Natural England

South Hampshire Lowlands

• The gently undulating landscape is characterised by a diversity of features and land uses which reflects changing soil types and local variations of topography.

• Predominantly mixed farmland and woodland, a patchwork of small, intimate and irregular fields defined by hedges, winding lanes and scattered farmsteads.

• Wide lush river valley bottoms, with water meadows and riverine vegetation, afford open views in an otherwise small-scale and intimate landscape.

• The rural character, defined by well-managed farmland and a few historic estates, is being diminished by urban expansion and the busy M27/M3 corridors.

• A dispersed settlement pattern of villages and scattered farmsteads is linked by winding roads and lanes.

• Oaks prevalent within hedgerows and woodlands help to create an impression of a well-wooded landscape.

• Small pockets of horticulture within extensive pasture, with some arable use, are confined to the higher drier ground.

For further details on this character area and for an introduction to the region, please see the PDF documents in the box at the top right hand side of this page.