This is a constantly-changing landscape which appeals to many senses through the endless patterns of light and water, the sounds of water and birds, and the smells of salt water and mud. The diversity of the estuary margins, and their contrast with the flat, tranquil waters at the heart of the estuary, give this landscape a strong visual appeal. Fringing woodlands and reed beds; silty promontories; mudflats and salt marshes; patches of bright yellow gorse on rocky outcrops; the ribbon of hedgerows above the water, and the stone quays with clusters of colourful houses together create a rich and colourful edge that contrasts with the simple landscapes of the surrounding hills and the open water.

This is a small area comprising the lower reaches of the Tamar and Tavy rivers within the Tamar estuary. The area encloses the river channels, inter-tidal zone, salt marshes and river margins. Upstream to the north and north-east respectively are the Middle Tamar Valley and River Tavy Middle Valley. The transition to the Middle Tamar Valley is gradual, while the start of the River Tavy Middle Valley is marked by the change in river character at Lopwell Dam. To the south is the City of Plymouth, and to the west the county boundary with Cornwall with a corresponding landscape character area on the Cornwall shore.

https://www.devon.gov.uk/planning/west-devon-area/lowe-tamar-and-tavy-valleys 

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

 

Lower Tamar and Tavy valleys 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

Maintain the unique estuarine character of this area, protecting its scenic quality, rich biodiversity, and its strong sense of place. The range of semi-natural habits (mudflats, reed beds, salt marshes etc) along the estuary margins is retained and managed to maximise their landscape and biodiversity interest. The area’s undeveloped, remote feel is retained and historic buildings, settlements and structures remain attractive focal points in the open, water-dominated landscape.

Protect

  • Protect the important views to the water’s edge and historic built structures that characterise this landscape.
  • Protect the range of internationally-designated habitats present within the area.
  • Protect historic quays and other buildings and structures which contribute to the area’s strong sense of place.
  • Protect the unsettled character of the landscape.
  • Protect the water’s edge from damage through the restriction of high-speed vessels if necessary

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