East Dorset Landscape Character Assessment - Dorsetforyou.com

that lies within Poole is set on a gravel plateau lying over the BagshotSands and comprises undulating farmland, dispersed settlement andwoodland blocks. The woodland provides a backdrop to the views acrossthe Stour Valley from the north. The character of the eastern part of thearea within Poole is heavily influenced by the presence of Merley House,its associated parkland and by the view and noise from the busy A.31trunk road that runs along the northern edge of the character area.Key Characteristics12) Sturminster Marshall River TerraceContextLandscape Character Type: River terraceLandscape Description Unit No. 410• Undulating farmland• Woodland blocksKey Features• Merley House and park• A.31 Wimborne by passView across the river terrace from Henbury HouseDescriptionAn area of clay enriched soils lying largely on valley gravel to the southof the Stour Valley. Part of this character area is overlain by thedevelopment at Sturminster Marshall and bisected by the A350. TheEast Dorset District Council District Landscape Character Assessment 200840