JCA 79 North East Norfolk & Flegg.
2 JCA sub units. 1: coastal strip (two areas) and 2: inland farming.
1. Settlement and Development
Settlement is long established across the Flegg, where the sandy loams are amongst the most fertile soils in England.
The landscape was enclosed early and from the 13th century to the 18th supported some of the most advanced agricultural practises in England. Settlement was organised into durable and dense nucleated pattern of substantial villages and hamlets, as well as isolated farmsteads dating from the medieval period.
The dominance of profitable small-scale holdings from an early date precluded the development of large estates or parkland.
Wool production was also a major economic activity, and from the mid 14th century until the 18th century the production of textiles was central to many villages. The wealth of the 16th and 17th century industry is evidenced in the magnificence of the parish churches.
The predominant building materials are flint with brick and clay-tile. The churches, in particular, are dominant flint structures in the landscape. Reed thatch is a traditional roofing material, but in decline.
Later settlement additions, particularly those associated with the coastal fringe, include villas and hotels exclusively in brick and extensive areas of 20th century bungalows in a variety of materials and renders.
2. Agriculture
The pattern of agriculture which developed to exploit the fertility of the area in the medieval period was intricate and complex. It included open arable fields around the villages as well as a plethora of individual holdings within patterns of irregular enclosure. Livestock had easy access to fens and marshes, this being privately rather than communally managed. Along the broadland edge, livestock, which could be grazed on the marshes, played an increasing role in the farming system.
Further enclosure, prompted by the development of dairying and fattening livestock, took place in the 16th and 17th centuries, and still more took place after the drainage of more low lying areas in the late 18th century .The pattern remained one of comparatively small scale, however, and has generally remained so despite the field amalgamations of the mid 20th century.
High concentration of pre-1750 farmstead buildings. Barns typically have with later cattle accommodation added on in the form of outshots, Many farmsteads redeveloped as as U or E-plan steadings with large barns, combined cart shed and granary ranges and south-facing cattle courts.
Agricultural advancement is clearly evident in the number of 18th century farmsteads which developed within and beyond the villages. A particular feature, now very rare, is the winter cattle shed in which rows of animals were tethered to either side of a central turnip store.
3. Fields and boundary patterns
The historic landscape has suffered somewhat on account of its fertility and the farming policies of the mid 20th century. Hedgerow removal, especially along the coastal fringe, has been extensive adding to an already windswept appearance.
Further inland small scale fields with tall and woody hedgerows survive in greater numbers and remain characteristic.
4. Trees and woodland
Copses and large woodland blocks remain an important feature of inland areas.
5. Semi-natural environments
6. River and coastal features.
Extensive remains of the WWII anti-invasion defences, particularly at Winterton-on-Sea (pill boxes, coastal batteries and search light emplacements, anti-tank cubes) and Acle - a 'Category A' nodal defence point on the River Bure.
The Roman fort and Saxon settlement at Caister on Sea.