SDO16954 - Farmstead and Landscape Statement: Isle of Portland

National Character Area 137 Historic Character ■ Quarrying since Roman times has had an important and increasing influence on the character of the landscape. ■ Rare survivals of fossilised strip fields represent the historic field patterns that once existed across much of the Isle but which have been largely erased through quarrying. ■ Small farmsteads were probably located within the several hamlets that existed but there are few surviving historic farm buildings. Significance ■ Any traditional farm buildings on the Isle are extremely rare and significant in a local context. Present and future issues ■ The island is heavily developed and historic change has resulted in the loss of its smallholdings and farmsteads.