This is a rolling upland landscape, which sits above surrounding areas offering spectacular and extensive views into adjacent landscapes, including the Yeo, Culm and Exe Lowlands, Haldon Ridge, Teign Valley and Dartmoor. Although elevated it is incised by a series of river valleys (most of which drain northwards into the Yeo, Culm and Exe Lowlands) which creates strong variations in topography. The highest ridges and slopes are generally open providing long distance views and orientation, with linear blocks of mixed and broadleaved woodland along the small valley sides providing strong interconnections and a sense of enclosure which contrasts with the elevated ridges. This is a historically rich landscape with an intact medieval field pattern and sparse settlement comprising isolated stone farmsteads linked by ridge top lanes radiating from the nucleated village of Tedburn St. Mary. The lanes are often sunken, narrow and sinuous, lined with tall hedgebanks and mature trees. Overall the sense of tranquillity is strong. The close proximity of Dartmoor, sparse population, elevated panoramic views and intimate wooded valleys combine to give this area its sense of place.
This is a landscape of elevated pastoral highlands drained by intimate wooded valleys. It lies to the north-west of Exeter and includes the ridges above the Teign valley around Tedburn St Mary and along the A30 corridor as far as Hillerton and River Trone. To the north it is bounded by the lower lying, shallow Yeo, Culm and Exe Lowlands; while to the south the land gradually rises to form the moorland fringes of Dartmoor and partly extends into Dartmoor National Park. To the east and west the change in character is gradual, becoming more elevated to the west, towards the more uniform upland plateau of the High Taw Farmland, and more rolling the east towards the Exeter Slopes and Hills.
https://www.devon.gov.uk/planning/east-devon-area/mid-devon-area/yeo-uplands-and-slopes
https://www.devon.gov.uk/planning/planning-policies/landscape/devon-character-areas
Yeo uplands and slopes on DCC Environment Viewer
Information on Devon's environment has been mapped on Devon County Council's Environment Viewer. These maps give access to geographic data for Devon on a wide range of topics.
Planning Strategy
To protect the landscape’s medieval field patterns, rich agricultural mosaic, sparse settlement pattern and open views to Dartmoor and surrounding landscapes. Devon hedgebanks are restored and existing woodland managed to retain and reinforce perceptions of historic time depth. New development respects the sparse settlement and field enclosure pattern, and the character of narrow lanes. The farmed landscape is managed to enhance wildlife interest and local diversity, and new woodland is planted along valley slopes to improve climate change resilience and reinforce woodland habitat networks.
Protect
- Protect the sparsely settled character and intermittent long views to the high moorland, carefully controlling any new development outside the existing footprints of the landscape’s small, clustered medieval settlements, including along roads.
- Protect the character of undeveloped skylines and avoid development on prominent ridgelines where it will interrupt skylines.
- Protect the landscape’s traditional agricultural character, avoiding a spread of suburban influences.
- Protect the predominantly rural character and overall strong sense of tranquillity through sensitive siting of new built development and enhancement of hedgerows and woodlands.
- Protect and maintain the small-scale medieval field patterns of the landscape, restoring and replanting lost and gappy Devon hedgebanks (particularly on intensively farmed slopes where they can provide a role in stabilising the soil and reducing agricultural runoff into watercourses). Respect local variations in bank construction and hedgerow species, utilising local materials wherever possible.
- Protect and manage broadleaved woodland and hedgerow trees which give this landscape its intimate character despite its elevation.
- Protect and manage semi-improved neutral grasslands.
