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12. Mid Northumberland
• Intermediate plateau of upland fringe forming a transitional area between the Pennine uplands to the west and the low-lying coastal plain to the east; a series of ridges and intimate river valleys in the northern part of the area opening out to a broader, flatter landscape in the south.
• Agricultural landscape with arable and cattle farming on lower land merging in to sheep farming on higher land and moorland to the west.
• Varied woodland cover, with well-wooded valleys of the rivers Font, Wansbeck, and Coquet, mixed and ornamental woodlands of the country estates and small coniferous blocks and belts of the more open farmland to the south;
• Large reservoirs and ornamental lakes provide distinctive areas of open water.
• Frequent country houses and fortified defensive structures, typically set within ‘landscaped’ parklands and ornamental woodlands on country estates.
• Ancient market town of Morpeth serving a medieval pattern of small villages, often surrounded by the extensive ridge and furrow of medieval field systems, and ancient earthworks.
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.
