This landscape at its core comprises a central plateau landscape which is elevated, exposed and open in character and which fans out into narrow ridges at its edges where it is fringed by steeply sloping wooded greensand edges and farmed slopes which descend into river valleys. The interplay of open, elevated plateau (with its regular enclosure pattern and beech hedges, outgrown beech hedges and pine shelterbelts), the steeply sloping fringes (which are cloaked in woodland), and the farmed valleys (with small scale irregular enclosures) gives this landscape its distinctiveness. The expansive plateau and prominent beech shelterbelts, in particular, distinguish this area from the East Devon Central Ridge found further south and east. In places there is a sense of bleakness about the longer views across unbroken stretches of plateau.
This area comprises an open, exposed inland plateau which fans out as narrow fingers towards the edges, fringed by steeply sloping, wooded greensand and more gentle wooded valley slopes particularly in the Culm Valley. The northern boundary to this area is formed by the Blackdown Scarp, and the southern boundary by the Clyst Lowland Farmlands which extend into the upper Otter valley around Honiton. To the west the landscape rapidly drops into the Culm Valley Lowlands while to the east it is defined by the East Devon Central Ridge and upper slopes of the Axe Valley.
https://www.devon.gov.uk/planning/east-devon-area/blackdown-hills
https://www.devon.gov.uk/planning/planning-policies/landscape/devon-character-areas
- Hits: 1039
This is a broad, distinctive lowland river valley landscape with a wide floodplain, tightly meandering river course and valley sides which are formed by surrounding higher land. The valley sides have a strong hedgerow pattern with hedgerow trees coupled with small broadleaved woods and occasional farm orchards which give rise to a generally wooded character overall. Land use is mainly pastoral set within small fields in the upper tributary valleys, with larger fields and some arable within the main Axe Valley. The open valley floor and relatively loosely defined valley sides make the character of this valley rare in a Devon context. The tributary valleys of the Coly and Yarty are narrower and therefore more enclosed and intimate although they also have notable floodplains. Drainage channels are a feature, particularly in the central part of this character area, and settlement is focused on the river corridor at key crossing points just above the flood risk areas. During the autumn, winter and spring this area has a ‘watery’ ephemeral and timeless quality. Towards its southern end the valley is closely flanked by steep wooded greensand scarp slopes and assumes a more tidal character where it cuts through the coastal plateau to the sea. In contrast, moving northwards, there is a more gradual transition from river valley to upland open ridge.
This area comprises the broad river valley of the Axe and its tributaries, principally the Coly and Yarty. The Axe valley is orientated north-east to south-west and the tributary valleys penetrate as a series of fingers into the East Devon Central Ridge to the west and the Wootton Hills to the east respectively. The higher land which surrounds the valley gives the area containment and visually defines the valley landscape unit. At the coast it breaks through the Sidmouth and Lyme Bay Coastal Plateau to form an estuary landscape with a strong maritime character. Inland the river continues north-eastwards, forming the boundary between Somerset and Dorset.
https://www.devon.gov.uk/planning/east-devon-area/axe-valley
https://www.devon.gov.uk/planning/planning-policies/landscape/devon-character-areas
- Hits: 1010
This landscape comprises a narrow, elevated, rolling ridge fringed by steep scarp slopes and upper valley farmland. The main ridge forms a distinctive spine to East Devon, fanning out into a series of narrow fingers that have distinctive southerly aspect and are flanked to the south by wooded slopes, which give way to small scale farmland in the upper and tributary valleys of the Axe and Sid. The northern finger of the ridge sits between the upper Otter valley and the Yarty valley. The river valleys drain southwards, forming steep sided and often remote-feeling valleys, whose sides are clothed with ancient oak woodlands. The Sid valley is the major landscape feature of the southern part of the area; further east the valleys are shorter, steeper and narrower. Views from the open upland ridges, particularly in the north, are extensive, often looking over the tree tops on the steep greensand scarps to other ridges beyond and into the visually strong field pattern of the valley slopes. The area is sparsely settled, with individual farmsteads and small hamlets in the valleys and vernacular buildings mainly of stone and red brick. Seen from the south, the area forms a backdrop to the valleys, separating the coastal plateau and Axe valley from the Blackdown Hills to the north.
This landscape shares many of the characteristics of the Blackdown Hills and is physically separated from that area by the upper Otter valley. It comprises a greensand ridge which forms a central spine to East Devon south of the A30 and Honiton. The north-western boundary of this area is marked by the abrupt wooded scarp overlooking the River Otter and Honiton. To the east there is a more gradual transition to lower lying farmland and the River Axe’s tributary valley the Yarty. To the south is a clear boundary with open plateau farmlands of the Sidmouth and Lyme Bay Coastal Plateau. To the north where the ridge narrows, the landscape becomes transitional with the Blackdown Hills and the boundary between the two areas, although difficult to perceive, is drawn along the Stockland Hill road.
https://www.devon.gov.uk/planning/east-devon-area/east-devon-central-ridge
https://www.devon.gov.uk/planning/planning-policies/landscape/devon-character-areas
- Hits: 984
This is a landscape of rounded hills which link to form a gentle, rolling ridge, with wooded fringes on the steeper slopes giving way to lower lying farmland within the Lim valley to the south and the Axe valley to the north. The higher hills form an important backdrop to the valleys below and to the valley settlement of Uplyme. The area has an intimate and tranquil quality and from the higher hilltops e.g. Whitty Hill there are coastal views eastward particularly on the upper slopes which are open and exposed and where beech hedgebanks are often windswept. These lofty locations contrast with the more intimate and sheltered valley landscapes which have a small scale and strong time-depth particularly in the woodlands.
This area comprises an elevated rolling ridge comprising discrete conical hills which extend into Dorset to the east and are associated with wooded slopes and lower lying valley farmland. Located at the south-east border of Devon, this area shows similarities with the Blackdown ridges to the west and north but has gentler, smoother topography and is lower lying with coastal influences. Its eastern boundary is marked by the county boundary with Dorset; to the south it is flanked by the Sidmouth and Lyme Bay Coastal Plateau and to the north and east by lower lying farmland within the Axe Valley.
https://www.devon.gov.uk/planning/east-devon-area/wootton-hills
https://www.devon.gov.uk/planning/planning-policies/landscape/devon-character-areas
- Hits: 993
This landscape of gently undulating elevated ridge is similar in character to other Blackdown ridges comprising an open and exposed plateau landscape with regular field boundaries reflecting late enclosure of wasteland. However, it lacks the fringing wooded greensand scarp that characterises the other Blackdown ridges. Instead the edge of the ridge connects directly with the farmed slopes of the upper river valleys. Hence there is a smoother transition between exposed open upland and the valleys below, and contrasts in land form and land cover are less pronounced. This landscape has a strong time-depth reflected in its historic enclosures, archaeological sites and settlement pattern, which comprises small hamlets and dispersed farmsteads. The small villages (e.g. Buckland St Mary and Whitestaunton) are often surrounded by trees and their associated church towers act as landmarks within the open elevated landscape.
This area comprises a north-south orientated ridge fringed by farmland on the upper slopes of the river valleys which feed into the Axe. This landscape continues across the Devon County boundary into South Somerset District. Its eastern edge is therefore defined by the county (and AONB) boundary while to the north it is fringed by the distinctive Blackdown Hills Scarp; and to the south and west by the tributary valleys within the Axe Valley.
https://www.devon.gov.uk/planning/east-devon-area/eastern-blackdown-ridge
https://www.devon.gov.uk/planning/planning-policies/landscape/devon-character-areas
- Hits: 1042
This landscape forms a wide band of scarp woodlands and farmed slopes which are orientated east-west, and which face northwards over the Vale of Taunton. Historically this area has divided the counties of Somerset and Devon. This is a dramatic landscape that is very prominent, particularly in views from the north. It stands out from the land that surrounds it; and has considerable visual interest and texture due to its diverse land use and woodland cover. The Wellington Monument, a key landmark, is located on the north-facing slopes which are gently undulating, rising to Staple Hill. The western end of the scarp is most pronounced; to the east the slopes become broader and gentler. There is dense semi-natural woodland cover on the steepest slopes, along with patches of gorse and scrub. Vegetation patterns are often irregular, reflecting variations in the underlying landform, although in some areas these variations are masked by conifer plantations. The wet pastures associated with spring lines add further interest and texture to this landscape.
This area comprises the north-facing wooded greensand scarp slope of the Blackdown Hills which overlooks Vale of Taunton. Its northern and eastern edges are marked by the AONB boundary while to the south its boundary is clearly defined by the start of the central plateau of the Blackdown Hills. The western edge is also clearly defined by the greensand scarp and quick transition into the Culm Valley Lowlands.
https://www.devon.gov.uk/planning/east-devon-area/blackdown-hills-scarp
https://www.devon.gov.uk/planning/planning-policies/landscape/devon-character-areas
- Hits: 1015
This is a low lying, intensively farmed landscape with a uniformity to its undulating topography except in the north where there are a couple of outliers of higher ground. The uniform topography and pattern of hedgerows and hedgerows trees mean that there are few distinguishing features and this coupled with winding rural lanes results in a landscape which can feel quite disorientating. A distinguishing element of the area are ‘Clyst’ place names which mean ‘clear water’ and the numerous small steams which drain the area, along with the more prominent Clyst and Tale valleys, are defining characteristics. This is a settled landscape with a dispersed pattern of villages and farmsteads and includes modern communications and infrastructure, namely the A30 corridor, railway lines, pylons and more recently Exeter Airport. It also includes the town of Honiton.
This area comprises low lying farmland between Exeter and Honiton which is drained by a series of small steams feeding into the more pronounced valleys of the Clyst and Tale. The northern fringes of this area are marked by the distinctive hills of Budlake, the M5 corridor and Culm Valley although the change in character to the Culm Valley Lowlands is transitional. To the south the landscape is also transitional but distinguished by more undulating terrain and closer association with the Pebble Bed ridge. To the east the change in landscape is marked by the rising greensand ridges while to the west the boundary is clearly defined by the urban edge of Exeter and the Exe Estuary.
https://www.devon.gov.uk/planning/east-devon-area/clyst-lowland-farmlands
https://www.devon.gov.uk/planning/planning-policies/landscape/devon-character-areas
- Hits: 1061
Trinity Hill is a substantial area of lowland heath in the east of the district. From the car park a network of footpaths allow easy exploration of this beautiful nature reserve which extends either side of Trinity Hill Road. To the west, Trinity Hill has breathtaking views across the Axe Valley towards the town of Axminster. The site is being managed to support a wide range of wildlife and to restore a structurally diverse heathland landscape.
During the day, moths lie-up in the heathers waiting for nightfall. The heath supports a vast number of different moths, some with beautiful or odd names such as True Lovers Knot, Peppered Moth or the Drinker.
Patches of bare, sandy soil warm very quickly in the sun and attract animals that require heat, like common lizards.
Look out for Linnets singing from tall shrubs on the heath in the late summer. This bird is doing well here although numbers are falling nationally.
In August 2015, Trinity Hill Local Nature Reserve car park was awarded Dark Skies Discovery Site status. This means that it is a great place to go for stargazing because it is away from the worst of any local light pollution, it provide good sight lines of the sky and has good public access.
The nearest bus stop is at The Hunter's Lodge Inn, Raymonds Hill
Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wildeastdevon/ (3.3k)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/wildeastdevon (3.2k)
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildeastdevon/ (1.7k)
- Hits: 1061
Knapp Copse lies across both sides of a steep valley within the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and has a true sense of wilderness. There is a rich mosaic of habitats that result in a very attractive landscape once typical of this part of Devon. It includes mature woodland, species-rich grassland, springline mire and a network of hedgerows to offer a home to a wealth of wildlife.
There are a number of attractive walking routes through and around the nature reserve, including the East Devon Way. This long-distance trail runs from Exmouth to Lyme Regis and links with the South West Coast Path at both ends. Two permissive paths through the site link with the East Devon Way, providing a selection of circular walks.
Mature woodland, grazed meadow and springline mire are the predominant features of this site.
In August 2015, Knapp Copse Local Nature Reserve car park was awarded Dark Skies Discovery Site status. This means that it is a great place to go for stargazing, is away from light pollution and has good public access.
Knapp Copse is owned by Devon County Council and managed by Wild East Devon.
https://eastdevon.gov.uk/housing-and-homelessness/community-development/community-orchards/
The nearest bus stop is at the Hare and Hounds, Putts Corner, Sidbury
Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wildeastdevon/ (3.3k)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/wildeastdevon (3.2k)
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildeastdevon/ (1.7k)
- Hits: 1182
Our most recently planted orchard is fairing well and will be celebrating its third anniversary in March 2020.
https://eastdevon.gov.uk/housing-and-homelessness/community-development/community-orchards/
Social Media:
Facebook: https://facebook.com/SWITCHeastdevon (361)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/switcheastdevon (448)
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/switcheastdevon/ (164)
- Hits: 1007
