Landscape Character Types

The long sandy beach at Saunton Sands, backed by Braunton Burrows with long views towards the Taw-Torridge estuary mouth and settlement at Westward Ho!.

Summary description

This Landscape Character Type (LCT) covers the broad sandy beaches of Woolacombe, Croyde, Saunton and Westward Ho! - with a westerly, Atlantic aspect. All of the LCT is within the North Devon Coast Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and core zone of North Devon Biosphere Reserve. Apart from Westward Ho!, the LCT is also within the North Devon Heritage Coast.

Link to Devon Character Areas

DCA 43: North Devon Coastal Downs

DCA 58: Taw-Torridge Estuary

Key characteristics

• Wide sandy beaches with a westerly aspect, backed by sand dunes and framed within broad bays often marked by spectacular cliffs.
• Westward Ho! Beach separated from its adjacent sand dunes by a distinctive cobble ridge of pebbles and boulders - a nationally recognised coastal feature.
• Landscape crossed by small streams draining to the sea.
• Beaches linked to wider coastal wildlife networks, with Site of Special Scientific Interest designations.
• The lime-rich beach of Saunton Sands is part of the internationally important ecosystem of Braunton Burrows (part of the Biosphere Reserve core zone and a Special Area of Conservation), acting as a focal point for bird migration routes down the west coast of Britain.
• Few static historic features due to the constantly changing nature of the coastline. A submerged forest is visible during certain low tides, indicating past sea level rise during the Holocene period.
• Two offshore wrecks are designated as Scheduled Monuments, reflecting the maritime trade history of the area.
• Unsettled, 'wild' landscapes with perceptual qualities strongly affected by the seasons and tides. In summer periods the beaches are alive with movement and activity and are popular destinations for surfing, kite boarding and family beach holidays.
• Expansive views along the scenic AONB coastline, including to Hartland Point in clear conditions.
• Views south along the coast are dominated by ridgeline development of coastal settlements.
• Views inland from the beaches include frequent glimpses of tourism-related development, including holiday parks and caravan sites.

View north from Northam Burrows towards Saunton Down.

Valued landscape attributes

• Open space and panoramic views out to sea.
• Habitat provision for a range of species, including feeding grounds for wading birds.
• The unspoilt character, despite the close proximity to areas of modern development.
• Opportunities for recreation and enjoyment, including surfing, water sports, fishing and family relaxation.

View south towards development at Westward Ho! with the distinctive pebble ridge separating the beach and adjacent sand dunes

Management guidelines

Protect

Conserve the internationally important habitats including the lime-rich beach of Saunton Sands (which forms part of a wider ecosystem within the Biosphere Reserve core zone and a Special Area of Conservation).

Manage

Manage the wider coastal habitat networks which are linked to the beaches for the benefit of wildlife.

Manage the landscape to prevent run-off and pollutants entering the small streams draining to the sea.

Plan

Changes to sea-levels and hydrology processes resulting from climate change may result in coastal squeeze and a need for new sea defences. The impact of coastal management on semi-natural habitats and species should be carefully considered.

LCT 4E Extensive Inter-Tidal Sands (PDF, 1 MB)