2.5.0 Landscape 

2.5.1 Background 

The Medina Estuary is predominantly a rural estuary with the urban areas of Cowes and Newport at its northern and southern extremes. The rural landscape is characterised by a wide shallow valley comprising gently sloping pasture and arable farmland, pockets of woodland with saltmarsh and intertidal mudflats at the land/water interface. A dominant feature of the landscape is the visual change caused by the tidal cycle. Table 2 outlines the distinctive features which characterise the landscape of the estuary. The locations of the key features are illustrated in Map 3.

2.5.2 Issues 

2.5.2.1 Development and visual quality 

Development adjacent to the estuary has occurred primarily at the urban fringes of Cowes and Newport but includes sites in other areas, for example: the Saro Works and Stag Lane sites. While the functions of the estuary necessitate urban/industrial development, landscape improvements to these sites would greatly improve its visual appearance. In addition, any redevelopment or new development should respect the estuarine setting, aim to complement the landscape and have minimal impact upon it.


Objective L1  
To maintain and enhance the estuarine landscape. 

The open rural landscape of the estuary is an essential landscape feature of the estuary which is of important amenity and ecological value.


Objective L2 
To preserve and enhance the open rural landscape. 



Table 2 :  Landscape features of the Medina Estuary



Landscape Features

Characteristics

• agriculture

  • arable and pasture

• intertidal mudflats

  • deposits of fine silt, organic matter, gravel and shells

• grassland

  • improved and unimproved grassland used for agriculture or recreation

• saltmarsh

  • fragments of previously more extensive saltmarsh

• woodland and scrub

  • mixed deciduous woodland and scrub fringe much of the shoreline

• historical and urban

  • Newport Quay warehouses and wharfage, Cowes Harbour early post-medieval shipbuilding and repair industries including engineering sheds, slipways, dry docks, cranes and rope walks

• derelict and waste land

  • including the old cement works and disused waste tips

Poor maintenance of the estuary results in negative impacts on the estuary landscape. Neglected or patched up defences, litter and poorly maintained structures all have a negative effect on visual quality.


Objective L3 
To promote a high standard of maintenance of the estuary landscape. 

2.5.2.2 Landscape Awareness 

The environment and composite features of the estuary is used by, and is of interest to, a wide range of people including local communities, recreational users, industry, local authorities and local groups. There is a need to ensure that all parties are aware of the amenity value of the estuary and the options available for its conservation and enhancement.


Objective L4 
To promote enjoyment, awareness and understanding of the estuary landscape. 





Map 3: Landscape Features 

7Landscape100

Click here to see the whole map


Click here to see the Landscape Action Plan




Page last updated on: 04/09/2001