SDO16953 - Farmstead and Landscape Statement: Dorset Heaths

Historic character ■ There is a predominant pattern of low densities of isolated farmsteads in the landscape, intermixed with small villages. ■ The area contains some large areas of open heathland and woodland plantations, 19thcentury enclosures of heathland and areas of 17th-century and later enclosure, often reorganised. There are small areas of possible medieval assarting in the north-east part of the area. ■ Development in the 20th-century has had a significant impact on the north-east of the area. ■ Small-scale regular and loose courtyard plans are common. Some larger farmsteads are found, particularly in the west of the area. ■ Threshing barns on earlier farmsteads, usually of three to five bays long, are sometimes accompanied by a granary either standing on staddle stones or on brick arches. Multifunctional ranges are typical of farmsteads associated with 19th-century enclosures. Significance ■ Generally, pre-19th century working buildings are very rare, and the area was subject to high levels of change over the 20th century. ■ There are some rare examples of staddle barns, more commonly associated with the chalk downs and particularly unusual in a heathland context. ■ Free-standing granaries are vulnerable to change. ■ Some timber-framing and stone was used on the older farmsteads, and there is some rare survival of earth walling and thatch. Present and future issues The Photo Image Project (2006) recorded a high proportion of listed working farm buildings converted to non-agricultural use in this National Character Area (38.9%, the national average being 32%).