This area has a varied topography, rising to the north-west to around 248m around Waddles Down Cross. This landscape feels elevated above surrounding areas, offering views across Exeter city and the Exe estuary as well as to Crediton, Dartmoor and Haldon Ridge in the distance. Areas of steep slopes, particularly those that face northwards, are well wooded with plantation and ancient semi-natural woodland – Stoke Wood being particularly important for recreation. Within the narrow and tightly enclosed valleys the character is more intimate. Distinctive views, strong topography, notable woodland and proximity to Exeter contribute to a strong sense of place. Despite the proximity to Exeter this landscape has a strongly rural character with increasing tranquillity and sense of remoteness in the small intimate valleys as well as further west away from the urban fringe and A30 corridor.

This area comprises the farmed and wooded slopes to the north and west of the city of Exeter, forming an important backdrop to the conurbation. The incised and constrained valley of the River Exe passes to the east of the hills and contains the rail and road links into the city from the north – this landscape therefore strongly influences northern approach routes to the city. The boundary of this area to the north is abrupt where the River Exe joins the Culm and the valley floor opens out to form the Culm and Exe Lowlands. To the south the boundary is the urban edge while to the east and west there is a gradual transition in character to the Clyst Lowland Farmlands and the elevated rolling hills of the Yeo Uplands and Slopes respectively.

https://www.devon.gov.uk/planning/teignbridge-and-east-devon-area/exeter-slopes-and-hills    

https://www.devon.gov.uk/planning/planning-policies/landscape/devon-character-areas 

 

Exeter slopes and hills 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 strong rural character and role as setting to Exeter; and to protect the area’s historic features and settlement patterns. Woodland habitats and grassland habitats are managed and expanded with opportunities for green infrastructure links into Exeter being pursued. Historic sites are protected, managed and where appropriate interpreted for recreation.

Protect

  • Protect important views to and from the hill tops surrounding the city of Exeter.
  • Protect the landscape’s dark night skies in the west by resisting highway improvements and lighting schemes.
  • Protect the landscape’s rural character in close proximity to urban areas by resisting piecemeal urban expansion and recreational developments which undermine landscape patterns and sense of place.
  • Protect the character of rural lanes, minimising road widening and signage in association with new development.
  • Protect and appropriately manage nationally important historic/ archaeological sites and provide interpretation where appropriate to express the individual and group value strategic sites above the Exe valley.

follow Hartstongue on social media

         

Twitter  Facebook  YouTube  Instagram LinkedIn