East Dorset Landscape Character Assessment - Dorsetforyou.com

pinchpoint. The Ensbury Bridge crossing to the south east marks the limitof urban encroachment from the Bournemouth conurbation to the southand the ribbon development along the A.347 from West Parley to thenorth.However, despite these urban influences and impacts the river valley stillprovides a significant landscape feature with associated river terracesand important trees and small linear copses along its length.At Shapwick, Cowgrove, Hampreston and Parley the valley is crossed byprominent overhead powerlines.Gravel extraction and water abstraction to serve the urban areas haveled to the creation of extensive reservoirs at Longham.Long distance view westwards along valley from Canford Bridge towards PamphillKey Characteristics• Flat wide flood plainThe Wimborne By pass is screened from view for much of its length along the valley bymaturing vegetation. Also note the vegetative backdrop provided by the trees within theurban development on the ridge at Colehill.• Meandering river• Riverside trees and copses• Long distance views along the valleyEast Dorset District Council District Landscape Character Assessment 200837