The deep, wooded cleft of the Plym valley is surrounded by intricate pastoral farmland punctuated with hedgerows. It forms a distinctive feature within the setting of Plymouth, and contrasts with both the moorland of Dartmoor above, and the urban mass of Plymouth below. The steep-sided, wooded valleys have a strong sense of enclosure and intimacy, feeling like a ‘world of their own’ and far removed from the adjacent city. Dark coniferous plantations contrast with the seasonally-changing colours of the ancient deciduous woodlands which cloak the valley sides. There is a strong sense of history, with a prehistoric hillfort, historic parklands, manor houses, farms and industrial heritage all visible within the landscape.
This relatively small area (including the Plym valley) is located to the north-east of Plymouth and makes an important contribution to the setting of the city. To the north-west is the more open land of Roborough Down, within the River Tavy Middle Valley area. To the north-east is a more gradual transition into the higher land of Southern Dartmoor and Fringes. In the south-east is a small area of transition into the lower-lying Plymouth and Modbury Farmlands. The area’s western and southern boundaries are defined by the edge of the city of Plymouth.
https://www.devon.gov.uk/planning/south-hams-area/plymouth-northern-wooded-slopes
https://www.devon.gov.uk/planning/planning-policies/landscape/devon-character-areas
Planning Strategy
To protect the landscape’s high scenic quality and wooded character, and to protect and enhance the settings to Dartmoor National Park and the city of Plymouth. Woodland and plantation is well-managed and accessible, but the sense of remoteness within the wooded valleys is retained. Agricultural land is well-managed and habitats and landscape features are in good condition, resisting ‘urban fringe’ influences. Historic landscapes are protected. Any future development of Plymouth and surrounding settlements is carefully sited and designed to minimise its impact. Recreational links between city and countryside are encouraged.
