An updated version of this profile is online at nationalcharacterareas.co.uk. This pdf is retained for historical and completeness purposes.
The Kesteven Uplands National Character Area (NCA) is a gently rolling, mixed farming landscape dissected by the rivers Witham and the East and West Glen. The area lies at the junction of Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire and Rutland. However, the majority falls within the historic Kesteven district of Lincolnshire which extends south to the impressive stone town of Stamford. This is a deeply rural landscape which has only a very small urban area.
This area is geologically varied with a wide range of soil types, from limestone through to heavy clays. The area’s well-drained calcareous loam soils support the cultivation of cereals, oilseeds and root crops. Wide road verges with herbs and wild flowers characterise the area, and individual hedgerow trees provide important woodland character. The origin of the word ‘Kesteven’ comes partly from the Celtic word ‘coed’ meaning woods, and much scattered woodland survives throughout the area with some important semi-natural and ancient woodlands.
Further information