Shetland Local Landscape Designation Review: Final Report

Landscape Character Unit
2 Valla Field
Criteria Rank Description
Representativeness
High
Empty bleak moorland with lochs is similar to moorland types elsewhere in
Shetland
Rarity Medium Inland area has few seas views which is unusual. The long steep ridge of Valla
Field contrasts with the more common rounded moors.
Intactness High Very limited modern development in this landscape. Disused croft buildings
are evident.
Scenic qualities Medium The moorland hills not remarkably visually interesting, more attractive to the
north, though this is due to its relationship with the coast of Herma Ness.
Enjoyment High Access point for the much visited NNR at Hermaness. Fishing lochs
Cultural qualities Low Few obvious cultural features contribute to the character of this landscape.
Naturalness Very high A largely undisturbed landscape with a strong sense of remoteness,
particularly to the north.
Rural pattern Medium Limited areas of enclosure, this is not generally a crofting landscape.
Views High Valla Field is widely visible from the A968 and from locations on Yell and
forms part of the setting of the coastal area. Dramatic and views to Muckle
Flugga and the ocean from Hermaness Hill.
Unranked criteria
Landscape
consistency
Landscape
relationships
Other
designations
n/a
n/a
n/a
The settled area near Baltasound is substantially different to the open areas
of moorland, elsewhere there is variation with topography and differing
associations
Valla Field has a strong relationship to the coast to the east (LCU 3), and
visually with Yell beyond. The northern area is closely associated with Burra
Firth (LCU 1)
NSA covers the northern part of this LCU, north of Libbers Hill
Hermaness and Valla Field SPA and SSSIs
Hermaness NNR