. This leads not only to waterborne diseases but also destroys species in these resources. These industrial activities are identified, water demand and consumption levels analysed for better utilization of the water resources. Ferreira, H.S. and Leitao, A.B. (2006) quote, “The global water crisis that began in 20th century threatens to worsen in the future. Its magnitude is revealed by some alarming numbers: billions of people lack access to safe drinking water and sanitation and suffer from water-related diseases: half the world’s rivers and lakes are polluted (Seragelding 1999)” (p.144) and South Yorkshire is no exception. According to National Directory of Waters published in September 2001, “South Yorkshire Rivers are grossly polluted and should be avoided”. Gooddy, D.C. et al. (2005) observed “Diffuse pollutants such as pesticides pose a significant threat to groundwater quality… A groundwater sampling and monitoring programme was undertaken to assess whether this increase would continue. Over a period of 18 months, 190 groundwater samples were collected from the upper part of the aquifer and analysed for 40 pesticides and for nitrate. A total of 25 pesticides were found of which 16 were detected more than once.” In the modern and industrially developed cities environmental pollution take place on account of various factors such as emission which affect air quality, pollution created by construction activities, contamination of land and water and light and noise pollution. The Government has been constantly taking statutory measures to prevent and reduce various types of pollutions. Different types of pollutions caused to the environment affect the different species, flora and fauna in different degrees and ways, which may result into migration of such species or extinction. In this process equilibrium in the ecological set up is disturbed, since all the living creatures are interdependent. “Badgers have been present in Britain for thousands of years. Their bones have been found alongside those of cave bears & elk. They have managed to survive while other animals such as wild boar, wolves & bears have become extinct. However, nowadays the species faces many pressures such as habitat destruction and illegal persecution. In South Yorkshire, as in many other areas, they too are faced with extinction.” (www.sybadgergroup.f9.co.uk) ‘Some pollutants are more heavily concentrated in different areas depending upon emission sources. For example, areas where solid fuel is heavily used for domestic heating such as Belfast or south Yorkshire are likely to have higher emissions of sulphur dioxide pollution.” (www.air-quality.org.uk) Dobson, S. (2001) states, “ Historic Landscape Characterisation is a GIS-based mapping approach for documenting the character, time-depth and degree of historic visibility present in the modern landscape…the legibility of the past is an important resource, to be respected throughout the process of modern change and new development.. “ In the case study of the ‘Crofts’ in Sheffield In 2004, he observed “Whilst the archaeology of this area is predominantly 18th to 20th century, historic legibility includes a much earlier agricultural phase.” He stated further. “Most people in Sheffield today are largely unaware of the ‘Crofts’ as an area with distinct identity” Landscape designations The initiative of IUCN, the International Union for Conservation of Nature ‘Livelihoods and Landscape Strategies’ represents a new way of thinking – “from seeing nature as needing to be protected from threats, to promoting negotiated plans and actions for productive landscapes... Such plans are particularly useful when a natural landscape faces the possibility of radical change through agro-business, forestry and mining development proposals.” The Government on its part enacted series of legislations for conservation and protection of landscape, and designated areas under various categories based on criteria specified in this regard. Through such landscape planning measures, we try to restore the original qualities of the landscape or positively influence the spatial organization. The role of NGO’s in protection of the landscape in South Yorkshire has been very significant and more organized during the course of time. Campaign to protect rural England of South Yorkshire had its seeds in The Sheffield Association for the Protection of Local Scenery founded in 1924. A greenbelt zone was created around Sheffield in 1960 and 1970’s and it was officially adopted by Sheffield City Council. CPRE South Yorkshire has extended these landscape protection activities to Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham. Landscape planning is essential to enhance and restore landscapes. As per the ‘Guidance on local landscape designations’ issued by Scottish Natural Heritage and Historic Scotland (2004), key steps in reviewing local landscape designations are: 1. Describe the key characteristics and qualities of the landscapes of the local authority area 2. Develop objectives to underpin all-landscape approach 3. Review role of, and need for, local landscape designation 4. Develop criteria to select areas of search for designation 5. Identify and agree areas of search 6. Identify and agree specific areas for designation 7. Identify and agree boundaries for each area to be designated 8. Develop planning and other policies for each designated area. In South Yorkshire there are 35 sites designated of which 18 have been designated due to their biological interest, 13 due to its geological interest, and 4 for both biological and geological interest. (Wikipedia) South Yorkshire shown within the U.K. It could be observed (Appendix IV) that these sites have been notified from the early 1950’s and the process has been continued by the Government with more additions of designations over a period of time. References Burke, S.P., Potter, H.A.B. and Jarvis, A., Groundwater Rebound in the South Yorkshire Coalfield: A review of initial modeling, 9th INTERNATIONAL MINE WATER CONGRESS, http://www.imwa.info/docs/imwa_2005/IMWA2005_032_Burke.pdf, Accessed on 4 Aug 2010. Dobson, S. (2001), Exploring Ontologies of Historic Landscape Characterisation: Towards an approach for recognizing the impact of incremental change to historic legibility in urban areas, http://www.towntology.net/Meetings/0710-Torino/articles/09Paper%20(114-124).pdf, Accessed on 4 Aug 2010. Dunlop, E. (2005), New wetland is haven-sent for rare birds, Yorkshire Post, Article date: October 27, 2005. Ferreira, H.S. and Leitao, A.B., (2006) Integrating landscape and water resources planning with focus on sustainability, From landscape research to landscape planning, Springer, Chapter 11, p.143-160. Gooddy, D.C. et al. (2005), Pesticide pollution of the Triassic Sandstone aquifer of South Yorkshire, Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology; 2005; v. 38; issue.1; p. 53-63; http://qjegh.lyellcollection.org/cgi/content/abstract/38/1/53, Accessed on 4 Aug 2010. IUCN, (2010). About Livelihoods and Landscapes, http://www.iucn.org/about/work/programmes/forest/fp_our_work/fp_our_work_initiatives/fp_our_work_ll/fp_livelihoods_landscapes_about/, Accessed on 1 Aug 2010. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, South Penine Moors, http://www.jncc.gov.uk/protectedsites/sacselection/sac.asp?EUCode=UK0030280, Accessed on 1 Aug 2010. National Directory of Waters, (2001), Yorkshire Water Classification, http://www.aucm36.dsl.pipex.com/scouts/wateradvisor/yorksnew.html, Accessed on 4 Aug 2010. Natural England, (2010), England’s statutory landscape designations: a practical guide to your duty of regard, http://www.naturalengland.org.uk, Accessed on 1 Aug 2010. The Macaulay Land Use Research Institute (2010), Landscape Designations, http://www.macaulay.ac.uk/ccw/task-two/designations.html, Accessed on 3 Aug 2010 Natural England, (2010), Lakes to Dales Landscape Designation Project, http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/designatedareas/new/northwestdesignationproject/default.aspx, Accessed on 2 Aug 2010. Scottish Natural Heritage and Historic Scotland, (2004), Guidance on Local Landscape Designations, http://www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/publications/heritagemanagement/GuidanceonLocalLandscapeDesignations.pdf, Accessed on 5 Aug 2010. South Yorkshire Archaeology Service, (2008), Nucleated Rural Settlements, http://www.sytimescapes.org.uk/zones/barnsley/B09 , Accessed on 4 Aug 2010. Wikipedia, (2010) List of Sites of Special Scientific Interest in South Yorkshire, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Sites_of_Special_Scientific_Interest_in_South_Yorkshire, Accessed on 4 Aug 2010. Appendices Appendix I: Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AOBN), National Parks and the Broads Source: Natural England, (2010), England’s statutory landscape designations: a practical guide to your duty of regard, http://www.naturalengland.org.uk, Accessed on 1 Aug 2010. Appendix II 1: ‘Stars of the East’ – promoting the regional economic benefit of protected landscapes 2: Publishing and disseminating guidance and advice on Section 85 to statutory bodies 3: Providing training to parish councils on planning issues (including Section 11A(2)) 4: Working with Parish Councils in preparing Parish Plans and Village Design Statements 5: Formation of a protected landscapes liaison group by a statutory undertaker 6: Developing a consultation process for road signs in the Peak District National Park 7: Maintaining tranquillity in Dartmoor National Park 8: Working to ensure policies include the impact on National Parks from developments beyond their Boundaries. 9: Developing a planning protocol between an AONB and constituent local authorities 10: Developing AONB planning guidelines for adoption by local authorities 11: Managing land within AONBs and National Parks 12: Use of a Landscape Design Handbook to improve the quality of development 13: Climate change management in the Lake District 14: Joint working to solve a water quality problem in the Norfolk Broads 15: ‘Broads Beat’ – the Norfolk Constabulary working in partnership with stakeholders 16: Undergrounding of electricity lines in AONBs and National Parks 17: Working together to protect and promote special qualities 18: Accords between the Forestry Commission and AONB Partnerships/ National Park Authorities 19: Checking performance against AONB Management Plans and Action Plans Appendix III: Lakes to Dales Landscape Designation Project Map showing the existing landscape designations  Source: http://www.lakestodaleslandscapes.org.uk/introduction, Accessed on 2 Aug 2010. Appendix IV: List of Sites of Special Scientific Interest in South Yorkshire Site name Biological interest Geological interest Hectares Acres Grid reference Year of notification Anston Stones Wood Y   33.7 88.3 SK531831 1955 1 Ashfield Brick Pits   Y 0.6 1.4 SK515981 1955 2 Bilham Sand Pits   Y 0.2 0.1 SE487066 1987 3 Bradgate Brickworks   Y 0.9 2.2 SK413935 1988 4 Cadeby Quarry   Y 97.0 240.0 SE522003 1977 5 Canyards Hills Y Y 64.1 158.4 SK250950 1990 6 Carlton Main Brickworks   Y 15.5 38.4 SE412081 1989 7 Dark Peak[D] Y Y 31852.9 78708.4 SK110960 1951 8 Denaby Ings Y   24.5 60.6 SE500009 1977 9 Eastern Peak District Moors Y Y 8094.4 20001.6 SK270770 1955[E] 10 Edlington Wood Y   99.7 246.7 SK549980 1979 11 Hatfield Moors Y   1400.7 3461.1 SE705060 1954 12 Lindrick Golf Course Y   22.0 54.4 SK543825, SK545828, SK553827 1987 13 Little Don Stream Section   Y 1.1 2.6 SE222004 1977 14 Maltby Low Common Y   6.0 14.8 SK545913 1970 15 Neepsend Brickworks   Y 4.3 10.6 SK350891 1988 16 Neepsend Railway Cutting   Y 1.4 3.5 SK344894 1988 17 New Edlington Brickpit   Y 0.2 0.4 SK531988 1989 18 Owston Hay Meadows Y   5.5 13.5 SE554114 1979 19 Potteric Carr Y   118.6 293.0 SE599003 1977 20 Pye Flatts Meadows Y   2.2 5.4 SE274052 1990 21 River Idle Washlands[F] Y   88.6 219.0 SK662936, SK685937, SK706945, SK720963 1972 22 Roche Abbey Woodlands Y   52.8 143.8 SK542899 1979 23 Sandall Beat Y   63.9 157.9 SE613037 1984 24 Shirley Pool Y   15.5 38.4 SE568121 1955 25 Spring Meadows, Aldermans Head & Cow Croft Meadows Y   16.8 41.6 SE229005 2005 26 Sprotbrough Gorge Y   76.9 190.1 SE534007 1988 27 Stairfoot Brickworks   Y 0.1 0.1 SE381048 1999 28 Stannington Ruffs   Y 2.4 5.9 SK306891 1988 29 Thorne Crowle and Goole Moors[G] Y   1918.6 4740.9 SE730160 1970 30 Totley Wood Y   14.7 36.4 SK325815 1954 31 Wadsley Fossil Forest   Y 0.3 0.7 SK318913 1990 32 Went Ings Meadows Y   6.4 15.8 SE650183, SE654184 1981 33 Wharncliffe Crags   Y 14.5 35.8 SK298974 1988 34 Wood Lee Common   Y 6.4 15.8 SK533915 1958 35 Notes A Data rounded to one decimal place. B Grid reference is based on the British national grid reference system, also known as OSGB36, and is the system used by the Ordnance Survey.[12] C Link to maps using the Nature on the Map service provided by English Nature. D The Dark Peak site extends into three other counties and so can be found on lists of SSSIs in Derbyshire, Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire.[4] E Incorporates three formers SSSIs: Hallam Moors being first notified in 1955, Eastern Moors in 1964 and Houndkirk Moor in 1972.[4] F SSSI is split between South Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire. 36.7 hectares (90.6 acres) is in South Yorkshire. G SSSI is split between South Yorkshire and Humberside. 1309.1 hectares (3234.7 acres) lie in South Yorkshire. Read More