Landscape Character Types

Long views across undulating pastoral farmland with farmsteads nestled within.

Summary description

This Landscape Character Types (LCT) forms the southern and western edges of Exmoor National Park, providing an important setting and transition to the nationally designated landscape.

Link to Devon Character Areas

DCA 27: Exmoor Fringe

Key characteristics

• Elevated land with a rolling topography, in parts steeply sloping down from the moorland core of Exmoor.
• Devonian sandstone geology around the edges of Exmoor, with a band of Upcott Slate marking the transition with the softer siltstones and mudstones of the Culm Measures further south.
• Landscape crossed by streams and springs draining into the adjacent steeply incised wooded valleys (LCTs 3D and 3H).
• Mixture of regular modern and Parliamentary fields of small to medium scale, with smaller curving fields of medieval origin remaining on valley slopes.
• Fields enclosed by square-cut beech hedgebanks with some grown out sections of mature wind-sculpted trees and historic banks on the edge of Exmoor. Lengths near spring-lines include ferns in banks, and valley slopes are characterised by more species-diverse Devon hedges.
• Mainly sheep grazing in improved pasture fields and rough grazing on the edges of Exmoor. Some horse keeping on the edges of settlements.
• Generally sparse woodland cover with occasional bands of broadleaved woodland lining streams and grown-out beech hedgebanks forming tree lines. Some pine shelterbelts on higher ground. Remnant orchards are occasional features.
• Exmoor character reflected in areas of species-rich rush pasture and patches of gorse scrub. Some areas of sloping land include nationally and internationally important wet heath, Molinia mire and neutral grassland habitats.
• Prominent Grade II* estate with 19th century parkland and historic wood pasture, is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its rich lichen and invertebrate communities.
• Many Scheduled Monuments contribute to a strong time depth, including Bronze Age barrows forming crowning features on hill summits. Iron Age hillforts occupy commanding positions above valleys together with ancient settlement remains.
• Strong local vernacular of sandstone buildings with slate roofs and red brick detailing, with some cream cob/render buildings standing out against a pastoral backdrop.
• Clustered hamlets and villages at road crossing points often centred on a square-towered church. Farmsteads scattered throughout, nestled in dips and shielded by beech shelterbelts.
• Clusters of listed buildings in small villages, with one historic settlement a Conservation Area.
• Modern development on settlement fringes, a prominent telecommunications mast and solar farms locally dilute overarching strong perceptions of tranquillity and remoteness.
• The Two Moors Way crosses the east of the LCT and National Cycle Network Routes 3 and 276 are found in the west.
• Long-distance views from hill summits across North Devon and to the coast. This LCT is visually connected with settlement and common land in Exmoor National Park.

Long views from the landscape to Exmoor National Park.

Valued landscape attributes

• Strong sense of openness with distant views to Exmoor and across to North Devon.
• Small, square field patterns reinforce pastoral character, with beech hedges on stone-faced banks.
• Moorland influence in vegetation and rich, varied wildlife habitats.
• Picturesque villages with traditional buildings linked by rural lanes.
• Senses of isolation, tranquillity and remoteness.

Square-cut beech hedges with fern- and flower-rich banks

Management guidelines

Protect

Conserve areas of species-rich rush pasture, patches of gorse scrub and nationally and internationally important wet heath, Molinia mire and neutral grassland habitats.

Manage

Manage the landscape's distinctive beech hedges with species-rich banks which form important habitat networks across the farmed landscape.

Replant lost hedges (particularly along slopes) to reinforce the distinct field patterns of the landscape, contribute to nature recovery networks, minimise soil erosion and reduce diffuse pollution.

Manage farmland to reduce agricultural run-off into watercourses which flow downstream into the valleys.

Manage areas of woodland for the benefit of biodiversity, particularly along streams.

Plan

Undertake new tree planting following Devon Local Nature Partnership's 'Right Place, Right Tree' principles. Avoid locations where trees would adversely affect valued characteristics of the landscape including long views and the expansive, open character of higher ground.

Restore and manage areas of relict traditional orchards and explore opportunities to create of new ones, including community orchards to promote local food production.

LCT 2D Moorland Edge Slopes (PDF, 1 MB)