An elevated, open landscape with long views to Dartmoor and/or to Exmoor. Within the patchwork of pastoral fields are extensive areas of rough Culm grassland and heathland. These Culm ‘moors’ have a strong sense of remoteness, even wildness, which is accentuated by the relative lack of settlement and the wind-sculpted trees and hedgerows; they give an impression of how large areas of Devon might have looked before agricultural improvements such as drainage, ploughing and fertilizers. The presence in the landscape of numerous clusters of prehistoric barrows adds to this sense of history and changelessness. The strong textures of plantations, beech hedgerows, heathland and grasses contrast with the smooth improved agricultural land which surrounds them. Patches of colour in the landscape change with the seasons – golden, brown and green grasses, purple heather and bright yellow gorse.
This area comprises elevated land between the Taw Valley (to the west) and the Cruwys Morchard Wooded and Farmed Valleys and the Exe Valley (to the east). To the north is a gradual transition into the South Molton Farmland, and to the south a gradual transition to the lower and more intensively-farmed Crediton Rolling Farmlands.
https://www.devon.gov.uk/planning/north-devon-area/witheridge-and-rackenford-moor
https://www.devon.gov.uk/planning/planning-policies/landscape/devon-character-areas
Witheridge and Rackenford Moor Devon Character Area on DCC's Environment Viewer
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Witheridge and Rackenford Moor Devon Character Area on DCC's Environment Viewer
Planning Strategy
This area comprises elevated land between the Taw Valley (to the west) and the Cruwys Morchard Wooded and Farmed Valleys and the Exe Valley (to the east). To the north is a gradual transition into the South Molton Farmland, and to the south a gradual transition to the lower and more intensively-farmed Crediton Rolling Farmlands.
Special Qualities and Features:
- Northern part of the area visible in the panoramic views southwards from Exmoor National Park, making an important contribution to the setting of the National Park.
- High scenic quality, particularly in the northern part of the area and on the Culm grasslands, which have a similar feel to parts of Exmoor.
- Away from the A361, a landscape with a strong sense of remoteness and a timeless quality – one of the most extensive tranquil areas in Devon, with exceptionally dark night skies.
- Internationally and nationally designated (SAC, SSSI) Culm grassland and heathland habitats, supporting a range of plants, invertebrates (including the rare Marsh Fritillary) and breeding birds.
- Largest remaining area of Culm grassland habitats in Devon at Knowstone Inner and Outer Moors, Hares Down and Rackenford Moor.
- Pockets of ancient woodland (semi-natural and replanted), particularly extensive around Templeton in the southern part of the area.
- Numerous CWSs, including woodland, unimproved grassland and wetland sites.
- Area almost entirely within the North Devon Biosphere Reserve.
- Numerous prehistoric features designated as SMs, including individual barrows, barrow cemeteries, hillforts at Burridge Camp and Berry Castle, and an enclosure at East Kidland Wood Camp, plus a later medieval ringwork castle near Stone Barton, and the churchyard cross at Romansleigh.
- Conservation Area covering the historic cores of Witheridge village, Lapford, Chawleigh and Knowstone.
- Two Moors Way recreational route (linking Dartmoor and Exmoor) crossing the area north-south; public access to common land (including the largest Culm grassland sites).
Knowstone Outer Moor 10th April 2022 Photo: Grant Sherman
Guidelines:
Protect
- Protect the setting of Exmoor National Park, avoiding the introduction of prominent features into the expansive and unspoilt views from the southern edge of the National Park.
- Protect remaining areas of Culm grassland habitat, resisting any further development which would be detrimental to their appearance or biodiversity value.
- Protect the area’s high levels of tranquillity, dark night skies and sense of remoteness, avoiding insensitively-sited or visually intrusive development.
- Protect the landscape’s sparse settlement pattern; any new development should be carefully sited to respect traditional settlement forms, and be screened with existing or new planting if appropriate.
- Protect vernacular buildings, and respect traditional building styles in the construction of new buildings (whilst incorporating sustainable design).
- Protect and appropriately manage archaeological and historical features within the landscape, repairing or restoring distinctive structures such as white finger posts that contribute to distinctiveness.
- Protect and manage surviving traditional orchards.
- Protect wind-sculpted beech trees and hedgerows on high land, replacing if necessary to ensure their continued presence in the landscape.
Manage
- Manage farmland and associated features such as hedgerows, retaining the area’s character of a working, agricultural landscape.
- Manage Culm grassland and unimproved grassland areas, including through managed burning and locally-appropriate levels of grazing; encourage farmers and commoners to manage ‘marginal’ land as an integral part of the wider farming regime.
- Manage land in accordance with North Devon Biosphere Reserve guidelines.
- Manage archaeological sites (e.g. through clearance/ suitable levels of grazing), and with sensitive interpretation where appropriate.
- Manage existing plantations for sustainable timber production, increased wildlife value, and recreational use where appropriate.
- Manage woodland using traditional techniques (e.g. coppicing) for age and species diversity.
Plan
- Plan to expand and link fragmented Culm grassland habitats to increase their biodiversity value and their resilience to climate change.
- Plan for reversion of coniferous plantations to broadleaved woodland or grassland at maturity and felling.
- Explore opportunities to increase the recreational value of plantations.
