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15. Durham Magnesian Limestone Plateau
• Gently undulating low upland plateau, of open, predominantly arable, farmland dipping southward and eastward, with incised denes cut into coastal edge on the east.
• Clearly defined west-facing escarpment, dissected by minor streams, with remnant broadleaved woodland, scrub and species-rich limestone grassland on steeper slopes.
• Widespread industrial development, with large scale active and disused quarries and landfill sites, often prominent on the escarpment, and areas of derelict, under-used or recently restored colliery land.
• Varied coastal scenery of low cliffs, bays and headlands, rich in wildlife, although despoiled in places by former extensive dumping of colliery waste on beaches and foreshores.
• Strong urban development, dominated by Sunderland and by larger mining towns and villages towards the north and east, contrasting with small villages in rural areas.
• A19 corridor, railway lines and other infrastructure elements.
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.
